THE ALIENS CAME FROM THE MOVIES! : Exploring a Common Myth

 Academics, and others, frequently argued that the whole alien entity and abduction scenario were inspired and influenced by movies. Numerous books, interviews, and other comment sources, showed an "expert" waving away any such nonsense as the product of too many movies or television shows.

(Author's depiction of being seen as a child)

People nodded, accepting at face value that blanket assessment.  Several academic papers addressed it and argued well - but without reflecting any real investigation into timelines and chronologies for the sightings they were dismissing.

These were the top grossing films and that assumes they were the most influential. The early "contactees" (see earlier article) consistently reported humanlike alien encounters. Project Blue Book contains some mentions of beings - most smaller - and some human-like (those instances hint at a human attending an experimental craft (such as 1966 Temple, Ok incident).

• One strong visual image of the "alien" came in the Man from Planet X (1951).  A short, small statured actor was the alien. He had a dome shaped head, large handle-like ears and a long beaked nose. It was spooky looking.
• The same year, Flying Saucer (1951) used the idea to convey the military's favorite theme of the era, namely that the "disks" were products of soviet attempts to induce fear in the American people. No aliens and a small man-made saucer.

• A more popular film was 1951's The Thing From Another World (or just The Thing). Based on a short story it was gripping and showed a tall, vegetable-based alien with evil intent, facing off with a group of military and scientists in the frozen north. Towering James Arness played this alien. The short story was much more like the later remake in the 1980's starring Kurt Russell.  This one , however, with its "watch the skies" can be understood as both a warning of potential polar invasions from hostile countries as well as potential dangers from "outer space."
• Also, that year was The Day The Earth Stood Still. Making notable a large metallic robot, Gort, and an alien played by a tall, slender, and youthful Michael Rennie. An anti-atomic weapons movie cloaked in science fiction.
• It Came From Outer Space (1953)
• Invaders from Mars (1953)
• War of the Worlds (1955)
• Robert Monsters from Mars (1954)
• Devil Girl from Mars (1954)
• Killers from Space (1954) - Abduction story
• Target Earth (1954) - features a robot
• This Island Earth (1955)
• Forbidden Planet (1956) . Humanity as its own worst enemy.
• Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956).  The film interpreted the book via a lens of communist takeover of a society and focuses on the "no choice" aspect of such. Aliens are seed pods.
• It Conquered the World (1956). Alien is plant-based lifeform.
• Invasion of the Saucer Men (1957). Aliens were small, child sized, with large teardrop shaped heads, long pointed ears, bulging eyes, and prominent veins in the scalp. Their form may have been inspired by the Kellyville-Hopkinsville (KY) alien encounter with a farm family.
• Kronos (1967) A robot.
• Brain from Planet Arous (1957)
• Mysterion (1957) A Japanese made movie.
• Not of the Earth  (1957)
• The Blog (1958). Grossed 4 million.
• I married a Monster from Outer Space (1958). Veiny faced aliens who take over bodies.
• Invisible Invaders (1959). A blending of zombies and aliens.
• Plan 9 from Outer Space (1959). While recognized as bad it was successful on the small driven in and theater circuit.

In 1961, a couple in New Hampshire will report what is considered the first major alien-human encounter and missing time and/or abduction. The Betty and Barney Hill case includes sketches of the "leader" they encountered.  A Round headed being with slightly slanted eyes who wore a uniform of some kind. Skeptics had often charged that the couple had been influenced by television shows such as Twilight Zone and The Outer Limits.

These shows did have aliens, "Sixth Fingers", Outer Limits (1963), "Bellario Shield" (1964) and "Galaxy Being" on Twilight Zone (1963).  These, however, appeared after the incident and could not have influenced the original drawings or incident.

Rare 1952 Documentary Short; First to frame the topic as worthy of serious study.

 

The Book of Enoch

A book most Biblical and ancient scholars have long classified as a non-canonical book (meaning it did not meet the criteria for the inclusion of other Biblical books), had suddenly been thrust into the spotlight due to its imaginative padding of events mentioned, briefly, in the Book of Genesis. Such books are termed technically as pseudepigraphy or "fake writings."  Such works often form a large body of apocalyptic literature - events of the end of the world.

"Enoch" in the Bible was a godly man who one day "walked with God" and was no more. He was whisked away to heaven or someplace else unidentified in scripture. This sets up the problem currently faced. Humanity wants answers. If they can't find them, they will make them up. New philosophies and believes will twist and shape them to conform to support their views.

Most of the writings in these classifications share common themes drawn from mysticism, Kabbalism, paganism, and only give a tip of the hat to the continuity of the books accepted as sacred canon.  They are also usually of more recent authorship.

The work called "The Book of Enoch" is an interesting study because there are three works.  Scholars have broken them into three parts for study and textual analysis.  My source for these notes is James C. Charlesworth and his Old Testament Pseudepigrapha: Apocalyptic Literature and Testaments (Henrickson, 1983, vol. 1).

