The impact of finding life on another planet would be felt across every facet of society, including religion.
If there is life elsewhere in the Universe, the possibility that we’ll discover it within the lifetimes of our children is high.
In the past few decades, scientists have built a powerful foundation upon which the search for extraterrestrial life can take place.
While we won’t be able to exchange messages with extraterrestrials anytime soon, by the end of this century we are likely to know if we’re alone or have biological company in our Galaxy.
Humanity can make no discovery more profound than that.
The existence or non-existence of extraterrestrial life won’t prove any one theological system right or wrong.
But being able to prove that life exists will have an enormous impact on how each follower of a religion understands their own particular faith.
Perhaps more importantly, knowing that there is intelligent life out there may change the way we treat people of other faiths on this planet.