Astrotheology is a discipline combining the methods and domains ofspace science withsystematic theology.[1] Astrotheology concerns the theological, cultural, and ethical implications of space exploration and identifies the elements of myth and religion in space science.[2][3] Astrotheology is a "multi-disciplinary branch of theology that takes up the relationship between God and the creation, especially the creation of the universe over time."[4]Ted F. Peters envisions astrotheology as "the meeting point between theologians and astrobiologists."[5] A.C. Pieterse describes the field as a "prophetic wormhole that relatesspace-time toeschatological transformation", a theology of nature rather than anatural theology.[6]
A.. C. Pieterse traces the "seeds" of astrotheology to the works of Greek philosophers such asLeucippus,Democritus,Epicurus, andLucretius who "held that [the] cosmos is infinitely large, with an infinite number of patterns that could sustain intelligence."[7] The theologian Ted Peters similarly identifies ancient debates on the plurality of worlds (aperoi kosmoi) as a starting point for astrotheology, tracing it fromAristotle through toThomas Aquinas,Jean Buridan, andWilliam of Ockham.[8]
The wordastrotheology, hyphenated asastro-theology, first appears in a tract by the Anglican clergymanWilliam Derham. For Derham, the task of this discipline was to "glorify God by stressing the immensity and magnificence of God's creation."[4] Derham advocated a chronology of space science broken into three eras, the Ptolemaic, the Copernican, and post-Copernican.[9] In 1855,Edward Higginson published a series of four lectures, separating astrotheology into an earlier Jewish period and a modern period, the former regarding the mythology of ancientIsraelites and the latter encompassing "modern philosophical views of the solar system and the fixed stars."[10]
For Peters, astrotheology is "at minimum, a theology of space science".[11] It connects withastrobiology, challenging the concept of extraterrestrial intelligence and engaging in discussions about the extent of God's creation. Astrotheology explores the spiritual dimensions inspired byspace sciences, and uncovers hidden religious meanings in secular experiences.[12] Astrotheology collaborates withastroethicists to proposepublic policies related to scientific space exploration and ethical considerations. These policies may include guidelines for responsible space exploration, regulations for the protection of celestial bodies and ecosystems, protocols for interactions with potentialextraterrestrial life, and frameworks for international cooperation in space exploration efforts.[12]
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