The Potential Impact of Extraterrestrial Beings on Religious Systems

How might the discovery of extraterrestrial beings affect the world’s religious beliefs? This question is frequently raised by theologians. However, a more immediate and fundamental question concerns the feasibility of scientists discovering extraterrestrial life in the first place.

Recently, the scientific community was stirred by an intriguing development: NASA was said to have announced the decision to hire 24 theologians¹ to explore the potential religious and philosophical implications of discovering extraterrestrial life. This story, however, appears to have been a journalistic exaggeration, based on a kernel of truth from several years ago.² Still, the question remains. How would the discovery of extraterrestrial life, particularly intelligent life, impact world religions? How would religious leaders respond to the potential discovery of extraterrestrial beings?

Extraterrestrial Beings and World Religions

Each major world religion approaches the concept of extraterrestrial life in its own way. Hinduism and Buddhism, for example, are more open to the idea of a broader cosmos beyond Earth. Therefore, the discovery of extraterrestrial beings would not hold significant theological implications for these religions. Instead, it would likely be seen as unveiling another dimension of spiritual reality, potentially enhancing the concept of extraterrestrial reincarnation.³

In contrast, the Abrahamic religions, such as Judaism and Islam, are predominantly Earth-centric. However, adherents of both religions would likely not find the discovery of extraterrestrial beings particularly surprising. Theologians within these traditions would likely maintain that God, as sovereign, possesses the authority to create any number of beings according to His will, each establishing a distinct relationship with Him, even if that relationship diverges from His relationship with the inhabitants of Earth. The response to such a discovery would also be influenced by the interpretative frameworks within each religious tradition.⁴

However, since we live in a predominantly Christian part of the world, we are most interested in how Christian theologians might approach the subject of extraterrestrial beings.

Extraterrestrial Beings and Christianity

In Christianity, we can broadly identify the following perspectives regarding the existence of extraterrestrial beings (excluding angels)⁵:

1. The existence of extraterrestrial beings remains an open question, with the determination of their existence resting within the domain of scientific inquiry. Currently, there is no empirical evidence substantiating the existence of such beings. If their existence were to be scientifically confirmed, the subsequent consideration would involve investigating their belief systems and, if feasible, attempting to engage them through missionary efforts. This position is principally endorsed by the modern Catholic Church, as well as by Orthodox Christians and mainstream Protestant denominations.
   
2. The existence of extraterrestrial beings is unequivocally rejected, as it would contradict the teachings of the Bible. In fact, the notion of extraterrestrials raises significant theological challenges, particularly regarding the extent of Adam’s sin and its curse throughout the universe, as well as the salvific work of Jesus Christ. It could even suggest that Christ’s death and resurrection occurred on other planets—an idea that is not addressed in Scripture. Consequently, Evangelical Christians and Jehovah’s Witnesses, who adhere to this perspective, entirely dismiss the concept of aliens. In this framework, the only extraterrestrial beings are angels.
   
3. Some Christian denominations affirm the existence of extraterrestrial beings, incorporating this belief into their faith. Two denominations in particular are noteworthy:
   • Mormons believe that the universe is populated by beings similar to humans, all engaged in an eternal progression toward divinity. According to this doctrine, even God the Father was once a man on another planet who attained divinity before creating our world. Consequently, the discovery of extraterrestrial beings would be eagerly embraced by Mormons.
   • Seventh-day Adventists adopt a different perspective. They believe in the existence of extraterrestrial beings who, unlike humans, have never fallen into sin. As a result, these beings do not require the salvation that Jesus Christ provides to humanity. However, given humanity’s fallen nature, it is considered highly unlikely that these beings would allow themselves to be discovered by sinful humanity.
     

Secular vs. Biblical Approaches

The Christian world exhibits a wide range of perspectives on extraterrestrial life. Some denominations explicitly affirm their existence, others reject it, while still others remain open to scientific exploration. However, the central issue lies in whether our interest in extraterrestrial beings is motivated by evolutionary or biblical considerations.

Secular science posits that all life forms, including humans, evolved from a single bacterial cell, which is believed to have formed through a process of chemical evolution known as abiogenesis. To date, however, abiogenesis remains merely a hypothesis, lacking concrete evidence. In contrast, all available evidence supports the notion that life was intelligently designed.

