Greetings all
Things have been incredibly quiet here recently, so I thought I would
try and liven them up.
The idea of space travel is not new, with fanciful accounts going back
at least classical times. Serious thoughts on the practical issues
began with the first studies of Tsiolkovsky in the 1880's. At the end
of the 20th century humanity has visited most of the major and many of
the minor bodies the solar systems with robot probes, sent crewed
missions to the moon, and inhabited orbiting stations for years on end.
At present the ISS is under construction and crewed missions to Mars
seem a definite possibility. Despite these remarkable achievements, a
discussion of the theological issues involved, has been scant. What
little there has been has concentrated on the theological implications
of intelligent extraterrestrial life and, to a lesser extent,
extraterrestrial life in general. There has been little on the issues of
space exploration in general, or of those raised by longer term space
settlement or terra forming. This is true of both Christians an
non-Christians. Even the more vocal members of the environmental lobby
do not seem to have addressed the environmental issues of space
exploration except where it impacts on terrestrial concerns, such as
particulate emissions from solid fuel rockets, or use of nuclear powered
spacecraft.
Perhaps this silence reflects the fact that there are there are no
issues involved, but I doubt it. It would be better to start thinking
through these issues than wait till they launch themselves fully
fledged. I am being to research a paper on the theological issues
involved with space exploration, with Mars as the case in point.
Hopefully, this will lead to some form of paper in the fulness of time.
As part of this I would appreciate feedback from people on this list.
We can consider missions in various ways. One is the impact of the
mission. In terms of increasing impact these are simple robotic
missions, advanced robotic and crewed missions, and settlements. The
possible goals of such missions include scientific exploration, resource
utilization in support of scientific missions, economic exploitation
(particularly propellants), and human colonization.
Several Biblical passages may be relevant to space exploration. The
first is the oft quoted Ps 111:2 "How wonderful are the things the Lord
does! All who are delighted with them want to understand them." (GNB).
Scientific exploration of other planets is, I would argue, a legitimate
extension of this, at least in principle. The Biblical mandate to
utilize the earth is also clear. Genesis 1:28 speaks of dominion over
the animals, Psalm 8:6 of dominion over all things God has made, 7-8
over all creatures. Dueteronomy 8:7-9 extends the concept of creation
as gift to include the non-living resources of the promised land, as
well as the living. However the picture of dominion must always be in
the context of the broader Biblical themes. These include: humanity is
to work within the framework of God's law, to be the image of God (and
thus act in ways appropriate to the divine character), recognise that to
whom much is given much is expected, and that Biblical lordship is
exercised through servanthood.
How do we extend these principles to planetary exploration? Are we to
restrict ourselves to minimum input scientific exploration, or does
creation dominion extend to for extensive exploration that might include
using the resources of other planets for propellants and other
consumables for scientific exploration and even establishment of bases?
Does the concept of dominion extend to economic ulitizatuion of the moon
and planets? What about terraforming, adapting sterile planets for
human habitation? Or does the creation mandate apply only to planet
earth?
respectfully
Jon
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Mon Dec 04 2000 - 04:36:05 EST