Interesting post. I just watched a science documentary called "The Privileged Planet".
Basically, it started with Galileo and his "we are not the center of the universe" proposition. And of course, the sun is the center of our solar system. BUT the catch is, we are the only planet living in the habitable zone, not just in the solar system, but we are also in the perfect place in the galaxy, located between the arms of the spirals of the galaxy.
The premise these scientist were studying, was the fact that the conditions on earth are just right for life. We have an nitrogen/oxygen atmosphere, with just enough carbon for the plants and helping to protect from the universe's radiation. We have an iron core, which puts out a magnetic field around the planet, which also protects. We have the right building blocks for life, and a thin crust and plate tectonics to keep the minerals recycled.
Our moon is a very large moon for a planet our size, but it keeps the axis of the earth on its 23 1/2 degrees so that we have a temperate climate generally throughout the earth. The earth is also far enough away to get enough sun to keep us warm, but not too close so that we burn up, or end up like Venus or Mercury.
One REALLY INTERESTING face concerned solar eclipses. Did you know the moon, at the distance it is from the earth, when it comes between the earth and the sun, is exactly the right size and shape to block out all light, except the solar ring? Scientists have been studying the composition of the sun since the 19th century and how it affects us. God has planned things perfectly, so as intelligent beings, we have a planet, solar system and universe that we can study and understand!
When the astro-biologists examined the 64 or so moons revolving around all the other solar system planets, none of them was the right size, or in the right place to create tides, which help circulate hot and cold ocean water, and keep our planet more temperate. None of them had the potential or the element to create life, although some water does exist on Titian a moon around Saturn. So the remote possibility of simple life, not complex.
As for as the galaxy, our location is perfect for us to examine the rest of the galaxy and the universe, because we are not too near the center of the galaxy, which has a black hole and many supernovas, which would destroy the earth. Because we are in between the arms, we can look out into the universe and see other galaxies, which could not be done if we were in a denser area. In fact, we are placed perfectly to learn and inquire about creation!
As far as Sci-Fi fantasies about life forms based on say, silicone, like TOS had one show with Mr. Spock communicating with rock forms to find out why they didn't want the Federation blasting their rock (pretty obvious??), I have been an avid Sci Fi reader since I was about 11. I have come to the conclusion as a Christian, that there will never be other life forms. Nor do I see it anywhere in the Bible.
The possibility of finding another habitable planet is astronomical, no matter how many planets, solar systems and galaxies you have. Yes, folks, we are alone in this universe, but God has placed us here, as intelligent beings, to do his will. We blew it, in the past, and continue to blow our purpose of taking care of God's good creation, but God has a plan, and this world, is it.
Jesus came for you and me, and there is no plan B. No multiverses, no alternate time lines or planets which can support life except the earth.
So from a scientific perspective, we are indeed the center of God's creation, and he has amazing things planned for us!
Basically, it started with Galileo and his "we are not the center of the universe" proposition. And of course, the sun is the center of our solar system. BUT the catch is, we are the only planet living in the habitable zone, not just in the solar system, but we are also in the perfect place in the galaxy, located between the arms of the spirals of the galaxy.
The premise these scientist were studying, was the fact that the conditions on earth are just right for life. We have an nitrogen/oxygen atmosphere, with just enough carbon for the plants and helping to protect from the universe's radiation. We have an iron core, which puts out a magnetic field around the planet, which also protects. We have the right building blocks for life, and a thin crust and plate tectonics to keep the minerals recycled.
Our moon is a very large moon for a planet our size, but it keeps the axis of the earth on its 23 1/2 degrees so that we have a temperate climate generally throughout the earth. The earth is also far enough away to get enough sun to keep us warm, but not too close so that we burn up, or end up like Venus or Mercury.
One REALLY INTERESTING face concerned solar eclipses. Did you know the moon, at the distance it is from the earth, when it comes between the earth and the sun, is exactly the right size and shape to block out all light, except the solar ring? Scientists have been studying the composition of the sun since the 19th century and how it affects us. God has planned things perfectly, so as intelligent beings, we have a planet, solar system and universe that we can study and understand!
When the astro-biologists examined the 64 or so moons revolving around all the other solar system planets, none of them was the right size, or in the right place to create tides, which help circulate hot and cold ocean water, and keep our planet more temperate. None of them had the potential or the element to create life, although some water does exist on Titian a moon around Saturn. So the remote possibility of simple life, not complex.
As for as the galaxy, our location is perfect for us to examine the rest of the galaxy and the universe, because we are not too near the center of the galaxy, which has a black hole and many supernovas, which would destroy the earth. Because we are in between the arms, we can look out into the universe and see other galaxies, which could not be done if we were in a denser area. In fact, we are placed perfectly to learn and inquire about creation!
As far as Sci-Fi fantasies about life forms based on say, silicone, like TOS had one show with Mr. Spock communicating with rock forms to find out why they didn't want the Federation blasting their rock (pretty obvious??), I have been an avid Sci Fi reader since I was about 11. I have come to the conclusion as a Christian, that there will never be other life forms. Nor do I see it anywhere in the Bible.
The possibility of finding another habitable planet is astronomical, no matter how many planets, solar systems and galaxies you have. Yes, folks, we are alone in this universe, but God has placed us here, as intelligent beings, to do his will. We blew it, in the past, and continue to blow our purpose of taking care of God's good creation, but God has a plan, and this world, is it.
Jesus came for you and me, and there is no plan B. No multiverses, no alternate time lines or planets which can support life except the earth.
So from a scientific perspective, we are indeed the center of God's creation, and he has amazing things planned for us!
