Alien Scripture - No 1

Magazine Overview

Alien Scripture No. 1 is an inaugural issue dedicated to investigating genuine contact with non-human intelligences (NHIs). The magazine positions itself as distinct from spiritual, Fortean, or psychical research publications, aiming to uncover evidence of real, meaningful contact with entities specifically identified as non-human. It seeks to explore the "genuinely otherworldly" and the "search for the genuinely otherworldy."

Editorial Stance and Scope

The editorial stance is that of a researcher, not a spiritualist. The magazine intends to cover a broad range of material, including communications with spiritual content, events reported as Fortean, UFO, psychic, or paranormal. However, the core objective is to identify and analyze evidence of contact with NHIs. The publication acknowledges that this search may span all of history and any location, noting the unprecedented range of claimed contacts in recent times and the attendant publicity. It explicitly states that "death is any boundary" and that contacts have been claimed for as long as mankind has told stories.

The scope extends beyond physical encounters to include interactive religious experiences, charismatic gifts like speaking in tongues, prayer, prophecy, healing, exorcism, magic, and other religious practices attributed to NHIs. It also considers "continuous revelation" and theological concepts as potential sources of communication from NHIs. The magazine is open to exploring the "dark side" of human psychology, where "one man's god is another man's demon," and acknowledges the need for an "alien" to praise or blame.

Key Articles and Themes

Continuous Revelation

This section, likely an editorial or introductory piece, outlines the magazine's purpose and scope. It clarifies that Alien Scripture is not a spiritual magazine but is focused on the search for evidence of non-human contact. It introduces the concept of Non-Human Intelligences (NHIs) and emphasizes that the search is not limited by time or space. The article touches upon the vastness of space and the potential for entities communicating from distant star systems, as well as the phenomenon of alien abduction and governmental contacts with 'grey' aliens. It also introduces the idea of exploring the division between human and divine, and the concept of "continuous revelation" as a potential source of NHI communication.

A Sneaking Unanimity by Martin Kottmeyer

This article critically examines the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH), the prevailing theory that UFO sightings are evidence of extraterrestrial visitation. Kottmeyer argues that while the ETH appears congruent with witness reports, it quickly unravels upon closer inspection. He points out inconsistencies, such as claims of origins from hostile environments like Venus or Mercury, and the disproven observations of lunar forests or Martian canals. The article highlights the "Problem of Noncontact" as a fatal argument against the ETH, questioning why aliens haven't made overt landings or public appearances. Kottmeyer dismisses attempts to explain away this paradox, suggesting that the ETH has a low probability and should be rejected.

He explores various explanations for noncontact, including invasion-scouting, honeymoons, or aliens being incomprehensible due to their advanced nature. However, he finds these explanations lacking. Kottmeyer also discusses the "Floundering Nature Park Theory," which posits that aliens might be monitoring Earth like a nature reserve, with 'park rangers' (aliens) managing 'tourists' (other aliens) and possibly intervening in human affairs. This theory attempts to explain phenomena like abductions as part of a monitoring or census process.

Maps of Heaven

This column focuses on exploring the lifestyles and cultures of non-human entities that claim to communicate with humans. The current installment begins by examining the Pleiades as a popular home base for communicating entities, citing examples like Billy Meier and various channelling sources. It questions the meaning of "coming from the Pleiades," noting the vast distances involved and the size of star clusters. The article then shifts to the ongoing situation in British Spiritualism, identifying three main participants: traditional Spiritualists, the 'Physicists' case for survival, and the Noah's Ark Society for Physical Mediumship. It highlights the challenges faced by Spiritualists in providing verifiable evidence of survival after death and critiques the methods and claims of physical mediumship, particularly those involving ectoplasm and specific rituals.

