I will explain the point with this post further down. For now, I want to say that it is not meant to offend anyone, but rather to encourage everyone seeking the truth about the UFO phenomena to try to follow, and stay true to, some "standards of reasoning." By doing so, I believe one can make a constructive contribution in making the UFO phenomena into a legitimate subject to openly be interested in, and seriously study. Both in- and outside the UFO community.
I think it is safe to say, that a religious and a spiritual aspect has, in one way or another, been present in the UFO phenomena since, at least, modern times. This supernatural, or mysterious,element
I think it is safe to say, that a religious and a spiritual aspect has, in one way or another, been present in the UFO phenomena since, at least, modern times. This supernatural, or mysterious,
Why is that? Is it because of human imagination and a tendency to see patterns where there is none? Is it because of a human need to believe in a benevolent force that looks after us, makes us feel safe in, and make sense of, a big, dangerous and chaotic world?
The latter question is, in itself, a very fascinating question: Why do human beings (on a group level) seem to have this strong need (or genetic disposition?) to believe in something supernatural? Why is religion and spirituality a global phenomena, which probably have been around since time immemorial?
And, why does there seem to be a great overlap between religious experiences and descriptions of the supernatural, and experiences of the UFO phenomena?
And, why does there seem to be a great overlap between religious experiences and descriptions of the supernatural, and experiences of the UFO phenomena?
The background to this blog post, is that the religious, spiritual aspect of the UFO phenomena, seems to have had somewhat of a revival, since Tom DeLong and A.J. Hartley published their book series "Sekret Machines", and the other book series that Tom DeLonge is involved with together with Peter Levenda, "Gods, Man & War." The latest contribution to the religious aspect of the UFO phenomena, is the book "American Cosmic" by D.W. Pasulka, even though Pasulka´s book is more of a comparative study between religious beliefs and beliefs in the UFO phenomena, and their sociological effects.
"Revival" may not be the right word, but it is my feeling, that more people in the ufo community (and, perhaps, outside) have become more curious in the possible association between religion and the UFO phenomena. And as a former high school teacher in religion and psychology, I think this eventual "revival" is welcomed, and important, in order to understand and get a clearer picture of what has, and is, going on with the UFO phenomena.
But, as with all the other aspects of the UFO phenomena, the potential connection between the UFO phenomena and religion has to be approached with caution and humility. I am specifically referring to the idea that extraterrestrial beings either intentionally or unintentionally, have created or influenced the evolution of the world´s religions, and in that way, also many other aspects of human history and culture.
The seminar above with Dr. Michael S. Heiser, is an attempt from my part to illustrate why we have to approach that idea with caution and humility, but also all other aspects of the UFO phenomena: "How much do I know about and understand a subject in order for me to say something sensible about it, make relevant associations to other subjects, and draw reasonable conclusions from the subject?"
You can read more about Dr. Heiser´s academic background and peer reviewed publications on the following link: https://drmsh.com/.
You can read more about Dr. Heiser´s academic background and peer reviewed publications on the following link: https://drmsh.com/.
Another of Dr. Heiser´s web pages, that is about "learn how to think well about all things fringe", is this one: https://www.fringepop321.com/.
Just to be clear, I am not sharing Dr. Michael S. Heiser´s faith, but I respect it. Neither do I agree with all of Dr. Heiser´s opinions about matters concerning the UFO phenomena - for example the ones Dr. Heiser´s expresses in one of his blogs, https://drmsh.com/category/uforeligions/ - but I respect his knowledge in his domain of expertise, that is, in Hebrew and Semitic language studies.
I should also be clear with, that Dr. Heiser in the seminar above, is not in any way making associations between religion and the UFO phenomena. He does not even once mention the word "UFO", or "ET", in the seminar in question (he briefly mentions Zackaria Stichen once or twice), but he is interested in the UFO phenomena, and does talk about it in some of his other talks and presentations. Dr. Heiser is interested in, and have specialized in, "the weird" stuff in Judaism and Christianity.
But, he is studying this "weird" and "fringe" stuff in a scholarly manner. That is important, it is my point in this text. I will say more about it in a moment.
