say we (Christians of all stripes) should embrace space for several reasons: (1) On a purely abstract theological level, we as Christians should support the scientific exploration of our world and universe. God created man in the Imago Dei, a reflection of His all-knowing and all-creative self. We are born to be explorers and explore we shall. This exploration also inspires uncountable forms of art and culture. (2) The space program has, and will continue, to generate discoveries that improve life on earth. While these include mostly consumer products, like “Dustbuster vacuums, CAT scans, and home water filters”, future research can yield improvements in energy efficiency, alternative energy sources, and sustainable materials. The space program can even save our collective lives through identifying threats from outer space. (Your opinion on healthcare reform will mean nothing if life on earth is snuffed out by a wayward asteroid!) (3) Furthermore, space exploration can display how the states of the world can collaborate for the common good. Far from the Cold War-era “space race,” international cooperation in this arena can serve as a model for good relations on other issues like fighting HIV or ending hunger. Human camaraderie, putting aside our tribal allegiances and nationalistic tendencies, is what we need to move up the scale to Michio Kaku’s planetary Type I (and eventually Type II) civilization. (4) Finally, the earth and its resources won’t last forever. Christians know this. Past and current generations have abused our God-given stewardship rights. Will we continue to do the same—even if it costs the lives of future generations? We, as a species, need to plan ahead for a sustainable future, including by promoting off-planet communities that can begin again. Hopefully, once we reach the technological ability to colonize other planetary bodies we will have learned a thing or two about surviving for the long haul!
Posted on: Fri, 07 Jun 2013 20:24:03 +0000
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