Marilyn A. Hudson
The Alien Question and God
EVERY ADVENTURE REQUIRES A FIRST STEP
This brief 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 lead 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 spaceships
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. Whatever 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
“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)
Buddhism
“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.”
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/
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. It is also in writings the various church councils deemed unorthodox or inferior to the accepted canon. Leaving the heavily Gnostic influenced "Book of Enoch" and others aside, to remain in the "canon." The argument often pivots on two points. Those holding the view 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. The list of those would fill volumes so that is a shaky argument. Also, the knowledge of the content, or nature, of heaven is found only in the Bible, so it is clear that the argument is not very strong. Arguments based on silence or absence are usually weak..
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.
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."
HOW BIG IS GOD?
“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
Alice and Through the Looking Glass by Carroll offers some intriguing views as well...
- 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.
Time will tell.
Related Readings:
No comments:
Post a Comment