Magonia - No 64 - 1998 08

Magazine Overview

Title: MAGONIA
Issue: 64
Date: August 1998
Publisher: Magonia
Country: United Kingdom

This issue of Magonia, subtitled 'Interpreting Contemporary Vision and Belief', features a prominent cover story on 'ANCIENT ASTRONAUTS, GODS AND GREYS'. The magazine presents two main articles: Gareth Medway's exploration of what Fundamentalists think of the Ancient Astronaut Religion, and David Sivier's challenge to Peter Brookesmith on the nature of the Flying Saucer Religion. The issue also includes editorial commentary on the resurgence of the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH) in ufology and the ongoing debate with the psycho-social hypothesis.

Editorial: The ETH Debate and Psycho-social Hypothesis

Editor John Rimmer opens the issue by noting the recent resurgence of the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH) in ufology, partly fueled by the 'Sturrock Report' and online discussions. He contrasts this with the psycho-social hypothesis (PSH), which he argues is not about explaining individual UFO reports but rather understanding the UFO phenomenon as a whole through psychological, social, and cultural lenses. Rimmer highlights that the debate, particularly online, is polarized between ETH-supporting Americans and ETH-sceptical British ufologists. He criticizes the ETH proponents' reluctance to provide specific cases to support their claims, noting that the PSH is less dependent on explaining individual cases. The PSH is concerned with why experiences are reported in terms that align with UFO phenomena, regardless of the actual stimulus, be it astronomical, meteorological, or psychological. Rimmer concludes that while ETH proponents struggle to agree on definitive cases, the PSH remains valid even if some stimuli are extraterrestrial, and that the PSH focuses on the psychological and sociological context of the percipient and the investigation.

Article: The Devil and the Deep Blue Sky by Gareth Medway

Gareth Medway's winning entry in the Roger Sandell memorial essay competition examines the Christian response to the Ancient Astronaut theory, particularly the work of Erich von Däniken. Medway argues that belief in Ancient Astronauts is akin to a religion for those disillusioned with Christianity, and explores what Christian believers think of such hypotheses. He notes that many attacks on von Däniken in the 1970s came from a Christian perspective, often viewing his work as a challenge to Christian doctrine. Medway discusses 'Some Trust in Chariots!!', a collection of essays by contributors including clergymen and theologians, which criticized von Däniken's work as 'careless, ill-informed, gratuitously offensive' and potentially unhealthy. The article highlights the irony that while critics dismissed von Däniken's literal interpretations of the Bible, they themselves often relied on literal interpretations of scripture to refute him. Medway points out the polarization within Christianity between liberals and fundamentalists, with fundamentalism flourishing due to its offer of certainty. He details how fundamentalists, like John Allan, often interpret UFOs and other anomalous phenomena as demonic activity, citing biblical passages to support their claims. Allan's argument against UFOs is based on his personal experience of God, making speculation about alien contact seem unnecessary. Medway also touches upon the idea that fundamentalists see other religions as the work of devils and demons, extending this to UFO phenomena. He mentions authors like Clifford Wilson and John Weldon who, in 'Close Encounters: A Better Explanation', argue that UFOs are demonic manifestations. The article concludes by suggesting that faith often overrides reason, with individuals interpreting evidence, including UFO reports and ancient texts, to fit their pre-existing worldviews.

Article: The Age of Infantilism by David Sivier

David Sivier's article responds to Peter Brookesmith's thesis, presented in previous issues of Magonia, that the imagery and symbolism of UFOs and the abduction phenomenon stem from the Semitic conception of God, particularly as 'mitigated by the 'American religion'' defined as a 'severely internalized Quest romance whose goal is immortality'. Sivier acknowledges the elegance and wit of Brookesmith's arguments but disputes the exclusivity of his definition. He argues that while Mormonism exemplifies certain Gnostic ideas, these features are not unique to American Christianity. Sivier points to shamanism and charismatic phenomena as existing across various cultures, including Russian Orthodoxy, which views itself as the 'Third Rome'. He notes that while Russian Orthodoxy is ritualistic, indigenous Russian sects share charismatic elements with American Pentecostalism. Sivier also discusses the discomfort with the physical body found in various religious traditions, including Gnosticism, Russian Cosmism, and certain ascetic practices. He questions why the UFO myth, essentially a technological myth, did not appear first in technologically advanced regions like Europe, Russia, or Japan, suggesting that pre-industrial societies often subsumed anomalous sightings into existing indigenous beliefs. Sivier posits that the UFO myth's emergence in Western cultures is linked to technological advancements and a yearning for a superior, cybernetic man, citing the influence of science fiction and thinkers like Tsiolkovsky, who explored ideas of cosmic energy and the potential for human evolution into non-physical or robotic forms. He argues that the search for alien beings can be seen as a continuation of religious quests, blurring the lines between science and religion. Sivier critiques the idea that science is purely objective, noting how it can take on religious or mystical dimensions, and suggests that the ufological religion may indeed have roots in Semitic and American religious traditions, but also in broader human desires for immortality and transcendence.

