2010 11 00 Nova Religio - Revisionism in ET-inspired religions - Thomas

Magazine Overview

This document is an article titled "Revisionism in ET-Inspired Religions" by Paul Brian Thomas, published in *Nova Religio: The Journal of Alternative and Emergent Religions*, Volume 14, Issue 2, in November 2010. The article, published by the University of California Press, explores how extraterrestrial-inspired religions (ETI religions) engage in the reinterpretation of ancient religious texts and human history.

Revisionism in ET-Inspired Religions

The article begins by defining ETI religions as a broad category encompassing various groups and authors who believe in extraterrestrial influence on human history. It highlights the "drive to revise" human history as a central theme, often involving an "improvisational millenarianism" that is suspicious of established authorities and narratives. This revisionist mindset is characterized by a willingness to work with "stigmatized knowledge" to produce critical narratives.

Patricia Cori's statement about "profound revelations in code" within ancient scriptures exemplifies this approach, suggesting that humanity has been kept in ignorance and that enlightenment comes from refashioning history. The article notes that this revisionist perspective is not limited to explicitly religious groups but also includes ancient astronaut theorists like Erich von Däniken and Zecharia Sitchin.

Acronym Acrobatics and Terminology

The author clarifies that "UFO religion" is a misnomer and proposes "ETI religions" as a more inclusive term. ETI religion is an umbrella term for widely recognized organizations like Heaven's Gate and the International Raëlian Movement, as well as less institutionalized authors like Patricia Cori and Gene Andrade. While Cori and Andrade do not lead communities, their published works share similarities with more formalized ETI religions.

The article discusses the importance of terminology in describing these groups' exegetical activities. Terms like "invention," "fabrication," and "restoration" are examined. While "invention" implies creating something new, ETI religious thinkers often see their work as "restoration"—rescuing hidden truths. The term "revisionist" is presented as a more value-free description of how these groups produce their readings, implying an amendment or alteration of a pre-existing text rather than creation ex nihilo.

The Anatomy of Revision

The article delves into the "anatomy of revision" in ETI religions, describing it as a process contextualized by historical setting and fueled by improvisational millenarianism. This leads to a suspicion of authoritative narratives and a glorification of the "intellectual maverick" who uses "stigmatized knowledge" within a conspiratorial framework.

Revisionism and Historical Truth

The concept of revisionism is linked to the broader issue of historical truth and the critique of orthodoxy. The article cites historian Pierre Vidal-Naquet on Holocaust deniers as an example of insidious revisionism. It acknowledges that writers in ETI religions may not be trained historians but still make historical claims, demonstrating a historical mindset focused on reconstructing past events. This approach is analyzed in relation to mainstream academic history.

The Bricolage of Revision

ETI religions are described as millenarian, with their approach to history influenced by Michael Barkun's concept of "improvisational millenarianism." This leads to "undisciplined borrowing" and the creation of eclectic belief systems. Barkun's categories of "rejected knowledge" (marginalized by cultural hegemony) and "stigmatized knowledge" (intentionally marginalized, including forgotten or suppressed truths) are central to understanding the revisionist attitudes in these groups.

Literary critic Harold Bloom's concept of revisionism as a "contest for supremacy" and a "power play" is discussed. The article posits that anxiety stemming from epistemological crisis fuels preemptive moves toward refashioning knowledge as a defensive strategy. Bloom's term "misprision" or "strong misreading" is also mentioned, highlighting how revision is used for usurpation and to claim ownership of ideas.

Biblical Revisionism: The Case of George Van Tassel

A significant portion of the article focuses on George Van Tassel (1910–1978), founder of the Ministry of Universal Wisdom. Van Tassel claimed telepathic contact with an extraterrestrial named Ashtar and interpreted biblical narratives through an extraterrestrial lens. His work, particularly "Into This World and Out Again," argues that the Bible is a record of extraterrestrial activity on Earth.

Van Tassel's revision of the Genesis story involves reinterpreting the origin of woman and humanity's fallen state. He posits that the "LORD God" introduced in Genesis 2 is not divine but part of the "Adamic race," original extraterrestrial colonists. This race, lacking women, created Eve, resulting in a flawed human race through crossbreeding with the Adamic race. This revision taps into anxieties about authenticity and the mixing of human and non-human elements.

