"Rob Dekker" <rob@verific.com> wrote in message
news:92oSc.5481$as5.3141@newssvr29.news.prodigy.com...

I do not claim that my bias against a belief in the absence of
evidence is absolute. But, given the option of believing or not
believing, I side with the more direct explanation. Scripture gives no
account of creation of life anywhere apart from Earth. There is no
evidence, either empirical or historical, that I would consider
reliable to show there is life apart from Earth. So, until someone
provides a clear statement or other evidence showing there is life
apart from Earth, I discount the idea of ET. I feel full liberty to be
sceptical of this matter.

Thanks Richard,

Indeed,  the existence or non-existence
of ET is not yet proven beyond reasonable doubt so we are given
the option to believe, and at the same time should be sceptical.

As to the question of life apart from earth, that could well be answered
within the next few years.  There have been traces of ammonia found in the
martian atnosphere as well as suspected byproducts of living organisms found
in metorites that came from mars.  I dont think the current martian
exploration project has the capability of detecting and confirming the
organic orgin, but I read where the next martian landers should have the
capability.  Clearly, if no trace of any life is ever found on mars some
rethinking will have to be done.

For example, this Universe has at least 50billion galaxies with
each at least 200billion stars, of which ours is only one.
I cannot 'believe' that we would be the only one. That for me is

unimaginable.

The scientist in me would state that the likelyhood of being
alone is statistically insignificant.
My religious belief is that He would not put us in such a lonely place.

I recall that john 14:2 has been used a number of times to support the
possibility of live outside of earth.  Either "In my Father's house are many
mansions" or substitute "dwelling places" for mansions depending on the
translation.  Clearly houses do not have mansions, but if the house refers
to the universe, then you can draw that conclusion.

The Universe is much more likely to be packed to the brim with life.
Intelligent and more diverse than we can imagine. That would match
with God how I see Him. It is just such a huge amount of space and
our technology and understanding of life are still in its infancy,
that we have not detected any hard proof yet. But it will come.

Also, I DO think that the Scripture has very strong indications
that we are not alone. Over the past centuries, we have often
found that the Scripture was mis-interpreted, or taken out of
context. The Scripure always holds more surpises than we think.
All thoughts will come together. Even creationism and evolution
come from the same place, and it is already written.
We just dont see it yet.

Maybe we need to evolve our belief and prepare for the notion
that we are a much more humble piece in Gods big puzzle.

Rob

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