Fr Jose Gabriel Funes of the Vatican Observatory recently had a meeting with scientists to discuss the implications of alien life and the Catholic Church. I am left wondering what is to be gained or lost for all religions if any life is found anywhere else (and/or sentient beings).
Nothing is lost. In fact, much could actually be gained.
The atheists who try to abuse science as a way to “disprove God” would now have an even bigger problem:
The probability of life spontaneously coming into existence by itself, on planet Earth, is so infinitesimal that it falls under the category of “theoretical probability”. Mathematicians calculate with two sets of probabilities:
1: The one which deals with events that MIGHT happen, no matter how unlikely they are
2: The one which deals with events for which there still
are some statistical probability, but which in reality must be thought of as impossible.
The spontaneous development of life on Earth without intervention from a transcendent intelligence falls under #2 , and much of our recent knowledge of primeval Earth makes it even
more unlikely)
Imagine, then, that this happened not just in one place, Earth, but in two, three, ten, a million, etc, other places throughout the universe. Atheism would be effectively debunked.
And the Christians could sing with David:
“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.”
Now, the next question: “What about their salvation?” is a much more difficult one.
I think it’s safe to assume that the message of the Church is not relevant for them. They had no part in the Fall of Adam and Eve - and, by extension, of Humanity.
The only case in which it MIGHT be, is if humans and aliens start procreating, which is an idea that has more to do with Star Trek and science fiction than anything else. I’d assume that geneticists laughs out loud at the idea.
Now, if the Gospel is not relevant to them, then how are they saved?
Two possible answers:
1: God has devised either a similar, or an entirely DIFFERENT plan for their salvation.
2: They have no need of such a plan, since their “Adam and Eve” never sinned in the first place.
I cannot think of a third option, but if anyone else can, then by all means - do enlighten me
