This” vast awesome Universe” that we live in is , as the James Webb Space Telescope is revealing to us , more vast and awesome that even Jimmy Carter had imagined. Because of its infrared capabilities and the fact that it is located in space, it has provided an unprecedented view of distant planets that we could only dream about previously . Because it can peer through dust and gas , it has taken us back to the “cosmic dawn” of the Universe when stars and galaxies were first forming and we have seen that the 5500 confirmed exoplanets that we know of are a mere drop in the cosmic ocean. We have seen multiple galaxies , cities of stars around which scientists suggest that each star contains a solar system of exoplanets. The JWST has detected biosignatures on distant planets which suggest life can exist there and probably does, although we don’t know what kind of life. The JWST has detected planets with rivers of methane , volcanic activity and even one planet with a core made of a carbon based material similar to diamonds. The Universe is indeed a strange and mysterious place.
But how does this affect people of faith and how do they integrate all of this new knowledge into their existing view of the Universe? And for Creationists in particular, can they accept the fact that the Universe is almost 14 billion years old rather than the 2000 years that the Bible ( some versions ) tell us? And more importantly, are they ready to share the Universe with some other form of life? These are Big Questions and the answers are as diverse and multilayered as the Universe itself.
I recently discussed this with a friend who is a devout Catholic , very involved in her church and religion and has a deep faith that I can only envy. When I asked her how she would feel about the discovery of life else where in the Universe, she pondered it ( but not for long) and then said that she would not have a problem with it as it would be no different than welcoming migrants from another culture. I suspect that it might be a bit more complicated than that but I appreciated the spirit of her response which was basically about love and acceptance which, lets be honest, our troubled world needs more of.
The James Webb Space Telescope has revealed the Universe to us in exciting and overwhelming ways that we could not have imagined. And in doing so , it also challenges us to accept and even embrace a whole new world view . And for those of us fortunate enough to have it , a whole new way of looking at our faith. Are we ready?
Please share your thoughts.
M.A.N.
It seems that many people need to feel secure with a simple reality, such as the Creationists. To them, the vast universe such as that we are discovering through the JWST is challenging — and fearsome.
However, if someone like your Catholic friend can accept alien beings as another type of migrant, it gives me hope.
Personally, I have no specific religion. But I have faith in good works, and community. If people find and live that in their chosen religion without being exclusive, or hostile to those of other the religions, our world would be a better place.
I couldn’t agree more about our “vast and awesome Universe”. Jimmy Carter, who originated this phrase, was a devout Christian who had no problem opening his mind and his heart to this. That is the definition of wise .
For many Creationists , this dramatic challenge to their worldview is frightening. For those of us with a broader world view, we must not judge them—we must support and respect them and reach out to them with love. For the truth is , no body knows for sure what ( or who ) is out there, but science is helping to show us the way while faith / religion gives us the moral compass to accept change and challenge our beliefs while keeping our humanity.
But one things I do know for sure? In this vast and awesome Universe, we are not alone…..