NetNews Usenet Archive 1992 #31/NN_1992_31.iso/spool/bit/listserv/catholic/3730

Text File | 1992-12-24 | 1.8 KB | 37 lines

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Path: sparky!uunet!portal!zerucha
From: [e-mail] (Thomas E Zerucha)
Subject: Re: Vatican on Internet???
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Date: Fri, 25 Dec 1992 00:19:29 GMT
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Actually, C.S. Lewis discussed it in one of his books (I don't recall the
name at the moment) - He wrote scienece fiction too and that was part
of the article (Out of the Silent Planet / Perelandra / That Hideous Strength
is the trilogy).
It depends on the "state of grace" of the ETs in question:
1. They may be unfallen, so redemption, and therefore sacrements to that
  end are unnecessary (baptism?).  For others, I am not sure (should I take
  "panis angelicus" literally?).
2. They may be fallen, but with the possibility of redemption.  The redemptive
  act for them may or may not have happened.  Perhaps it is ironic that this
  question be asked on the day we commemorate our redemption.  I can't say
  if our redemption would apply in their case.
3. They may be fallen and unredeemable (like the demons).  In that case they
  cannot recieve sacremental grace.

Interestingly enough, I remember a non-christian asking why christians didn't
believe in intelligent life other than the human race.  I replied that we do
believe in extra-human intelligence (besides God himself): Angels and Demons.

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