The Alien Question and God
EVERY
ADVENTURE REQUIRES A FIRST STEP
This work deals with the topic of unidentified aerial
phenomena (UAPs) , what was previously termed, Unidentified Flying Objects
(UFOs), and the spiritual/metaphysical aspects in a world that demands hard and
rational facts
THE
CONTACTEE MOVEMENT
The brief definition of a “Contactee” is someone who
claims to have had some form of communication with an alien to this planet life
form. This might include speech but also telepathy, astral projections, or
physical contact. Generally, this group
is marked by a belief that the aliens are benign and even benevolent. They want to help humanity solve its
problems, they encourage the cessation of nuclear use and weapons development,
and generally seek to led the planet away from total destruction.
Aliens, for most of this group, are educators or
teachers with a message to live a better life, seeking peace, and cooperation
in place of mutual destruction. In this view, the Aliens are very much a
“Savior” role. They often also promote spiritual growth, enlightenment, and
evolution beyond anger and war.
Many early encounters of this type included direct or
suggested references to the “God” of the individuals being contacted. A growing number of people now accept the
concept that many odd references in ancient sacred texts refer to encounters
with alien beings (this includes myths from many cultures, Sumerian texts,
ancient Indian writings, and texts from the Old Testament).
Early encounters with strange beings often included
being taken away, but it was often in the context of the fairies who took
people to a place where time moved at a different pace and they were returned
to peers and family strangely aged. Many early “contactees” were given rides on
space ships but were always asked and the contactee happily hopped aboard for a
short spin among the stars.
While some Biblical references of being “taken up into
heaven” have been interpreted to refer to abductions, the actual abduction scenario
of forced containment and tests is of a recent date. This’ grab and go’
scenario appears only a few times in the late 1950’s (mostly in South America)
and then later in North America in the late 1960’s through the 1990’s.
Some of these followers of the contactee movement formed
themselves around charismatic leaders and formed NRM’s or New Religious
Movements. These include the Aetherius Society, Heaven’s Gate, Scientology, and
others. There are surprising of groups
based on “UFOs” who have established themselves as religious institutions.
This group in recent decades has also been labeled as
the “UFO Religions Group” by law enforcement and social researchers. The field
is very diverse and may be far more complex than many are willing to
consider. Many writers on the subject
note that there have always been “contactees” in human history; it is only the
names given to them that changes. In past centuries people reported encounters
with “fairies”, “little people”, “demons”, “ancestors”, “angels”, “saints”,
“ghosts”, and “spirits.” Some researchers lean toward viewing most modern
“Flying Saucer Contactees” as merely the same phenomenon in a new suit of
clothes.
Others feel that some events reported are the result of
clandestine secret government tests related to mind control and behavior
modification and there is some evidence to suggest some reports may indeed be
related to something just that bizarre. Others tend to blame it on mental
instability, drug or alcohol abuse, a fantasy prone personality, or something
similar.
THE
NEW AGE MOVEMENT
The New Age Movement emerged in the late 1960’s and
1970s to become part of modern cultures mainstream. Personalities moved from
the Drug Culture to Eastern Mysticism and the result was an infusion of often
jumbled eastern philosophies and religious views. The “Age of Aquarius” had arrived promising a
shiny new future. In essence the New Age Movement combines ideas from many
different spiritual and cultural traditions for the purpose of creating a
unique worldview. Oddly, this mix and match approach often ignores crucial
aspects of the cultures and traditions being utilized.
The focus within this movement is the personal
experiences of individuals derived from drug “trips”, meditation, or other
activities. These, in essence, serve as
the authoritative “texts” and definitions of all spiritual/metaphysical topics.
Other important ideas are –
·
A focus on the concept of Oneness, or the
interconnectedness of all life.
·
A focus on the concept of ‘spiritual
transformation’
·
A belief in reincarnation
·
A rejection of the monotheism of numerous
traditional religious traditions. Some
suggest this can be traced back to the early 1900’s and Madame Blavatsky or
more recently with the writings of Davod Spanger.
The New Age Movement emerged in an idealistic and
energetic time and its ideals and methods reflect that. In broad strokes it can
be described as holistic, spiritual, and mystical. These appear, to many
people, to be rather safe and tame concepts. Others, will point out the number
one avenue of introducing these concepts into society were the illegal drug
culture, through occult writing and activities and via the lingering
metaphysical groups of society. Many of these latter societies and groups would
slip out of the ghosts and spiritualist clothing they had worn to done shiny
new space age suits and claims of alien contact.