1) Ethiopian Apocalypse of Enoch, or Enoch I. This work scholars have dated to 2nd century B.C.E. to 1st century C.E. Some scholars will go so far as say it was written before the 3rd century C.E.  

This work contains a detailed recap of events of the "Sons of God" which some scholars indicate should better read "associates of God", also called "Watchers" and the "daughters of men" who interbred and produced the "giants" or "Nephilim."

The idea that the Nephilim are demonic or evil spirits is found in this source.

Notes: The Book of Jude and a letter of Paul both mention what is believed to be some document about Enoch. It contains information not found in the accepted canon but is found in Enoch I.  It's dating allows for it to have been known and used by the early church writers and people.

It is known that the Jewish texts included many works not accepted by the early church (the Maccabees, Judith, and many more).  These were probably, in the so-called silent period of the 400 years of the intertestamental period, read and taught in Jewish schools and in rabbinic training.  Jewish faith had a different measuring stick for worthy or useful reading.  They understood the purpose of story as a means of generating thought, building logical skills, and reinforcing faith practices or traditions. 

The western based Christian church developed an unhealthy adherence to strict logic that outcast imaginative thought and "storytelling" to arenas of untruth to be avoided.  Thus, the rationalism of the west became as dogmatic as the most fundamentalist or literalist of our own era. 

2) Slavonic Apocalypse of Enoch, or Enoch II.   This work has been dated the last part of the 1st C.E. to the 8th century C.E.  Scholars indicate it reveals many Middle Ages based beliefs and was translated from the Greek.  

3) Hebrew Apocalypse of Enoch, or Enoch III.  This work is dated from the 5th century C.E. to the 6th century, with some scholars arguing its contents indicate it was written or added to as late as the 12th century C.E. This one differs in many ways, it was written in Hebrew, it features some confusing content regarding the sanctuary, and the use of a Latin-based name/term "Metranon."  This term many scholars believe was based on the Latin and would not have been easily accessible to Hebrew language writers before the 5-6th centuries C.E.  Enoch III draws heavily on the original Greek of Enoch II, and this suggests a dating of 9th to 10th centuries C.E.

The vast amount of information on ENOCH is being produced by AI, those who are illiterate of ancient writings, their languages, and the scholarly study conducted.  Every small view or opinion - no matter how extreme, incorrect, or crazy- has been given an equal voice in this social media world. The need for criteria, evaluations, and knowledge will help safeguard a leap into insanity.

Josephus wrote that by the time of Jesus most Old Testament works had been settled as to their inclusion or exclusion. Both Jewish and Christian scholars used similar criteria in determining what when into the accepted canons. 

These included a common acceptance that they were divinely inspired and authoritative for faith and practice; that they were widely accepted and used in worship and teaching; and that they were consistent with the mission and message of God’s people (as revealed by the rest of scriptures).

The Book of Enoch I , might have something to say based on its age and use by the first century writers of the New Testament. The others are clearly very late additions working in response to growing mysticism and pagan rediscoveries of the middle ages.

Exo-Theology: The Alien Question and God

 A report (timely due to recent alleged reports)

Exo-Theology: The Alien Question and God

 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. 

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.

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.

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 more narrow 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)

“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

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)

TIME LINES

Historians know the value and import of timelines. The visible progress of event/idea and consequence.  Anyone writing a biography knows it is crucial to map out the life of an individual to see the milestones and turning points that feed decisions, changes, and responses.  The points at which crucial life moments intersected the larger social and historical framework.

When I first began my own deep dives into looking at the topic, I found book after book that "clumped" and rearranged events, often without dating or signposts.  This leads to crating false impressions about the importance, significance, or impact of an event.  It is easy to minimize the truly important and move the narrative in new directions. It is easy to hide "the big picture of the forest" by focusing on the lone tree.

For that reason, in my books I applied a chronological approach.  An approach that asks the questions "what was going on?", "what new research might apply?", and "is the official narrative being totally honest?"

It is an approach that also allows for the identification of clusters, geographical patterns, and similar data to be extracted.

This macro approach also allows one to avoid cubbyhole thinking. It encourages exploring into other fields, into other work, into other ideas and then seeing logical connections or hidden links.

It is important in modern studies that this time line be examined, adding all the factors, the players, the ones with something to gain, and the ones in fear of losing something, the global issues/influences, and the micro issues/influences.

It may be crucial to all.

Another Whistle Blower Dead

 From X

UAP James

@UAPJames

NEW: Retired Dept. of Energy Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kevin Childress, a potential UFO whistleblower, died while in talks to provide testimony to Congress about DOE UAP files Lue Elizondo was arranging for Childress to meet with members of Congress when he was found dead in his home by his wife in August 2021. Childress described himself as a lifelong experiencer to those in the UFO community in the months prior to his death. Childress was a 30-year Special Agent who was awarded DOE OIG Investigator of the Year in 2000 and 2005.

Missing and Disappeared

 

Another name now ...Kevin Childress, a Special Agent in Charge with Dept. or Energy. Found dead on his sofa... no autopsy. He was preparing to become public as a whistleblower.  https://x.com/i/status/2055451924690817153