Rev Ian Connor
Snave Church (C of I)
1966 November: Sometimes I think we’re alone, and sometimes I think we’re not. In either case, the idea is quite staggering.
1966 December: You either believe there are other forms of intelligent life in the universe, or that there aren’t. Either way, it’s a pretty staggering thought.
1974: Sometimes I think we’re alone in the Universe, and sometimes I think we’re not. In either case, the prospect is very frightening.
1977: Either mankind is alone in the galaxy — or he is not; either alternative is mind-boggling.
Ian Connor had no doubts in the matter – other life-forms did exist (in his opinion) and some were sufficiently advanced to have reconnoitred Earth (by flying saucer) to see what humankind was up to.
Detractors of this point of view point to the vastness of interstellar space and the consequences thereof to such theories, but surely they have overlooked one of the lesser-known features of special relativity, which is that the faster you go, the disproportionately less time it takes to go from A to B.
As an extreme example, a photon (travelling of course at the speed of light) can traverse the entire universe in the twinkling of an eye.
However that may be, a man of the cloth, as Ian was, surely had to take into account the Biblical narrative of creation, both of the universe itself, and of humankind on this Earth, which makes no mention of multiple life-forms elsewhere. And of course if there were, would there have to be multiple incarnations of a Saviour? I wonder what the Bishop of Cork made of Ian’s theology.
I’m sure that Ian would have enjoyed many intelligent discussions about such matters at quiet moments in the Ardnagashel bar, especially as Ron’s views about Life, the Universe and Everything were of the Buddhist persuasion. But I also expect that from time to time, Ian would look furtively over his shoulder, and mutter something to the effect that his supplies were running low and could Ron disburse another box or two?
Drugs? Of course not! Contraceptives! Ron’s business trips back to England meant that he was frequently approached somewhat sheepishly (whether by Catholics or Protestants) to bring back such commodities, which were at that time completely banned in Ireland.
Snave Church was eventually deconsecrated and turned into luxury holiday accommodation, but fortunately Audrey arranged for the font to be preserved and relocated to the front of Rossdoon.