To Boldly Go...

Zefram Cochrane, we need you now!

During some down hours of inane boredom (yes, I was at work), I was reading through news articles and came upon this one which refers to the increasing possibility that Faster Than Light (FTL) travel may soon be a reality.  To my fellow Trekkies, 2063 is not that far off and perhaps the Phoenix will, in fact, arise to the heavens and capture FTL (or warp speed).  (Though I doubt that subsequent to this action, the Vulcans will reveal their presence and invite us to the party.)

As a Trekkie (somewhat, I have yet to hit a convention and do not speak Klingon), I am enthralled by the possibilities.  Neptune and back in 6 minutes (at warp 4.5, of course).  Imagine the possibilities for exploration.

While the "hard science" of it all needs to be worked out and tested, the theory is interesting.  Sure, this country currently has other, more important, issue to work out first, such as eliminating debt and actually coming together instead of dividing, but perhaps all we really need is this kind of scientific advance.  It worked for the world of Gene Rodenberry.

The Star Trekkin' life would be difficult (unless the starships were more Next Generation family friendly), as extended absence from family is difficult (especially for a 5-year Mission).  But, still, the possibilities have my mind wandering.

I am not really a proponent of the possibility of life on other planets, my Judeo-Christian world view does not necessarily preclude it, but it does make it seem more unlikely.  In order for there to be, the life would also need to be "created in God's own image."  And there would have had to be a Jesus event there as well.  I can't image that occurring, since Hebrews 10:10 (KJV) states:

"By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."

So perhaps I am a bit anthropocentric in my views, but it is my belief system.  Of course, there is also the view of the late, great folk-rock artist and early artist in the contemporary Christian music scene, Larry Norman.  In his song U.F.O., he sings:

"and if there's life on other planets
then I'm sure that He must know
and He's been there once already
and has died to save their soul"

In closing, all I can say is Thank You to Gene Rodenberry, whose imagination has inspired many generations of scientist and much of humanity as well, to reach for the stars and dare to "boldly go where no [one] has gone before." [Brackets included to reflect the more gender neutral verbiage from The Next Generation, in lieu of the original verbiage from the first Star Trek series, in which it states "man".]

So get ready...Engage!!