As a result of the mélange of ideas and influences the
world of “New Age” involved and involves today the practices of yoga,
astrology, crystal healing, Tarot card reading, reincarnation, and according to many sources, a “belief in
UFOs” and “Earth mysteries” are added to the mix.
Some of the problems this broad field of study involves
that a lot is in response to fear, a sense of lack of control over the present
and future, some narcissism, and an openness that leaves one open to charges of
a lack of critical thinking skills.
THE
SCIENTIFIC METHOD APPROACH
The scientific method is defined since about the 17th
century as utilizing an empirical method to acquire knowledge. At its essence
it has been called “trial and error”.
The steps defined in a variety of ways but most utilize 4-5 steps. One
is to start with observation, develop a question, generate a hypothesis,
conduct an experiment to test the hypothesis, analyze the results, generate a
conclusion and repeat as needed. A shorter step list (better for some types of
subjects) is to ask a question, collect data, test a hypothesis, and from that
draw a conclusion. What ever specific
process is utilized the goal is to objectively establish the facts through
testing and experimentation.
Some have noted that science is basically a desire to
understand, predict, and control. The major problems science often faces
include a guiding ethic (because we can, should we?) and the issue of being so
focused on the steps of the main hypothesis that lateral thinking (outside the
box creative thought) is sometimes lost.
THE
TRADITIONAL RELIGIOUS VIEWS
The question may rank up there with the famous "how
many angels can dance on the head of pin" level of theological debate, but
it is a valuable question for those of Christian faith to contemplate. The
Christian faith has many streams, some overlap and others diverge wildly as if
escaping being on the same continent; the issue is thus complex.
The range of Christian thought should be viewed as a
continuum. At one end are those labeled "Fundamentalist",
"literal" and "hyper conservative." At the other end are those who open themselves
to the "suggestions of holy writ, believe morality and ethics are largely
situational and that it is up to humanity itself to pull on the bootstraps and
improve themselves and their world. In
the middle is a wide range of people with a great many similarities but
important differences of governance, interpretation and application of faith
teaching and church doctrines.
Judaism
“The uniqueness of humankind is not our
consciousness, but the way that consciousness is able to enter the realms of
good and evil, make decisions and distinguish between them.” (Is There Life on Other Planets? The Jewish
view on UFOs, aliens and extraterrestrial intelligence. Tzvi Freeman, at https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/3012/jewish/Is-There-Life-on-Other-Planets.htm
Islam
“According to the Ahadith of Rasulullah (sallallahu
alayhi wasallam) life — intelligent life — exists on other planets. A Hadith of
Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) narrated by Hadhrat Ibn Abbaas
(radhiyallahu anhu) describes the type and form of the different kinds of
intelligent species of creation to be found on other planets….If humans claim
with fidelity to have found life on other planets then it will not go against
Islam and if they do not then it still does not go against Islam. New things and
creatures will always be discovered it is the wonder of Allah’s limitless
power. And Allah the creator of all
things the All-Significant knows best” .– Mufti Abubakr Karolia (ttps://islamqa.org/hanafi/muftisays/10601/what-is-islam-s-stance-on-life-on-other-planets)
Buddahism
“The Dalai Lama spoke on the topic of encountering
alien beings in an address at the University of Portland in 2013. There, he
spoke of the short-sightedness of even the more optimistic visions of an alien
encounter. He said, “If I come here to talk, with a strong feeling that I’m a
Buddhist, and perhaps, furthermore, that I’m the Dalai Lama or ‘His Holiness,’
then that kind of mental attitude automatically creates a kind of distance. As
soon as you look at others as something different from you, and you consider
yourself as something different, then this sort of uneasiness comes.”
When “we” set ourselves apart from “them” in a
fundamental way, uneasiness arises. This fundamental teaching can be traced
back to the Buddha’s realization of anatta, or not-self. This teaching points
at our all-too-human proclivity to identify rigidly as this or that, in
opposition to some “other.”
