Aliens And Religion Assessing The Impact Of Discovering Extraterrestrial Intelligence On Religion And Theology

Author : Jonathan M. S. Pearce,Aaron Adair
Publisher : Onus Books
Page : 0 pages
File Size : 47,9 Mb
Release : 2023-05-04
Category : Religion
ISBN : 1838239154

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Aliens and Religion: Assessing the Impact of Discovering Extraterrestrial Intelligence on Religion and Theology by Jonathan M. S. Pearce,Aaron Adair Pdf

How big is the universe? Does intelligent extraterrestrial life exist somewhere in the universe? If so, how much extraterrestrial intelligent life (ETI) might there be? And if it is there, is it moral? Would they have a religion? And what would their existence say about human religions, theology, and beliefs? In short, is the existence of ETI incompatible with the belief in God, with certain religions and their theologies? These are the questions that Pearce (a philosopher) and Adair (a scientist who has worked on SETI - the search for ETI) seek to answer in this book. They take a close aim at Christian theology, focusing on previous claims of prominent astrotheologians who claim that there are no considerable problems that ETI existence causes for their belief systems. Pearce and Adair, however, show in this wide-ranging book (that touches on science, philosophy, psychology, and theology) that Christian (and other religious) belief is indeed threatened by the existence of ETI. Would aliens be fallen creatures, requiring salvation through atonement and the resulting incarnation of God? Would one Jesus suffice, or would the universe require trillions of Jesuses, many existing simultaneously? This, and many other such questions are discussed in this engaging book that adds to the growing discipline of astrotheology (and perhaps astro-atheology). "This well-written and provocative book is a substantial contribution to studies of the societal impact of astrobiology, and especially to the new field of astrotheology." - Steven J. Dick, former NASA Chief Historian, author of Astrobiology, Discovery, and Societal Impact I love definitive treatments of a subject. This is a definitive treatment of its subject. The impact and significance to religion of even the possibility of alien civilizations is much in need of a thorough look. Pearce and Adair cover every angle, and well. - Richard Carrier, Ph.D., author of Jesus Christ from Outer Space "The breadth and depth of knowledge in Aliens and Religion are truly impressive..." - David E. Pritchard, Physics Professor of Physics, MIT, and editor of Alien Discussions "An invaluable and highly entertaining resource for science fiction writers and readers alike, for both believers and skeptics, and anyone who enjoys wrestling with high-end thought experiments." - David Fitzgerald, author of The Complete Heretic's Guide to Western Religion Series "This is an impressive work! It's an ingenious attempt to reach believers who are otherwise impervious to reason, which has a good chance of succeeding. Bravo!" - John Loftus, author of God and Horrendous Suffering and The Case Against Miracles "...thoughtful, erudite, and deep dive... Highly recommended for anyone who has ever found themselves wondering about the possibilities hidden among the stars, and about what might happen if those possibilities came to Earth." - Eric Vanden Eykel, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, Forrest S. Williams Teaching Chair in Humanities, Ferrum College

Author : David Wilkinson
Publisher : OUP Oxford
Page : 240 pages
File Size : 54,9 Mb
Release : 2013-08-01
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780191669613

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Science, Religion, and the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence by David Wilkinson Pdf

If the discovery of life elsewhere in the universe is just around the corner, what would be the consequences for religion? Would it represent another major conflict between science and religion, even leading to the death of faith? Some would suggest that the discovery of any suggestion of extraterrestrial life would have a greater impact than even the Copernican and Darwinian revolutions. It is now over 50 years since the first modern scientific papers were published on the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI). Yet the religious implications of this search and possible discovery have never been systematically addressed in the scientific or theological arena. SETI is now entering its most important era of scientific development. New observation techniques are leading to the discovery of extra-solar planets daily, and the Kepler mission has already collected over 1000 planetary candidates. This deluge of data is transforming the scientific and popular view of the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence. Earth-like planets outside of our solar system can now be identified and searched for signs of life. Now is a crucial time to assess the scientific and theological questions behind this search. This book sets out the scientific arguments undergirding SETI, with particular attention to the uncertainties in arguments and the strength of the data already assembled. It assesses not only the discovery of planets but other areas such as the Fermi paradox, the origin and evolution of intelligent life, and current SETI strategies. In all of this it reflects on how these questions are shaped by history and pop culture and their relationship with religion, especially Christian theology. It is argued that theologians need to take seriously SETI and to examine some central doctrines such as creation, incarnation, revelation, and salvation in the light of the possibility of extraterrestrial life.

