Replies

Several orthodox theologians have considered this subject. I heard one theologian on Catholic radio state that if there are intelligent beings out there that we don't know about, it's quite possible that they do not have a fallen nature. In other words, unlike mankind, they were formed in the image & likeness of God and are sinless creatures.

If the creatures are sinless, we should leave them alone so that we don't inadvertently (or intentionally) tempt them into sin. This is where Roddenberry's Star Trek is most prescient: the Federation's Prime Directive was to leave developing planets to their own development without interference.

"If the creatures are sinless, we should leave them alone so that we don't inadvertently (or intentionally) tempt them..."
Realistically speaking, whatever we could find using our present search techniques would likely be so much more advanced than we are that us tempting them would be out of question - we wouldn't be able to offer them anything they do not have already or might want. In comparison with them we would be like the Neanderthals at best - what is there to tempt with? Our best stone axes and a fresh mammoth steak? The hope would be that THEY leave us alone.