Exo-Theology: The Alien Question and God

 The question may rank up there with the famous "how many angels can dance on the head of pin" level of theological debate, but it is a valuable question for those of Christian faith to contemplate. The Christian faith has many streams, some overlap and others diverge wildly as if escaping being on the same continent; the issue is thus complex.

The range of Christian thought should be viewed as a continuum. At one end are those labeled "Fundamentalist", "literal" and "hyper conservative."  At the other end are those who open themselves to the "suggestions of holy writ, believe morality and ethics are largely situational and that it is up to humanity itself to pull on the bootstraps and improve themselves and their world.  In the middle is a wide range of people with a great many similarities but important differences of governance, interpretation and application of faith teaching and church doctrines. 

WHAT ARE DEMONS?

Most often the Fundamentalist end of the spectrum will be most likely to view the subject of "extraterrestrials" as demons, fallen angels, or evil spirits. The source of knowledge and the call to authority is the written scriptures contained in the Bible.  They may argue based on two points:

• 1. E.T. is not mentioned in the Bible.
• 2. E.T. is not mentioned as being in heaven.

Since there are many specific things not mentioned in the Bible and knowledge of the content or nature of heaven is found only in the Bible, it is clear that the argument is not very strong.

Charge 1: Aliens are Demons

A demon is a malevolent spirit/entity. The Ancient Greek word δαίμων (daimōn) denotes a spirit or divine power, much like the Latin genius or numen. Daimōn most likely came from the Greek verb daiesthai ("to divide" or "distribute"). Biblically, demons are said to be fallen angels, among the many who left heaven in a revolt led by Lucifer.

• These demons are, again based on textual evidence, are divided into groups in a hierarchy. Under "Satan" (Lucifer, Devil)  they are organized in levels known as rulers, authorities, powers, and spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:10-12).
• Demons are able to "possess" to “demonize” people.  The phrase of “demonic possession,” is never actually used in Scripture.  (Luke 8:30).
• According to Rev. 12:4  says a "vast number" of the angels joined in a rebellion with Satan against God Almighty. These fallen angels are what the Bible refers to as demons. Some suggest as many as 1/3 followed Lucifer. The Bible never says that the number was actually one-third. However, that number has been speculated by many for a variety of reasons (Isaiah 14:12-15; and 2 Peter 2:4-10).
• Demons are able to appear human: take shape, form and be visible to humans (Job 4:15).
• Demons may be exercised, or driven out, from a possessed person. However, this may be dangerous if not conducted by a strong faith and if not followed by stringent cleaning and spiritual discipleship for the recently de-possessed. Without proper spiritual care, the person might then be open for a seven-fold infestation (Matthew 12:45); in other words, demon may return and bring friends.
• Demons confuse the truth by utilizing demonic lies and half-truths (1 John 4:4).
• Those who worship idols and pagan gods are really worshipping and sacrificing to demons. Demons live to deceive people into worshipping themselves (1 Corinthians 10:20-21).
• The Bible teaches that demons can inhabit animals (Matthew 8:31).
• "Demons are created beings, personal, immortal and incapable of reconciliation with God." Encyclopedia of the Bible (vol. 2, Elwell, ed.).

Some use the "principalities of the air" argument. Based on a belief that Satan controls the powers of the air...things that flew in the air were often suspect. Thus, if a creature was " of the air", such as a UFO or alien occupant, they too were suspect and assumed evil. The "powers and principalities of the air" is a biblical phrase that refers to the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. The power of the air probably refers to Satan’s host of demons who exist in the heavenly sphere. The phrase is mentioned in Colossians 1:16, which states that Jesus created things "seen and things unseen, visible and invisible". The world of evil spirits is organized, and Satan is the prince of the demons or fallen angels. Or Ephesians 6:12: "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."  

The "high places" was not the issue but the spiritual wickedness that used the space; in other verses high places are equated with worship and God's presence.

HOW BIG IS GOD?

Oddly, one of the "fears" expressed in the Brookings Institute Report of implications created by the UFOs of the 1950's was that word views would be enlarged. This involved views of "space husbands" valuing the risks of space travel as opposed to the traditional value of family and home; how to convince the public that these military risk takers were still family men? Religions would be challenged if there was an encounter with an intelligent being but not disastrously so. The smaller the world view, the theology, the concept of God and the more narrow the social construct of a society or person, the greater impact and struggle they would have,

It is also clear that same source does affirm that God created the heaven and the earth (Genesis 1:1) and that "God made all things" (Colossians 1:16). It seems plausible to accept that if such alien beings are proven to exist that they were created by the same God who "created all things."

Additionally, Psalms 19:1 says the "Heavens declare the glory of God."  Psalms 8:3-4 : "3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; 4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?" Finally, Hebrews 11:3 " 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." 

How wide is the tent of humanity? How great is the God worshipped by people of Hebrew and Christian faith? If that God is as powerful and overarching as claimed then the "Alien" or "ET" may represent yet another "stranger" to be welcomed at the gates. Remember, as such angels have been entertained...

This is by no means complete or detailed. It does begin a dialogue about the potential interaction for people of Christian faith to contemplate the issue. For a deeper look at the subject read this: "Theology and Extraterrestrials" 60.1.1.pdf (theologicalstudies.net)

“The Lord is not serious. In fact, it is a little hard to know just what else He is except loving. And love has to do with humor, doesn't it? For you cannot love someone unless you put up with him, can you? And you cannot put up with someone constantly unless you can laugh at him. Isn't that true? And certainly we are ridiculous little animals wallowing in the fudge bowl, and God must love us all the more because we appeal to his humor.”  ― Ray Bradbury, The Martian Chronicles

Related Readings:

Could Extraterrestrial Intelligence Sway Religious Beliefs? | Space

Exotheology: Theological Explorations of Intelligent Extraterrestrial Life: Parkyn, Joel L.: 9781725291485: Amazon.com: Books

Belief in Aliens May Be a Religious Impulse - Scientific American

Vatican scientist says belief in God and aliens is OK (christiantoday.com)

What C.S. Lewis thought about space exploration and aliens (religionnews.com)

Believing in aliens not opposed to Christianity, Vatican’s top astronomer says | Catholic News Agency

With all this talk of UFOs, what's a Christian to think? – Baptist News Global

If we made contact with aliens, how would religions react? - BBC Future

Aliens, UFOs, and the Bible: Should Christians Study the Unseen Realm? (logos.com)

UFOs and the Bible - Are Aliens Demons? (christianworldviewpress.com)

Brookings Report, brookings.pdf (nicap.org)