Nonetheless, evolutionists persist in their views. In addition to research on abiogenesis, they also search for extraterrestrial life as a means of confirming their evolutionary assumptions. After all, if life emerged on Earth, why should it not arise on other planets?

Drake’s Equation, Fermi’s Paradox, and the Probability of Life’s Origin

Evolutionary theorists place considerable emphasis on the Drake Equation, which incorporates variables such as the fraction of stars possessing planetary systems and the proportion of those planets situated within the habitable zone. Theoretically, this equation permits the estimation of the number of technologically advanced civilizations within our galaxy.

However, two fundamental issues arise with this model. First, despite extensive efforts by the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) initiative, no radio signals have been detected that would suggest the existence of extraterrestrial civilizations. This absence of empirical evidence gives rise to Fermi’s Paradox: despite the vast potential indicated by the Drake Equation, the universe appears devoid of any civilizations beyond our own.

The second issue lies in the extreme improbability of life arising “on its own.” French mathematician Émile Borel (1871-1956) asserted that a probability of 1 in 10⁵⁰ represents the absolute limit of randomness. In other words, if an event is less likely than this, it is effectively impossible for it to occur by chance. Considering all the necessary factors—the formation of amino acids, their specific left-handedness, the correct arrangement of these molecules, the formation of a single protein, and the emergence of all the enzymes and proteins required to create a living cell in one particular location—the odds are 1 in 10⁴⁰⁰⁰⁰! This is mathematically inconceivable.⁶ If such an event is impossible on Earth, why would it be any more likely elsewhere?

Conclusion

In light of the above, it would, paradoxically, be more advantageous for the theory of evolution if no extraterrestrial beings were ever discovered. Should their existence be considered, it must be done through a biblical lens. While the Bible does not explicitly reference extraterrestrial life, certain passages may implicitly suggest its possibility.⁷ This is the reason for the variety of Christian perspectives on this topic.

Should we expect to encounter other life forms in our universe in the future? According to Romans 8:22, all of creation—created by God 6,000 years ago in six days, including the entire cosmos—is subject to the curse of sin. If extraterrestrial beings existed in our universe, they too would be affected by this curse, which raises significant theological challenges regarding salvation through Jesus Christ. From a theological perspective, their existence within our cosmic framework is therefore inconceivable. Current scientific understanding supports these conclusions.

However, it is conceivable that such beings may exist in other universes—other creations—untouched by the curse of Adam’s sin. Yet, the hypothesis of multiple universes and the life forms within them cannot currently be verified by science. As such, their existence remains, for the time being, a matter of faith.

By the way, we recommend reading the articles:

• The Feasibility of Radiocarbon Dating in Dinosaur Fossils
• The Fermi Paradox – Where Are They?
• What Do Astronauts Have To Say About God?
• Which Came First: The Flood or the Pyramids?
• The Origin of Viruses: Three Possible Variants

Footnotes

1. Grzelak, K., 2021. NASA zatrudniła… teologów: mają ocenić, jak ludzie zareagują na odkrycie Obcych. Focus, 28 December. Available at: https://www.focus.pl/artykul/nasa-zatrudnila-24-teologow-maja-ocenic-jak-ludzie-zareaguja-na-odkrycie-obcego-zycia-211228104338.
2. Tulp, S., 2021. NASA hasn’t hired theologians to study reaction to alien life. Associated Press, 29 December. Available at: https://apnews.com/article/fact-checking-460963967383.
3. Vanderbilt University, 2014. Are the world’s religions ready for E.T.?. 29 September. Available at: https://news.vanderbilt.edu/2014/09/29/religion-ready-for-et/.
4. Ibid.
5. Based on Weintraub, D.A., 2014. Religions and Extraterrestrial Life. Springer-Praxis, Nashville. See also: Are the world’s religions ready for E.T.?, op. cit.
6. Riddle, M., 2010. Does Evolution Have a . . . Chance? In: The New Answers Book 3. Master Books. Available at: https://answersingenesis.org/evidence-against-evolution/probability/does-evolution-have-a-chance/.
7. For example, Job 1:6-7; 2:1-2 (“sons of God,” cf. Luke 3:38), Heb 12:22-24 (“the firstborn who are saved in heaven”), Rev 4:10-11 (“24 elders”).

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Evolution of Thinking - Sebastian S.

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