Vatican: It's OK to believe in aliens

[Ghost in the Machine]

Vatican: It's OK to believe in aliens
Published: 5/13/08, 1:05 PM EDT

VATICAN CITY (AP) - The Vatican's chief astronomer says that believing in aliens does not contradict faith in God.

The Rev. Jose Gabriel Funes, the Jesuit director of the Vatican Observatory, says that the vastness of the universe means it is possible there could be other forms of life outside Earth, even intelligent ones.

In an interview published Tuesday by Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, Funes says that such a notion "doesn't contradict our faith" because aliens would still be God's creatures.

http://my.att.net/s/editorial.dll?pnum=1&bfromind=7401&eeid=5872818&_sitecat=1505&dcatid=0&eetype=article&render=y&ac=-2&ck=&ch=ne&rg=blsadstrgt

[Elspeth]

1. The church and Carl Sagan on the same page--who'da thunk it?

I actually think this is a good thing.

[tpj317]

65. Not quite right...

This statement is not from the "Vatican," as in the Pope and/or the Universal Magisterium. The official Church has not made any such statement. Rather, one Reverend who works in Vatican gave his opinion about possible life outside of earth. It is utterly meaningless to Catholics because it holds no binding authority at all. It is no different than a Priest saying evolution does not exist, that would simply be his opinion and holds no binding authority on any Catholic.

[Ian David]

2. What if Jesus has visited the alien planet and given them a different "Gospel" ?

Here's my idea for a sci-fi story:

After his crucifixion on Earth, Jesus is resurrected and visits an alien world that has a level of technology equivalent to about America in the 1950s.

He's able to go on television, be interviewed by newspapers, and create a precise, permanent record of exactly what he said.

And then, a thousand years after Jesus is executed in the electric chair, these aliens show-up with a DVD full of videotaped interviews with Jesus, that directly contradict current christian dogma.

Has this story been done yet?

I think I would call it, "The Day The Earth Stood Corrected."

[sandnsea]

6. That is really good

I like it. No, I don't think it's been done. Do you write?

[Ian David]

8. I used to, before my hopes, dreams and spirit were crushed and I gave up on everything. n/t

[sandnsea]

11. What???

lol. Aw come on, it can't be that bad. You need to start writing that book. It's a good idea.

[NanceGreggs]

13. Start writing!

... because I can't wait to read it!

This is a FABULOUS idea!!!

[Ian David]

21. Alright, I'm convinced. I'll start writing it. n/t

[NanceGreggs]

24. And write FAST!

I am absolutely intrigued with the premise - can't wait for it to be print!

[Ghost in the Machine]

26. Can I play Jesus in the movie???

It'll save money on wigs & beard props!



Oh, and can I wear a leather duster instead of tatersack cloth robe? They're itchy!

[Ian David]

32. Jesus wouldn't have looked like "Movie Jesus."

This is what Jesus would have looked like:




But Alien Jesus would look more like the Aliens he was sent to save.

Planet Of The Biker Dudes... interesting idea, actually.

[Ghost in the Machine]

36. This is Alien Jesus

http://www.alienagendas.com/species.html

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In another incredible incident, the transfiguration of Jesus Christ, we find an excellent array of UFO-related phenomena (Matthew 17:2,5-6).

First of all, Jesus Christ brought his disciples up on a mountain, where he showed himself as the glorious figure of a nordic-superhuman.

"And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light...."

Then a UFO appears, provoking intense fear in the onlookers.

"... behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud.... And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid." Finally, we read in Luke's version of the story that "... they feared as they entered into the cloud." (Luke 9:34). (sorry no link, but this is on my hard drive)

[Ian David]

41. Whoah. n/t

[stimbox]

75. Is that Edgar or Johnny Winter?

I always knew Jesus was an alien!

[magellan]

44. No no!

Oh please go with Ghost in the Machine to play your silver screen Jesus. He's so cute!

