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To: Johnny Shear
I believe that the bible was inspired by God to speak across many generations of mankind. Therefore, it uses language that is understandable by multiple generations, not necessarily going into great detail about technological achievements of the present day.

At the same time, I don't spend my time poring over the bible looking for references to automobiles or nuclear war, I take it as it is and let it inspire me with prayer and reflection.

At a minimum for my faith not to be shaken by contact with intelligent alien cultures, I would have to see *some* evidence of the same God that I worship in their own culture.

I am not an expert on this subject, but when Western missionaries first started visiting China and studying Chinese, they were excited by what they believed were references to the Christian God embedded within the Chinese calligraphy system itself. These ideas are still taught today among Chinese-speaking Christians. I would at a minimum look for some reference to a concept of sin and a need for an intermediary for remission of sins.

I think the Ferengi could be a big problem, unless Christians just decide they are the spawn of Satan...

107 posted on 03/15/2002 3:36:37 PM PST by ReveBM
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To: ReveBM
At a minimum for my faith not to be shaken by contact with intelligent alien cultures, I would have to see *some* evidence of the same God that I worship in their own culture.

There are science fiction novels that explore this theme. Not many, but they're out there and some are quite good. I don't remember any titles or authors just now (perhaps someone will chime in with that info) but I recall one where we encountered a species with no concept of sin. Possibly "A Case of Conscience" by James Blish. And there's another novel where God abandons humans and makes a covenant with the aliens instead. If I recall the ending, the humans declare: "He has chosen a worthy adversary."

108 posted on 03/15/2002 4:20:29 PM PST by PatrickHenry
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