There's no way naturally speaking that the early earth could have generated living things. But the time and the proper athmosphere may have been available elsewhere. Now that's better. In this case we are simply guessing based upon the evidence we have collected. What's amazing is how many things we do not know even using science.
Nobody knows why homing pigeons really home, but they can be taught to do so.
We now have a chance to check the tenets of the proponents of both sides of your debate. If the advocates of various design schools, including creationists are correct, life in the universe should be nonexistant outside of the earth. I think you underestimate the ability of creationists to change their tune when massive evidence comes in. Forty years ago they were claiming that evolution never occurs. The Bible is what guides their lives, giving them meaning and purpose for this existence.