One of the questions that arises almost immediately in discussing societal issues related to the potential for life to exist elsewhere is, “What would the implications be for organized religion of a discovery of life elsewhere?”  This question really builds upon a much broader list of questions about what the relationship is between science and religion in our society.  Questions come up almost every day about:  “Is there a conflict between science and religious dogma?  Are scientists anti-religion, is religion anti-science?”  At a highly visible and pragmatic level, this extends to whether creationism (or scientific creationism or intelligent design) should be taught alongside evolution in our public schools.  These questions come up for the simple reason that both science and religion are important to the lives of so many people.  Dr. Jakosky will discuss the effects that major scientific discoveries in the past have had on religion and the questions that a consideration of the potential for life to be widespread in our galaxy raises for religion.