If "First Contact" occurred, what would that do to mainstream religions on earth?

Hello all! I've been on ATS for only a little while, however I have been thinking about this question recently.

Now I dont want a big huge argument about this, but only your opinion. Lets keep this mature!

Do you think that if 'intelligent life' was discovered on other planets, or if we did in fact come in contact with beings from another planet, that religions on 'our' Earth would be debunked by most if not all people?

I guess it would depend on what the 'other beings' believed in... but I figured it was a worthy question to post! Have at it!!



p.s. - This is coming from a totally non-religious point of veiw (mine)

Most, if not all religions would probably collapse, specifically Christianity and Islam due to the premise that we were created in God's image (Who's image were the aliens created in then!?)

The spiritual religions such as budism would probably prevail as from what I understand they seem to have a more wholistic view on 'life'.

I think it would have to be intelligent life for this to happen and not some amoeabic organisms found in martian soil for example.

In the first instance, I suspect not a great deal would happen. For a start, I can't think of a religion that expressly rules out the possibility of life elsewhere beyond all reasonable interpretation. I stand to be corrected on that matter, but the reality is that alien life forms just weren't on the radar or agenda for those composing the original scriptures.

Of course, it's possible that one of our religions might actually be correct, and the aliens would turn up and say, "oh yes, you've had it spot on all the time, we've met the guy, actually, really nice chap, lovely garden, he's got..." That would have implications. But even then, other religions would dismiss the aliens as heretics and deniers of the true faith, and carry on regardless.

People construct religion in part to put a stopper in the frothing bottle of our ignorance. That is to say, the questions we cannot answer and never will. We can keep answering them, but there will still remain questions like "WHY was there a big bang, WHO banged it"? It's inconceivable, no matter how advanced the aliens might be, that they will have conquered the infinite nature of this line of questions. So there will always be an excuse for us to have religions that plug the gap.

LW

reply to post by ou_sooners_19


Well the Vatican got wind of something and decided to come out and call aliens their 'brothers'. Perhaps a last ditched attempt to make themselves relevant with the eminent announcement of microbes on Mars? Just a theory.. who knows ehh! As far as the other religions go, I'm not sure but I would imagine some attrition will be experienced by all.

Remember, the bible mentions nothing of God creating life on other planets including microbes cos all life is apparently his creation - and surely with the Vaticans hotline to heaven, you'd think he would have told them by now?

Of course this means one of two things if life is found on Mars.

1. God likes keeping little secrets.
2. The Bible is the word of man based on his limited understanding of Earth.

Welcome to ATS ou_sooners_19!

IRM

[edit on 20/10/08 by InfaRedMan]

reply to post by Thebudweiserstuntman


I mostly agree. My one objection is that I believe that people will be more inclined to twist their beliefs into fitting before witnessing the collapse of their beliefs. The point I wish to make is that many modern day Christians do not take the bible literally.

I have no doubt that havoc and doom would run amok among many people, but religion has a way of evolving. Essentially, unless the fundamental ethical tennets of Christianity were threatened, it would probably evolve.

I wouldn't wager a months salary on that though

ET paradox states that if Aliens have a different religion to ours than Earth's theologically system would become defunct.

In fact, an alien race would (of course) be more advanced than mere man and their religion, therefore, will represent spirituality - gods or gods - in truer representations than Humans.

reply to post by infinite


Not necessarily. Technology and Faith aren't linked in any way. Their (the ET's) idea of a god my not be superior or closer to the truth so much as it is simply different... unless of course they have devised a technology that proves the existence of a 'god' (for want of a better term).

IRM

reply to post by Oscitate


Yeah i'm with you on that one too. I can see the 'powers that be' in the religious fields contorting their beliefs in order to fit whatever was discovered to hold on to their power!

Regarding the paradox: assuming people actually saw the logic, sure. But logic isn't something which many people hang on to when dealing with religion. In theory there's no argument. In practice, I don't think it would be acknowledged.

I see it being twisted into some sort of apocalypse crap by religious leaders.
Think about it, these people devote their lives to serving their religion and then something like that happens.



I'd hope the human race would be open and understanding, but the majority are so set in their religion that they probably wouldn't be able to handle something like first contact.

Not here for a theological debate simply want to give my 2 cents on the subject being that i am both a christian and a believer of the ufo phenomenon. The bible is primarily about GODs redemptive plan through jesus (even the old testament) GODs interested in the matters of sin the sickness of the soul and restoring the creation he loves back to himself. But the bible does mention other entities angels, fallen angels, nephilim which are human and "star being" hybrids. there is also something known as the gap theory in genesis between gen 1 v1-2 . the bible talks about satan as a ruler. and that before humanity came on the scene the universe was already created the planets and all and that angelic spiritual beings had abodes and kingdoms. What happened was that satan the chief angel became prideful and tried to raise his kingdom above GODs and so the rebellion occured which a third of the angels took part of. GODs judment poured out over the universe. thats why in the begining parts of gen it can be interpreted that the earth "BECAME" without form So in regards to aliens coming from what ive read about them their abilities to walk through walls and use mental telepathy and hyper dimensional nature would put them in an almost spiritual arena. The apostle paul says that satan is the prince of this earth and of the rulers of the air. My walk of faith is not one of believing there is a GOD despite not having any evidence, GOD says seek me and you will find me. i know hes there faith is trusting that his ways are better than my ways so if aliens came i and many other christians wouldnt abandon faith but would be concerned about decpetion from beings that the bible warns about being real and who desire is that humanity be blinded to the gospel. Again jesus says love GOD with all your heart mind and soul and love your neighbor as yourself for this sums up the whole scriptures. So no while some may be decieved by an alien invasion those who trully know the lord will bring discernment and would still preach the freedom of jesus christ

[edit on 20-10-2008 by 8bitbreakfast]

In the spirit of avoiding a theological debate I have only one question.