Author : Andrew M. Davis,Roland Faber
Publisher : Lexington Books
Page : 575 pages
File Size : 50,9 Mb
Release : 2024-01-22
Category : Philosophy
ISBN : 9781666944372

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Astrophilosophy, Exotheology, and Cosmic Religion by Andrew M. Davis,Roland Faber Pdf

Astrophilosopy, Exotheology, and Cosmic Religion: Extraterrestrial Life in a Process Universe applies Alfred North Whitehead’s process philosophy and the associated process philosophies of Henri Bergson, Teilhard de Chardin, and others to the interdisciplinary layers of astrobiology, extraterrestrial life, and the impact of discovery. This collection, edited by Andrew M. Davis and Roland Faber, asks questions such as “How have process thinkers imagined universal creative evolution and its implications for philosophies, theologies, and religions beyond earth?” and “How might their claims as to the primacy of organism, temporality, novelty, value, and mind enrich current discussions and debates across disciplines?” As experts in their fields, the contributors are informed by, but not limited to, process conceptualities. The chapters not only advance recent discussions in astrobiology, cosmology, and evolution but also consider a constellation of philosophical topics, from shared extraterrestrial knowledge and values to the possibilities or limitations afforded by A.I. technology, the Fermi Paradox, the Drake Equation, and the increasing need to nurture the cosmic dimensions of theological and religious traditions.

Author : David A. Weintraub
Publisher : Springer
Page : 229 pages
File Size : 50,5 Mb
Release : 2014-07-16
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9783319050560

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Religions and Extraterrestrial Life by David A. Weintraub Pdf

In the twenty-first century, the debate about life on other worlds is quickly changing from the realm of speculation to the domain of hard science. Within a few years, as a consequence of the rapid discovery by astronomers of planets around other stars, astronomers very likely will have discovered clear evidence of life beyond the Earth. Such a discovery of extraterrestrial life will change everything. Knowing the answer as to whether humanity has company in the universe will trigger one of the greatest intellectual revolutions in history, not the least of which will be a challenge for at least some terrestrial religions. Which religions will handle the discovery of extraterrestrial life with ease and which will struggle to assimilate this new knowledge about our place in the universe? Some religions as currently practiced appear to only be viable on Earth. Other religions could be practiced on distant worlds but nevertheless identify both Earth as a place and humankind as a species of singular spiritual religious importance, while some religions could be practiced equally well anywhere in the universe by any sentient beings. Weintraub guides readers on an invigorating tour of the world’s most widely practiced religions. It reveals what, if anything, each religion has to say about the possibility that extraterrestrial life exists and how, or if, a particular religion would work on other planets in distant parts of the universe.

Author : Joel L. Parkyn
Publisher : Lutterworth Press
Page : 349 pages
File Size : 47,9 Mb
Release : 2023-08-31
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9780718896683

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Exotheology by Joel L. Parkyn Pdf

Since antiquity, theology has frequently gone hand in hand with the study of the heavens. Speculation regarding the plurality of worlds, and the possibility of intelligent life beyond Earth, has posed questions for, and been stimulated by, Christian theology. Advancements in astronomy and astrophysics now reveal a vast universe containing trillions of galaxies. Each new exoplanet discovered brings with it a new context in which to consider the place of humanity, and the role of divinity in relation to creatures. In particular, the Christian doctrines of the incarnation and redemption must be understood afresh in light of the likelihood of extraterrestrial life. In Exotheology, Joel L. Parkyn examines the twin historic developments in scientific and theological thought on extraterrestrials from antiquity to the twenty-first century. In doing so he demonstrates a consistent pattern of theological formulations that allow for a distinct relation between Christianity and extraterrestrial life, but this has so far been without sufficient resolution. Applying concepts from anthropology, psychology and sociology to putative extraterrestrials, he explores in new depth the implications of contact, and argues for a 'divine pedagogy' of potential modalities of supernatural presence and action with extraterrestrial intelligences.

