God and the size of the universe.

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So far as I understand God created all that exists for man (am I wrong in that assumption?), if that is the case then why is the universe so vast? Seems to be a huge waste of space seeing as how man's purpose (whatever that is) should be achievable on Earth.

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There are two mutually exclusive (or nearly mutually exclusive) views on this subject which creationists hold, although rarely at the same time.The first is that the universe as a whole was created specifically for biological life, and would cite a bunch of so-called "anthropic coincidences" in the laws of physics for support.However, since Christians loathe to consider that this would imply that created life should be common everywhere in the universe, which would undermine the Christian view of Earth's and humanity's "uniquely exalted status", or that the potential discovery of extraterrestrial life would (to them) undermine their opposition to "what evolution teaches", namely that life could "evolve" on any other planet, the creationists would tell you some time later that biological life is restricted solely to this planet (again, citing a truckload of simultaneous physical conditions unique to Earth which they believe life requires) and is thus impossible anywhere else in the universe.Either way, they would tell you that the vastness of the universe is primarily for the purpose of BibleGod showing off so as to make us puny humans go "ooooh! and aaaah!". Read the latter part of the Book of Job (particularly the "whirlwind speech") for a prime example of that.

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However, since Christians loathe to consider that this would imply that created life should be common everywhere in the universe, which would undermine the Christian view of Earth's and humanity's "uniquely exalted status", or that the potential discovery of extraterrestrial life would (to them) undermine their opposition to "what evolution teaches", namely that life could "evolve" on any other planet, the creationists would tell you some time later that biological life is restricted solely to this planet (again, citing a truckload of simultaneous physical conditions unique to Earth which they believe life requires) and is thus impossible anywhere else in the universe.

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Christian and creationist are not synonymous nor do all Christians hold the positions you assert in that quote.

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I certainly do not consider "creationist" and "Christian" synonymous (which is why I referred to both there); but the charge of goal-post-shifting (i.e. making the assertion that the entire universe is fine-tuned for life, and later claiming that only the Earth is) would pretty much apply to the specific subset of Christians who call themselves creationists.

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But did you say

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However, since Christians loathe to consider that this would imply that created life should be common everywhere in the universe, which would undermine the Christian view of Earth's and humanity's "uniquely exalted status", or that the potential discovery of extraterrestrial life would (to them) undermine their opposition to "what evolution teaches", namely that life could "evolve" on any other planet,...

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Those sure look like you are implying those parts of your statement apply to all Christians.

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Well, perhaps those statements do apply, as far as common perceptions go. I find it amazing how much blather there has been on the subject of the mere existence of any extraterrestrial life being incompatible with Christianity (from opposing sides even!), and stunning near-silence on the possibility that God could just as well have created a vast universe teeming with life, or anything between those two extremes. Why do you suppose that is?

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Why do I suppose what is?

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That there is so much blather on one side of this subject, but you have already adequately answered that with the following:

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Isn't all the above just another example of the "common perception" being based on fantasy as opposed to reality?

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It most certainly is. Neither common perceptions nor religious beliefs override reality, but that is beside the point. Please note that this is the "Faith and Belief" subforum, regardless of whether or not beliefs (or even beliefs about beliefs!) correspond with reality.

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I can of course totally refute the fact that those assertions apply. I'm a Christian and they don't apply to me or to any of the Christians I regularly associate with.

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Then they don't apply to you, nor to your associates. Relaying a common perception (or misconception) is not the same thing as making a universal claim, but those who would play a "No True Scotsman" fallacy card at this point wouldn't hesitate for a second.

Well, aren't we special? Ooops, not so special after all... What conceivable purpose does humiliating one's own children serve? Oh, yeah, like you said, to vicariously puff up the parent's ego.Perhaps the reason God made such a huge universe is so that we could grow up already, leave the crib* behind, and learn to rely on ourselves.*i.e., Earth. Edited by AdminPD, : Warning: Stick to the topic.