With all the fun talk about finding planets in habitable zones, people training for missions to mars, moon colonies, nasa getting 1 last shuttle mission, Russian space hotels ... whatever else you care to throw in there.
it get's me thinking
does religion belong in space? I can't imagine any reason why religious texts/beliefs would have even considered the possibility of man leaving the planet on his own accord. So, although I've not read every good-book out there, my assumption is that religion as we know it has been meant to remain earth bound.
I can see how religious folks may want to apply their beliefs throughout the universe, but is that really appropriate? If every religion has been written in the context of man on earth, on what grounds would a religion have to extend their message beyond that context?
Will there be churches in LEO on the moon or on Mars?
On a deep space exploration craft?
Would religions attempt to convert alien life?
Finally, let's assume religions cannot leave earth-- perhaps if you leave earth, you've forsaken God's gift, and therefore you don't get to go to heaven; make up whatever reason, it's not that important.
Would you choose to give up your religion, or space travel?