Christian Thoughts on a Trip to Mars

Genesis 1:28
“And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.”

In July of 1969, people all over the Earth watched the first astronauts land on the moon. Twenty years later, the first President Bush challenged the American people to make a manned landing on the planet Mars. It was acknowledged that it would take the astronauts nine months to get to Mars and part of the plan would be to use the natural resources of Mars once they were there.

But what should Christians think about the effort to land on Mars? Is it a waste of effort that could be better used on Earth? Did God intend man to remain on Earth only? In Genesis 1:28 God gave man the commission to “subdue the Earth.” Many Christians call this “the great science commission.” However, He did say “Earth,” not the moon or Mars and, thus, thoughtful Christians are divided on this issue. Nevertheless, exploration of God’s creation is fulfilling the natural desire He has placed within us. Historically, it has always been the case that man’s efforts are blessed when we give Him the glory. To be sure, the Bible became the first book to travel to the moon; but in future exploration, will God be given the glory for His creation? 

So far, practically every extra-terrestrial discovery made has supported the creation account and caused problems for evolution. That certainly proclaims God’s glory and justifies space exploration.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for Your protection for those brave individuals who have been involved in space exploration. I ask that You would continue to move faithful Christian young people to be involved in science so that You can use our space efforts to glorify Yourself. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Notes:
Photo: Astronaut Bruce McCandless II outside the United States Space Shuttle Challenger in 1984. Courtesy of NASA.