The article highlights Genesis 6:1–4, concerning the "sons of God" mating with human women and producing giants, as a key passage for ETI revision of the Bible. This passage is seen as lending itself to speculation about extraterrestrial visitation. The author notes the irony that in attempting to demythologize texts, ETI interpreters often create a modern, technological mythology by reinterpreting angels as ETs and divine encounters as genetic experimentation.

Origins, Destruction, and Rescue

The article connects the ETI focus on origins to the concept of "modern civilized life" being disconnected from idealized origins, as discussed by Mircea Eliade. This fuels a desire in ETI religions to decry humanity's fallen state and its need for purification or rescue. The concept of "technological angels" (extraterrestrials arriving on UFOs) is presented as a salvific force, offering hope against self-destruction through nuclear or environmental annihilation.

Ultimately, the contemplation of humanity on the "edge of destruction" drives ETI religionists to reformulate myths of origin. The recital of these myths provides a sense of continuity and hope for rebirth, reflecting "the anxiety of man, perpetually in danger." The article concludes by noting that many ETI religious materials begin with a retelling of origins, often culminating in the hope of extraterrestrial intervention to prevent destruction.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of *Nova Religio* revolve around the study of alternative and emergent religious movements. The editorial stance appears to be academic and analytical, focusing on understanding the theological, historical, and sociological aspects of these phenomena without necessarily endorsing or condemning them. The article on revisionism in ET-inspired religions exemplifies this by dissecting the intellectual frameworks, terminology, and motivations behind these belief systems, positioning them within broader academic discussions of religion, history, and mythology.

This issue of Nova Religio, under the thematic umbrella of 'Revisionism in ET-Inspired Religions,' delves into the complex interplay between extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI) narratives, ancient astronaut theories, and the phenomenon of revisionism and conspiratorial thinking. The articles explore how these ideas challenge established historical and religious paradigms, often drawing from the cultural shifts of the 1960s and 1970s.

Raël's Millenarian Vision and Extraterrestrial Genesis

The issue begins by examining the millenarian vision of Raël (Claude Vorilhon), who has reinterpreted the Genesis narrative to incorporate extraterrestrial contact. According to Raël, the Elohim of Genesis were alien visitors who created Earth's races. The most successful creation, the 'most intelligent' race, was team Israel. However, this race posed a threat to its creators, leading to the metaphorical injunction not to eat of the Tree of Knowledge, which symbolizes scientific knowledge. Raël's mythology suggests that the exiled creators, now on Earth, interbred with human women, producing offspring whose 'evil was their will to progress,' necessitating the destruction of the creation experiment.

Amassing the Academic Apparatus: The Influence of Von Däniken and Sitchin

The article then discusses the 'academic apparatus' employed by proponents of ETI religions and ancient astronaut theories, particularly focusing on Erich von Däniken's *Chariots of the Gods?* (1970) and Zecharia Sitchin's *The 12th Planet* (1976). This approach, influenced by the cultural context of the 1960s and 1970s and the 'cultic milieu,' involves a deep skepticism towards established authority and a drive for revisionism. Authors like Von Däniken and Sitchin use extensive citations, footnotes, and bibliographies to lend an air of scholarly legitimacy to their claims, which often challenge hegemonic historical narratives. This practice is described as a 'heroic striving for evidence' and a way to present irrational claims in a rationalistic manner.

The Cultic Milieu and Suspicion of Authority

The 'cultic milieu' is identified as a crucial social environment from which alternative religious movements emerge. This milieu is characterized by a suspicion of authority and a rejection of dominant hegemonies. The baby-boom generation, raised in this environment, was particularly receptive to ideas that questioned established norms. The article notes that while ancient astronaut theorists often seek to distance themselves from religious agendas, their work is deeply intertwined with the New Age movement and its epistemological foundations.

Revisionism, Skepticism, and Conspiratorial Thinking

Von Däniken's skepticism towards hegemonic scholarship is highlighted, with his assertion that traditional research methods are too attached to stereotypes and lack scope for imaginative ideas. This resonates with the 1960s generation's desire to challenge established patterns of thought. The article explains how skepticism can transform into conspiratorial thinking, particularly within millenarian groups. Conspiracy serves to explain the unpopularity of their ideas by positing evil forces working against them and to blame secret powers for delays in the 'Endtime.' Key elements of conspiratorial thought include the belief that nothing is accidental, appearances are deceptive, and everything is interconnected in a hidden pattern.

