The existence of aliens is possible and Christians should not be rocked if scientists discover life on Mars, Sydney Anglicans’ top ethicist has told the Nine Network.

Scientists are hoping ice samples collected by NASA’s Phoenix Mars lander will reveal the presence of organic compounds, indicating a potential for life.

Any discovery of extraterrestrial beings would not contradict God’s existence because they would also be his creatures, the Rev Dr Andrew Cameron, chair of the Diocese’s Social Issues Executive, told ninemsn.

Dr Cameron, who also lectures in philosophy and ethics at Sydney’s Moore Theological College, said Christians should be delighted by the existence of aliens, not threatened.

A self-confessed science fiction buff, Dr Cameron said that in the event aliens are discovered, theologians will take guidance from the Book of Job, which teaches that God works in mysterious ways beyond our
understanding.

He did acknowledge some Christians may feel threatened by other forms of extraterrestrial life.

“The Bible gives humanity a very high place in the scheme of things, so that might throw some people off guard,” he said.

“But I think we have to get over ourselves to a certain extent and realise that God could have created life forms other than ourselves.”