If your religion does not address the possibility of life elsewhere, how does that make you feel? Do you feel that you need direction or guidance on this issue?
No – Judaism does not directly address life elsewhere- but it also does not directly address life after death. It does somewhat — but Judaism is about living for now – doing good for now- it’s very much about being present to the moment – but as I said in question number one – because we were once strangers in a strange land – it is part of our tradition to welcome the stranger- even if they might be from another planet.
While I get that many people have a conflict with science and religion – I grew up with them integrated- not really sure why as I really did not learn that much about Jewish texts until I was an adult. But- I guess I did grow up with Jewish values that get transmitted almost implicitly.
It is almost strange to me – from my perspective to even ask these questions- they would never occur to me if i were to stay in my insular world – of course there is not conflict – Judaism and science/life elsewhere in space- never an issue or conflict for me.
Marion Agnew
March 22, 2016
The line between “intelligent life” and “not” is difficult to draw, even on our own planet. Plants and animals communicate with each other in ways we don’t understand. Some 45 years after the “war on cancer” started, it’s hard not to feel “outsmarted” by cancer processes. And even when we understand processes (antibiotic resistance, for example), we don’t have effective ways to address it.
If or when life is discovered elsewhere–assuming we even recognize it–my biggest concern has less to do with religion and more to do with our human lack of humility. We focus on “getting ahead” in relation to others of our species, with less regard for the myriad other species who live here, too. I’m concerned we’d bring that same hubris to a discussion of life elsewhere.
Good points. I agree that our own hubris has been one of the downfalls of humanity and one might argue, the biggest barrier to enlightenment and true progress. Our planet has already seen “first contact” when the Europeans first encountered the indigenous people of the Americas and we all know how that turned out. If and when we do make contact with another species, I hope that we remember the lessons we have learned from that and that we must respect “the other ” and not try to make them like ourselves. As I have heard many people of faith say, we are all God’s creatures.
Elise Gladstone
June 2, 2017
I want to believe that we have learned from history – but our current president and the people that support him means there are a substantial amount of folks that have not learned from history – but in the end – it all means that as a people – we are not ready yet – when we are ready – I suspect there will be more consensus. I choose to only look at the glass half full.
Cindy Backen
March 21, 2016
I believe that we are going to know that there is life out there in my human life time and let’s just say I am in the younger years of older age. I am hopeful that we would share an emotional connection which is what life (and shared life) really boils down to. Even Spock tried to understand human experience! I would be more worried that we earthlings will have trashed the earth and would have to look to other worlds to exploit.
No – Judaism does not directly address life elsewhere- but it also does not directly address life after death. It does somewhat — but Judaism is about living for now – doing good for now- it’s very much about being present to the moment – but as I said in question number one – because we were once strangers in a strange land – it is part of our tradition to welcome the stranger- even if they might be from another planet.
While I get that many people have a conflict with science and religion – I grew up with them integrated- not really sure why as I really did not learn that much about Jewish texts until I was an adult. But- I guess I did grow up with Jewish values that get transmitted almost implicitly.
It is almost strange to me – from my perspective to even ask these questions- they would never occur to me if i were to stay in my insular world – of course there is not conflict – Judaism and science/life elsewhere in space- never an issue or conflict for me.
The line between “intelligent life” and “not” is difficult to draw, even on our own planet. Plants and animals communicate with each other in ways we don’t understand. Some 45 years after the “war on cancer” started, it’s hard not to feel “outsmarted” by cancer processes. And even when we understand processes (antibiotic resistance, for example), we don’t have effective ways to address it.
If or when life is discovered elsewhere–assuming we even recognize it–my biggest concern has less to do with religion and more to do with our human lack of humility. We focus on “getting ahead” in relation to others of our species, with less regard for the myriad other species who live here, too. I’m concerned we’d bring that same hubris to a discussion of life elsewhere.
Good points. I agree that our own hubris has been one of the downfalls of humanity and one might argue, the biggest barrier to enlightenment and true progress. Our planet has already seen “first contact” when the Europeans first encountered the indigenous people of the Americas and we all know how that turned out. If and when we do make contact with another species, I hope that we remember the lessons we have learned from that and that we must respect “the other ” and not try to make them like ourselves. As I have heard many people of faith say, we are all God’s creatures.
I want to believe that we have learned from history – but our current president and the people that support him means there are a substantial amount of folks that have not learned from history – but in the end – it all means that as a people – we are not ready yet – when we are ready – I suspect there will be more consensus. I choose to only look at the glass half full.
I believe that we are going to know that there is life out there in my human life time and let’s just say I am in the younger years of older age. I am hopeful that we would share an emotional connection which is what life (and shared life) really boils down to. Even Spock tried to understand human experience! I would be more worried that we earthlings will have trashed the earth and would have to look to other worlds to exploit.