Previously we briefly introduced the Drake Equation which attempted to estimate the number of advanced civilizations in our galaxy. Unfortunately, the parameters going into the formula are wildly speculative, and thus so is the final result. Nevertheless, Drake himself estimates the number at 10,000, and this is the estimate we shall use.
But for all man’s effort, we’ve discovered nothing. Why not? The disparity between the huge numbers of expected contacts and the reality of finding nothing raises the Fermi Paradox — the contradiction between the high (claimed) probability of abundant life elsewhere and our complete failure to find any traces of its existence, current or in the past.
Some argue in the inherent nature for civilizations to destroy themselves or others, and thus don’t last very long — as soon as a society becomes intelligent, it comes to a rapid end. Of course, we don’t have any data so it’s pure speculation. Others say we haven’t looked long enough, and sooner or later we’re bound to find something.
But all these theories ignore the basic issue — nothing has been found, and it should be.
You see, if evolution is true, life in the universe should be abundant (or at least we shouldn’t be alone). You can’t say various planets are inhospitable to life — to our life perhaps, but not life adapted to the unique circumstances on that planet. So where is this abundant life in the universe? It appears we’re all alone.
The Rare Earth Hypothesis
Since we haven’t found anything, and even very little evidence other planets exist like ours, it appears Earth is tuned just for human life. Naturally, this idea is repulsive as the idea begs the question — who did the tuning? And evolutionists don’t ever want to think of God — the whole idea behind evolution lies in providing naturalistic, atheistic explanations for life.
The fact evolution contradicts many scientific principles (entropy, probability, spontaneous generation, common sense, and failing to follow the scientific method) doesn’t bother those clinging to its dogma like a life preserver (we’ve written much about evolution before).
Contrast the Rare Earth Hypothesis with the Copernican principle — earth is just another common planet and has no special characteristics. As such, life evolving isn’t that rare, and we should have thousands of other societies in the universe, as Drake predicts. Of course, that doesn’t align with the evidence, but lack of data hasn’t stopped anyone before.
If it’s true, we should find abundant life in the universe. Yet we haven’t. Why then hold to the Copernican principle since it violates what we do know? Simply because if the earth is unique, and tuned for human life, it means … gasp … someone did the tuning. And we can’t mention God.
Theology
But for Christians, you’ve got another question to answer — if life exists elsewhere in the universe, is it sinless? Since the fall of Adam introduced entropy and corrupted the entire cosmos, any life elsewhere could not be sinless.
But that leads to a problem — since Jesus died once and for all, how do these other civilizations find out about God’s redemption?
These issues aren’t insurmountable, but you need to consider them to tackle the bigger issue of life in the universe. It’s not theologically sound to claim life elsewhere but ignore these issues.
UFO’s
Some will say UFO’s are proof of intelligent life. But are they? First off, don’t dismiss UFO reports immediately as the result of wacked-out mentally troubled people. Some are of course, but some aren’t. Are UFO’s real?
Studying the claims reveals strange characteristics — UFO ships which can make right angle turns at high speed, appearing and disappearing at will — actions which violate the laws of physics. It’s not that they have some advanced technology we don’t posses, these beings violate the laws of physics. That’s just not possible, unless they have no mass.
No mass? That’s interesting. Suppose those UFO’s have no mass, what are they? Perhaps spiritual beings? It seems they’re quite interested in human reproduction, much like in Genesis chapter six. It’s quite likely these are not benevolent space beings here to help us, but old adversaries from way back in Genesis.
There’s much to consider on this topic, if you’re interested you might want to get the book “Alien Encounters” by Chuck Missler and Mark Eastman (usually found in the New Age section of the bookstore).
Conclusion
We are likely alone as inhabitants of the cosmos. The Fermi Paradox contrasts the hoped-for belief life exists elsewhere against the outcome of observation. Evolution isn’t plausible, and UFO’s don’t prove existence of life elsewhere. Theological issues also preclude life anywhere else.
It’s not an absolute certainty, but it’s unlikely life exists elsewhere — too many scientific, theological and practical issues remain unsolved.
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