Goldilocks Planets: A Problem for Christianity?
For the first time ever, astronomers have discovered a planet outside of our solar system orbiting within what scientists call the “Goldilocks zone.” (Not too hot, not too cold.) Planets within this zone may have temperatures allowing for liquid water to exist on the surface—a required component for life as we know it.
Of potentially even greater importance, as UC Santa Cruz professor of astronomy Seven Vogt points out, “The fact that we were able to detect this planet so quickly and so nearby tells us that planets like this must be really common.”
That’s good news for people who hope to one day find other intelligent life in the universe, as the number of potentially habitable planets is a key variable in what is commonly known as the Drake Equation.
The equation estimates the number of civilizations in our galaxy we may be able to communicate with, using factors ranging from average star formation to the length of time a civilization sends intelligible signals into space. Most of these variables are currently only vague estimates at best, but if “Goldilocks” planets are fairly common, this would help to nudge the equation in the right direction.
So what happens when we encounter these civilizations? I’ve had more than a few conversations with people who think that the existence of alien life would shake the faith of some Christians—could non-humans have a relationship with Christ? The short answer to that question, at least according to the Vatican, is yes!
British newspaper The Telegraph reports:
The senior Vatican scientist, Brother Guy Consolmagno, said that he would be delighted if we encountered intelligent aliens and would be happy to baptise them…
He said he was “comfortable” with the idea of alien life and asked if he would baptise an alien, he replied “Only if they asked”.
“I’d be delighted if we found life elsewhere and delighted if we found intelligent life elsewhere,” he said…
“God is bigger than just humanity.”
Frankly I was a bit surprised to read this, but upon further reflection I believe it’s not only a good, practical, position to have, it’s also a solidly justifiable theological stance.
It’s practical because, well, the Church would be in a pretty awkward spot if a bunch of aliens showed up hoping to get baptized—not a highly likely scenario, but one that at least those brilliant minds at the Daily Telegraph thought of.
More importantly, theologically speaking, if we maintain that God made all of creation, and that all of creation was reconciled to God through Christ, then any other creature we encounter would necessarily be included in that reconciliation.
These are, of course, two very large “ifs,” (within a vast oversimplification of the argument) but they are also two ifs that I believe most Christians believe. Thus, should we encounter an ET looking to get baptized, it would seem that, at least theologically speaking, we would have little justification to refuse her or it or whatever’s request.
(Now here’s a twist: What if these aliens only have one hermaphroditic gender, but still produce sexually? Then they’d all be Episcopalians like me—welcome!)
tag. -->