Patricia Cori and the Sirian High Council

Patricia Cori, described as a clairvoyant and spirit guide, exemplifies conspiratorial thinking. As a scribe for the 'Speakers of the Sirian High Council,' she channels messages from ascendant beings of the Sirian star system. Cori posits a vast conspiracy throughout human history, orchestrated by the inhabitants of the planet Nebiru (the Annunaki), who have worked to prevent humanity from realizing its 'starseed legacy.' According to Cori, the Annunaki interfere in human affairs to slow Earth's ascension and eventually piggyback on it. She also links the Annunaki to a secret government rooted in Atlantis, experiments with the AIDS virus, and ties to influential religious bodies like the Vatican.

The Annunaki and the Revision of Genesis

Cori's revisionist interpretation of Genesis 6:1–4 asserts that the Annunaki are the 'sons of God' who interbred with *Homo sapiens*, creating hybrid offspring. This 'misprision,' or re-reading to usurp the narrative, aims to undermine hegemonic systems and cast doubt on traditional human history. The article notes that Cori connects the Annunaki to human powerlessness, survival fears, wars, and conflicts, all designed to keep humanity in ignorance and prevent them from trusting official narratives.

Elizabeth Clare Prophet and the Watchers

Elizabeth Clare Prophet, a former leader of The Summit Lighthouse, also found evidence of a conspiracy involving the nephilim of Genesis 6:4. She believed the world has been controlled for thousands of years by the 'Watchers' and the nephilim, who occupy positions of power and influence wars, finance, population control, genetic engineering, and media.

Pleiadian Spirituality and the Bafath

The article also touches upon Pleiadian spirituality, originating from the experiences of contactee Eduard “Billy” Meier. Gene Andrade, a proponent of this spirituality, echoes similar sentiments, particularly criticizing the 'Giza Intelligences' or 'Bafath.' The Bafath, sharing ancestry with the Pleiadians, are accused of malevolent intentions, including dominating Adolf Hitler, orchestrating the Fatima event, and creating the Baha'i religion to facilitate world domination. Their goal is to create discord and chaos so that humanity will welcome them as saviors.

The Masters of Revision and the Nature of Truth

The issue concludes by discussing the 'masters of revision' and their shared perspective that humanity has been kept in ignorance about its true history and the existence of extraterrestrials. These authors present themselves as liberators, uncovering a hidden past and revealing what they perceive as a façade of truth. They challenge academic institutions and their methods, arguing that history creates standards for memory that they seek to escape. The revisionist approach is characterized by imagination, creativity, and a desire to shake off institutionalized thinking. While not viewing themselves as fiction writers, their work is seen as both destructive and creative, building new narratives from the skeletons of old ones. The article notes the adversarial relationship between historians and revisionists, with the latter often questioning the methods and accuracy of historical scholarship. However, the ultimate goal of revisionism is not accuracy but rather to avoid the habits of accuracy, which are seen as paradigms of failed academia.

Looking Behind the Curtain

Finally, the article emphasizes that the revisionist materials produced in ETI religions share a common structure and purpose: to present a world held in ignorance. By challenging institutional methods of knowledge production, these authors position themselves as liberators who pull back the curtain on a hidden reality. They argue that what passes for truth is a façade, and that academics are stooges for a hegemonic system. Their efforts aim to free the reader from false and institutionalized lies, enabling them to reject the 'tyrants' of the established order.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the reinterpretation of religious texts (particularly Genesis), the concept of extraterrestrial intervention in human history, and the pervasive use of revisionism and conspiratorial thinking. The editorial stance appears to be analytical and critical, examining the methodologies, motivations, and implications of these alternative narratives without necessarily endorsing them. The article highlights the 'cultic milieu' and the suspicion of authority as key drivers for these movements, while also critiquing the academic apparatus used to legitimize their claims. The underlying tension between challenging established knowledge and employing scholarly tools is a central focus.

This document appears to be a section from an academic publication, likely a journal article titled "Revisionism in ET-Inspired Religions" by Thomas, published in "Nova Religio." The content consists primarily of footnotes and references, indicating a scholarly analysis of various belief systems and authors related to extraterrestrial intelligence and ancient mysteries.

Key Themes and Authors Discussed

The text delves into the works of several key figures and their contributions to the discourse on extraterrestrial-inspired religions and related phenomena. George Van Tassel is frequently cited for his work with the Ministry of Universal Wisdom and his book "Into This World and Out Again," which is presented as a modern proof of humanity's origin and retrogression.

