Raëlism

Raelism: A UFO Religion with a Scientific Twist

Imagine a world where extraterrestrial beings have been your creators all along, and they’re planning to return one day to share their advanced technology and establish a utopia on Earth. This isn’t just the plot of a sci-fi movie; it’s the core belief system of Raëlism, a UFO religion founded in 1970s France by Claude Vorilhon (now known as Raël).

The Origins of Raëlism

According to Raëlians, Raël encountered alien beings called Elohim on December 13, 1973. These beings revealed that they created humanity using advanced technology and have been mistaken for gods throughout history. This revelation sparked a movement that has since attracted tens of thousands of followers worldwide.

Beliefs and Practices

Raelism is often described as a ‘scientific religion’ because it emphasizes the use of science to solve world problems, while rejecting supernatural beliefs and endorsing atheism. Raëlians believe that the Elohim will return to Earth once humanity achieves peaceful scientific development. They engage in meditation, hope for physical immortality through human cloning, and promote liberal ethics with a strong emphasis on sexual experimentation.

Key Beliefs

Raelism teaches that an extraterrestrial species called Elohim created humanity 25,000 years ago using advanced technology. Humans are considered ‘biological robots’ physically modeled after the Elohim. The group interprets various mythologies as misinterpretations of memories about the Elohim and believes in creationism, intelligent design, and scientific creationism.

Symbolism and Rituals

The Raëlians use a six-pointed star symbol with a swastika at its center to facilitate telepathic contact with the Elohim. This symbol has been criticized for being associated with fascism and racism, leading Raëlians to alter it in 1992 and eventually adopt the Star of David intertwined with a swastika as their official symbol.

Structure and Leadership

The Raëlian Movement is organized into two levels of membership, each divided into six tiers. Raël himself holds the highest rank. The group’s main income comes from membership fees, tithe payments, book sales, and donations. They have established various projects and initiatives, including human cloning, genetic modification, and organ cloning.

Women in Raëlism

Raël established an all-female group called the Order of Raël’s Angels in 1998. The structure is expected to have about 2,300 members, 170 ‘Raëlian guides,’ and 41 bishops. These women are believed to be the only humans permitted contact with the Elohim after their arrival on Earth.

Controversies and Criticisms

Raelism has faced numerous controversies, including allegations of plagiarism, comparisons with Nazism due to its governance system and swastika use, and skepticism regarding claims of human cloning. Sociologist Susan J. Palmer’s research on Raëlism received negative reception from scholars and non-members.

Conclusion

Raelism presents a unique blend of UFO beliefs and scientific philosophy, challenging traditional religious paradigms with its emphasis on extraterrestrial origins and advanced technology. While it has faced criticism and skepticism, Raëlism continues to attract followers who believe in the potential for human evolution through scientific means.