And add my voice to the others calling for you to write this story. It's a great premise. (I also quit writing coz I feel whipped. But if you're like me, there isn't a day goes by you don't get a little snippet of an idea that makes you want to take the plunge again. Just do it!)

[NinetySix]

49. The real Jesus would have looked like an unkempt Harry Shearer?!?

That's astonishing.

[redqueen]

14. Have you tried it as a short story?

[Sequoia]

18. and heaven is just another planet.

near Orion. Why not? Logically speaking.

[RaleighNCDUer]

19. Do it. I'd love to read it.

Wish I'd thought of it.

[Iggo]

34. Wowzers!

Dude. Write it.

I'm not even kidding.

It's already my favorite sci-fi story.

Pleeeeeeeaaaaaasssssse write it!

[Ian David]

45. I'm thinking I end the story with the alien planet being Raptured, and Earth is written-off. n/t

[Matariki]

78. That's awesome!

write it! come on, you can do it!

[Sheets of Easter]

3. Unlike fundies, who automatically assume they'd be demons.

You know, because Jesus only died once, for the sins of man, not for the sins of the Qeeegs'lorks.

[Ichingcarpenter]

4. Aliens created Organized Religions to Control Humans

Zeus, the lizard people, Doris Lessing, Erich von Däniken have spoken









Now, who created their gods?

[Ian David]

9. Hallowed are The Ori!

[Ichingcarpenter]

37. I liked how Star Gate handled those creatures

Really intimidating aliens.

[AnnieBW]

46. The Gou'a'uld!

They're just humans with a slug in their stomach!

I was always hoping that Stargate would introduce a Gou'a'uld named Jehovah or Yahweh. But they didn't go there. I guess the Ori made up for it.

[Regret My New Name]

69. heh, that's my theory! Damn, theives

[otherlander]

5. If they're living on their own planet

they're not aliens. They're just extraterrestrials. Yes, I think they're out there, but unless they come to earth, they're not aliens, and if we go to their planet, we become aliens.

But anything for a headline, eh?

[Ian David]

10. We need to build a fence around our solar system! n/t

[Solon]

12. No no no! You got it all wrong, we need a sphere to protect us from illegal aliens!

Like this:

[Ian David]

15. Sorry, we only have the budget to build a ring.

[Liberal In Texas]

56. Ah...Ringworld.

Larry Niven. Great books.

[Ian David]

7. It's also still okay to believe in an invisible man in the sky who worries about your sperm. n/t

[progressoid]

16. Well, of course it is!

And believe that eating a piece of bread that magically becomes the flesh of your savior is not only good, but required.

[Solon]

17. Hey, I have a question, does the Vatican have plans to build a Missionary Spaceship?

You know, to "spread the word" to the rest of the Galaxy? I wonder how extraterrestrials would react to that! :D

[Ian David]

20. Just imagine how many sperm are out there in the cosmos dying every day. n/t

[Mrs. Overall]

23. You should read Mary Doria Russell's "The Sparrow"--it's about Jesuits going on a mission to another

planet. Written really well and a very good story with many ethical questions.

[Ian David]

33. I think I may have heard about that, if not read it, a long time ago. n/t

[NanBo]

63. excellent book!

wonderfully written and very memorable.

[Ichingcarpenter]

25. We are not even in the suburbs of this galaxy -

We are on the outskirts of Hicksville.

Billions of Suns are millions of years older than ours.

[Cerridwen]

50. Don't know about the Vatican, but the Mormons (LDS) do...

now, off to find a link.

Some other "fundamentalist" groups also have "missionary" plans for the Solar System.

I wish I were kidding.

