The View From Above

A historical moment happened these past two weeks as the Artemis II mission soared around the far side of the moon on an unprecedented path that reached deeper into space than any human has traveled before.

This marks the first time humans have left Earth orbit since 1972 with the Apollo 17 mission. It is helpful to note some of their observations as none of us here will have this opportunity in our lifetimes: to see the earth from outer space.

I want to point out what is called the “overview effect,” a term coined by science author and philosopher Frank White in 1987. It refers to a shift in perspective that occurs when humans are given the chance to view Earth in the context of its cosmic backdrop. This is opposite to how we may look up at the stars and marvel at the majesty of creation or the universe. This "view from below” is expressed in Psalm 8, where the psalmist said, “You have set your glory above the heavens” (Psalm 8:1). We are also reminded that “the heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork” (Psalm 19:1).

One observation is how habitable and welcoming earth is to life. Anything outside of her is death. It drives home the truth of how perfectly suited the planet is for our habitation and how unforgiving the great beyond appears. In space, everything has to be specially designed to keep the astronauts alive. A small error can be fatal. Scripture affirms that Earth is uniquely prepared for human life: “The highest heavens belong to the Lord, but the earth he has given to mankind.”(Psalm 115:16). Likewise, “He did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited” (Isaiah 45:18). Some will look at the outer darkness and say that they see death (cf. Matthew 8:12). There is a more profound appreciation of earthly life when one leaves it. In this vast universe, there is only one “tiny blue dot” where we can inhabit. There is no place else for us to go.

Another observation is that there are no borders on earth. There are no political or religious lines. These are found only on human-made maps. We know this all along, but when viewed from space, earth seems like just one place which we and the rest of creation could inhabit. This echoes the biblical truth that “from one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth” (Acts 17:26). We have so much in common in contrast to the hostile universe, and it is remarkable that we have the tendency to separate ourselves from others and focus on self-destructive conflicts. Yet Scripture calls us to unity: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile… for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28), and reminds us that “how good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1).

Of course, as one views the thin ozone layers which makes earth habitable, there is a profound reminder of what has been gifted to us. Creation itself is sustained by God’s providence: “He himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else” (Acts 17:25), and “in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17).

So, we need to be better stewards of her during our watch and not destroy it for future generations. From the beginning, humanity was entrusted with this responsibility: “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it” (Genesis 2:15). We are also warned against destroying what God has made (cf. Revelation 11:18).

Whether through Scripture or viewing earth from above, may these truths remind us to live well, alone and together.