The Dalai Lama continued, “So therefore, I practice
this, of course firstly there are the teachings: we always say, ‘other sentient
beings,’ even though we make distinctions between human beings, insects, and
others.” We can begin overcoming self-conceit by simply recognizing the
sentience, and thus equality, of other beings. We don’t need extraterrestrials
to do this: we can reach out to insects and animals right here already. For
many of us, even respecting the dignity of other humans would be a powerful step
in moral growth.” --- https://www.buddhistdoor.net/features/buddhistdoor-view-extending-buddhist-practice-to-beings-beyond-earth/
ANGELS
& DEMONS:
WHAT ARE ANGELS?
WHAT ARE DEMONS?
Most often the Fundamentalist end of the spectrum will
be most likely to view the subject of "extraterrestrials" as demons,
fallen angels, or evil spirits. The source of knowledge and the call to
authority is the written scriptures contained in the Bible. They may argue based on two points:
1. E.T. is not mentioned in the Bible.
2. E.T. is not mentioned as being in heaven.
Since there are many specific things not mentioned in
the Bible and knowledge of the content or nature of heaven is found only in the
Bible, it is clear that the argument is not very strong.
Response to Charge 1: Aliens are Demons
A demon is a malevolent spirit/entity. The Ancient Greek
word δαίμων (daimōn) denotes a spirit or divine power, much like the Latin
genius or numen. Daimōn most likely came from the Greek verb daiesthai
("to divide" or "distribute"). Biblically, demons are said
to be fallen angels, among the many who left heaven in a revolt led by Lucifer.
These demons are, again based on textual evidence, are
divided into groups in a hierarchy. Under "Satan" (Lucifer, Devil)
they are organized in levels known as rulers, authorities, powers, and
spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:10-12).
Demons are able to "possess" to “demonize”
people. The phrase of “demonic
possession,” is never actually used in Scripture. (Luke 8:30).
According to Rev. 12:4 says a "vast number" of
the angels joined in a rebellion with Satan against God Almighty. These fallen
angels are what the Bible refers to as demons. Some suggest as many as 1/3
followed Lucifer. The Bible never says that the number was actually one-third.
However, that number has been speculated by many for a variety of reasons
(Isaiah 14:12-15; and 2 Peter 2:4-10).
Demons are able to appear human: take shape, form and be
visible to humans (Job 4:15).
Demons may be exercised, or driven out, from a possessed
person. However, this may be dangerous if not conducted by a strong faith and
if not followed by stringent cleaning and spiritual discipleship for the
recently de-possessed. Without proper spiritual care, the person might then be
open for a seven-fold infestation (Matthew 12:45); in other words, demon may
return and bring friends.
Demons confuse the truth by utilizing demonic lies and
half-truths (1 John 4:4).
Those who worship idols and pagan gods are really
worshipping and sacrificing to demons. Demons live to deceive people into
worshipping themselves (1 Corinthians 10:20-21).
The Bible teaches that demons can inhabit animals
(Matthew 8:31).
"Demons are created beings, personal, immortal and
incapable of reconciliation with God." Encyclopedia of the Bible (vol. 2,
Elwell, ed.).
Some use the "principalities of the air"
argument. Based on a belief that Satan controls the powers of the air...things
that flew in the air were often suspect. Thus, if a creature was " of the
air", such as a UFO or alien occupant, they too were suspect and assumed
evil. The "powers and principalities of the air" is a biblical phrase
that refers to the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. The
power of the air probably refers to Satan’s host of demons who exist in the
heavenly sphere. The phrase is mentioned in Colossians 1:16, which states that
Jesus created things "seen and things unseen, visible and invisible".
The world of evil spirits is organized, and Satan is the prince of the demons
or fallen angels. Or Ephesians 6:12: "For we wrestle not against flesh and
blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the
darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
The "high places" was not the issue but the
spiritual wickedness that used the space; in other verses high places are
equated with worship and God's presence.
VIBRATIONS AND
HARMONIES: NEW AGE CONSCIENCENESS
The theory of vibrational forces
or harmonics can be traced back to many ancient religious traditions. The concept is prominent in many eastern
religious beliefs. In brief it is a
belief that all things – living and inanimate –emanates specific energy, or
vibration, and that this energy vibrates at different frequencies.