Other Content

• Subscription Details: Information is provided for UK, Europe, USA, and Elsewhere, with specific rates and payment instructions. US subscribers are advised to pay in dollar bills and not American bank cheques. French banknotes are accepted at a specific rate.
• Contact Information: Details for the Editor, Associate Editor, and Web Editor are provided, along with a website address for Magonia's archives and links.
• Copyright Notice: Copyright for signed articles remains with the author; Magonia 1998.
• Letters and Contributions: The issue mentions the success of a previous essay competition and the hope to establish it as an annual event, with more information to follow.
• Book Review Editor: Peter Rogerson is listed as the Book Review Editor.
• Obituary/Tribute: John Rimmer writes a tribute to Ralph Noyes, a former contributor to Magonia, highlighting his informed skepticism, good-natured humor, and his role in bringing together researchers of differing views. Two of Noyes's articles are to be republished on the Magonia website.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of belief, the interpretation of anomalous phenomena, and the intersection of science, religion, and mythology. Magonia consistently engages with the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH) and its alternatives, such as the psycho-social hypothesis. The magazine appears to maintain a skeptical but open-minded stance, encouraging critical examination of claims and exploring the cultural and psychological factors that shape belief systems. The editorial stance seems to favor nuanced discussion over dogmatic assertions, as evidenced by the detailed exploration of differing viewpoints on UFOs and their origins, particularly in relation to religious interpretations. The magazine also demonstrates an interest in the historical development of these ideas and their cultural contexts, as seen in the articles by Medway and Sivier.

This issue of Magonia, number 64, delves into the complex and often intertwined nature of ufology, mythology, religion, and societal anxieties. It features a prominent cover story by Jean La Fontaine, commissioned by the British Government, which debunks the myth of widespread satanic abuse. The issue also includes reviews of several books related to paranormal phenomena, UFOs, and historical mysteries, alongside an editorial reflecting on the state of ufological research and its relationship with science.

The Roots of Ufology: Gnosticism, Mythology, and Science Fiction

The article "As for the similarities of Roswell to the quest for the Holy Grail, this seems much more like an exercise in literary criticism than a sociological analysis..." explores the ideological underpinnings of ufology. It posits that ufology draws heavily on Gnostic concepts, such as an organizing superintelligence, and that its symbolism is influenced by science fiction. The author notes that while UFO occupants might be conceived as god-like, they are not portrayed as ultimate creator gods, lagging behind the imaginative scope of science fiction. The article traces the origins of the UFO phenomenon in America, suggesting that its democratic nature and a complex of fears and neuroses, particularly in the post-war era, contributed to its rise. It contrasts this with the situation in totalitarian regimes like Germany and Russia, where religious and occult subcultures were suppressed.

The piece highlights how the American public was primed to accept the UFO phenomenon due to a long history of science fiction narratives. It also examines the timing of the UFO myth's emergence, coinciding with America's peak international influence and a questioning of national identity amidst the Cold War. The author suggests that UFO myths have served as a vehicle for expressing dissatisfaction with the government, particularly in the face of perceived threats like Communism.

The Influence of Eastern Religions and Pessimism

Another section discusses the influence of Eastern religions and philosophical pessimism on modern thought, drawing parallels with Gnosticism. It notes that figures like Schopenhauer, with his pessimistic outlook and incorporation of Eastern philosophies, have found resonance in an age skeptical of technological progress. The article suggests that modern ufological religions often incorporate elements of Eastern mysticism and that the 'antimaterial, ascetic, pessimistic streak' found in Buddhism and Hinduism may have been exaggerated in the climate of post-war existential despair.

Book Reviews

Several book reviews offer critical perspectives on recent publications:

• "Abducted - The True Story of Alien Abduction in Rural England" by Ann Andrews and Jean Ritchie: Reviewed by Kevin McClure, this book is criticized for presenting two contradictory versions of a child's abduction experiences, undermining its credibility. The review questions the methodology and motives of the investigators, suggesting that the case might be a product of suggestion and the desire for publicity, rather than genuine abduction.