Acquiring knowledge, trying to get to the truth, can be exciting and invigorating. At the same time, and in most cases, the acquisition of knowledge and the search for the truth, is a test of perseverance and resilience. To get personal, I have a tendency to give up too easily if and when I do not understand a concept, a model, or a subject, immediately. That is, obviously, not a good strategy if you have the desire to become a real expert on a subject.
But, he is studying this "weird" and "fringe" stuff in a scholarly manner. That is important, it is my point in this text. I will say more about it in a moment.
Acquiring knowledge, trying to get to the truth, can be exciting and invigorating. At the same time, and in most cases, the acquisition of knowledge and the search for the truth, is a test of perseverance and resilience. To get personal, I have a tendency to give up too easily if and when I do not understand a concept, a model, or a subject, immediately. That is, obviously, not a good strategy if you have the desire to become a real expert on a subject.
I am not saying, that in order to think, reflect and speculate about a subject in a sensible manner, you need to have a Ph.D (I do not), or a university degree. Far from it. But regardless of one´s educational background, everyone can learn some basic skills that will raise the quality of a discourse, for instance, on the UFO phenomena. Being cautious with what one claims, aware of one´s limited knowledge, and humble before the challenge of finding (a) truth, are also important skills, or attitudes, that everyone can practice and internalize.
So, here comes my point(s) with this post:
Fosl .
I know that a lot of people both in- and outside the ufo community is aware of those standards, so it is not my intention to write anyone on their nose.
My point is, that raising the quality of the thinking, speculation, and discussion about the UFO phenomena in the ufo community, would also have positive effects on the status of the UFO phenomena outside the ufo community.
One of the main reasons for the UFO subject having a social stigma (it has started to change, though), is the world´s government's silence surrounding their awareness of and knowledge about the UFO phenomena. That is no longer a conspiracy theory. But this silence has created a void that triggers people´s imagination and tendency to automatic thinking. That is only human, but also obstructs some positive progress regarding the status and position of the UFO phenomena in the minds of those in the general public not familiar with the validity of the existence of the UFO phenomena, and its profound, significant implications for humanity and life on Earth.
My last post was mostly speculative. I mentioned in the first sentence that the post is speculative. And it is ok, amusing, and sometimes useful, to speculate as long as you are crystal clear that you are speculating, and not claiming your speculations, reflections to be a fact, or some universal truth.
Or, if you are portraying something to be a fact, then you have to be aware that the burden of proof falls onto you. You have to be prepared to be questioned.
- If one wants to contribute in making the UFO phenomena to a legitimate subject to study - particularly outside the ufo community - then one always has to remind oneself to adhere to some basic "standards of reasoning." These standards include, but are not limited to, clarity, precision, accuracy, relevance, depth, breadth, logicalness, and fairness. That is, one question those standards in other people´s reasoning, and in one´s own reasoning. I fail with both, probably more often than I am aware of, but I try to remind myself of those standards, and I try to follow them.
- If one do remind oneself of those "standards of reasoning", and consciously apply them to one´s own reasoning, then one becomes very aware of how difficult it can be to actually reach the truth, or even to understand a subject in a deep way. That is, you become more cautious in your statements and claims, and more humble before the complexity of reaching the truth.
I know that a lot of people both in- and outside the ufo community is aware of those standards, so it is not my intention to write anyone on their nose.
My point is, that raising the quality of the thinking, speculation, and discussion about the UFO phenomena in the ufo community, would also have positive effects on the status of the UFO phenomena outside the ufo community.
One of the main reasons for the UFO subject having a social stigma (it has started to change, though), is the world´s government's silence surrounding their awareness of and knowledge about the UFO phenomena. That is no longer a conspiracy theory. But this silence has created a void that triggers people´s imagination and tendency to automatic thinking. That is only human, but also obstructs some positive progress regarding the status and position of the UFO phenomena in the minds of those in the general public not familiar with the validity of the existence of the UFO phenomena, and its profound, significant implications for humanity and life on Earth.
My last post was mostly speculative. I mentioned in the first sentence that the post is speculative. And it is ok, amusing, and sometimes useful, to speculate as long as you are crystal clear that you are speculating, and not claiming your speculations, reflections to be a fact, or some universal truth.
Or, if you are portraying something to be a fact, then you have to be aware that the burden of proof falls onto you. You have to be prepared to be questioned.
