God and UFOs

“Perhaps we need some outside, universal threat to make us recognize this common bond. I occasionally think how quickly our differences worldwide would vanish if we were facing an alien threat from outside this world.” ~ President Ronald Reagan

The US government and UFOs are making the headlines this week. “US military UFO report ‘does not confirm or rule out the possibility of alien activity.” People have claimed to have witnessed UFOs for ages, and now the government is forced to reveal some of what they know, but they will never reveal all that they know. Why does humanity struggle to believe in the possibility of “life” from outside our universe? Science has already proven that creation exists outside our galaxy. We can look up into the sky on most nights and see countless stars and planets, so why not the possibility of “life” outside of our universe?

The reason we struggle to believe in life outside of our universe is for three primary reasons:

1. Lack of Evidence: We have zero evidence for “life” outside of earth, other than a few unexplainable UFO sightings. Science may one day prove that “life” exists or did exist on other planets, but for now, no such credible evidence exists.
2. The Box of Certainty: The subject of God has divided the world. Does God exists, and if a God does exist, what’s the truth about God? Regardless of belief or unbelief, humans have placed the idea of God in the box of certainty. Each sect being “certain” that God is everything or God is nothing based on their set of beliefs. If God does exist, there are over 5,000 religions divided on the truth about God, each having God in the box of certainty. The bible teaches that God created the world, with no mention of life outside of earth; however, the Bible does mention the heavens and the stars. Also, if God sent His only Son Jesus to earth to die for the world’s sins, how could there logically be human life somewhere else, especially if Jesus was the only Son of God? Religion has put God in the box of certainty, and this is one of the significant reasons humankind struggles to believe in life outside our world.
3. Humanity’s Selfish Nature: We are all about us, all of the time. Humans don’t want to believe in the possibility of any life form higher than themselves. The Bible teaches that humans live in a failed state because of humans’ desire to be God themselves. Science argues for the survival of the fittest, evidenced by Darwin’s theory of evolution. Still, regardless of where you fall on the subject of God or evolution, there is one thing that stands out: humanity is number one, and let no one ever forget it.

President Regan’s thoughts carry weight because it’s only when we suffer as a whole do we unify and strive for the greater good. Reflect on 09/11/01; for roughly 90 days, the world formed a common bond, and unity filled the air. Unfortunately, it takes a tragedy before humanity comes together for the good of all people.

If we take God out of the box of certainty, isn’t it possible if God is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent that “life” could exist in other places outside of our known universe? We should learn to live with confidence (not certainty) as it relates to God. Learning to enjoy the countless wonders and mystery of creation, along with embracing the possibility that there is “life” out there, right now wondering about us as much if not more than we wonder about them.

Even if you claim to be atheist or agnostic, why not take your unbelief out of your box of certainty and experience life with mystery, wonder, and possibility. Trend with confidence instead of certainty, and be open to the idea that anything is possible in this experience called life. Every person who denies the existence of a Power greater than themselves walks by faith and certainty. That’s right, even atheists and agnostics believe in something, and whatever they believe, rest assured, they have placed in the box of certainty.

When we put our beliefs in the box of certainty, we set ourselves up for all kinds of drama and trauma. We all have many questions, doubts, and experiences. When we must be sure, at all costs, that what we believe and how we practice our faith is absolute, we separate ourselves from billions of other’s experiences, wonders, ideas, revelation, inspiration, strength, and hope. If God is all-powerful and the Creator of the universe, and we are merely mortals (creatures ourselves), how could any of us ever claim any absolutes about God?

I have confidence in Scripture and what the Bible reveals about the character of God, especially in the person of Jesus Christ. Do I have my doubts? Does my faith waiver at times? Yes, to all of such questions, but despite my many questions and doubts, I have experienced a deep and effective spiritual experience by placing my faith and trust in Jesus Christ. By following a Jesus-looking God and doing my best to love God, love others in an attempt to help make our world a better place for everyone, my life has never been better. Because I cling tight to the mystery and wonder of God, I am open to new revelation and new possibilities, including “life” in some form or another, outside our universe.

I am not a universalist, though I hope universalism is true. I wish for nothing more than for every human being from the past, present, and future to somehow become rightly related to God and transformed by the mighty power, grace, mercy, and love of the Creator of the Universe. Unfortunately, I have found no credible evidence in Scripture, nor has any been presented, that supports universalism, but that doesn’t mean I can’t hope that universalism is somehow true. Until I experience a more profound revelation or divine intervention, I must remain steadfast in the practice of my beliefs with strong confidence (not certainty) and allow you the freedom to do the same.

How disappointing would it be if the creation of humankind was as good as it gets? There must be some form of intelligent design out there created in a more profound image of God than humanity, or at least we should all hope so.

The title, “Is There Anybody Out There?” is the title of one of many hit songs by Pink Floyd, and the question we should all be asking and pursuing.

God of mystery and wonder. Please relieve me from the bondage of self and certainty. You are the Creator of all things, so why must I be sure of anything. Please help me be honest, willing, open-minded, humble, and teachable to new possibilities and revelations. Today I walk in confidence in what I believe, and I am no longer putting You in the box of certainty. Thank You for this change in life and attitude; please help me live for You and others, and help make this world what You always intended it to be. In Your Spirit and Name, I pray these things. May Your will not mine always materialize, now and forever. Amen.

Image by Olive Pacas