God and Astrobiology

There is a perception that life on other planets would be problematic for religious people, but historical discussions are often more nuanced. Exotheology is a subdiscipline within religious traditions that explores the problems of God and astrobiology, including Christian theology, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism. It also discusses the perspectives offered by other non-religious traditions, such as Mormonism, alien-positive new religious movements, and Ancient Astronaut theories.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 74 pages
Publication date: 22 February 2024
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

A longstanding perception exists that the existence of life on other planets could pose significant challenges for religious individuals and, indeed, for religion itself. This belief is partially grounded in reality, as astrobiological speculations have occasionally sparked religious controversies. However, historical discussions often exhibit greater nuance and complexity than commonly perceived.

Exotheology, a vibrant subdiscipline within various religious traditions, delves into the intricate and multifaceted problems surrounding God and astrobiology. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including creation, incarnation, salvation, and specific issues within Christian theology, as well as those particular to Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism. Furthermore, it explores the diverse perspectives offered by other non-religious traditions, such as Mormonism, various alien-positive new religious movements (e.g., Heaven's Gate, Scientology, Raëlism), and the Ancient Astronaut theories popularized by Erich von Däniken and the History channel's Ancient Aliens.

Exotheology examines the theological implications of scientific discoveries and discoveries about extraterrestrial life. It explores the potential conflicts and tensions that may arise between religious beliefs and scientific knowledge, as well as the ways in which religious traditions may adapt and evolve in response to these challenges. Exotheology also considers the ethical and philosophical questions that arise from the possibility of encountering intelligent life beyond Earth, such as the nature of our relationship with such beings, the implications of their existence for our understanding of the universe, and the potential for interreligious dialogue and cooperation.

In conclusion, Exotheology is a dynamic and interdisciplinary field that explores the complex relationship between religion, science, and the search for extraterrestrial life. It offers a comprehensive examination of the challenges and opportunities that arise from the intersection of these three domains, providing insights into the ways in which religious traditions may respond to the discoveries and hypotheses of astrobiology and the broader scientific community.

Weight: 122g
ISBN-13: 9781009296144