UFOlogy: The World's Fastest-Growing 'Scientific' Religion

The belief in extraterrestrial life and UFOs is rapidly becoming a widely accepted and mainstream worldview. Many people, including Christians, believe that UFOs are real physical crafts piloted by beings from other planets. This belief has gained scientific credibility due to the endorsement of prominent scientists like physicist Stephen Hawking and evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins. However, it is important to understand that this belief in extraterrestrial life has significant implications for Christianity and the veracity of the Bible.

The Acceptance of UFOs as a Religious Belief

According to various polls, a significant portion of the population holds beliefs related to UFOs and extraterrestrial life. These beliefs range from the government hiding the existence of aliens to the belief in alien abduction. The prevalence of these beliefs indicates that they have become mainstream and widely accepted.

The Scientific Veneer of Extraterrestrial Belief

What sets extraterrestrial belief apart from traditional religions is its scientific veneer. Renowned scientists like Stephen Hawking and Richard Dawkins endorse the idea that aliens likely exist. They propose that these beings may have seeded life on Earth or evolved from mindless matter. While they dismiss the existence of God due to a lack of evidence, they readily accept the possibility of unseen aliens as our creators.

The Credibility of UFO Sightings

The credibility of UFO sightings is often enhanced by the endorsement of scientists who believe in alien life. Additionally, science fiction portrays highly advanced aliens visiting Earth from distant star systems, further fueling the belief in otherworldly encounters. As a result, individuals who witness unidentified flying objects or claim contact with extraterrestrial beings find their experiences more credible due to the widespread acceptance of alien life among scientists.

UFOlogy as a Replacement for Christianity

UFOlogy provides a complete replacement theology for Christianity. Cults like the Raelians incorporate evolutionism and UFOlogy into their core beliefs. They claim that extraterrestrial beings, known as the Elohim, are our creators. However, this raises questions about the origin of these creator beings and their creators' creators. The belief in extraterrestrial life fails to provide ultimate answers to the origin of life and existence.

The Doctrine of UFOlogical Religion

UFO religions often have a soteriological aspect, focusing on salvation and the evolution of humanity to match the ethical and technological advancements of extraterrestrial beings. These beliefs are reminiscent of the deception in the Garden of Eden, where humans were promised that they could become like God. Additionally, some UFO religions intertwine New Age spirituality with the belief that aliens will save humanity from global issues such as climate change.

UFOlogy and Eschatology

Eschatological beliefs are also present in some UFO religions. Some adherents believe that extraterrestrial beings will come to Earth and either destroy or take away those who refuse to let the planet evolve. This mirrors elements of Christian pre-millennial views, where believers are taken away by Christ before a period of tribulation. In other cases, aliens are seen as harbingers of the apocalypse, and alien-human hybrids play a role in end-times scenarios.

The Link Between UFOs and Nation of Islam

The Nation of Islam, led by Louis Farrakhan, has embraced beliefs in UFOs. Farrakhan claims to have been taken aboard a UFO where he met Master Elijah Muhammad, the former leader of the Nation of Islam. This connection between UFOs and a prominent religious group demonstrates how widespread belief in extraterrestrial life has become.

The Sacraments and 'Holy Places' of UFOlogy

Some individuals heavily involved in the UFO phenomenon claim to channel communication from supposed 'space brothers.' This raises questions about how physical beings can be channeled. Additionally, crop circles, often associated with UFOs, are viewed by some as temporary sacred sites. These circles are believed to have paranormal forces associated with them and can have physiological and physical effects on people.

What Does the Bible Say?

While the Bible does not specifically mention aliens or UFOs, it does address the topic indirectly. The Bible emphasizes God as the uncreated Creator and the purpose of creation as producing mankind in His image. It also acknowledges the existence of spiritual beings known as angels, one-third of whom rebelled against God. Satan, the deceiver, seeks to lead humanity astray and uses signs and wonders to deceive people.

Why This Matters

The prevalence of extraterrestrial belief and its scientific credibility make it essential for Christians to engage with this topic. Ignoring or being uninformed about the alien phenomenon can make the church appear irrelevant to the culture. Christians should be prepared to address these beliefs and help individuals navigate through them while remaining faithful to biblical truths.

Think About It

1. How does the belief in extraterrestrial life challenge traditional Christian beliefs?
2. What implications does the scientific endorsement of alien life have for the perception of Christianity?
3. How can Christians engage with individuals who claim to have seen UFOs or had contact with extraterrestrial beings?
4. What biblical principles can guide Christians in understanding supernatural phenomena and discerning truth from deception?
5. How can Christians communicate the uniqueness of God's creation of humanity in a culture that embraces the idea of evolution and alien creators?