Author : Jörg Matthias Determann,Shoaib Ahmed Malik
Publisher : Bloomsbury Publishing
Page : 167 pages
File Size : 55,9 Mb
Release : 2024-02-22
Category : Social Science
ISBN : 9780755650903

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Islamic Theology and Extraterrestrial Life by Jörg Matthias Determann,Shoaib Ahmed Malik Pdf

Over the last thirty years, humanity has discovered thousands of planets outside of our solar system. The discovery of extraterrestrial life could be imminent. This book explains how such a discovery might impact Islamic theology. It is the foundational reference on the subject, comprising a variety of different insights from both Sunni and Shi'i positions, from different Muslim contexts, and with chapters that compare and contrast Islamic perspectives with Christianity. Together, they address some of our biggest questions through an Islamic lens: What makes humans unique in the cosmos? What are the ethics of dealing with other sentient beings? And how universal is salvation? Given the accelerating advances in exoplanet research and astrobiology, the book is at the frontier of science and Islamic thought. Contributors include a range of leading experts from Muslim theologians, scholars of comparative religion and philosophers, to historians, social scientists and natural scientists.

Author : Thomas O'Meara
Publisher : Liturgical Press
Page : 121 pages
File Size : 42,9 Mb
Release : 2012-05-01
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9780814680483

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Vast Universe by Thomas O'Meara Pdf

If we have learned anything from recent advances in cosmology and astronomy, it is that we have only barely begun to comprehend the vastness of our universe and all that it contains. For Christians, this raises some fascinating questions: If there are intelligent beings out there, what would be their relationship to what Christianity claims is a special history on Earth of life with God? Would the fact of persons on other planets banish or modify our understanding of God? Would it reduce the importance of Jesus? What role might goodness and evil play in extraterrestrial civilizations? Might God have incarnated himself among other races of creatures, as he became incarnate as Jesus among us? Respectful of the sciences that disclose the reality of the universe, Thomas O'Meara wonders about good and evil, intelligence and freedom, revelation and life as they might exist in other galaxies. In this book, one possible aspect of the universe we live in meets the perspective of Christian revelation.

Author : Ted F. PetersMartinezHewlett,Martinez Hewlett,Joshua M. Moritz,Robert John Russell
Publisher : Wipf and Stock Publishers
Page : 502 pages
File Size : 42,5 Mb
Release : 2018-07-12
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9781532606397

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Astrotheology by Ted F. PetersMartinezHewlett,Martinez Hewlett,Joshua M. Moritz,Robert John Russell Pdf

Astrotheology: Science and Theology Meet Extraterrestrial Life looks at both ends of the telescope: the unfathomable reaches of cosmic space and the excited stirrings within the human psyche. It takes a scientist to explain what we are looking at. It takes a theologian to understand who is doing the looking. This book's scientific authors update readers on astrobiology's search for extraterrestrial life. Theologians add to the science a theological analysis of the place of space in understanding God's creative work, the prospects of sharing God's creation with extraterrestrial neighbors, and the question of whether one or many incarnations are required for cosmic redemption. Finally, these scholars lay the foundations for an ethic of space exploration. This book introduces a comprehensive astrotheology with an accompanying astroethic.

Author : Steven J. Dick
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
Page : 367 pages
File Size : 49,6 Mb
Release : 2015-10-26
Category : Nature
ISBN : 9781107109988

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The Impact of Discovering Life Beyond Earth by Steven J. Dick Pdf

This book discusses the big questions about how the discovery of extraterrestrial life, whether intelligent or microbial, would impact society and humankind.

Author : Jennifer Rosato,Alan Vincelette
Publisher : Cambridge Scholars Publishing
Page : 291 pages
File Size : 50,9 Mb
Release : 2021-02-10
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN : 9781527566002

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Extraterrestrials in the Catholic Imagination by Jennifer Rosato,Alan Vincelette Pdf

What do scientists know about the possibility of life outside our solar system? How does Catholic science fiction imagine such worlds? What are the implications for Catholic thought? This collection brings together leading scientists, philosophers, theologians, and science fiction authors in the Catholic tradition to examine these issues. In the first section, Christian scientists detail the latest scientific findings regarding the possibility of life on exoplanets. The second part brings together leading Catholic science fiction authors who describe how “alien” life forms have been prevalent in the Catholic imagination from the Middle Ages right up to the present day. In the final section, Catholic philosophers and theologians examine the implications of discovering intelligent life elsewhere in the universe. Rather than worrying that the discovery of intelligent extraterrestrials might threaten the dignity of humans or their existence, the contributors here maintain that such creatures should be welcomed as fellow creatures of God and potential subjects of divine salvation.

