That is the question that came to me some time ago, and of course comes at probably all of us at some time, and in some form or another. It’s certainly been presented to me many times, and I’ve presented it to myself several times.
I’ve looked into this for years, held various positions on it, and even juxtaposed it with and from a technological perspective. Knowing what I know from being a technologist (especially a programmer), it’s not a question to dismiss, I’ll grant that, to anyone asking. Please know that I’ve given—and still do give—this MUCH thought. Although now, I give it thought from a different paradigm and perspective shift.
To begin, we need to acknowledge that “intelligent” in regards to “life” needs to be defined, and the levels of “intelligence” have to be established so we know how to properly answer. It’s not a “yes” or “no” answer to anyone who’s willing to answer intelligently and thoughtfully. But to give a thoughtful answer, I’ll oblige people when they ask and are willing to entertain my long-winded and multi-faceted answer that is required.
There are also many different angles to take, let me start without imposing theological position first (although that’s my ultimate point of viewing, whether regarding belief or disbelief that there is extraterrestrial intelligent life).
Let’s fancy that there is. Perhaps this life is too big to see, perhaps too small, perhaps it’s so small it crosses dimensions beyond the infinitesimal (if you’re versed in physics and the quantum world, you understand this). Perhaps it lives to fast for us to see, perhaps its matter isn’t molecular nor physical. Is it a hard fact that it would be carbon-based, perhaps “intelligence” isn’t something we completely understand and as such couldn’t mutually perceive one another as a cross-being acknowledgement, or even as far as carbon-based to non-carbon based, or molecular to non-molecular.
There are an infinite number of paradigms to consider.
Let’s go with our current and known paradigm, to be practical and not so abstract that we can’t escape this sort of musing, and thus not even be able to answer at all, if even with some semblance of concreteness. Assuming we’re talking “intelligence” as far as being able to be aware of, and manipulate our environment on a significant level to the degree range of what we humans do (allowing room for much higher or a bit lower, not necessarily exact), then I answer in this way:
Firstly, the wrapped up answer I have (and now to cross out of secular and into the point of understanding from a theological and monotheistic, God of Israel/Abrahamic-faith perspective — in which I live) is that I simply don’t know, but I don’t believe so. Either way, I trust that I’ll know when I’m with the LORD; that is my resolve.
If no, I’m positive that I’ll also be made to understand why He created such a vast and unfathomably large universe, and even multiverse, if only one speck of dust is to contain “intelligent” or meaningful life. Nonetheless, I don’t believe that understanding everything fully, even of our own volition and acquisition of knowledge is for us to have at this level of life, nor will it come prior to reconciliation with the LORD (for those of us who WILL reconcile, anyway.)
For me, ultimately it doesn’t matter, because it isn’t relevant to the present bottom-line human condition of being separated from GOD because of our sin. Knowing about extraterrestrial intelligence is perhaps tertiary or beyond as far as degree of importance to us, in my opinion.
I understand that position can bring about a debate in and of itself, and if it’s one I decide to engage in, it’s a conversation to be had with voice and respectable manner of discourse. Nonetheless, it’s part of my answer and is required to fully receive my answer. My answer, despite my firm belief of disbelief, is not to settle the matter as to whether or not there is, because the question is “Do I think that there is…”, not “Is there…”, the latter of which no one can really answer decisively.
Thinking tangentially at that, such a debate—were it necessary or brought about—has to be done in a civil, reasonable and patient manner. It would require some exegesis of Biblical scripture and certain axioms must be established and accepted. Some will kneejerk and even take umbrage with that position, but it’s quite valid and the lack of willingness to lend credence to it is indicative of Biblical, even deeper theological, and moreso—HISTORICAL—ignorance.
Even secular scholars who are not born-again Christians recognize the accuracy of the Bible. To quote John Burke: “Smart people vehemently attack the Bible; and incredibly smart people who were once atheists or agnostics have become convinced it’s of Divine origin.” Let me not digress too much though, but that point needs to be made regarding this understanding of framework required to even discuss this question of whether or not I think or believe that there is “intelligent” life “out there”.
Lastly, it has to be agreed that anecdotal “evidence” cannot be used, nor assertions made with questionable productions; that is to say—one can’t just plop a video, usually of poor quality in both production and scholarship, and say “watch this video”. These sorts of things usually lack empirical evidence, all while vehemently positioning as if it does have it. Rules of logic have to be followed and sensationalism must be discarded. I find it’s only worthwhile to engage with people who have their own understanding of the info, and hold their own evidence-based positions and arguments, otherwise it will then have to turn into a refutation of the production, and not an engagement with the person on the idea itself. It’s happened so many times to me, and in with so many different debates or reasoning sessions. It’s counter-productive, and quite frankly—exhausting.
TL;DR regarding the question of whether or not I believe that there is intelligent extraterrestrial life: I don’t know, but I don’t believe so. However, it’s not really relevant to me as a person who is more concerned with my Salvation and living in preparedness to meet the LORD.
Still, I recognize the facets and angles needed to acknowledge and take, respectively, if one is to engage that question meaningfully and thoughtfully.