Christopher Helland's work is referenced for its summary of Van Tassel's concepts, particularly the evolution of the 'Ashtar' figure from extraterrestrial to ultraterrestrial. The Ashtar Command, originating from Van Tassel's ministry, is noted for its initial focus on nuclear annihilation and a later shift towards environmental concerns, with similar eco-friendly consciousness attributed to groups like Fiat Lux and the Planetary Activation Organization.

The document also touches upon Gnostic cosmologies, explaining the concept of the Demiurge as a created, imperfect entity responsible for the creation of the cosmos and humanity. This imperfect creation, according to Gnostic systems, can be escaped through knowledge of the divine spark.

The influence of the Cold War and anxieties surrounding nuclear proliferation in the early 1950s are highlighted as a significant context for the formulation of many ETI (Extraterrestrial Intelligence) religions, including Van Tassel's.

Carl Jung's "Flying Saucers: A Modern Myth of Things Seen in the Sky" is mentioned, suggesting a connection between UFO phenomena and modern mythology.

Andreas Grünschloß's work on "UFO Faith and UFOlogical Discourses" is cited, indicating a broader academic interest in the subject.

Raffaele Pettazzoni and Mircea Eliade are referenced, likely for their contributions to the history of religions and mythology, providing a comparative or historical framework.

Raël (Claude Vorilhon) and his book "The Message Given to Me by Extra-Terrestrials" are discussed, positioning his work within the broader context of ETI-inspired narratives.

The concept of "Paleo-SETI" is introduced, defined as the search for extraterrestrial influence in Earth's ancient history. Erich von Däniken is named as a prominent proponent of Paleo-SETI, with the text noting that such researchers present their work as scientific.

Richard Hofstadter's "The Paranoid Style in American Politics and Other Essays" is referenced, suggesting an analysis of conspiratorial mindsets and their connection to UFO theories and other historical events like the JFK assassination.

Graham Hancock is presented as a significant figure in "lost civilization speculation," with his works like "The Sign and the Seal" and "Fingerprints of the Gods" mentioned. Hancock is described as presenting himself as a maverick challenging the "orthodox theory of human prehistory."

Patricia Cori and her "Starseed Dialogues" and "Atlantis Rising" are also listed, indicating a focus on New Age and extraterrestrial-themed narratives.

Billy Meier and the Swiss FIGU (Free Community of Interests in Fringe and Spiritual Sciences and Ufological Studies) are mentioned, representing another facet of the ET-inspired religious landscape.

Gene Andrade's "Star Wisdom: Principles of Pleiadian Spirituality" and Hayden White's work on Paul Ricoeur are also cited, further broadening the scope of the academic inquiry.

Scholarly Context and Methodological Notes

The text frequently engages with academic scholarship, citing numerous books, articles, and edited volumes. It distinguishes between academic analysis and the beliefs of the groups being studied, particularly in the context of Paleo-SETI researchers attempting to disassociate themselves from "New Age religious speculation."

The author notes that the language of "deviance" used by scholars like Colin Campbell and Andrew Barkun in their analyses of cultic milieus is employed to describe the perspective of "orthodox culture" rather than as a disparaging term by the scholar themselves.

Specific Works and References

Numerous specific publications are referenced, including:

• George Van Tassel's "Into This World and Out Again: A Modern Proof of the Origin of Humanity and Its Retrogression From the Original Creation of Man" (1956).
• Christopher Helland's "From Extraterrestrials to Ultraterrestrials: The Evolution of the Concept of Ashtar."
• Carl Jung's "Flying Saucers: A Modern Myth of Things Seen in the Sky."
• Erich von Däniken's "Chariots of the Gods? Unsolved Mysteries of the Past."
• Graham Hancock's "The Sign and the Seal" and "Fingerprints of the Gods."
• Patricia Cori's "The Starseed Dialogues," "Atlantis Rising," and "The Cosmos of the Soul."
• Zecharia Sitchin's "The Earth Chronicles."
• Works on Holocaust denial and refutations of "The Da Vinci Code" are also listed, suggesting a broader interest in revisionist historical narratives.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes revolve around the intersection of religion, spirituality, and beliefs about extraterrestrial intelligence. The publication appears to adopt a scholarly and analytical stance, examining the origins, development, and academic discourse surrounding these phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between academic research and the beliefs of adherents, as well as on the historical and cultural contexts that shape these ideas. The use of extensive citations suggests a commitment to rigorous academic standards and a desire to situate the study of ET-inspired religions within broader academic fields like religious studies, sociology, and history.