It is impressive what space exploration has provided us, ranging from scratch resistant eye glass lenses to food additives. These have been accomplished by scientists of all types who foresaw what would be needed to work in the vacuum of space. All of these are to our benefit in our daily lives now. In some cases, we could even say they have improved our quality of life.
However, there is another side to the story. Many of these inventions came to be with the cooperation of established companies like Nestlé. Some of these were invented because of the necessity for their use in space. There is nothing to say these would not have been invented eventually without the space program.
What concerns me is the billions and billions of dollars that will still be channeled into the space program. There has been talk of establishing a moon base and even a colony on Mars. These are the ideas of science fiction movies and comic books. The question to me is WHY? Why do we need a moon base and a colony on Mars? If we have such an international threat from our enemies, would the results of these explorations be of any deference against a nuclear disaster?
If we want to explore the moon, so be it. However, there are many downsides to the whole concept of a moon base and a colony in outer space. Think of those billions and billions of dollars that could be used here on earth. Our taxes could be greatly lowered. Our infrastructure of roads and bridges could be improved. The challenge from weather disasters could be addressed. Food production could be enhanced. Schools and the educational system could be modernized more. Even if the space budget is small compared to the national budget, it is still money that could be used in a better way.
This entire effort to putting a colony on Mars is reminiscent of those who would build the Tower of Babel to reach into heaven. Scripture does not record what these people intended to do if they ever succeeded in building such a tower. They simply wanted to do; like as the majority of talk today to expand our space ventures because we want to. In those ancient days there was no talk of God or honoring God. Today because all of this is scientific which includes the concept of evolution, God is not honored for the magnificence that he did in creation.
Should we ever succeed in reaching out to other planets for colonization, there is one great downfall. MAN! We are still carnal creatures. We still have a tendency toward sin and committing sin. Build a colony and it will be inhabited by people just like on earth who have an unredeemed nature. If murder occurs on earth, surely it could occur on Mars. So, what have we accomplished but spreading our spiritual nastiness millions of miles away.
We are talking about spending an enormous, massive amount of money that could be redirected to the population and its current needs. We are also talking about human beings who have the tendency toward spiritual corruption that they will take into space. In Genesis 11:6 God said, “nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.” The human brain and psyche is very resourceful. If we work hard enough and long and spend enough money, there is a very high probability that we will do it. But what are the ramifications?
Christian Writer 