Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
Is alien life a threat to religion?
Position1 of 3›

The existence of alien life would be a threat to religion

Alien life would challenge the legitimacy of modern religion. Religions have a clear set of beliefs, and some of them do not account for life on other planets. Some reject the possibility outright. The discovery of aliens would conflict with what these religions teach, undermining their credibility.

Supporting arguments · 3

  1. Humanity's special relationship with God will be undermined by aliens
    Religions argue for a special relationship between God and mankind. Mankind is often said to be the highest form of creation. The existence of alien life will show that these beliefs are false.
  2. Religious creation stories do not account for other worlds
    Religious creation stories are earth-centered and do not account for alien life. Scripture does not provide any factual knowledge about the universe we live in. The existence of aliens will prove that scripture is a relic of early superstitions.
  3. Human religions will appear infantile after contact with advanced aliens.
    Contact with superior civilizations with advanced knowledge may produce more sophisticated ideas about where religious concepts come from. We may learn more about our origins, about consciousness, and science in general. Science will turn religious ideas into natural ideas.