The debate continues over whether or not there are other life forms in the universe, and whether or not they might visit our planet. Companion to this debate is the question – if there are other life forms in the universe, are they hostile or benevolent?

The science fiction writers are split on these questions. Likewise, contemporary theorists speculate on the same questions. While the theorists tend to believe that alien life forms have visited earth and aided humans in their development, the sci-fi writers are more inclined toward the view that we are at risk from interstellar visitors.

So, where how does this fit into our quest to reconcile faith and science?

When we apply our logic filter to the question, it would seem that both viewpoints have a degree of validity. If human history is any indication, the quest for power, riches, and territory is something of a universal trait. It is only within very recent history that humanity has even approached the ability to not covet his neighbor’s real estate. And that is an on-going effort that is far from accomplished.

We might also consider that, as our technology advances, we need to hone our social skills so that our technology doesn’t push us into escalated conflict. That too is an on-going, incomplete effort.

Is it possible that a Creator, who gave His creation free will, would recognize that conflict would be inevitable? Is it possible that the Creator coordinated advances in science with advances in moral and ethical standards to minimize conflict?

Perhaps the questions that arise from our intellectual evolution are a hint of God’s master plan. What better way to stave off conflict than to separate hostile parties by a distance so vast that they can never have a chance to engage?

Is it possible that the Creator would engineer the universe so that conflict between worlds was nearly impossible?

Perhaps one day our science will discover the means to bridge those vast distances. We can imagine that the ability to travel such distances would be accompanied by comparable advances in destruction ability. If so, we can only trust that God’s plan has given us the time to advance our ethics and morals to the point that interstellar conflict remains science fiction.

The logic of our existence in a vast universe makes it seem probable. Perhaps the plan all along was to protect us from each other.