Can a "True" Christian Believe in Extraterrestrials?

[Skwim]

Ken Ham thinks not.

"... there is a theological reason that I believe rules out the possibility of intelligent life in outer space.

The Bible makes it clear in Romans 8:22 that the “whole creation groans” because of Adam’s sin. When Adam fell, the entire universe was affected. Not only this, but one day in the future, there will be “a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away” (Revelation 21:1).

Isaiah 34:4 states, “And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falls off from the vine, and as a falling fig from the fig tree.”

Now here is the problem. If there are intelligent beings on other planets, then they would have been affected by the fall of Adam because the whole creation was affected. So these beings would have to die because death was the penalty for sin. One day their planet will be destroyed by fire during God’s final judgment, but they cannot have salvation because that blessing is given only to humans."
source
​

So, take your pick: This is . . .

a) silliness,
b) poor theology,
c) bad reasoning,​

or

d) sensible,
e) good theology,
f) right on point
​

WHY?

​

OR, is there some other religious reason Christians should not believe in intelligent life in outer space?

.
​

 

[Parsimony]

Now here is the problem. If there are intelligent beings on other planets, then they would have been affected by the fall of Adam because the whole creation was affected. So these beings would have to die because death was the penalty for sin.​

So he has a problem with intelligent aliens having to die because humans sinned, but no problem at all with Earthly animals having to die because humans sinned? What a strange double standard.

 

[Sultan Of Swing]

Ken Ham thinks not.

"... there is a theological reason that I believe rules out the possibility of intelligent life in outer space.

The Bible makes it clear in Romans 8:22 that the “whole creation groans” because of Adam’s sin. When Adam fell, the entire universe was affected. Not only this, but one day in the future, there will be “a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away” (Revelation 21:1).

Isaiah 34:4 states, “And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falls off from the vine, and as a falling fig from the fig tree.”

Now here is the problem. If there are intelligent beings on other planets, then they would have been affected by the fall of Adam because the whole creation was affected. So these beings would have to die because death was the penalty for sin. One day their planet will be destroyed by fire during God’s final judgment, but they cannot have salvation because that blessing is given only to humans."
source
​

So, take your pick: This is . . .

a) silliness,
b) poor theology,
c) bad reasoning,​

or

d) sensible,
e) good theology,
f) right on point
​

WHY?

​

OR, is there some other religious reason Christians should not believe in intelligent life in outer space?

.
​

Ehm.

...

...


...

I dunno.

I would be surprised if intelligent life exists, to say the least. But there's no concrete verse that someone could call on to claim they didn't.

Ken's reasoning ain't bad, I can understand it. I just wouldn't take it as the certain Biblical take on the matter.

The more adventurous Christians out there would say aliens certainly DO exist and they're demons or nephilim (some kind of fallen angel) or something. I don't buy into that though, nothing from Scripture that would suggest any of that.

 

[Sees]

Ehm.

...

...


...

I dunno.

I would be surprised if intelligent life exists, to say the least. But there's no concrete verse that someone could call on to claim they didn't.

Ken's reasoning ain't bad, I can understand it. I just wouldn't take it as the certain Biblical take on the matter.

The more adventurous Christians out there would say aliens certainly DO exist and they're demons or nephilim (some kind of fallen angel) or something. I don't buy into that though, nothing from Scripture that would suggest any of that.

Yep, I've known quite a few who believe aliens = demons.

 

[4consideration]

a, b, and c

Christians can believe there are Extraterrestrials.

I can see why Ken Ham's version of Christianity doesn't allow for extraterrestrials. It's ok with me if he wants to keep his view of life small enough to fit within a book.

That doesn't obligate other Christians to do that.

 

[David1967]

I say yes. And who cares what Ken Ham thinks.

 

[URAVIP2ME]

Ken Ham thinks not.

"... there is a theological reason that I believe rules out the possibility of intelligent life in outer space.
The Bible makes it clear in Romans 8:22 that the “whole creation groans” because of Adam’s sin. When Adam fell, the entire universe was affected. Not only this, but one day in the future, there will be “a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away” (Revelation 21:1).
Isaiah 34:4 states, “And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falls off from the vine, and as a falling fig from the fig tree.”
Now here is the problem. If there are intelligent beings on other planets, then they would have been affected by the fall of Adam because the whole creation was affected. So these beings would have to die because death was the penalty for sin. One day their planet will be destroyed by fire during God’s final judgment, but they cannot have salvation because that blessing is given only to humans."
source​

OR, is there some other religious reason Christians should not believe in intelligent life in outer space?

