ABSTRACT

The spectre of the UFO, as popularized by shows such as The X-Files, has brought an astonishing slant to the face of modern religious practice. But what motivates the fantastical and sometimes sinister beliefs of UFO worshippers? UFO Religions critically examines some of the fascinating issues surrounding UFO worship - abduction narratives, UFO-based interpretations of other religions, the growth of pseudo-sciences purporting to explain UFOs, and the responses of the core scientific community to such claims. Focusing on contemporary global UFO groups including the Raelian Movement, Heaven's Gate, Unarius and the Ansaaru Allah Community, it gives a clear profile of modern UFO controversies and beliefs.

part |176 pages

Observing Religions

chapter |17 pages

Scientific Creationism

A study of the Raëlian Church

chapter |21 pages

When the Archangel Died

From Revelation to Routinisation of Charisma in Unarius

chapter |19 pages

Opening a Channel to the Stars

The Origins and Development of the Aetherius Society

chapter |26 pages

Legitimating Suicide

Heaven's Gate and New Age Ideology

chapter |20 pages

The Urantia Book

chapter |17 pages

From Extraterrestrials to Ultraterrestrials

The Evolution of the Concept of Ashtar