Ancient Skies - Vol 05 No 4 - 1978

Magazine Overview

Title: ANCIENT SKIES
Issue: Volume 5, Number 4
Date: September-October, 1978
Publisher: ANCIENT ASTRONAUT SOCIETY
Country: USA
Theme: Religion's Third Great Challenge

This issue of "Ancient Skies" delves into the profound implications of the Ancient Astronaut hypothesis for organized religion, positing it as the third major scientific challenge to traditional Western theology. The publication, the official logbook of the Ancient Astronaut Society, aims to foster a deeper search for truth and understanding.

Religion's Third Great Challenge: The Ancient Astronaut Hypothesis

Rev. Jack A. Jennings, an ordained Presbyterian minister, presents a compelling argument that the work of the Ancient Astronaut Society is poised to cause a significant theological dislocation within organized religion. He frames this challenge as a continuation of historical conflicts between science and faith, following the paradigm shifts introduced by Copernicus and Darwin.

Jennings traces the historical resistance to new scientific ideas, citing the condemnation of Giordano Bruno and the forced retractions of Galileo Galilei and Johannes Kepler for challenging the geocentric model of the universe. He then discusses the ongoing controversy surrounding Darwin's theory of evolution, which, despite increasing acceptance, still faces considerable hostility from conservative religious quarters.

The article introduces a less widely known, third challenge: Freudian psychology, which suggests that the concept of God is a projection of human unconscious needs. However, Jennings emphasizes that the Ancient Astronaut theory, if it gains traction, could be the most disruptive and traumatic challenge yet.

He argues that the theory's potential to suggest that humanity's origins might be rooted in "space genetics" or that biblical figures like "Yahweh" were astronauts, rather than divine creators, strikes at the core of traditional Judeo-Christian beliefs. This could lead to a crisis of faith for those who interpret scriptures literally.

Jennings acknowledges that the Ancient Astronaut hypothesis may also present difficulties for more liberal and rationalist theologians who have long since demythologized ancient texts. He notes that these scholars may find it incredulous to consider literal interpretations of passages like Genesis chapter six, which speaks of "the sons of God" mating with "the daughters of men."

Despite the potential for turmoil, Jennings expresses a degree of optimism, suggesting that the church, like in past crises, will likely find a way to adapt and survive. He believes that this new understanding could lead to a more mature, resilient, and open-minded religious perspective, moving beyond a homocentric view to embrace a "cosmic God."

He proposes that the core of true religion lies in the universal principles of love and mercy, which are independent of any specific scientific explanation for human origins. Even if extraterrestrial contact were confirmed, Jennings suggests that a religion based on these eternal values would still hold profound meaning.

Jennings concludes that the church should not shy away from scientific inquiry but rather focus on drawing meaning and making sense of the facts, helping people connect with God. He advocates for an "exotheology"—a theology of outer space—that can accommodate new cosmological understandings.

Society News and Upcoming Events

The issue also contains several announcements for the Ancient Astronaut Society:

• Guatemala-Honduras Member Expedition: A final call for a trip scheduled from December 27, 1978, to January 8, 1979, exploring Mayan sites. The cost is US$1,093 per person from Chicago or US$810 from Guatemala City. A deposit of US$150 is required.
• Sixth World Conference in Munich, Germany: Scheduled for June 14-16, 1979, at the Hotel Sheraton. A group flight from Chicago is being arranged. Members are advised to contact the Society office or the European office for reservations.
• Egypt-England Member Expedition: Planned for June-July, 1979. Details are still being arranged, but interested individuals are encouraged to make reservations due to limited space, especially on the Nile River cruise ship. Options include joining the Munich conference first or meeting in Cairo.

Recommended Reading and New Books

Several books are recommended or announced:

• THE MANNA MACHINE by George Sassoon and Rodney Dale (hardcover available in England).
• ERICH VON DANIKEN: DISCIPLE OF THE GODS by Peter Krassa (hardcover available in England).
• THE SEARCH FOR THE TASSILI FRESCOES by Henri Lhote (hardcover edition by E. P. Dutton & Co., Inc., New York), subtitled "The Rock Paintings of the Sahara."
• THE SIRIUS MYSTERY by Robert K. G. Temple (reissued in paperback by St. Martin's Press, New York).

The Curse of Akahim

This section details Erich von Daniken's third attempt to obtain an artifact from an extraterrestrial origin in the Amazon. The expedition, involving Ferdinand Schmid and Tatunca Nara, chief of the Mogulala tribe, was thwarted by an accident. Professor Roldao Tires Brandao, an archaeologist who insisted on joining the expedition, accidentally shot himself in the forearm, forcing the group to abort their mission and return him for medical treatment. This incident has delayed further attempts until April or May, 1979.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the intersection of ancient astronaut theories, religion, and scientific inquiry. The editorial stance, as articulated by Rev. Jennings, is one of encouraging an open-minded approach to new evidence, even if it challenges deeply held beliefs. The magazine promotes the idea that confronting these challenges can lead to a more profound and expansive understanding of spirituality and the cosmos, rather than necessarily destroying faith. The Society itself is presented as a tax-exempt, not-for-profit organization dedicated to scientific, literary, and educational purposes.