Baptizing Martians
(Vatican Radio) "Who are we to close the doors " to the Holy Spirit? This was the question that Pope Francis repeated this morning during his homily at Mass at Casa Santa Marta, a homily dedicated to the conversion of the first pagans to Christianity. The Holy Spirit, he reiterated, is what makes the Church to go "beyond the limits, go ever forward."
"That was unthinkable. If – for example - tomorrow an expedition of Martians came, and some of them came to us, here... Martians, right? Green, with that long nose and big ears, just like children paint them... And one says, 'But I want to be baptized!' What would happen?"
http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-at-mass-the-holy-spirit-makes-the-unthinkable
Some time ago, I saw some Roman Catholic big-wig say they would have to baptize chimpanzees if it could be shown that they somehow have some sense of conscious morality.
ReplyDeleteWouldn't that entail admittance to most of the other Sacraments as well?
DeleteThis is what happens when philosophy trumps scripture. I'm pretty sure scripture argues that there is no salvation for any but humans because Jesus didn't come to us in any form but human. If there is salvation for Martians, it would be through Jesus for sure, if and only if one of the following were true:
Delete1) He incarnated somewhere as a Martian
2) His human incarnation somehow covers Martians (which could make sense if Martians and Humans are of the same race)
3) Jesus taking on the nature of those He is redeeming isn't necessary, simply preferred
There are probably others, but I'd think they would all take various liberties with the scriptures that I'm uncomfortable taking.
But taking the common thought that "alien life" is "not human", and adding the scriptural argument for the reason humans can be saved, baptizing aliens in the name of Jesus (as we understand Him through revelation) would do them as much good as baptizing a demon in the name of Jesus.
Hellboy aside, I don't see a reason for that.
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ReplyDeleteSorry, that comment was accidentally deleted. Feel free to repost it.
DeleteNo worries! I was just wondering if you had seen the article on Calvin over at the American Jesus site? Entitled 'Dear John'. It seems like the sort of thing you would enjoy responding to! I I'D certainly enjoy your perspective! Blessings :)
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