The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence

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A century before the birth of Christ, a Roman named Lucretius suggested that since life evolved on earth, one might expect that there are other planets like earth where life also evolved.

Modern scientists who believe in evolution also feel that if life could be found on other planets, their arguments for evolution would be stronger. They have persuaded the United States Congress to approve millions of dollars to search for radio signals that might come from other planets. The centerpiece of their effort is a radio receiver linked to a computer. The system can simultaneously listen to over eight million channels for any sign of space communication.

A few scientists are critical of this effort. For any theory to be regarded as scientific, it must be capable of disproof, not proof. Almost anything can be proven by selection of evidence. The critics point out that given the size of the universe we could spend billions of dollars and never disprove that there is life on other planets. In this way, it leaves the situation open-ended and it can always be argued without proof that there may be life.

The Bible offers no direct mention of life on other planets. However, it does tell us that the entire creation was subjected to the consequences of man's sin here on earth. Likewise, Christ's atonement for sin on Calvary delivered the entire creation from the bondage of sin. This suggests that our earth is the only place in the universe where morally responsible beings live.