Jimmy Akin, expert in C.S. Lewis' scientific mistakes, discusses the consequences of finding intelligent life on other planets. Topics include fallen behavior on a distant planet, communicating with creatures on other planets, exploring the possibility of extraterrestrial life, and faster-than-light travel. They also touch on generational travel, colonization, and ethical concerns.
Discovering alien life would not threaten Christianity and could offer different theological perspectives.
C.S. Lewis took scientific liberties in his portrayal of Mars in "Out of the Silent Planet."
The existence of alien life raises theological questions about the fall and our approach to contact with other civilizations.
Deep dives
Lewis's Science Fiction Trilogy and Life on Mars
In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss C.S. Lewis's Science Fiction Trilogy, specifically the first book, "Out of the Silent Planet." The book imagines a species on Mars untouched by sin and explores how they would relate to God and the need for Jesus' presence on their planet.
Theological Questions on Alien Life
The episode delves into theological questions surrounding the existence of alien life. The guest, Jimmy Aiken, suggests that discovering alien life would not pose a threat to Christianity, drawing parallels to the discovery of new cultures on Earth throughout history. He proposes that aliens could have different theological ideas and experiences, and their existence would not challenge the core principles of Christianity.
Scientific Liberties and Errors in Lewis's Fiction
The hosts discuss Lewis's scientific liberties and errors in his portrayal of Mars in "Out of the Silent Planet." They acknowledge that Lewis intentionally took liberties with the science, such as giving Mars an oxygen-rich atmosphere. They also point out that Lewis drew upon prevalent ideas about Mars at the time, including the concept of canals on the planet. The episode also highlights scientific inaccuracies, such as Lewis's portrayal of gravity during interplanetary travel.
Implications of the Fall and the Groaning of Creation
The podcast discusses the theological implications of the fall and whether it extended to all of creation, including alien life. The speaker explains that there are various opinions on this matter, but even if we interpret the biblical text literally, it suggests that the universe was subject to entropy and death before the fall. Aquinas argued that only human death resulted from the fall, not animal death. The speaker also addresses St. Paul's statement about creation groaning, emphasizing that Paul was likely referring to Earth and not other planets. Overall, the podcast highlights the complexities of understanding how the fall may or may not have affected alien life.
Visiting and Interacting with Intelligent Life
The podcast delves into the possibilities of visiting and interacting with intelligent extraterrestrial life. The speaker acknowledges the vastness of the universe and the likelihood of other intelligent life forms existing. They consider the idea of aliens visiting Earth and point out that while it is possible, there are other explanations for UFO sightings as well. The speaker discusses the question of how humans should approach potential contact with more advanced or less advanced alien civilizations. They propose caution and gradual interaction, taking inspiration from the protocols anthropologists use when studying less technologically advanced cultures. The podcast also explores the potential for colonization and interstellar travel, including the concept of generational ships and the possibility of faster-than-light travel. Overall, the episode presents a balanced perspective on the potential existence of intelligent life and the challenges of interacting with it.
In this bonus episode, Jimmy Akin is a guest on the Pints with Jack podcast hosted by David Bates, where they discuss C.S. Lewis' scientific mistakes and the consequences for Christianity of finding intelligent life on other planets.