It
was very popular in the late 1800’s and into the 1900’s through the
spiritualist movement. It even features
prominently in a Hollywood comedy of the 1960‘s, The Ghost and Mr. Chicken. In the film, spiritualists in the
community were feeling the “vibrations” of the paranormal activity being
reported.
In
the era of the 1960’s through the 1970’s when eastern spiritual practices and
philosophies were being introduced, tailored, and mixed up with other systems
of belief, the ideas of harmonies, vibrations and raised consciousness found
fertile soil.
Additionally,
the Hindu inspired Emerson concept of the “oversoul.” This is a belief that the absolute reality
and basis of all existences can be conceived as a spiritual being in which the
ideal nature - imperfectly manifested in human beings - is perfectly realized. It is in essence a goal to be reached.
Infusing
much of the current dialogue about the nature, function, and properties of the
UAP phenomena is a two pronged fork of “oversoul” consciousness raising and
push to more harmonious vibrational frequencies.
HOW
BIG IS GOD?
Oddly, one of the "fears" expressed in the
Brookings Institute Report of implications created by the UFOs of the 1950's
was that word views would be enlarged. This involved views of "space
husbands" valuing the risks of space travel as opposed to the traditional
value of family and home; how to convince the public that these military risk
takers were still family men? Religions would be challenged if there was an
encounter with an intelligent being but not disastrously so. The smaller the
world view, the theology, the concept of God and the narrower the social
construct of a society or person, the greater impact and struggle they would
have,
It is also clear that same source does affirm that God
created the heaven and the earth (Genesis 1:1) and that "God made all
things" (Colossians 1:16). It seems plausible to accept that if such alien
beings are proven to exist that they were created by the same God who
"created all things."
Additionally, Psalms 19:1 says the "Heavens declare
the glory of God." Psalms 8:3-4 :
"3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the
stars, which thou hast ordained; 4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him?
and the son of man, that thou visitest him?" Finally, Hebrews 11:3 "
3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God,
so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear."
How wide is the tent of humanity? How great is the God
worshipped by people of Hebrew and Christian faith? If that God is as powerful
and overarching as claimed then the "Alien" or "ET" may
represent yet another "stranger" to be welcomed at the gates.
Remember, as such angels have been entertained...
This is by no means complete or detailed. It does begin
a dialogue about the potential interaction for people of Christian faith to
contemplate the issue. For a deeper look at the subject read this:
"Theology and Extraterrestrials" 60.1.1.pdf (theologicalstudies.net)
QUOTES
“The Lord is not serious. In fact, it is a little hard
to know just what else He is except loving. And love has to do with humor,
doesn't it? For you cannot love someone unless you put up with him, can you?
And you cannot put up with someone constantly unless you can laugh at him.
Isn't that true? And certainly we are ridiculous little animals wallowing in
the fudge bowl, and God must love us all the more because we appeal to his
humor.” ― Ray Bradbury, The Martian
Chronicles
“If you don’t know where you are going, any road can
take you there
Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six
impossible things before breakfast.
I am not crazy; my reality is just different from
yours.
Imagination is the only weapon in the war with
reality.
Little Alice fell down the hole, bumped her head and
bruised her soul.
Somehow you strayed and lost your way, and now
there’ll be no time to play, no time for joy, no time for friends – not even
time to make amends. “ - - Lewis Carroll
I’M A STRANGER. YOU’RE A STRANGER. TOGETHER, WE
ARE…STRANGERS. - - Unknown
Related
Readings:
Could Extraterrestrial Intelligence Sway Religious
Beliefs? | Space
Exotheology: Theological Explorations of Intelligent
Extraterrestrial Life: Parkyn, Joel L.: 9781725291485: Amazon.com: Books
Belief in Aliens May Be a Religious Impulse - Scientific
American
Vatican scientist says belief in God and aliens is OK
(christiantoday.com)
What C.S. Lewis thought about space exploration and
aliens (religionnews.com)
Believing in aliens not opposed to Christianity,
Vatican’s top astronomer says ; Catholic News Agency
With all this talk of UFOs, what's a Christian to think?
– Baptist News Global
If we made contact with aliens, how would religions
react? - BBC Future
Aliens, UFOs, and the Bible: Should Christians Study the
Unseen Realm? (logos.com)
UFOs and the Bible - Are Aliens Demons?
(christianworldviewpress.com)
Brookings Report, brookings.pdf (nicap.org)
