Aliens Show Up

ColonelHardisson · October 04, 2006, 08:06:44 PM

Quote from: RPGPunditBut on the other hand, organized religions would explode, in wierd wierd twisted ways.

I doubt it. Organized religion has become a lot quicker in recent times to adapt to new scientific discoveries (relatively speaking, of course). Sure, some of the more inflexible sects of given religions might blow a gasket. But for the most part, the major religions will simply shrug and attribute it all to parts of God's plan they weren't privy to. They'll just see aliens as potential converts after a while.

RPGPundit · October 04, 2006, 08:07:01 PM

Yup, one thing's for sure, if evil aliens did plan to attack earth, it'd be up to us Freemasons to save it... *sigh* again.

:mason:

RPGPundit

ColonelHardisson · October 04, 2006, 08:09:23 PM

Quote from: RPGPunditRight, but on the other hand look at the commotion that possible bacteria caused (that never amounted to anything, at that).
Imagine on that scale what it would mean if instead we got incontrovertible proof of intelligent alien life.

RPGPundit

To be honest, I think it'll cause a worldwide to-do, much along the lines of the turn of the millennium. Sure, there was some nervousness with the Y2K nonsense, but when the big moment actually happened, it was just a big excuse for fireworks and Jackie Chan singing.

RPGPundit · October 04, 2006, 08:09:37 PM

The basic scenario I was trying to process here wasn't really about the aliens themselves, it was about trying to figure out what it would do human society.

So let's assume, for the sake of this question, that what we get is some kind of "hello" transmission, with no clear message besides the undoubtable proof that the aliens exist, in some kind of context where only the most desperate conspiracy theorists could doubt it to be true.

RPGpundit

jhkim · October 04, 2006, 08:12:11 PM

I don't think there's any doubt that it would cause a huge uproar, media circus, and so forth.

But what else do you imagine? I suspect it'll be similar to some of the big conceptual breakthroughs of past science, like heliocentrism or evolution. It changes our conception of our place in the universe, but it's not going to change human nature. Obviously, if they invade, or give us antigravity technology, or intervene in other ways it could have a huge impact -- but that depends on the specifics.

David R · October 04, 2006, 08:13:01 PM

I think another aspect that will have a profound effect is the kind of technology they have.... will they share or can we take it.

Regards,
David R

ColonelHardisson · October 04, 2006, 08:16:02 PM

Quote from: RPGPunditThe basic scenario I was trying to process here wasn't really about the aliens themselves, it was about trying to figure out what it would do human society.

So let's assume, for the sake of this question, that what we get is some kind of "hello" transmission, with no clear message besides the undoubtable proof that the aliens exist, in some kind of context where only the most desperate conspiracy theorists could doubt it to be true.

RPGpundit

Well, my answer would be what I said above - fireworks, some nervousness, then eventual acceptance and moving on to await the next big thing, which could be anything, including the alien's next big move. The space programs of the world would likely see some infusion of funds, but if nothing more is heard, people will forget about the furor and eventually question the money spent on the space program. It's the kind of thing we see everytime a near-Earth asteroid is detected and projections show it might hit the Earth - consternation, a call for ramping up space exploration and research, and eventual apathy as nothing more happens.

ColonelHardisson · October 04, 2006, 08:18:22 PM

Quote from: jhkimI don't think there's any doubt that it would cause a huge uproar, media circus, and so forth.

But what else do you imagine? I suspect it'll be similar to some of the big conceptual breakthroughs of past science, like heliocentrism or evolution. It changes our conception of our place in the universe, but it's not going to change human nature. Obviously, if they invade, or give us antigravity technology, or intervene in other ways it could have a huge impact -- but that depends on the specifics.

Yep, exactly. But the big difference now is that much of civilization on Earth has gotten used to the idea of aliens. I really think it won't cause much of a panic or change a lot of worldviews. Many people already assume aliens are out there anyway. A lot more have no opinion one way or the other.

David R · October 04, 2006, 08:31:18 PM

And of course there will be the main question form some -"Do they believe in God" or rather "Do they believe in our God"

Regards,
David R

mattormeg · October 04, 2006, 10:05:04 PM

I'm surprised that no one has brought up "Contact".
Although I'm not familiar with the book upon which it is based, the movie dealt with a lot of the same issues we're discussing.
Anyone else seen it?

flyingmice · October 04, 2006, 10:18:24 PM

Is that the one where the aliens used macs?

-clash

Dominus Nox · October 05, 2006, 01:23:04 AM

Years ago, christian lunatic putz robertsonofabitch, AKA pat robertson, did a rant on aliens in which he said there was no such thing as aliens because the bible didn't mention them. (It also doesn't mention anti-bioticsm so I guess when robertson gets sick he doesn't use them.)

He said that the bible only mentions god, the devil, angels, demons and man, and these 'aliens' must, to his 'logic' be demons in disguise.

He went on to rant that the bible commanded that those who communed with 'spirits' be taken from the town and stoned to death. Now he did not say that people who claim to talk to aliens should be stoned to death, he just said that's what the bible said should be done with those who communed with otherworldly spirits.

So i'm afraid if the aliens did show up you'd have the robertson crowd calling them 'demons' and attacking them and anyone who spoke with them.

My personal view is that I hope there are aline intelligences and I hope they're better than humanity. it would be a tragic waste of potential if the human race was the best this universe could do....

mythusmage · October 05, 2006, 01:26:33 AM

"Damn you. Where were you when we needed you?"

ColonelHardisson · October 05, 2006, 09:27:26 AM

Quote from: mattormegI'm surprised that no one has brought up "Contact".
Although I'm not familiar with the book upon which it is based, the movie dealt with a lot of the same issues we're discussing.
Anyone else seen it?

Sure, it was a big movie. It was based on Carl Sagan's novel. I'm a big fan of Sagan. I felt the movie was OK, and had a stunning opening shot, but I preferred the book due to it being more in-depth and explaining Sagan's vision more closely. Regardless, I think either of them more accurately depict the reaction the world would have to proof of alien intelligence than most books and movies.

Quote from: flyingmiceIs that the one where the aliens used macs?

-clash

That's Independence Day.

Hastur T. Fannon · October 05, 2006, 11:48:30 AM

Quote from: SamarkandI`d love to be in on the Vatican conclave trying to decide where the heck the Newcomers fit into the Catholic theology. Does the Word of Christ apply to them? Do their religious tenets count as a valid expression of God's will to their particular species? Etc.

Actually, the Vatican is way ahead of you. They've been discussing the possibility for so long that the first person to raise it got burnt at the stake for coming up with the wrong answer

I'll see if I can dig out the details, but IIRC one approach is to divide hypothetical aliens into four categories depending on whether the species is considered "Fallen" or not and whether their mythology contains a Christ-figure or not

CS Lewis's "Out of the Silent Planet" trilogy is one examination of these ideas

Getting back to the OP, I have no idea how humanity as a whole would cope, but I'd react with a mixture of awe, wonder and, frankly, terror