Now, like most of the people interested in and following the UFO phenomena, I was intrigued to hear Tom DeLong talk about his insider connections in the highest echelons of the military- and intelligence complex, tell him about how our religions are a creation of one or several of "the Others", in order to control and divide humanity.
As intriguing as I think that is to hear, the burden of proof falls on Tom DeLonge, and / or on his insider connections. I truly hope, that DeLonge´s
Think about the implications if it is true. I am serious, really think about the implications. If one has the power, status, and is in the position to make other people believe those kind of claims, one should be very conscious of one´s power to influence, and the responsibility that comes with that kind of power.
Think about the implications if it is true. I am serious, really think about the implications. If one has the power, status, and is in the position to make other people believe those kind of claims, one should be very conscious of one´s power to influence, and the responsibility that comes with that kind of power.
My point is, again, we have to apply "the standards of reasoning", regardless of how much we like, respect and support the efforts of "To the Stars Academy", or regardless of any other individual or organization we favor and believe in. The truth is the only thing that is important, and I believe we are running out of time for claims and statements lacking in precision, clarity, fairness, and so on.
Ok, enough with my rant.
I should say something about Dr. Michael Heiser´s seminar. The purpose of including the seminar in this post, is to use it as an example of how tempting it can be to think that one knows a lot and understands a subject, after browsing the internet and reading some books. I thought I knew a lot about the early Judeo-Christian religion, but after watching and listening to Dr. Heiser´s seminar, that illusion was quickly exposed.
In the seminar above, Dr. Michael S. Heiser is going through the foundational concepts that he is writing about in his book "The Unseen Realm. Recovering the supernatural worldview of the Bible." You can read more what the book is about, and its goal, on the following link: http://www.moreunseenrealm.com/.
The foundational concepts that run through the almost 5 hour long seminar are "Divine Council" (God among other gods), "Cosmic Rebellion", "Cosmic Mountain", and "Cosmic Geography." "Cosmic" means "supernatural."
Why should anyone watch and listen to the seminar? Well, if you are interested in religion, and in this case the history of the Judeo-Christian religion /tradition, then the answer is obvious.
If you want to dig deeper into the potential association between religion and the UFO phenomena, then this seminar is a good start. That is, with some more knowledge about what and how academics think about religion, you can start asking more precise questions, and become better equipped to look at a potential association between religion and UFOs in a more critical way, that is, to practice and use "the standards of reasoning"
One key lesson I take with me from Dr. Heiser´s seminar, is the big problem with translation between languages - in this case Semitic language and English, and more importantly, the complex issue of interpretation. It is not enough to master a Sumerian language (or dialect) and be able to translate it to one's mother tongue.
A good example of the difficulties of translation and interpretation, comes around the 22:15 minute mark in Dr. Heiser´s seminar. Here he talks about the question "Who is / areElohim
Yes, it is a long seminar, or video. The content is academic and detailed, so watching one part /one hour at the time divided over a couple of days, is recommended. I will give you the start and end time for the four different parts of the seminar, and what theme, or questions, that Dr. Heiseris covering
Part 1: Actual session starts 5 minutes into the video, and ends at 1 h, 5 min. Foundational concepts covered are "Divine Council" and "Cosmic Mountain." Some of the questions examined are "Who is / areElohim
Part 2: 1:05:00 - 2:07:37. "The Treefold Rebellion", or "Cosmic Rebellion." The Watchers - who were they according to the ancient Israelites? The Mesopotamian "apkallu
Ok, enough with my rant.
I should say something about Dr. Michael Heiser´s seminar. The purpose of including the seminar in this post, is to use it as an example of how tempting it can be to think that one knows a lot and understands a subject, after browsing the internet and reading some books. I thought I knew a lot about the early Judeo-Christian religion, but after watching and listening to Dr. Heiser´s seminar, that illusion was quickly exposed.
In the seminar above, Dr. Michael S. Heiser is going through the foundational concepts that he is writing about in his book "The Unseen Realm. Recovering the supernatural worldview of the Bible." You can read more what the book is about, and its goal, on the following link: http://www.moreunseenrealm.com/.
The foundational concepts that run through the almost 5 hour long seminar are "Divine Council" (God among other gods), "Cosmic Rebellion", "Cosmic Mountain", and "Cosmic Geography." "Cosmic" means "supernatural."
