Aliens, Technology, Religion & the Nature of Belief

Vox.com explores the growing fascination with the possibility of intelligent alien life and suggests that belief in UFOs and extraterrestrials is evolving into a kind of religion. Diana Pasulka, a professor at the University of North Carolina and the author of the book "American Cosmic," argues that more than half of American adults and over 60 percent of young Americans believe in intelligent extraterrestrial life, drawing parallels between this belief and traditional religious faith.

Pasulka discusses the "Invisible College," a group of scientists who quietly pursue research related to UFOs and extraterrestrials. These scientists, including figures like Allen Hynek and Jacques Vallée, operate independently and often avoid public attention. Pasulka recounts her experiences with scientists who claim to have discovered anomalous materials, some of which defy explanation.

While Pasulka doesn't categorically embrace the belief in extraterrestrial life, she acknowledges a shift in her perspective after encountering scientists deeply engaged in UFO-related research. The article raises questions about the potential impact of the belief in aliens on traditional religious worldviews and suggests that the fascination with extraterrestrial life may be linked to a need for wonder, awe, and a sense of salvation in a world facing crises.

Pasulka proposes that this new form of religiosity is shaped by the current cultural environment, heavily influenced by technology. She explores how the belief in extraterrestrial life may be a response to the technological era, with technology itself playing a quasi-religious role in society. Additionally, Pasulka suggests that the discovery of extraterrestrial intelligence could have profound effects on religious and secular worldviews, with potential implications for how humanity perceives itself in the universe.

Pasulka remains noncommittal about the veracity of extraterrestrial life but underscores the significance of the belief system surrounding UFOs. She suggests that this belief has transcended traditional religious boundaries and is now deeply embedded in the fabric of modern society. The article concludes by exploring the potential impact of the discovery of extraterrestrial intelligence on religious and secular worldviews, emphasizing the profound implications for humanity's understanding of itself within the vast expanse of the universe.

For more detailed insights into Diana Pasulka's exploration of the intersection between belief in extraterrestrial life, UFO phenomena, and their implications for modern society, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqBh7G4uDR8

Full article: https://www.vox.com/culture/2019/6/4/18632778/ufo-aliens-american-cosmic-diana-pasulka