Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Mormon theology in particular would survive discovery of Extra Terrestrial Intelligence

"Could the world's religions survive the discovery of extraterrestrial life? Or would their beliefs be so shaken that they would eventually collapse?"

A recent study suggests religion could survive discovery of ET.

Mormons may have the highest rate of acceptance of Extra Terrestrial Intelligence (ETI). Researchers commented:

Note how high Mormons score. Many Mormon respondents added comments to the effect that belief in ETI is already a part of Mormon doctrine. "My religion (LDS, Mormon) already believes in extra-terrestrials."

Regarding the question "Extraterrestrial beings are likely to have religious beliefs and practices which will conflict sharply with established beliefs and practices as we know them on earth," most Mormon strongly disagreed. Researchers commented:

We note the singular strength of disagreement among Mormons, perhaps due to the existing incorporation of ETI into Mormon theology.

Mormon Origins of ETI belief

After Joseph Smith translated and published the Book of Mormon in 1830, he began translating the Bible. The text included "and he [Moses] beheld many lands; and each land was called earth, and there were inhabitants on the face thereof." Then the Lord explained to Moses "there are many worlds that have passed away by the word of my power. And there are many that now stand, and innumerable are they unto man." (Book of Moses 1:28-35) This was later canonized as scripture of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

His translation also stated that many sought "the city of Enoch which God had before taken, separating it from the earth, having reserved it unto the latter days, or the end of the world." (Inspired Version, Genesis 14:34 [not canonized]) Joseph Smith's grand-nephew, apostle Joseph Fielding Smith affirmed this idea in 1954, "we are taught that portions of this earth have been taken from it, such as the city of Enoch, which included the land surface as well as the people. Yet the earth has maintained its steady course." (Doctrines of Salvation 2:316 & 1:62).

An 1832 revelation received by Joseph Smith stated .........

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1 comment:

Kristophorus said...

Could it survive it? The LDS Church was founded on Joseph Smith Jr. having close contact with extra-terrestrials, receiving information from them and using their technology to translate that information into our language. The LDS Church -IS- an extra-terrestrial religion and, my friend, your examiner article provides all the evidence needed to uphold that statement.