Synopsis
The paper is one of a collection of papers from a virtual conference on the subject “Are We Alone in the Universe?” held at V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University in collaboration with the Italian Embassy to Ukraine and the National Institute of Astrophysics (INAF) in Italy.
The paper being summarized is by Giuseppe Tanzella-Nitti, who discusses the intersection of the search for extraterrestrial life with Christian faith. Tanzella-Nitti argues that while the sciences are tasked with answering the question of life in the universe, this inquiry has historically also engaged literature, cinema, philosophy, and theology. The document explores how extraterrestrial life is considered within Christian theology, discussing whether and how it fits within the concept of a universe created by a singular God.
Tanzella-Nitti points out that in the past, Christian culture contributed to the study of the universe, with many astronomical observatories founded by religious orders. Throughout history, from the Middle Ages to the modern era, theologians and scientists have debated the existence of life on other worlds and its implications for faith. In the present, there is a variety of opinions among theologians regarding extraterrestrial life, with some considering it a widespread phenomenon and others adhering to a more conservative view that humanity might be unique.
The paper discusses how the question of extraterrestrial life often raises philosophical, existential, and religious reflections. It also examines the role that extraterrestrial life might play in a cosmic context that includes a common dependence on a Creator God. The search for life in the universe is underpinned by motivations that transcend empirical methods, touching upon existential questions of human nature, origin, and purpose.
Tanzella-Nitti’s work suggests that the search for extraterrestrial life is not just a scientific endeavor but also a religious and philosophical quest. He concludes that the final word on the existence of extraterrestrial life is a matter for science, not theology, and that the question of intelligent life on other planets is neither confirmed nor negated by theological arguments. The paper ends by stating that theology, and humanity at large, can only wait for further evidence.
