God, Christians, and… Aliens

1500 words, 7 minute read

(This post is contributed by David Bugay, PhD, an author, professor, and ordained minister devoted to equipping people to live with purpose, integrity, and faith.)

If any group is philosophically prepared to consider the possibility of non-human intelligences, it may well be Christians. 

At first glance, this seems counterintuitive, as discussions about aliens and extraterrestrial life are frequently presented as challenges to belief in God, implying that faith and a populated universe were mutually exclusive. However, when we look more closely at Christian theology, a surprising realization emerges: 

Christianity has always affirmed a reality filled with intelligences beyond

humanity—long before science gave them new names.

At the foundation of Christianity stands belief in God as the most extraordinary Being conceivable. God is not merely stronger or intelligent than humanity; rather, God is understood as the source of all existence itself. Christians readily acknowledge that the fullness of God’s nature lies beyond human comprehension. Scripture does not attempt to tame this mystery; instead, it invites believers to live within it. That invitation quietly prepares Christians for a universe far stranger, richer, and more populated than everyday experience suggests.

A Reality Beyond the Human

First, Christianity insists that God is not human. While Christians believe God entered history in the person of Jesus Christ, this act was not because God was limited or confined, but rather because humanity required redemption and reconciliation. The incarnation represents divine accommodation with God stepping into human experience so that we might come to know Him. Jesus taught that “God is Spirit” and repeatedly emphasized that God’s ways and thoughts transcend human thoughts and experiences. From the very beginning, Christian faith affirms that reality extends far beyond what can be seen, touched, or measured.

Second, God’s capacities defy all human limitations. Christians believe that God hears the prayers, fears, gratitude, and cries of billions of individuals while simultaneously sustaining the cosmos each moment. This form of intelligence is not bound by space, time, or physical constraint. It is a vision of consciousness operating on a scale that dwarfs anything in human experience.

Non-Human Intelligences in Scripture

Scriptures describe encounters between humanity and non-human intelligences. One of the most debated passages is found in Genesis 6, where Scripture refers to mysterious beings called the “sons of God.” These beings interact with humanity, and their influence is portrayed as deeply corrupting, contributing to violence and moral collapse. The text speaks of “giants” and “men of renown,” figures who loom large in both physical presence and cultural memory.

Historically, many scholars have believed these beings to be fallen angels—spiritual intelligences in rebellion against God, who seek to distort creation and undermine God’s redemptive purposes. Others interpret the passage symbolically or theologically. Regardless of interpretation, the text undeniably presents the idea that powerful, non-human beings once interacted directly with human civilization, with catastrophic consequences.

Within this framework, humanity alone stands under the promise of redemption first articulated in Genesis 3:15. Here we see the promise of our future redeemer crushing Satan’s head and Satan bruising His heel. These other worldly beings are not described as its recipients. The narrative suggests a violation of God’s created order, resulting in beings that do not reflect His design or intention. The flood, as judgment, marks a decisive reset—an act of preservation as much as punishment. 

What It Means to Be Human

Christian anthropology further broadens this already expansive worldview. According to Scripture, humans are created in the image of God—not physically, but in nature. Humans are not merely biological organisms. They are embodied souls, possessing mind, will, and emotions. Within the soul resides the human spirit—the dimension of being capable of communion with God.

Christians believe that at death, the body ceases, but the soul and spirit continue in the presence of God. This transition occurs beyond human observation and scientific instrumentation, yet it is affirmed as real, conscious, and meaningful. In other words, Christians believe in personal existence beyond the physical body and that challenges strictly material explanations of reality.

A Populated Invisible World

Christian theology affirms the ongoing presence of invisible intelligences in the contemporary world. Angels are described as non-human beings created to fulfill God’s purposes including guiding, protecting, or intervening in human affairs. Conversely, Scripture speaks of malevolent spiritual entities, commonly referred to as demons, whose objectives include deception, corruption, and destruction when permitted. These beings are not visible to the human eye, yet Christians maintain that their influence is both real and consequential.

Even more striking, Christians believe that the boundary between the living and the dead is not absolute. Scripture describes believers as being “surrounded by a cloud of witnesses,” referring to those who have gone before them in faith. Some Christian traditions describe this as the Communion of Saints. While often expressed in general or poetic terms, this belief affirms a conscious, populated reality beyond the physical world.

A Vast and Abundant Creation

This theological perspective exists with Christianity’s awe-filled vision of creation itself. The universe contains trillions of stars organized in galaxies stretching beyond human comprehension. Christians interpret this vastness as the visible handiwork of God—a testimony to divine creativity and abundance. The night sky is not seen as empty space; it is viewed as a canvas proclaiming generosity rather than scarcity.

This leads to an uncomfortable but unavoidable question: Is it reasonable to believe that God created all of this solely for one small planet and one species?

Humanity has a well-documented tendency toward self-centeredness, instinctively placing itself at the center of existence. Yet the immense scale of the universe challenges this assumption. 

“If God created such immense cosmic real estate, 

vastness itself may be part of His signature.”

Faith and the Possibility of Extraterrestrial Life

Christians already affirm the existence of intelligent, non-human beings. God, Angels, and demons are all believed to be not human entities. Even humans, according to Christian doctrine, are not solely material; they are supernatural, destined for continued existence beyond physical death. If this is already accepted, then the possibility of additional created intelligences elsewhere in the universe should not be surprising.

Contemporary science often speaks of other dimensions or planes of existence when addressing realities beyond direct observation. Christianity has spoken of this concept for millennia. The deeper challenge may not concern the existence of extraterrestrial life, but rather our willingness to accept that reality is far larger and more populated than our senses allow us to perceive.

Surveys indicate that a strong majority of scientists believe life exists elsewhere in the universe, and an increasing number of Christians share this belief. Many prominent Christian leaders and institutions have publicly stated that extraterrestrial life would not contradict Christian faith. The relative silence on the topic within churches may reflect discomfort or simple habit rather than theological impossibility.

Questions at the Edge of Faith

If humanity were ever to encounter intelligent life beyond Earth, profound theological questions would follow.

First, it would be necessary to consider whether such beings are “human” in the theological sense—not in physical form, but in being made in the image of God and possessing body, soul, and spirit. Or might they resemble the disruptive entities described in Genesis 6, seeking to circumvent God’s purposes? If so, how would the people of Earth know without interaction with these beings? Would we have to explore their perspectives of the universe itself and of God? 

Second, how would God relate to such beings? Are we the only ones where God Himself visited through His Son or, would God have multiple incarnations of Himself with other forms of life? Is Earth the only place where God in the flesh has made an appearance? If so, there is a far broader mission in sharing Christ with others, maybe beyond the bounds of this world.

Third, would such beings need to hear the Gospel from humans, or would God have already revealed Himself to them in ways appropriate to their nature? Might they possess their own testimony of God’s Word, suited to their unique world and history?

Nothing to Fear

Ultimately, the central issue is trust. If God is with us, there is little reason for fear. Christian faith has always demanded humility before mystery, courage in the face of the unknown, and hope beyond sight. Should the universe contain intelligences which challenge all human imagination, then it would also provide opportunities to witness anew the depth, creativity, and sovereignty of God.

In that sense, Christians may be well prepared to encounter the unknown—whether in this life or beyond. They already worship a God who exceeds every conceivable boundary.