EXAMINING THE UFO/UAP TOPIC

The graphic shows in very basic terms the state of the modern field of UFO/UAP studies. 

The topic is dissected from a starting point of hard evidence based scientific inquiry OR from a starting point of experience based spiritual inquiry. 

Science can be further divided into those for or against the basic theories of Quantum mechanics or a host of similar new expressions of viewing the workings of reality and existence. The strong emphasis on evidence may take some time for accepted recognition of new ideas but it the evidence will determine the acceptance of a view in the end. All groups in this strand of thinking, however, will adhere to strict rules of scientific inquiry and peer review of findings.

Spirit can be further divided into those for an adherence to "orthodox" traditional religious views based sacred canons, doctrines, practices, and accepted teachings. It can also be divided into the group who have adopted what is commonly called "New Age" philosophical/religious views and influenced by spiritualism, theophany, Eastern religious and philosophical teachings, the occult, the paranormal, and the use of drugs to achieve heightened states of awareness, illumination, and connection with the spiritual.  

Both sides of this spiritual strand may adopt and use the same tools: prayer/meditation, sacred texts, adherence to an accepted doctrine/teaching, and behaviors.
 

As a result of these two strands there is also a fluid and ever-changing region that serves as a syncretic blending of elements of all the strands.  They may combine elements of traditional religious faith with hard evidence-based facts.  They may fashion a view that takes bits of New Age, bits of science, and bits of traditional religions or philosophies to craft a unique (and sometimes individualized) view. 

Some reject this mashup of ideas and views. Some welcome it.  Like an urban legend the landscape of these believes change almost daily.

To deal with this it is going to be necessary to chart a course...but it may not be easy. As recent events have revealed, when the facts are shallow, the answers flood in to fill the void but they are without criteria, evaluation, testing, or source.

Stock up on headache remedies - we may need a lot of them.