An Ecotheology for Human Settlement of the Outer Planets: Roles for Religion Beyond the Warmth of the Sun

Abstract

ABSTRACT Settlement of the Outer Planets of the Solar System will take humans far away from the Sun, its warmth, and the light on which humans depend. Most settlements will be small mining enclaves or research stations until well into the future. Lengthy travel times will satisfy the human needs for hope, patience, acceptance, self-study, and contemplation of God's role in the universe. The authors explore the potential roles of theology and religion in Deep Space, the Asteroids, and the icy moons of Jupiter and Saturn where life might be found in the liquid oceans under ice that is kilometers deep.