Author : John Traphagan
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 122 pages
File Size : 40,9 Mb
Release : 2014-11-30
Category : Electronic
ISBN : 3319105523

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Extraterrestrial Intelligence and Human Imagination by John Traphagan Pdf

Author : Jensine Andresen,Octavio A. Chon Torres
Publisher : Cambridge Scholars Publishing
Page : 355 pages
File Size : 50,5 Mb
Release : 2022-03-09
Category : History
ISBN : 9781527579255

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Extraterrestrial Intelligence by Jensine Andresen,Octavio A. Chon Torres Pdf

What are the implications for human society, and for our institutions of higher learning, of the discovery of a sophisticated extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI) operating on and around Earth? This book explores this timely question from a multidisciplinary perspective. It considers scientific, philosophical, theological, and interdisciplinary ways of thinking about the question, and it represents all viewpoints on how likely it is that an ETI is already operating here on Earth. The book’s contributors represent a wide range of academic disciplines in their formal training and later vocations, and, upon reflection on the book’s topic, they articulate a diverse range of insights into how ETI will impact humankind. It is safe to say that any contact or communication with ETI will not be merely a game changer for human society, but it also will be a paradigm changer. It makes sense for human beings to prepare themselves now for this important transition.

Author : Aidan Ashby
Publisher : The Good Report
Page : 113 pages
File Size : 52,7 Mb
Release : 2023-07-27
Category : Religion
ISBN : 8210379456XXX

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Aliens and Christianity: Threat or Vindication? by Aidan Ashby Pdf

Are we alone in the universe? And if not, would the discovery of extraterrestrial life pose a threat to Christianity, or would it serve as a profound vindication of the faith? This profound and thought-provoking book delves into the impact that the potential discovery of extraterrestrial life would have on Christianity. From the image of God and incarnation to the exploration of US military conclusions about UFOs and the relationship between alien encounters and the occult, 'Aliens and Christianity: Threat or Vindication?' provides a comprehensive analysis of a question rarely touched upon in traditional religious discussions. The book navigates the delicate interface between faith, science, and the unknown. Here's a glimpse into some of the crucial questions that the book addresses: • In what ways could extraterrestrial life reshape our understanding of God's image? • How might the incarnation of God appear in an alien context? • Could there be a pathway to redemption for extraterrestrials? • What implications do military insights into UFOs have on our cosmic understanding and spiritual perspectives? • What are the links between alien encounters and the occult? • How do biblical descriptions of spirits connect to contemporary reports of alien abductions? Whether you're a committed Christian seeking clarity on these complex issues, an alien enthusiast curious about the religious implications of extraterrestrial life, or simply a seeker on the path of understanding, this book is for you. It offers fresh perspectives, insightful analyses, and stimulates thought on the vast possibilities the universe holds. Join us in this remarkable exploration and ponder the vast possibilities that our universe might hold. Will the existence of aliens ultimately threaten or vindicate the Christian worldview? Dive in to discover.

Author : Steven J. Dick
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
Page : 395 pages
File Size : 51,6 Mb
Release : 2018-05-03
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781108426763

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Astrobiology, Discovery, and Societal Impact by Steven J. Dick Pdf

Examines humanistic aspects of astrobiology, exploring approaches, critical issues, and implications of the discovery of extraterrestrial life.

Author : Steven J. Dick
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
Page : 306 pages
File Size : 42,9 Mb
Release : 2001-03-19
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN : 0521799120

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Life on Other Worlds by Steven J. Dick Pdf

Are we alone in the universe? From canals on Mars to the search for ET, the debate goes on. Lucid and accessible, this otherworldly guide chronicles the history of the 20th century obsession with extraterrestrials.