Overview

Speculation regarding the plurality of worlds and the existence of intelligent extraterrestrials has remained an important question for Christian theology from antiquity until modernity. Advancements in space science now reveal a vast universe containing trillions of galaxies, and new discoveries of exoplanets, providing an unprecedented greater context and perspective in consideration of the place of humanity, possible intelligent extraterrestrials, and the role of divinity in relation to creatures. These scientific discoveries have increased the importance of understanding the relation of extraterrestrials to the Christian doctrines of the incarnation and redemption. An examination of the history of developments in scientific and theological thought on extraterrestrials, from antiquity to the twenty-first century will demonstrate a consistent pattern of theological formulations of extraterrestrials and their relation to Christian theology, however, without sufficient resolution. En route, this book explores ideas of extraterrestrial 'anthropology', psychology, morphological possibilities, sociological compositions, extraterrestrial religions, implications of contact, and argues for a 'divine pedagogy' of potential modalities of supernatural presence and action with extraterrestrial intelligences.

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9781725291485

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Reviews

Drawing on wide historical, scientific, and theological research, Dr. Parkyn advances the field of astrotheology significantly. His thesis that God would relate to extraterrestrial civilizations in a range of different ways, not necessarily through, or even on the pattern of, the life and death of Jesus, will come as a provocation to some and a relief to others. Compulsory reading for all those venturing into this new field. --Christopher Southgate, University of Exeter Parkyn makes a valuable contribution to the scholarship on a topic usually seen as sensational, while in itself fascinating. His choice of the 'varied view' for bringing salvation to extraterrestrials is well positioned within the historical debate over solutions. Readers will find the timeline given at the end of the book presents a welcome blend of cosmology and theology to guide their own conclusions. --Christopher Corbally, SJ, Vatican Observatory

Drawing on wide historical, scientific, and theological research, Dr. Parkyn advances the field of astrotheology significantly. His thesis that God would relate to extraterrestrial civilizations in a range of different ways, not necessarily through, or even on the pattern of, the life and death of Jesus, will come as a provocation to some and a relief to others. Compulsory reading for all those venturing into this new field. --Christopher Southgate, University of Exeter Parkyn makes a valuable contribution to the scholarship on a topic usually seen as sensational, while in itself fascinating. His choice of the 'varied view' for bringing salvation to extraterrestrials is well positioned within the historical debate over solutions. Readers will find the timeline given at the end of the book presents a welcome blend of cosmology and theology to guide their own conclusions. --Christopher Corbally, SJ, Vatican Observatory

Author Information

Joel L. Parkyn is an Adjunct Professor of Theology at Holy Apostles College and Seminary, Connecticut.

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