Ken Ham and the Space Aliens
Ken Ham is in the news again. This time it is about his comments regarding the search for Earth-like planets and possible extraterrestrial life. Since I believe that it is important to read a person’s comments rather than reports of those comments, here is the article. I would like to comment on atheist criticisms of these comments and then what Ham had to say.
The Friendly Atheist of course had something to say about this. Most of the Friendly Atheist’s post was pretty boring. The only thing I found interesting was this statement:
One of the criticisms of Creationism (besides the whole “it’s wrong” thing) is that it stifles curiosity. “God did it” not only doesn’t answer anything, it stops you from seeking out actual answers.
Science, on the other hand, is all about searching and explaining the unknown. The answers we seek may not be discovered anytime soon, but that’s part of the process. That’s why we explore space and search for extraterrestrial life. Who knows what we’ll find?!
The Friendly Atheist points to Creationism as the culprit of this lack of scientific curiosity, but I am sure if we pushed him he would lump all of Christianity under this since all Christians agree that “God did it” even if we disagree on how. Richard Dawkins has also accused Christianity as being dangerous to scientific curiosity.
I am not sure where atheists get this idea. There is no reason why belief in God should stop people from wanting to know how nature and the universe work. In fact I am more interested in these things because I believe in God. This lack of curiosity is a common assertion that is not built on fact.
Now back to Ham. He also makes a lot of assertions. I have to say that I disagree with much of what he says. I do not see the Bible addressing life on other planets at all. It was not on the radar for biblical writers. Is there life on other planets? I don’t know but if I had to put my money somewhere I would say there probably is life elsewhere in this huge universe. Ham seems to fear that life on other planets would support evolution (the FA also makes this connection). If there is life on other planets, it probably came about the same way life started here. It would not have to point to an opposing theory.
What about the idea that life outside of our planet is condemned? I do not see why other planets should be affected by the fall. I actually found C.S. Lewis’ Space Trilogy to be a very interesting reflection on this.
In the end we really do not know if there is life or what kind of life it is , so both atheists and Christians should just relax.
Given how integral Christians were to the rise of science, most of whom would be described today as Young Earth Creationists, the “Friendly” Atheists’ claims can be either dismissed as ignorance, or rank deception.
I think there could be minimal life out there, space bugs and the like. But I fully believe death is also with them, thus being effected by the fall, as part of creation under Adam’s dominion.