A popular modern question: Do you believe life exists anywhere except Planet Earth in our vast universe? Science professionals agree that life has not been discovered in any location but Planet Earth. There are many factors leading Earth residents to the conclusion: “We are alone.” In contrast, many of our citizens endorse the conclusion that extraterrestrial beings exist and have been observed.
The answers relate to several different factors. One factor is theology. We have described God as The Creator of All Things. Included in the concept of all things is space, matter, time, and energy which God also brought into existence “In The beginning.” Genesis 1:1 states in the beginning God created “the heavens and the earth.” Commentators define the meaning of “the heavens and the earth” as “everything, everything else, the entire cosmos,” and a number of other descriptors, such as “all that exists.”
Most modern commentators focus on the scientific reality of UAPs (unidentified aerial phenomena). How can we explain the capabilities of these phenomena? How can physical objects accelerate and decelerate at rates which would tear ordinary earth vehicles apart? What is their source of propulsion? What about the UAPs sighted by observers on earth’s surface, from airplanes, or even by astronauts walking on the surface of the Moon during the last Apollo flight in 1972? Reports of UAPs have increased in frequency since World War II.
In recent months there has been a revival of public discussion about the reality of UAPs. President Trump has directed that classified information concerning UAPs be gradually released in the interest of “transparency.” Historically, there has been much secrecy surrounding what government officials know about UAPs. True facts have been blended with false information for many years. Only about 5-10% of so-called UAPs do not have natural explanations such as flocks of birds, weather phenomena, or unusual reflections of light. Therefore, a few UAPs may really be mysterious.
Investigators search for natural, physical explanations for these UAPs. For example, they could be explained by visits to our planet by intelligent beings from within our home Milky Way Galaxy, or even from distant exoplanets far outside our home galaxy. If the extraterrestrial visitor came from an exoplanet within the Milky Way galaxy, it would consume many years of travel time to arrive at Earth. Could our extraterrestrial space visitors have come from the Moon or a planet in our Solar System? The likelihood of this scenario is remote beyond comprehension. UAPs supply humanity with many more questions than answers.
The universe is unimaginably enormous. The known observable universe is about 93 billion light years wide. This means we are uncertain whether the size of the universe is infinite or finite.
The Bible deals primarily with God’s redemptive plan for humanity on our planet. This does not exclude the creative power of God beyond Planet Earth. Life on other planets in our universe is highly improbable, but not impossible. Our Creator rejoiced in the beauty of the works he had created (Gen. 1:31), calling His works very good.
Secular scientists research the possibility that life may exist beyond our home planet. They are known as astrobiologists. Our home galaxy, the Milky Way, is only one of over 100 billion galaxies in our enormous universe. Galaxies are home to billions of stars. Scientists believe billions of galactic stars possess exoplanets, many of which are located in the habitable zone with physical conditions favorable to life. The most important condition is the presence of liquid water.
Planet Earth hosts several million different species of life. Many lay persons and scientists speculate on the possibility that life may exist at many locations in our vast universe. We understand their enthusiasm for the possibility of life somewhere else in this enormous universe. We should keep in mind that the Bible primarily teaches God’s plan for the redemption of humanity (John 3:16).
Many other scripture passages highlight human exuberance related to God’s creative acts in the natural world. Psalm 148:3-5 (ESV) Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars! Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens! Let them praise the name of the Lord! For he commanded and they were created.
Also, Psalm 147:4-5: He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names. Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.