If God Didn’t Create Us… Aliens Did

Aliens are trending.

According to Pew Research Center, around 65% of Americans believe that intelligent life exists on other planets.

That leaves me in the minority.

Although the vastness of the universe may convince others of the likelihood that intelligent life exists somewhere, it’s hard to square the existence of aliens with the words of scripture.

The Bible’s opening line tells of God creating “the heavens and the earth.” It’s a phrase that draws a sharp distinction between the earth and everything else (the heavens). We read later that God put his image on humans, making humans the pinnacle – the epitome – of his entire creation. God loves humans so much that he sent his son, Jesus, to take on flesh and die for our sins so that we can be with him for eternity. After his resurrection, Jesus ascended to the Father, as a human, and remains seated at his right hand… as a human. The expanse of the universe proclaims the glory of God, but only humanity is near to God’s heart.

Of course, there are intelligent, non-human entities called angels and demons. They are spiritual beings not confined to material space like we are – although they do take on form at times. But even angels are human-centered. They are “ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation” (Heb. 1:14). In other words, they exist for the glory of God and the good of the humans he created.

HOWEVER…