ET, Phone Earth

Logic: Origin – Gk logikos of speech or reason. Definition: The science that investigates the principles governing correct or reliable inference.

The recent discovery in California’s Mono Lake of bacteria that can live off arsenic has given rise to the hopeful prospect that perhaps, maybe, perchance, conceivably there may exist extraterrestrial life out in the universe somewhere. The logic goes like this. “If a life form can survive and even flourish in such a toxic environment within our own previously known boundaries of life parameters, the broadening of said boundaries present a prospect of less strenuous demand for the existence of life elsewhere in the cosmos.” When applying the principles of logic this hopeful prospect could make sense. It’s like saying “if I find a penny on a gravestone in the local cemetery, the likelihood of discovering other coins in the same cemetery, or even other cemeteries, increases.” However, the community that promotes this type of research isn’t contented with logic on this trivial scale. In fact, their reason flexing often stretches to this colossal measure. “It is presumptuous and even preposterous to assume that little old earth harbors the only life in the vast universe.” Armed with absolutely zero evidence for such a proclamation beyond the argument that it is a mathematical probability the hopes and imaginings of the ET dreamers persist. Theories abound, including the notion that life emerged independently at various locations throughout the universe; the concept that speculates life spread from location to location (exogenesis) is another popular idea; and the theory that UFOs are of extraterrestrial origin is another popular belief. No less than the well respected and much praised personalities of Carl Sagan and Stephen Hawking have lent their substantial talents and impressive credentials to those views supporting the acceptance of the existence of extraterrestrial life. All of this mind-power is present without the slimmest scintilla of evidence that could find the slightest connection to the principle of logic. Nevertheless, the amount of psychological, emotional and financial resources devoted to the hope of discovery of extraterrestrial life is phenomenal and illustrates the mindset of a great number of people who maintain a “don’t confuse me with the facts” attitude. The discovery of a real live ET has taken on an importance transcending science or philosophy. I once heard an evangelist mention his wonderings about extraterrestrial life. He said he asked God, “Lord, is there any life in outer space?” He said God’s reply was, “I’m here.” It’s been argued that Christians aren’t really open to the prospect of the existence of extraterrestrial life. Frankly, I believe the reverse is more to the point. What would be the possibility of emotional and psychological capitulation if ET/UFO proponents were to learn for certain that the only intelligent life in the universe (other than God) resides on the plant we call earth?