theo1

tirg4.docx

1. In the first chapter of Science and Faith, John Haught describes three different ways of understanding the relationship between science and religion. In the chart below, provide an explanation of how each sees this relationship, using your own words.

Conflict

Contrast

Convergence

2. In chapter 12 of Science and Faith, beginning on p. 165 John Haught raises six questions he thinks that the discovery of extraterrestrial intelligent life would raise for religious believers. In the chart below, choose two of these questions and explain Haught’s response to them, in two or three sentences of your own words.

1. If we ever encounter ETI, what would happen to the notion of God?
2. Would our own sense of significance in the universe be diminished?
3. What would be the implications for the three Abrahamic traditions that identify themselves as specially chosen, as people set apart (the question of religious particularity)?
4. Would our own faith traditions and theologies make any sense to intelligent beings from other planets?
5. What implications would the discovery of other intelligent beings have on the large question of cosmic purpose?
6. Can faith and theology provide us with a conceptual framework that would be hospitable to, and perhaps even enthusiastic about, the prospect of meeting up with ETI?