​

Please keep in mind there can Not be intelligent life elsewhere until the ' sin issue ' is first settled here on planet Earth.
If there was faithful intelligent life elsewhere, there would be No need to settle things here on Earth because the sin issue would have already been settled elsewhere.
What happened in Eden has set a precedent for all in Heaven and Earth.
The issue of Divine Sovereignty ( who rules best ) needs to settled here on Earth first before intelligent life is found elsewhere.
By Adam breaking God's Law in effect Adam and Satan were saying that mankind can successfully govern without God's direction and guidance.
Human history has now proven beyond any doubt that man only dominates man to man's hurt or injury - Ecclesiastes 8:9

It is wicked human society that will be destroyed because the ' Earth abides forever ' - Ecclesiastes 1:4 B; 1 Chronicles 16:30; Psalms 104:5; Psalms 96:10; Psalms 93:1 B
Jesus will destroy the wicked ( Not the Earth ) - Isaiah 11:3-4; Revelation 19:11; Revelation 19:14-16
God's final fiery judgement is: destruction for the wicked - Matthew 25:31-33,37; Psalms 92:7
​

 

[Skwim]

Please keep in mind there can Not be intelligent life elsewhere until the ' sin issue ' is first settled here on planet Earth.​

Why would the settlement of the "sin issue" be a requirement for the existence of intelligent life in outer space?

If there was faithful intelligent life elsewhere, there would be No need to settle things here on Earth because the sin issue would have already been settled elsewhere.

What is this "sin Issue" you're talking about?

What happened in Eden has set a precedent for all in Heaven and Earth.
The issue of Divine Sovereignty ( who rules best ) needs to settled here on Earth first before intelligent life is found elsewhere.

Why? Why must science wait until the issue of divine sovereignty is settled before it can find ETs? This cause/effect your suggesting isn't making sense.

.​

 

[Spideymon77]

I understand where Ken Ham is coming but... People interpret the Bible in different ways. To be a "True Christian" you have to believe everything the bible says either literally or metaphorically. A "True Christian" doesn't have to believe aliens don't exist in order to be a "True Christian", Ken seems to just be an opinionated a-hole.
Of course, this is just my opinion.

 

[Kelly of the Phoenix]

Ken Ham thinks not.

"Ken Ham not thinks" -- fixed

Now here is the problem. If there are intelligent beings on other planets, then they would have been affected by the fall of Adam because the whole creation was affected. So these beings would have to die because death was the penalty for sin. One day their planet will be destroyed by fire during God’s final judgment, but they cannot have salvation because that blessing is given only to humans."

So, the entire universe is screwed because of a couple of newly minted humans, but the entire universe isn't SAVED when Jesus saved all humans?

is there some other religious reason Christians should not believe in intelligent life in outer space?

I don't see how it's much of an issue with Christianity, at least the Christianity that teaches compassion towards strangers (aliens) and humility. It is hubris that demands we are better than anyone else. Hubris has been in Christianity since it was called the Way, but it's still wrong.

Please keep in mind there can Not be intelligent life elsewhere until the ' sin issue ' is first settled here on planet Earth.

Non-humans continued to exist after the "sin issue" was "created". It's not like Earth became an empty rock until Jesus showed up.

 

[URAVIP2ME]

So, the entire universe is screwed because of a couple of newly minted humans, but the entire universe isn't SAVED when Jesus saved all humans?
Non-humans continued to exist after the "sin issue" was "created". It's not like Earth became an empty rock until Jesus showed up.

