509 Theological Options for Understanding Non-Human Intelligence (Kegan Chandler)

Today we are continuing where we left off with part 2 of my interview with Kegan Chandler. In our last episode we spent most of our time talking about UAPs and the evidence that has come to light for their existence as well as non-human origin. Today, we are shifting gears to focus on the faith question. If aliens exist, what would that mean for Christian theology? What biblical categories exist to think about non-human intelligences (NHIs)? The answers Chandler provides may surprise you.

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—— Notes —— 5. You seem to be pointing to a potential overlap between science and what religions have been saying. How do you see this information impacting the ongoing discussion about “faith” versus “science”?  –    History of separation of methodological categories –    a convergence of discussion with scientific or non-religious institutions –    example of Bohr, etc. (short answer) 6. Do you think this is a difficult topic for Christians in particular to investigate?  –    Explain (long answer)  7. Are Christian theological discussions about the existence of NHIs something new, or something that’s been motivated only by recent events in the news? Have Christian theologians been interested in this topic before?  –    Brief history of this discussion in Western thought – Greek philosophers – anthroposolism vs. cosmic pluralism –    The Church Fathers –    Modern “exotheology” (CS Lewis, etc) –    Contemporary Evangelical UFO/Alien demonological and eschatological literature (short answer)  8. In what ways have theologians imagined that the existence of extraterrestrial life or NHIs could affect Christian theology? – soteriology – Christology/The Incarnation – doctrine of creation; evolution (medium answer) 9. What are some interpretive options for UAPs/NHI from a Christian theological perspective? Most important: a realization of our current category problem.  “Aliens” vs. “angels.”<– explain in detail >>>>Christians already believe in NHIs.<<<<< (!) From here, the options: –    “Demons” or “fallen angels” (negative) –    “good angels” (positive) –           Or a mixture of the above –    The “gods” as referred to in the OT and in ANE literature; or the “divine council” –    Simply other creatures of god who aren’t referenced in the Bible (long answer)