We saw light from a few planes high above. Of course, some argued that they were not really planes but alien space ships (Independence Day has been a popular summer movie). This led to a discussion of whether there is life out there or not. Many expressed the opinion that there is. I agreed; this universe is an awfully big place just for us.
Interestingly, news came this week from scientists who had discovered microscopic evidence of life on Mars. The evidence was found in a shooting star (a meteorite) which fell in Antarctica thousands of years ago.
On CBS`s Sunday Morning, Charles Osgood named this discovery the "Milestone of the Week." He pointed out our fascination with the possibility that we are not alone in the universe and the recurring theme in science fiction movies of our seeking salvation from visitors beyond. The salvation sometimes comes as a result of a threat from outer space, as in Independence Day, which causes us earthlings to put aside our differences and unite against a common foe. Sometimes the salvation comes because the visitors from beyond bring us wisdom or healing power, as in ET and Cocoon. Osgood pointed out that the evidence for life in space is still inconclusive and that there is still no evidence of intelligent life. He expressed the view that we should stop looking for salvation to come from "out there" and find it within oursevles.
I don’t know. After all, isn't the Christian message that salvation comes not from within us but from a Visitor from beyond.
©1996 C. David Hess