![]() The radio program of Orson Wells in 1930. Polls show that 25% or one in four people in the USA would suffer emotional distress. Recent psychological studies (4) warn of the potential for mass hysteria. Proof of even microscopic life would be sufficient to knock some serious holes in their metaphorical walls of superstition. We don’t have to have face-to-face confirmation of intelligent life forms to crumble the tower of religious Babble. (3) His comments were meant to lay the ground for the Church to accept the unacceptable conclusion that life, any life, on another sphere would mean that humankind isn’t the only game in the Universe. ![]() The possibility of extraterrestrial life would destroy the mythologies and superstition despite the comments of Pope Francis in May 2014 about baptizing Martins if they landed. (2) Religion has a substitute for this as well. It’s a philosophical position leading to the meaningless or absurdity of life. ![]() It’s the realization of our eventual demise. Whether you believe in a God, the possibility of extraterrestrial life brings our existential fear (1) to the surface. When there are only two possible outcomes, it forces us to deal with the dilemma posed by Mr. It makes us feel special, but for the wrong reasons, as it promotes a self-indulgent and self-centered perspective. Many religious legends teach us the Earth and the Universe were made just for us. These stories of a make-believe supreme being help people to avoid having to answer the dilemma presented by the idea of other intelligent entities. Many people cling to the mythologies of the Gods. Being alone in the Universe is just as fearful as not being alone because it means we are either an insignificant occurrence, anomaly, mistake, or, as the religions suggest, the object of celestial preference. Let’s consider the possibility that we are alone. Every Star Trek fan will tell you this would be an illogical conclusion. To know the answer, we need to be able to rule out all other places. It is impossible to say with any reasonable degree of certainty that we are alone in the Universe. If you only have two choices? What are the implications if there are only two possible outcomes? Are We Alone in the Universe? The quest to find answers to these questions draws some into organized religion. Who am I? How do I fit into the scheme of life on this planet? It’s an inborn curiosity, a natural catalyst to spark the inward quest. Children begin asking questions about death at an early age. Existential thought, contemplating our existence, comes early in life. These questions bring up our existential fear of death. First, if alien life does exist, are they friendly or hostile? Second, if we discover intelligent life, what does that mean for all those who follow organized religions? Third, why isn’t there another intelligent life? Are we special or a mistake? ![]() There are several reasons this observation is so terrifying. Both are equally terrifying.” ― Arthur C. “Only two possibilities exist: Either we are alone in the Universe, or we are not. Investigating these possibilities forces us to delve into the fabric of our fears. Which terrifying option is your choice? Is there another option?Īre we the only intelligent life form in the Universe? Or are there other intelligent forms? These two possibilities give rise to fear. When you only have two choices, and both have terrifying implications, which one do you pick? Do you look for a third option? Either we are alone in the Universe, or we are not.
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