Could you elaborate on what you mean when saying:

decieved by an alien invasion

I had a hard time connecting that with your views regarding your acknowledgment of other "star beings".

Sure and again im a christian so i speak from a christian perspective. i dont expect everyone to see the information through this same lens. Alot of what i hear from the Alien agenda is that we will find salvation within our hearts within ourselves and that this will elevate humanity through love and knowledge to become our own GODs. But the bible says the hearts of men are wicked ( think about if all our desires and thoughts were played out on a big screen in front of all our firneds and family,... probably would not be good) and the very lie that satan told humanity was to take it upon ourselves to decide what is right and wrong and that in doing so we would be our own gods. I believe christ to be freedom from condemnation, that despite our foul actions we can come under his wing because he paid the price we should have. So if other beings are coming here to preach any other message of salvation i view it as deception. paul writes saying if any man or angel comes to you preaching another gospel other then christ crucified beware

The other star beings were angelic in nature and bred with humanity but it was a bad thing and the nature of the situation was one of Huamnity becoming violent and wicked. The hybrids were aweful and destructive and the star beings themselves were wicked and rebellious

And again while i make no apology for my faith in christ nor do i have any shame in the gospel i am but and average man with an average intellect and i am not in a position to convince any one of anything. People hear the gospel and they make a choice about it. Conviction comes from GOD. I simply thought it was an interesting post and as a person who loves the lord thought it a cool oppurtunity to express that there are many mindful believers who take seriously these kinds of topics and do hold opinions on even the fringe topics of life..lol

Thanks for your posts 8bit. It seems clear to me that a large number of ET believers do have that belief because it fills the gap left in their minds by the absence of faith in God. Parallels can easily be drawn - comfort against loneliness in the universe, the hope that ETs can in some way offer guidance - often that comfort and hope appears to come without any real evidence at all. But many Christians draw similar comfort and hope from their faith.

Of course, it's entirely possible that both are in fact correct...

LW

Though I believe it would basically destroy the religious "Institutions" (ie: "The Catholic Church" - Which is the actual plan of the "NWO") -
TRUE Christians faith in Jesus Christ would stand as strong as ever...
(Because we've been told in Bible Prophecy that this would happen for THOUSANDS of years in the generation that would witness his Second Coming)...

Let's assume for a moment however that there ARE "Aliens" out there somewhere (Or even coming here)...

Even Jesus Christ himself said...

"And OTHER sheep I have,which are not of this fold: them also I must bring,and they shall hear my voice,and there shall be one fold,and one shepherd" - John 10:16

Some might say "He meant the gentiles"... But how do you know? He may have been speaking on a MUCH larger scale.For He also said...

"I have yet MANY things to say unto you,but you cannot bear them now" - John 16:12

Now let's assume for a moment that there are NO "Aliens"...But "Beings" from other dimensions that will PRETEND to be "Aliens" to deceive mankind...

Read my article if you would like to go deeper...(Includes many videos - Including one about "The Monuments of Mars" with David Flynn- and links)...

awaken.weebly.com...


"Who-WHO will watch The Watchmen"?

OwlMan






[edit on 20-10-2008 by OwlMan]

"I have yet MANY things to say unto you,but you cannot bear them now" - John 16:12


he was talking about his death on the cross




[edit on 20-10-2008 by OwlMan]

That is simply not true,because he had already talked to his disciples about the time would come that he would be killed:

"Jesus answered and said unto them,Destroy this temple,and in three days I will raise it up","But he spake of the temple of his body when therefore he was risen from the DEAD,his disciples REMEMBERED that he had said this unto them;and they believed the scripture and the word which Jesus had said" - John 2:19-22

So Christ had ALREADY told them about that,AND about his resurrection Including in the chapters BEFORE he said "I have yet MANY things to say unto you"...

So he COULDN'T have been refering to his "Crucifixion"...

PLUS...He said MANY things have I to say unto you...Not JUST "One",but MANY...

But if you would take the time to read my article you would see that I don't believe that "Aliens" are visiting us,OR that Christ was referring to that at all whatsoever...

I was merely playing "Devils Advocate" (Because I am fully aware that MOST people here believe that we are being visited by "Aliens") to make a point...To lead people to my article...Where I explain in great detail EXACTLY what I am talking about...


OwlMan








[edit on 20-10-2008 by OwlMan]

[edit on 20-10-2008 by OwlMan]

Most of the religions we have now are quite resilient, and I think the conjecture on them suddenly falling over dead and collapsing sells them short of their capabilities.

When new concepts come along theres usually 3 options for a religion.
Ignore: "Theres no such things as dinosaurs Timmy"
Adapt: "Oh we knew they were there the whole time"
Integrate: "Jesus had a condo on pluto didnt you know"

If it was revealed certainly there would be a period of damage control until the chosen message got through to the people on the ground, but make no mistake, you dont give up on your power base just because of new concepts and the possibility of a little competition. If this were the case no religion would survive longer than a month.