FFRF asks NASA to withdraw large religious grant

By FFRF Staff

The Freedom From Religion Foundation wants NASA to revoke a grant in excess of $1 million to a Christian-focused religious institute.

In May 2015, NASA’s astrobiology program awarded $1.108 million to the Center of Theological Inquiry for “an interdisciplinary inquiry on the societal implications of astrobiology, the study of the origins, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the universe.” Center Director William Storrar stated at the time, “The aim of this inquiry is to foster theology’s dialogue with astrobiology on its societal implications, enriched by the contribution of scholars in the humanities and social sciences.”

The principal thrust of the grant is theological—and therefore religious. And though ostensibly ecumenical, the Center of Theological Inquiry is “rooted in Christian theology,” according to its website. NASA is giving money to a religious organization to determine how the possible future discovery of extraterrestrial life might impact Christian theology and religious beliefs.

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