I don’t know the context of the original thread you posted this in, but accepting the possibility of extra-terrestrial life is not in opposition to religion. Many religions believe strongly in extra-terrestrial lifeforms, even many older religions.
I do tend to agree that the Bible in general is terra-centric in it’s form and message, so it should not be used to preclude the existence of other societies apart from our own. However, if you are referring to the Judeo-Christian Bible (as I think you are), it actually mentions several species of extra-terrestrial lifeforms in various places, and it even goes so far as to describe their physical appearances in certain of those accounts. In fact, many of the people of the Bible are said (in the Bible itself) to have interacted with aliens from these different species.
I respect you greatly, and I think I understand what you mean, but there is a difference between a “race” and a “species.” Webster’s 1913 dictionary defines “race” as follows:
There is also a fascinating note in that dictionary which outlines the varied opinions of the time on the number and characteristics of the different races of humanity. Basically, just as there are different breeds of dogs, cats, horses, etc., there are different breeds of people.
Also, if you accept evolutionary theory in all of its intricacies, then you must also accept the possibility of genetic superiority existing in one race or another (or varied superiorities in the varied races, for that matter). How is it that Neanderthal man rose above the other Cromagnon if he did not become of a superior stock to them at some point in time? But this is an aspect of evolutionary theory that most people have a very difficult time grasping. Margaret Sanger believed she understood this and founded Planned Parenthood to control the breeding and propagation of what she considered to be inferior breeds of man. Of course it was incredibly presumptuous of her to decide for herself which race was most fit to survive, but statistics indicate that the dedicated and directed efforts of her organization have kept that particular race in the majority in the United States.
(Just to clarify, I don’t agree with the position of racial supremacy outlined in the previous paragraph. I agree with what I believe Matt meant to say. We are all one species, and it makes no sense to fight over physical appearances or even genetic differences.)
Jesus is quoted as having taught his followers the following: “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in someone else’s eye without considering the plank of lumber in your own eye? Take the plank out first, then you will be able to see clearly enough to take out the speck.”
Now by that I only mean to say this: If you want to change the world to be more like you, first make sure you are already what you want everyone else to be. I’ve got to admit, I found some points in your own postings to be “ignorant,” and one could easily call it “arrogant” to call others ignorant when you do not in fact possess complete knowledge of the topics you are addressing. That said, if you don’t want everyone else to be like you, then what do you want us to be like, and why are you the one to decide what we should be like? (Those are just open and honest questions that go through my head in conversations like this.)
We are all on this same path in life, seeking for the truth (albeit, some are seeking harder than others). The more people I talk to, the more convinced I am that we are all wrong about at least part of it. I suppose one could argue that some are more wrong than others, but it’s worth considering that even a little bit of active yeast will cause a whole lump of bread dough to rise if left for long enough. How are we ever going to teach and learn from each other if we don’t allow each other the grace to be wrong? Some people just take a bit more grace than others, that’s all 