Crosswalk.com

The Mars Mission and the Vastness of the Universe

Cal Thomas

When I think of the Mars mission, which early Monday morning landed a roving device called "Curiosity" on the red planet, I again am reminded of the vastness of the universe.

It took eight and a half months for the device to reach Mars and 14 minutes for a picture to travel the distance. But that is nothing compared to the distance to the nearest star. Proxima Centauri is 4.22 light years, the equivalent of 154 million miles.

Scientists think they may find life on Mars. Perhaps they will in the form of micro-organisms or similar things that can be said to be living. Is there intelligent life on other planets? It could be argued there is no intelligent life on earth, given the way we behave.

Here's why I think the answer to the question is "no." God would have had to send his Son to redeem people on other planets, people made in His image. Since Scripture says Christ died once for all, he couldn't have died and risen twice. Just a thought. One thing for sure: The heavens are telling the glory of God.

I'm Cal Thomas in Washington.

Publication date: August 8, 2012