NASA enlisted a priest and other theologians to consider religious reactions to extraterrestrials

[kmoser]

@anon61221983

@kmoser

much as they’ve already avoided being drawn in by other religions

What are you talking about? Plenty of Christians have converted to other religions over the centuries. It’s never been a one way process. Why would you think that they would not be swayed to believe in a religion by aliens, too (if they have religion as we understand it).

Of course people have converted religions over the centuries. But I think it’s safe to say that most people who start out with one religion don’t easily convert to another.

As for many humans converting to an alien religion, I don’t think that would happen, either, at least not on any significant scale. No to mention that any announcement of extra-terrestrial life would almost certainly not include any details of those aliens’ religion.

@kmoser

don’t you think we should also gauge the thoughts of atheists?

Its’ not like people don’t know that the New Atheist movement thinks of everyone else, including people who are atheist but have no interest in “converting” others to their worldview. Primarily, because they won’t shut up and keep talking over the rest of non-theists and acting like they are the only people who are the “real” atheists… sounds kind of familiar in fact.

I don’t have a huge problem with religious people. Like everyone other group of people, some are thoughtful, kind, and a force for good in the world. Others are assholes. Much like any other group of people, I try and judge people by their actions rather than by some aspect of themselves or their lives.

Ok, so if atheists are no better or worse than theists, why doesn’t NASA want to consult them, too? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying they should. I’m asking, if they are consulting religious leaders, why not consult non-religious leaders? After all, aliens would affect us all.

@kmoser

wouldn’t religious leaders want to be prepared for a massive influx of new converts?

Um… not all religions are out to convert others. You’re making the same mistake of letting Christianity dictate how the other few billion religious people believe and act. Hell, that’s even ignoring the first Abrahamic religions, Judaism, which pretty much is not an Evangelical religion. Much like the NA movement itself, it’s just more warmed over eurocentrism that has a massive anti-Catholic and anti-Islam streak.

This has nothing to do with Christianity, or religions trying to convert others. I was asking whether religious leaders might be concerned that atheists, when confronted with proof of extraterrestrial life, would suddenly convert to Earth-based religion.