Virgin Territory

This section discusses religious visions, particularly those related to the Virgin Mary, and their connection to alien contact. It references the Bayside visions attributed to Veronica Leuken, which suggest that UFO vehicles are from "Hell" and their creatures are from "Satan." The author aligns with the idea of judging aliens by their actions, citing evidence of abductions, deceptions, terrorizing of humans, and other malevolent acts as indicators of evil. The column expresses a hope to expand coverage of such visionary experiences, noting that they are often accompanied by messages that can provide insights into the nature of NHIs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Recurring themes include the critical examination of the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH), the persistent "Problem of Noncontact," and the exploration of various theories to explain UFO phenomena and alleged alien interactions. The magazine adopts a skeptical yet open-minded approach, prioritizing evidence and logical reasoning over unsubstantiated claims. The editorial stance is to investigate and analyze, rather than to promote specific beliefs. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between genuine NHI contact and other phenomena, such as spiritualism or psychological projections. The magazine appears to be a platform for in-depth, critical analysis of UFO reports and related subjects, encouraging readers to question and research.

Title: Alien Scripture
Issue: 4
Volume: 1
Date: 1993
Publisher: Kevin McClure
Country: England
Language: English

This issue of Alien Scripture, edited by Kevin McClure, focuses on the psychological dimensions of paranormal experiences, particularly UFO abductions and near-death experiences (NDEs). The cover story, "The Importance of Omega" by Hilary Evans, delves into the research surrounding these phenomena, exploring the debate between those who believe abductions are literal events and those who view them as psychological experiences.

Apparitions and Visions

The issue begins with reports of alleged religious visions. An investigation in Colorado, led by Archbishop J.Francis Stafford, found no evidence of supernatural origin for apparitions of the Virgin Mary reported by Theresa Lopez. The case, however, remained under investigation. The article notes that the shrine administrator, Sister Bernadette Casciano, reported that between 1,500 and 2,000 people visited the shrine monthly, with a surge of over 6,000 after initial reports. Tragically, some visitors suffered permanent vision damage from looking at the sun during alleged sightings of a 'spinning sun' or 'gateway to heaven'.

A separate report mentions up to 200 Nepalese, primarily Hindus, who claimed to have seen a vision of Jesus Christ crucified over Tansen in the Palpa district of Nepal. This event was published in 'Alpha' magazine and reported an upsurge of interest in Christ following the vision.

The Importance of Omega: UFO Abductions and Psychology

The main feature by Hilary Evans examines the phenomenon of UFO abductions. Evans notes the substantial number of people who claim to have been abducted, citing an estimate of over 3 million in the United States alone. He presents the differing viewpoints: those who believe abductees' stories are based on physical fact, and skeptics who suggest alternative explanations, such as psychological phenomena or delusion.

Evans discusses the work of researchers like John Mack, Budd Hopkins, Leo Sprinkle, and David Jacobs, who are convinced of the reality of abductions. He contrasts them with skeptics such as Philip Klass, Edoardo Russo, and Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos. A key point of contention is the interpretation of the abductee's experience: believers accept the 'abduction experience' as fact, while skeptics accept the experience but question the 'abduction fact'.

Errors of Interpretation and Fantasy Proneness

Skeptics argue that abductees might be misinterpreting their experiences as alien encounters when they are actually fantasies. However, proponents of the abduction reality point to psychological tests showing abductees are as sane and balanced as others. A survey by the Fund for UFO Research indicated that abductees did not exhibit psychopathology but showed psychological states consistent with experiencing a traumatic event like a kidnapping.

Keith Basterfield, a researcher of abductee behavior, along with sociologist Robert Bartholomew, and Professor George Howard, suggest that many UFO abductees might belong to a 'fantasy-prone' 4% of the population. This concept, originally formulated by Wilson & Barber, describes individuals whose private fantasies are indistinguishable from reality. Abductees, like fantasy-prone subjects, often report psychic abilities, sensitivity to affect, and a history of childhood trauma.

The Omega Project

Kenneth Ring, known for his work on near-death experiences, initiated the Omega Project to compare UFO abductees with NDE experiencers. The project, involving 264 subjects, found that both groups shared psychological characteristics not typical of the general population, including psychic experiences, expanded mental awareness, and a correlation with childhood trauma, particularly sexual abuse. Ring and Rosing concluded that these individuals are 'psychological sensitives' whose traumatic childhoods contribute to their experiences.