[TWiley]

22. gotta believe in ghosts also

they concoct all types of B.S. to rationalize their beliefs

[nadinbrzezinski]

27. WOW for once they are trying to get ahead of the curve here

they KNOW we will find evidence of such life SOOON... relatively SOON

[tpj317]

66. Not true...

The Vatican, as in the Pope and/or the Universal Magisterium have not not made any such statement. Rather, one Reverend who works in Vatican gave his opinion about possible life outside of earth. It is utterly meaningless to Catholics because it holds no binding authority at all. It is no different than a Priest saying evolution does not exist, that would simply be his opinion and holds no binding authority on any Catholic.

[LibertyLover]

28. Years ago, I read a number of science fiction short stories set in the future

The protagonist was a Roman Catholic priest, a Jesuit I think, who accompanied the astronauts exploring other planets. I don't remember much more than that I'm afraid,except that IIRC,in one of the stories the residents of the planet being explored had a mythos about being contacted by someone who instituted certain religious customs ala Christianity. I wish I could remember more than that.

[Growler]

38. Sounds like either James Blish or PJ Farmer

"Father to the Stars", maybe??

[LibertyLover]

57. I think that's it.

Philip Jose Farmer was the author and the priest's name is Father John Carmody. Thank you.

[Growler]

59. Sure, no problem.

I have most of Farmer's novels. Loved him when I was in my teens and twenties. A bit too "pulp" for me know, but still fun when I'm in the right mood. :)

[damntexdem]

29. Oh, thank you, thank you, Vatican! What a relief! At last: belief in aliens without shame!

Now, what about Bigfoot? ;-)

[tpj317]

67. The "Vatican" did not make this statement, it is utterly meaningless...

The Vatican, as in the Pope and/or the Universal Magisterium have not not made any such statement. Rather, one Reverend who works in Vatican gave his opinion about possible life outside of earth. It is utterly meaningless to Catholics because it holds no binding authority at all. It is no different than a Priest saying evolution does not exist, that would simply be his opinion and holds no binding authority on any Catholic.

[gatorboy]

30. They even believe that *gasp* the planet is millions of years old!

[ismnotwasm]

31. He needed a declaration for this?

There are Gods, angels, devils, giants and ghosts in the bible. Oh, and Sorcerers and witches.


Aliens are actually more believable in a way.

[Disturbed]

35. When space visitors arrive the Catholic Biz. will invite them

to become Catholics.

[lovuian]

40. You will notice more and more anouncements that UFOS exist

The UN has had secret sessions rumours have said that the governments like Japan and others want the populations to know and they want to have discussions on how the world should handle an event if it happens

Another rumour is that ET's have told the Governments get the population ready because we are going to let them know whether you do or not
They are tired of the Governments Secrecy
so Military and other governments have decided to open up the Secret Files and let the populations see them gradually

the whole fear was that the population wasn't ready especially the religions to handle it

So the vatican is preparing us

as the Vatican says the possiblity is real and not against God

[Ichingcarpenter]

58. This is no Joke

My best man at my wedding was the deputy director of the committee of science
and technology for the US house in the 70s.

He was the same age as my father and said we would have
anti-gravity devices to move furniture and other things
in 10 years when I was drinking with him.

There is shit they are not saying.

[Goodnevil]

60. I said this same thing on the other thread

just like this one. I didn't know this one existed until 2 minutes ago.

I knew there was going to be an announcement soon when Larry King did several shows on it.

It's coming soon. Frankly, I hope they relocate me to a colder planet. I do so despise warm weather.

[Better Believe It]

39. K & R

[lovuian]

42. kick

:kick:

[Phoonzang]

43. Is this new?

I was taught in Catholic school that it was ok to believe in aliens. They just said we'd have to convert them if Jesus hadn't visited them already. No kidding.

[Octafish]

47. Pat Robertson fails again.

The unctuous turd said people who believe in UFOs should be "stoned to death."

http://www.publiceye.org/ifas/fw/9707/update.html

Nice.

[lovuian]

55. When Life on other Planets is found these people will have

the hardest time because their belief structure is based on the Bible as the only source

They wll be very confused

[Regret My New Name]

70. Won't affect the fundies though...

They will find a way to explain it away, and declare it the work of the devil or something...

