ETs and the Incarnation

Because the Church holds that one and the same God created “the heavens and the earth,” we need not deny factual claims that highlight aspects of created reality. However, the assumptions underlying conclusions drawn from scientific claims must be further illuminated by divine revelation. When Copernicus proposed heliocentrism, and Galileo’s astronomical findings supported that claim, a troubled standoff ensued. The Church eventually accepted the heliocentric model of our solar system (fact), but She does not support an “anthropological demotion” (interpretation) regarding our planetary repositioning. The same will be the case should the government and scientific community fully admit the existence of rational, nonhuman biological life (henceforth, ETs) from beyond our solar system. The fallout from such a disclosure will stretch far and wide, but a Church with wisdom from past experience is uniquely placed to interpret and apply such revelations.