• "Physical Evidence Related to UFO Reports" by John Harney: This review examines the 'Sturrock Report' and criticizes the ufologists' approach for being overly reliant on speculation and lacking rigorous scientific evidence. The review highlights the panel's recommendation for formal contact between the UFO community and physical scientists, while also noting the potential for bias and gullibility.

• "The world's greatest unsolved mysteries" by Lionel and Patricia Fanthorpe: The review points out the book's tendency to present popular, often sensationalized, versions of mysteries and to emphasize paranormal causes, even when rational explanations exist.

• "UFO evaluating the evidence" by Bill Yenne: This book is described as a thin, illustrated volume that relies heavily on old Project Blue Book files, with little attention given to recent events. The reviewer finds it uncritical and lacking in depth.

• "The Psychic Mafia" by M Lamar Keene, as told to Allan Spraggett: This reissue of an autobiography of a fraudulent medium is presented as a cautionary tale about self-deception and the 'will to believe'. The reviewer notes the crudity of the tricks and the book's potential as a 'confession of a repentant sinner'.

• "UFO's, the Scottish Dimension" by Ron Halliday: The reviewer finds this book to be a classic catalog of UFO experiences that is nevertheless remarkably dull, lacking in detail and investigation. It is criticized for its uncritical acceptance of UFO lore and for potentially deterring individuals from seeking medical advice.

• "The Great Children's Home Panic" by Richard Webster: This book suggests that the panic over alleged sexual abuse in children's homes is a new witch hunt, similar to the Satanic abuse scare. The review notes that the book points to the dangers of investigations driven by a belief in a vast conspiracy.

• "The Threat" by David M. Jacobs: This book is characterized as racist mythology, with its portrayal of aliens as sexually rapacious beings seeking to infiltrate humanity and corrupt its genetic inheritance.

• "Conspiracy; how the paranoid style flourishes and where it comes from" by Daniel Pipes: This study traces the origins of conspiracy theories back to the time of the Crusaders and highlights their role in totalitarian ideologies. The review notes Pipes' summary of conspiracism's core features, including the belief in a hidden enemy and the illusionary nature of perceived reality.

• "Black Helicopters II, the Endgame strategy" by Jim Keith: This book is seen as part of a paranoid worldview where the US government is portrayed as an evil entity, using black helicopters and flying saucers for nefarious purposes.

• "Making Contact: a serious handbook for locating and communicating with extraterrestrials" edited by Bill Fawcett: The reviewer finds this handbook to be a collection of pieces from ufologists and exobiologists, with some contributions offering critiques of evolutionary biology from a religious standpoint. The book is noted for its lists of equipment for alien contact.

• "Santa Claus, Last of the Wild Men: the origins and evolution of Saint Nicholas, spanning 50,000 years" by Phyllis Siefker: This book explores the origins of Santa Claus, linking him to ancient 'wild man' traditions. The reviewer notes that the book falls into the trap of uncritically quoting old authorities.

• "The Nature of Mind: parapsychology and the role of consciousness in the physical world" by Douglas M. Stokes: This survey of parapsychology is described as a fair and intelligent summary, though the reviewer notes its high price and academic format. It cautiously explores the evidence for psi and the work of Stevenson on reincarnation.

• "Paranormal People: the famous, the infamous and the supernatural" by Paul Chambers: This book is a collection of profiles of people associated with paranormal phenomena, ranging from psychics to alleged vampires. The reviewer finds the coverage uneven and superficial.

Psychological Damage and Legal Ramifications

The "Hold the Back Page" section discusses the legal consequences for psychologists involved in UFO abduction research. It highlights cases where therapists have had their licenses revoked for 'gross negligence' and implanting false memories of abuse and Satanic ritual in patients. The editorial expresses a wonder about when UFO abductionists themselves will face legal action for the mental anguish they cause.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Magonia consistently adopts a critical and skeptical stance towards many aspects of ufology and paranormal claims. The editorial and book reviews frequently question the methodologies, evidence, and underlying assumptions of researchers and authors in the field. There is a strong emphasis on distinguishing between genuine scientific inquiry and speculative or pseudoscientific approaches. The magazine highlights the psychological and sociological factors that contribute to the formation and persistence of belief systems, particularly in the context of UFOs and conspiracy theories. The recurring theme is the need for rigorous evidence and critical analysis, even when dealing with phenomena that challenge conventional understanding. The magazine also shows an interest in the historical and cultural roots of these beliefs, linking them to broader patterns in religion, mythology, and societal anxieties.