[barnel]

80. pat robertson also suggested nuking the state department

and presumably with it, every person of faith in the DC area

[Liberal In Texas]

48. Then again, maybe the aliens created the Catholic Church

(and other religions) to keep the experiment under control.

[Disturbed]

51. Jesus was from another Planet.

He was implanted into Mary.

[Fox Mulder]

52. I believe in aliens more than I believe in God/Jesus.

And they needed to tell people it was okay to believe in aliens? :eyes:

[Rex]

53. Googoogaagaabuggabugga!

And their could be commies under every American bed! Go check!

[gulfcoastliberal]

54. Well they do have some snazzy telescopes in AZ

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vatican_Advanced_Technology_Telescope


What I find odd is supposedly open-minded people clinging to an earth-centric view that we're the only advanced life in the universe. Weird!

Plenty of evidence we're not alone, especially from NASA TV during STS missions.

[mdmc]

61. makes sense

:toast:

[tpj317]

62. This is meaningless...

The Vatican, as in the Pope and/or the Universal Magisterium have not not made any such statement. Rather, one Reverend who works in Vatican gave his opinion about possible life outside of earth. It is utterly meaningless to Catholics because it holds no binding authority at all. It is no different than a Priest saying evolution does not exist, that would simply be his opinion and holds no binding authority on any Catholic.

[lovuian]

68. Uhhh did you see the article? it says this is the Vatican's chief

astronomer and that Pope Benedict is behind the discussions

[tpj317]

72. Yep, read the article and it does not say the Pope

is behind the discussions, rather the Pope is an advocate of using reason and faith together, which of course makes perfect sense. Being the Chief Astronomer holds no more binding authority on the faithful, then being the Chief Chef of the Vatican.

[peekaloo]

64. Life of Brian

:rofl:

[Mountainman]

71. Might as well believe in as many superstitions as you can. Did Jesus die for alien sins too?

Or are aliens not really as good as humans? Sort of like your dog. A great companion but no everlasting soul.

I'm sure they will make up something to solve the dilemma.

[tpj317]

73. There is no dilema...if there are aliens (which I personally doubt)

then Jesus is their Savior as well.

[Mountainman]

79. That solves it then. I knew we could come up with something.

But my concern is, is Jesus going to all the planets one at time and dying for alien sins or are we the only ones needing redemption? Was there an alien Adam and Eve who give aliens original sin too? If not then the aliens must be still living in paradise on their planet, all running around naked and not ashamed and eating everything but apples and living at peace with all the animals. If not then at what period in the earth's life span did he go to the other planets? Maybe a zillion years ago to planet exzoran. And was Jesus made in the image and likeness of aliens like here he was in the image of a human being?

Many unanswered questions for those believing in aliens and judging from the UFO threads here at DU, to not believe in aliens is the minority view.

I think that being OK to believe in aliens will make all the above questions come up and the perfect answer to all of them is that that there are no aliens. Simple!

[FreepFryer]

81. So then when the aliens come and say hi, we have to convert them.

Lovely plan. :) They don't have their own, personal, Jesus? :)

[yodermon]

74. RELATED STORY: Files released on UFO sightings (BBC)

Secret files on UFO sightings have been made available for the first time by the Ministry of Defence.

The documents, which can be downloaded from the National Archives website, cover the period from 1978 to 1987.

They include accounts of strange lights in the sky and unexplained objects being spotted by the public, armed forces and police officers.

One man explained in great detail his "physical and psychic contact" with green aliens since he was a child.

The writer said that one of them, called Algar, was killed in 1981 by another race of beings as he was about to make contact with the UK government.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7398108.stm

[barnel]

76. what kind of alien would Jesus vaporize? n/t

[BlooInBloo]

77. Like anybody cares what religious people say about science.