Why should anyone watch and listen to the seminar? Well, if you are interested in religion, and in this case the history of the Judeo-Christian religion /tradition, then the answer is obvious.
If you want to dig deeper into the potential association between religion and the UFO phenomena, then this seminar is a good start. That is, with some more knowledge about what and how academics think about religion, you can start asking more precise questions, and become better equipped to look at a potential association between religion and UFOs in a more critical way, that is, to practice and use "the standards of reasoning"
One key lesson I take with me from Dr. Heiser´s seminar, is the big problem with translation between languages - in this case Semitic language and English, and more importantly, the complex issue of interpretation. It is not enough to master a Sumerian language (or dialect) and be able to translate it to one's mother tongue.
A good example of the difficulties of translation and interpretation, comes around the 22:15 minute mark in Dr. Heiser´s seminar. Here he talks about the question "Who is / are
Yes, it is a long seminar, or video. The content is academic and detailed, so watching one part /one hour at the time divided over a couple of days, is recommended. I will give you the start and end time for the four different parts of the seminar, and what theme, or questions, that Dr. Heiser
Part 1: Actual session starts 5 minutes into the video, and ends at 1 h, 5 min. Foundational concepts covered are "Divine Council" and "Cosmic Mountain." Some of the questions examined are "Who is / are
Part 2: 1:05:00 - 2:07:37. "The Treefold Rebellion", or "Cosmic Rebellion." The Watchers - who were they according to the ancient Israelites? The Mesopotamian "
Part 3: 2:07:37 - 3:01:37. "Jesus, Cosmis Geography and Judaism´s two powers in heaven." Angles as embodied God - how can God be two things at the same time, or be in two different places at the same time? The Word - visions and experiences of God; God in human form? Jesus and Cosmic Geography; I recommend to pay attention and listen to the segment starting 2:47:00, until the end of part 3.
Part 4: 3:01:37 - 3:45:02. "Cosmic Geography in the New Testament." Dr Heiser is connecting the foundational concepts from the Old Testament (OT) with the writings in the New Testament (NT). For example "The Cloud of Witnesses" in the NT is the same at the "Divine Council" in the OT.
Q & A: 3:45:02 - to the end of the video.
If you are interested, and have the patience, to listen to Dr. Heiser´s seminar, and have read, for example, "American Cosmic" by D. W. Pasulka, you will find that there are quite many descriptions of the supernatural in the Bible that resembles the way we are describing the UFO phenomena.
Does it mean, that there is something to the idea that some "ET" is behind the "invention" of religion and religious belief systems? Well, it might. Or, it might not. How can we find out which way it is?
The answer to that question is the same as to how can we prove without any reasonable doubt that nonhuman intelligences exist, and that they are here.
It comes down to what you consider to be enough evidence - and what constitutes "evidence"- and what you consider constitutes a "proof." Evidence and proof are two different things, both in mathematics and in law.
Personally, I think the evidence for the reality of the UFO phenomena is overwhelming, and most likely would win in a court of law. I am satisfied in that case. On a subjective basis, I am also convinced that in some cases UFOs are something nonhuman, or not from this earth. But, in a strict empirical sense, I have not seen proof of some UFOs being extraterrestrial, inter-dimensional, or whatever we wish to call the intelligence behind some of these UFOs.
With that said, I believe there exists proof of a nonhuman intelligence visiting earth. What about the idea that nonhuman intelligences have created, or influenced, some, or all, of the world´s largest religions?
Intriguing, but I have no idea. At the moment, I do not even think I can grasp the implications, should it be true. We will never know for sure, until the truth about the UFO phenomena will be revealed. And as I said in my last post, the truth will always, and eventually, show itself. If we will like the truth or not, is another matter.
Let us always remind ourselves and each other, to try to apply some "standard of reasoning" when we read, hear, watch, think and talk about some aspect of the UFO phenomena. Let us be cautious and humble in our statements and claims.
Most importantly, let us always remember that the area of what we do not know, will always be greater than the area of what we know.
If we remind ourselves of "the standards of reasoning," I believe we can contribute in making the UFO phenomena to a fascinating and legitimate subject to be openly interested in and study.
Take care!
/Janne
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