Role of religion on interstellar space voyage spurs debate

[cbayer]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/49091544/ns/technology_and_science-space/#.UFsujUIZfzI

Churches have the finances and desire, but others see them as a source of conflict
ark the passing of the first moonwalker.

By Clara Moskowitz

updated 9/19/2012 3:19:55 PM ET


The "Space Window" at Washington National Cathedral features a moon rock returned to Earth by Neil Armstrong and his Apollo 11 crew. The cathedral hosted a memorial service for Armstrong on Sept. 13, 2012 to mark the passing of the first moonwalker.

Sending people to another star will be a monumental undertaking, and the challenges will be not just technological, but human. One thorny question, experts say, is whether to involve organized religions in the effort to mount an interstellar journey.

Religious leaders argued the issue Sept. 14 in Houston at the 100-Year Starship Symposium, a meeting to discuss the prospect of sending a space mission to another star within 100 years.

The church has the resources, funding and reach to garner support for an interstellar mission, said Jason Batt, group life director at Capital Christian Center in Sacramento, Calif. Batt said there is "spiritual potential" in space travel and that the church should begin preparing an organization for an off-planet ministry.

However, others resisted the notion of involving organized religions in a starship mission. Such a voyage would likely be long, and may involve multiple generations, with perhaps 10,000 people onboard.

more at link

[jeepnstein]

1. It'll be there, whether they want it or not.

Humans do things like that. What will be interesting is all the "organized" religions throwing elbows for a place at the table.

Personally, I think space exploration is the least of mankinds' worries right now.

[longship]

2. Let's bring ET to Christ?

Just kidding. But just barely.

I just do not understand why religion insists on poking its nose into everything. Not everything is religion. Some things are non-overlapping magisteria with religion. Science, for instance.

However, this is basically harmless as I don't suppose this project is going to go very far. But I shudder to think of what's next. Religious committees at physics departments? They need to butt out.

[cbayer]

3. Have you read The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell?

If not, I highly recommend it.

It's about the first manned mission to a planet that is know to be inhabited. The crew includes a group of Jesuit priests. They were chosen because of their history of going into new places and forming relationships with people who might be hostile.

Anyway, it's a fascinating book about religion, extraterrestrial life, science and human/non-human sociology.

[longship]

4. Jesuits have long been an educating order, IIRC.

I will put it on my list.

Thx.

[cbayer]

5. Exactly. I won't give you any spoilers, but I think you would enjoy it.

[LARED]

7. Excellent book.

[dimbear]

6. Anybody know how Clara Moskowitz and Sam Moskowitz are related? n/t

[rug]

8. None that I see.

AFAIK he died childless.

[dimbear]

9. Thanks. Seemed like a natural connection, tho. n/t