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Deep Space, Deep Thought
Topic Started: Oct 12 2005, 08:12 PM (122 Views)
cmoehle
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Chris - San Antonio TX
Some profound questions, for any Christian.

Vatican astronomer asks: could you baptise ET?
Quote:
 
A pocket-sized book published by CTS this week addresses Catholic attitudes to extra-terrestrial life.

With increasing numbers of people believing not only in the possibility of intelligent life on other planets, but even claiming encounters with aliens, it is not surprising that the Catholic Church is beginning to explore what effect the discovery of sentient ETs might have on Christian theology.

In: Intelligent Life in the Universe? Catholic belief and the search for
extraterrestrial intelligent life, author Guy Consolmagno SJ, asks:

Would humans recognise intelligent life if we saw it?
Could we communicate with it? Should we even try?
Is Original Sin something that affects all intelligent beings?
Is Jesus Christ's redemption valid for intelligent beings throughout the universe?
or would other worlds have their own version of Jesus?
Would the Church send missionaries to ET planets?

Guy Consolmagno SJ, a Jesuit religious brother and astronomer, divides his year between the Vatican's observatory in Arizona and its older observatory at the Pope's summer residence, Castel Gandolfo, in the hills outside of Rome.

Brother Guy has advanced degrees in planetary science from MIT and the University of Arizona. He spends his time observing comets and asteroids, and does experiments with the Vatican's vast collection of meteorites ­ one of the largest in the world. He is one of a dozen Jesuit astronomers doing this work. The order been engaged in astronomy since before Galileo.
Politics is the art of achieving the maximum amount of freedom for individuals that is consistent with the maintenance of social order.
--Barry Goldwater
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Fr. Mike
Member
I considered that idea a long time ago. We already have intelligent life here on this planet outside our own species. My own puppy has intelligence and is a life form.

As far as sending missionaries into outer space to deal with other forms of intelligent life, it is not a matter for humans here to get involved with. All of the biblical teachings are directed towards mankind here on the planet earth. He teaches us about our own salvation--not about other creatures here or somewhere else.

I believe that "GOD" has a distinct relationship with all of his creations. He does not devulge to us what his relationship is on a spiritual basis with those creatures that are of a different species other that that his nature is to love all his creations.
A humble servant of the Lord Jesus Christ

Don't forget to say your prayers!
The unborn have rights too.
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TexasShadow
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Jane
I think that the basic moral law put forth in the ten commandments must be universal since God is the creator of all.

some ETs will probably be more advanced (spiritually) than us, and some will be in the first stages of it.
each planet will have their own "deal" with God, but there will be common denominators, in theory, if not practice. (like us)

or

we are the first to receive a revelation from the Creator and will be commissioned to carry the truth to all the other planets in the universe..........

or

we are latecomers, getting the revelation of God from ETs

Posted Image "A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking."
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tomdrobin
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spacebeing
Oct 13 2005, 02:46 AM
All of the biblical teachings are directed towards mankind here on the planet earth. He teaches us about our own salvation--not about other creatures here or somewhere else.

Are you sure about that. If God is the creator and the beginning and end of everything then I would think it would be universal not just limited to planet earth.
As for baptizing ET, I think it's a great idea. So what if his head looks like a roast beef.
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pentax
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Kamloops - BC Interior
tomdrobin
Oct 12 2005, 08:27 PM
As for baptizing ET, I think it's a great idea. So what if his head looks like a roast beef.

WHOA! I think I'd change who does the cooking in your house, tom...

:pound: :pound: :pound:
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(thumbnail)

Posted Image

"Kirk to Enterprise - Very funny, Scotty.... now beam down my clothes!"
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cmoehle
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Chris - San Antonio TX
If it happens it won't be the first time discovering we aren't the center of the universe will have shook our egocentric worldviews.
Politics is the art of achieving the maximum amount of freedom for individuals that is consistent with the maintenance of social order.
--Barry Goldwater
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5thwheeler
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Get the message?
Quote:
 
Would humans recognise intelligent life if we saw it?
Could we communicate with it? Should we even try?


Huummm! Would other life forms consider us intelligent life? :dunno:

After listening to our leaders, watching our TV, seeing our movies, and observing how we treat our world and each other, would they consider us worthy of communication.

There are those days when I wish my ancestors put this planet on the Not fit for extended camping list and went elsewhere.

If ET looks like my first wife, im outta here. :)

Quote:
 
s for baptizing ET, I think it's a great idea. So what if his head looks like a roast beef.


Yeah! My father-in-law was a horses ass and they baptized him!
History 101: When a popular myth is believed to be factual, teach the myth.

Its not possible to underestimate the intelligence of the voting populous.

Hummm, after seeing the results of the 06 election, I may have to modify my perception of the voting populous and refer to them as "Late Bloomers".

:ohmy:
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PRT
Member
That Jesuit brother spoke here at LeMoyne last week or the week before...
Maybe people on other planets, if they are there, are already baptizing each other? I'm sure God has taken care of it.
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cmoehle
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Chris - San Antonio TX
"Maybe people on other planets, if they are there, are already baptizing each other?"

Would put a new wrinkle in the Gensis myth. Though you could argue Eden was somewhere else and we arrived here via panspermia.
Politics is the art of achieving the maximum amount of freedom for individuals that is consistent with the maintenance of social order.
--Barry Goldwater
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PRT
Member
From Br. Guy...
Quote:
 
or would other worlds have their own version of Jesus?

Other planets, other beings, other bibles...it's a whole new world :)
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cmoehle
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Chris - San Antonio TX
Back to the good old days of polytheism? :)
Politics is the art of achieving the maximum amount of freedom for individuals that is consistent with the maintenance of social order.
--Barry Goldwater
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PRT
Member
One God, many planets. God is a busy person :)
I cannot understand why anyone cares if an extraterrestrial should or could be baptized. Don't we have enough to concern ourselves with on this one little piece of the universe?
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5thwheeler
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Get the message?
PRT
Oct 13 2005, 06:38 PM
One God, many planets.  :)
I cannot understand why anyone cares if an extraterrestrial should or could be baptized.  Don't we have enough to concern ourselves with on this one little piece of the universe?

"God is a busy person"

Person??? Oh how vain us humans have become.

Besides, my dogs think God is just another Bitch hogging their food.

I'm bad, i'm bad, I know it! :fryingpan: :fryingpan:
History 101: When a popular myth is believed to be factual, teach the myth.

Its not possible to underestimate the intelligence of the voting populous.

Hummm, after seeing the results of the 06 election, I may have to modify my perception of the voting populous and refer to them as "Late Bloomers".

:ohmy:
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bikemanb
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Liberal Conservative
Personally I would like to know what the Vorlons think about this.
Bill, Rita and Chloe the Terror Cat

For having lived long, I have experienced many instances of being obliged, by better information or fuller consideration, to change opinions, even on important subjects, which I once thought right but found to be otherwise.

Benjamin Franklin
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