ASTRODEIST MANIFESTO

Manifesto for a Christian Spirituality in Space
"Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature."Mark 16:15

astrodeismo@gmail.com

Copyright Simone Nespolo

PREAMBLE

As Christians who are faithful to the Good News of Jesus Christ, we recognise that the great work of salvation is not confined to Earth's geographical limits, but rather unfolds throughout the universe, a stage worthy of the Creator's majesty. Humanity's expansion into space is not a technological whim, but rather a logical continuation of the original vocation entrusted to humanity:

'Fill the earth and subdue it' (Genesis 1:28) — even beyond Earth today.Genesis 1:28

This does not mean exercising blind and destructive dominion, but rather guarding creation wherever it unfolds, even among the stars.

It is not an escape from our planet, but rather the conscious extension of the missionary mandate entrusted to the Church to be the light of the world as the 'world' expands to the heavens beyond.

Foundational statements:

  • The entire universe is God's creation, a visible reflection of his invisible glory.
    • 'The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.'Psalm 19:1
  • Space is not a barren void, but is filled with the divine presence.
    • 'The whole earth is full of his glory' (Isaiah 6:3)—and, by extension, so is the cosmos.Isaiah 6:3
  • Exploration of the cosmos is not an act of pride, but a conscious response to a call to know, cherish and proclaim.
  • Science, far from being the enemy of faith, is a gift from God. It becomes a valuable ally in understanding creation and better serving humanity.

CONSTITUTIONAL ARTICLES

Article I: God in the Cosmos

God is not confined to one place, but is present in every corner of creation, even the most distant and unexplored regions.

He is the Father Creator, the foundation and organiser of the physical laws that govern galaxies and quarks.

Psalm 148:6

  • Redeemer Son: through Him, "all things were created", visible and invisible, earthly and heavenly.

    • Colossians 1:16–20

  • The Holy Spirit hovered over the primeval waters and still hovers over the stellar horizons today.

    • Genesis 1:2

  • The Incarnation of the Word in Jesus Christ was a unique event, but its redemptive power extends far beyond Earth.
    • 'God so loved the world...' (John 3:16) — and that 'world' embraces the entire creation, both visible and invisible.John 3:16

Article II: The Ecclesial Mission in Space

The expansion of humanity into space brings new responsibilities for the Church.

  1. To establish Christian communities in space colonies that are in sacramental and doctrinal communion with the universal Church.
  2. Train ministers who can combine theological depth with scientific knowledge and are ready to administer the sacraments in extraterrestrial environments.
  3. Adapting the liturgy to new contexts without altering its substance;
    • Celebrating the Eucharist with valid, albeit synthetic, bread and wine.
    • Administering Baptism with regenerated or colony-collected water.
    • Compose new hymns, psalms and prayers inspired by the infinite beauty of the cosmos.

Article III: Ethics of the New Creation

Space colonies are living cells of the Body of Christ, not mere technical outposts.

  • A chapel open to all Christian denominations, even if it is small, as a sign of unity in diversity.
  • A living memory of the Earth: DNA of terrestrial species; printed or digital Bibles; patristic and tradition texts.
  • A standing ethics committee composed of theologians, scientists, and philosophers to address the moral and bioethical challenges posed by the extraterrestrial environment.
  • Rejection of technological idolatry. Technology is a servant, not a goddess.
    • "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image..." (Exodus 20:4).Exodus 20:4
  • Recognition of every civilisation, whether earthly or alien, as a potential recipient of the Gospel:
    • 'I have other sheep that are not of this fold...' (John 10:16).John 10:16

ESCHATOLOGICAL VISION

Christian eschatology does not hinder cosmic expansion; rather, it transfigures and orients it.

The stars are not barriers between us and God; they are witnesses to his greatness.Job 38:7
  • Encountering other intelligent life forms does not undermine faith; it can provide an opportunity to witness the universality of the Logos.

    • Acts 2:11

  • The ultimate destiny of the universe is not annihilation, but glorious transfiguration.
    • 'We await new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.' (2 Peter 3:13)2 Peter 3:13

ECONOMY OF COSMIC COMMONWEALTH

The colonisation of space must be supportive, ethical and humane, not a repetition of the inequalities found on Earth.

  • At least one-tenth of the mineral and productive resources obtained in space should be allocated to the poor on Earth and in the colonies.
  • Artificial intelligences should be programmed to serve humans, not to dominate or replace them.
  • Found places of prayer and silence, such as hermitages or monasteries in orbit, for contemplation and inner peace.
  • Let colonisation be rooted in reality, not a disembodied utopia: we are not Amish settlers in space, but Christians called to act with wisdom, charity and realism.

RULES OF LIFE FOR THE COSMIC BELIEVER

Worship

Holding vigils and saying prayers while contemplating the deep sky and singing the glory of the Creator.

Study

A continuous dialogue between Scripture, theology and cosmology.

Mission

Proclaiming the Gospel with respect, discernment, and cultural openness.

Humility

Embracing each new world as pilgrims, as "strangers and foreigners" (1 Peter 2:11) and acknowledging that our true homeland is in heaven.

ORDERS AND SERVICES IN SPACE

These are not unrealizable utopias, but rather concrete vocations for the Church of the future.

Keepers of space hospitality

Welcoming and assisting travellers and pilgrims among the stars.

Friars of orbital silence

Who are consecrated to contemplative prayer in microgravity environments.

Interstellar missionaries

Who are sent to proclaim the Gospel in new settlements and, if possible, to extraterrestrial civilisations.

✝

The God who counts the stars and calls them by name' (Psalm 147:4).

May He accompany you on your sidereal journeys.

May the Spirit who hovered over the waters (Genesis 1:2) watch over and bless your travels among the galaxies.

And when you inhabit new heavens and lands, always remember: Christ is Lord there, too.