The Omega Project provides scientific evidence that people reporting close encounter experiences are not typical. However, a disconcerting finding was that these subjects did not test as markedly different from the general population for fantasy proneness, suggesting that encounter-proneness does not necessarily go hand-in-hand with fantasy-proneness.

Evans notes that while the hypothesis of fantasy proneness may not be perfectly formulated, both projects aim to identify a specific type of person more likely to have an abduction experience. He acknowledges that psychiatric diagnosis is an art, not a science, and reliable criteria are still being developed.

Evaluating the Omega Experience

Ring and Rosing speculated that the encounter experience is a psychological process related to personal development, akin to religious conversion but in a modern guise. Evans finds this interpretation plausible but suggests the process might be purely internal. He also questions the Omega Project's implication that subjects were 'special' before their experiences, contrasting it with the FUFOR findings that suggested the experiences themselves might have caused changes.

Evans emphasizes that abduction witnesses are typically studied after their experiences, making it difficult to ascertain their prior state. He aligns with Basterfield's view that abduction experiences likely occur in people predisposed to them. The article stresses the importance of viewing the abduction as a psychological process, regardless of its physical reality.

The Value of Experience

Evans highlights that the psychological condition of people reporting abduction stories—often frightened, shocked, and seeking comfort—suggests a real phenomenon is occurring. The long-term effects, such as drastic life changes, also lend weight to the idea that these experiences are significant. However, Evans points out that an experience does not have to be literally true to be valuable. The case of Christy Dennis, who fabricated her abduction story, is cited as an example where an 'untrue' experience still provided personal development and meaning, similar to a 'true' one.

This article aims to emphasize the importance of the Omega Project's findings in establishing the reality and significance of the abduction experience as a psychological process, rather than evaluating the specific conclusions drawn by Ring & Rosing.

Hell on Earth

This section, likely an editorial or a column, discusses the nature of 'nasty occult' phenomena. The author expresses skepticism towards traditional magic and psychic attacks, suggesting that ignorance is a key factor in their perceived effectiveness. The author finds 'wasps' more frightening than Satanists due to their sheer unpleasantness. Satanism is described as a mix of barely-repressed neo-Nazis, misogynist heavy metal fans, and fringe paedophiles.

The author reflects on a phrase from Konstantin Raudive's work on the Electronic Voice Phenomenon: "It is dark here. Here the birds burn." This statement is seen as a shocking betrayal of the hope that consciousness survives bodily death, suggesting a bleak afterlife. The column also touches upon 'rescue circles' where people attempt to contact and guide trapped spirits, a concept that appears in later NDE material involving tunnels of light.

The author contemplates the possibility of producing a magazine solely on these 'dark side' issues but finds it too depressing. Future investigation areas are suggested: possession, deliverance, exorcism, self-defense against alien intrusion, and the role of Non-Human Intelligences (NHIs) in cattle mutilation.

Editorial Stance and Publication Details

Alien Scripture is edited and published by Kevin McClure. Uncredited material is likely written by the editor. The magazine is published four times a year. Subscription details and pricing for the UK, Europe, USA, and Canada are provided. The publication is copyrighted.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the psychological interpretation of extraordinary experiences, particularly UFO abductions and near-death experiences. There is a clear emphasis on exploring these phenomena through a psychological lens, questioning the literal reality of events while acknowledging their profound impact on individuals. The magazine appears to lean towards a skeptical yet open-minded approach, valuing the subjective reality and psychological significance of these experiences. The 'Hell on Earth' section suggests an interest in darker, more challenging aspects of the paranormal and occult, hinting at a willingness to explore complex and potentially disturbing topics. The editorial stance seems to be one of critical inquiry, seeking to understand the human experience of the unexplained rather than definitively proving or disproving specific phenomena.