Non-humans as in meaning angels existed, Not alien physical life from another planet.
God purposed that we all be descendants from Adam and Eve - Genesis 1:28
Jesus does Not save all humans. As Matthew 20:28 says that Jesus' ransom covers MANY and does Not say All.
If ALL were saved, there would be No reason or need to repent so as Not to perish ( be destroyed ) - 2 Peter 3:9

 

[URAVIP2ME]

Why would the settlement of the "sin issue" be a requirement for the existence of intelligent life in outer space?
What is this "sin Issue" you're talking about?
Why? Why must science wait until the issue of divine sovereignty is settled before it can find ETs? This cause/effect your suggesting isn't making sense.
​

If there was intelligent life in outer space that would mean there was faithful physical life elsewhere. That would mean No need to settle the sin issue here.
The ' sin issue ' is who can govern best. By breaking God's Law then Adam took the Law out of God's hands and placed the law into mankind's hands.
Adam thus set up ' people rule ' as being superior to ' God Rule ' as being the best form of government.
The passing of time allowed for us to be born and think who we'd like as Sovereign over us.
Once the ' sin issue ' or ' issue of Sovereignty ' is settled here on Earth it will never again have to be settled elsewhere.
Earth will always stand as a precedent so No rebels can claim to do better because mankind's long history shows man can Not successfully direct his step.
That is why God will have Jesus step in. Jesus, as Prince of Peace, will usher in global Peace on Earth among people of goodwill.
Then, mankind will know God's purpose for the rest of outer space which could then include intelligent physical life elsewhere.


​

 

[Jainarayan]

To be a "True Christian" you have to believe everything the bible says either literally or metaphorically

Where is that from, why do people believe that?

 

[Jainarayan]

"Ken Ham not thinks" -- fixed

It was grammatically and literally correct the first time.

 

[URAVIP2ME]

Where is that from, why do people believe that?

Bible is both literal and figurative in the form of parables (illustrations) and ALL Scripture is from God according to 2 Timothy 3:16-17

By studying the teachings of Jesus is why people come to believe in Scripture.
Like the people of Acts who searched or researched the Scripture to see if things were so - Acts of the Apostles 17:11-12

 

[Spideymon77]

Where is that from, why do people believe that?

I assume that Christians believe the Bible, that's pretty much it. Now, the way they believe it might be different as in metaphorically or literally.

 

[Jainarayan]

Bible is both literal and figurative in the form of parables (illustrations) and ALL Scripture is from God according to 2 Timothy 3:16-17

By studying the teachings of Jesus is why people come to believe in Scripture.
Like the people of Acts who searched or researched the Scripture to see if things were so - Acts of the Apostles 17:11-12

The problem is that most of the New Testament was written almost a century after Jesus, and he rarely spoke of things in the Old Testament, except to say that the old Law was still in effect. So, most of what's in the New Testament is made up by people other than Jesus.

 

[URAVIP2ME]

I assume that Christians believe the Bible, that's pretty much it. Now, the way they believe it might be different as in metaphorically or literally.

You are quite right. Some people take Matthew 5:29-30 as literal when Jesus was speaking metaphorically.
Jesus was Not advocating self-mutilation but being willing to cut out of one's life anything spiritually harmful.
When KJV translated the word Gehenna into English as hellfire people took that English word as a literal fire when Gehenna was a garbage pit where things were destroyed forever.
Jesus also used Jewish idioms which were expressions peculiar to their language - Matthew 26:63-65
One help in matching whether literal or not is by the use of corresponding or parallel cross-reference verses and passages showing the harmony or matching between Bible writers.

 

[URAVIP2ME]

The problem is that most of the New Testament was written almost a century after Jesus, and he rarely spoke of things in the Old Testament, except to say that the old Law was still in effect. So, most of what's in the New Testament is made up by people other than Jesus.

The Bible was completed by the year 100. Gospel writer John wrote Revelation followed by his gospel account.
Every time Jesus said, " it is written " Jesus was referencing the old Hebrew Scriptures.
The Christian Scriptures (NT) is chock full of corresponding cross-reference verses and passages connected to the old Hebrew Scriptures.
According to Scripture, the Scriptures are Not 'made up by people' but people serving as God's secretary. - 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Isaiah 55:8-9; Isaiah 55:10-11.

 

[roger1440]

Please keep in mind there can Not be intelligent life elsewhere until the ' sin issue ' is first settled here on planet Earth.

I'm not even sure if there is intelligent life on Earth. Have you read the papers lately?