The more science I learn, the more I find my faith deepened. I am far
more impressed by a G-d who created such a complex universe that runs
itself on such simple rules, a universe that constantly creates itself
in infinite variety, than I would be with a G-d who just built a
finished product. Anyone can build a machine. But to make a machine
that assembles itself from nothing, if you just leave it alone long
enough, now, *that's* an accomplishment!
When I learn about a new scientific discovery, I frequently find
myself moved to say the bracha about how the world was created for
G-d's glory. If there is life on other planets, if that life is
vastly different from us, isn't that yet more proof of the creativity
of G-d and creation? Perhaps G-d is revealed in different ways to the
different peoples of the universe. Doesn't that show G-d's wisdom in
teaching each being according to its nature, just as we teach the four
children in the Haggadah?
If I have a plot of land for my garden, do I plant only a single
flower in one place? Or do I spread the entire field with the same
species? No, because the beauty of the garden is in its diversity and
interrelatedness. Why must we suppose that G-d created a vast
universe, only to leave it almost completely barren?
There are a number of science fiction writers dealing with the
question of how religion adapts as we meet other intelligent life -- I
can pester my husband, who remembers names much better than I, if
anyone is interested.
Aimee