Encyclopedic Sourcebook of UFO Religions
- ISBN-10
- 1573929646
- ISBN-13
- 9781573929646
- Category
- Reference / General
- Pages
- 530
- Language
- English
- Published
- 2003
- Publisher
- Prometheus Books
- Author
- James R. Lewis
Description
The macabre mass suicide by adherents of the Heaven's Gate Cult in 1997 was shocking and difficult to comprehend for most outsiders. Their bizarre mindset, which mixed New Age religion with belief in extraterrestrial visitation, struck many as unique. In fact, as the contributors to this intriguing study show, the belief in alien contact has had religious overtones since the first purported sighting of an unidentified flying object (UFO) in 1947. Moreover, the religious dimensions of the UFO phenomenon may be the key to understanding the widespread appeal of this modern craze.
An expert in new religions, Professor James Lewis has here brought together twenty insightful articles that cover the many variations of UFO-based religions. What the contributors demonstrate is that there are persistent and salient themes underlying the diversity of beliefs centered on the UFO phenomenon. Hearkening back to theosophy, many groups have interpreted UFO sightings and alleged contacts as attempts by alien ambassadors from a more advanced civilization to bring spiritual enlightenment to Earth, where humanity is seen to be floundering in ignorance. The extraterrestrial message is usually channeled through a charismatic human leader, who then mobilizes a group around this New Age "revelation."
The Encyclopedic Sourcebook of UFO Religions discusses the histories and beliefs of prominent UFO-based sects; looks at group dynamics and other sociological factors; and presents selections from the unusual literature of the various groups.
This revealing and disturbing study shows that there is much more to the UFO phenomenon than simple curiosity about the possibility of life on other planets.
Get the book
Other editions
Similar books
-
Chronicles of Border Warfare; Or, a History of the Settlement by the Whites of North-Western Virginia, and of the Indian...
By Alexander Scott WithersChronicles of Border Warfare; Or, a History of the Settlement by the Whites of North-Western Virginia, and of the Indian...
-
The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant: January 1-October 31, 1876
By Ulysses Simpson GrantAfter whites massacred black militia in South Carolina, Grant warned that unchecked persecution would lead to "bloody revolution." As violence spread, Grant struggled to position limited forces where they could do the most good.
-
The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant: October 1, 1880-December 31, 1882
By Ulysses Simpson GrantInitial enthusiasm soon gave way to rancor, as factions split over where to place the fair. Grant favored Central Park, but public sentiment intervened, and funding evaporated. By March, Grant resigned.
-
Clive M. McCay and Jeanette B. McCay - History of Work with Soyfoods, the New York State Emergency Food Commission,...
By William Shurtleff, Akiko AoyagiClive M. McCay and Jeanette B. McCay - History of Work with Soyfoods, the New York State Emergency Food Commission,...
-
The Ecology and Management of Wetlands: Volume 2: Management, Use and Value of Wetlands
By Donal D. HookVolume 2: Management, Use and Value of Wetlands Donal D. Hook, W. H. Mckee Jr, H. K. Smith, J. Gregory, V. G. Burrell Jr, ... Chapter Thirty - four AQUACULTURE IN MANGROVE WETLANDS : A PERSPECTIVE FROM SOUTHEAST ASIA James P. McVey ...
-
Encyclopedia of Society and Culture in the Ancient World
By Peter I. BoguckiMichael S. Bisson , S. Terry Childs , Philip de Barros , and Augustin F. C. Holl , Ancient African Metallurgy : The Socio - Cultural Context ( Walnut Creek , Calif .: AltaMira Press , 2000 ) . Moses I. Finley , The Ancient Economy ...
-
Encyclopedia of African American History, 1619-1895: From the Colonial Period to the Age of Frederick Douglass Three-volume Set
By Paul FinkelmanThe latter, Morgan argues, brought more autonomy to slaves and created conditions by which they could carve out an African ... Holton, Woody. Forced Founders: Indians, Debtors, and Slaves and the Making of the American Revolution.
-
Religion Past & Present: Encyclopedia of Theology and Religion
By Hans Dieter BetzIn the D. Emeis & K.H. Schmitt , Handbuch der Gemeindekatechese , northern German dioceses , the most commonly used 1986 • F.-P. Tebartz - van Elst , “ Gemeindliche Katechese , ” in : catechism was B.H. - Overberg's Katechismus der ...
-
Literature Connections to American History, K-6: Resources to Enhance and Entice
By Lynda G. Adamson... illus., 1620 Brooks, Philip, 314-15 Brower, Pauline, 316 Brown, Bradford, illus., 1778-79 Brown, Charnan, 317 Brown, Don, author/illus., 318 Brown, Drollene P., 319-20 Brown, Fern G., 321-23 Brown, Gene, 324-27 Brown, Jane Clark, ...
-
The Corporation and the Constitution
By Larry E. Ribstein, Henry N. ButlerSee LARRY SABATO , PAC POWER ( 1984 ) ( showing that only 17 % of corporate PACs do any shareholder solicitation ) ; Bernadette A. Budde , Business - Related Political Action Committees , 3 J. L. & POLITICS 440 , 456 ( 1987 ) . 48.