UFO Criticism by JN from Japan - 2010 02 - vol 10 no 1

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO Criticism by J.N. from Japan
Issue: The 17th Issue, Vol.10 No.1
Date: February 2010
Publisher: Junji Numakawa
Country: JAPAN
Language: English
Price: Not for sale

This issue delves into a critical examination of UFOlogy from a Japanese perspective, with a particular focus on historical figures and events. The editor, Junji Numakawa, expresses regret over the passing of Ernie Sears, former Public Relations Officer of SUFOG (Southampton UFO Group).

Jesus as an Earthman

The central theme of this issue is the re-examination of Jesus, proposing the theory that he was an earthman, or even a spaceman, rather than solely a divine figure. The author, Junji Numakawa, acknowledges this might be controversial for Christians and requests tolerance for his historical inquiry.

Biblical Interpretation and UFOlogy

Numakawa begins by explaining the Japanese translation of "prophet" (預言者 - yogen-sha), emphasizing it means one who is deposited the word of God, not merely a foreteller. He contrasts this with the common understanding of Jesus as a messiah.

The author questions the traditional narratives surrounding Jesus' birth, citing the Gospel of Mark which portrays Mary as an ordinary, anxious mother. The "Star of Bethlehem" is suggested to be a UFO-like star, possibly belonging to a later legend. Stories about Jesus' birth from Apocryphal Gospels are also mentioned.

Numakawa posits that Jesus believed the end of the Roman Empire was imminent and spoke of the "kingdom of God." His references to the "abomination of desolation" are linked to predictions of a great flood, a concept also found in Japanese UFOlogy.

Jesus as a Prophet and Leader

Drawing on historian Joel Carmichael's work, "The Death of Jesus," the author argues that Jesus was originally a prophet, not a messiah. Jesus' own words, "A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house," are cited to support this. The term "nabi" (Hebrew for prophet) is defined as a messenger of Jehovah.

The text discusses the belief that Elijah was to come before a messiah and the Gospel account of Jesus meeting Moses and Elijah, witnessed by three Apostles. This event, occurring on a hidden mountain, is presented as a factual account, with the location obscured to avoid attention.

The Independence Movement

Numakawa suggests that Jesus' "patriotic act" was an independence movement against Roman rule. He references Arthur Schopenhauer's observation that the accusation against Jesus read "THE KING OF THE JEWS," indicating a political dimension. The author believes this movement armed itself and that the temple in Jerusalem was brought under its control, leading to Jesus' actions of casting out those selling and buying within the temple.

This uprising was quelled by the Roman army, led by "the captain," who is identified as a commander of 1000 soldiers.

Allies and Factions

Carmichael's view of the two men crucified with Jesus as comrades, and the Twelve Apostles as "chiefs of guards," leads Numakawa to hypothesize that Jesus' independence movement consisted of three factions. He further suggests the Twelve Apostles may have been elected from three factions, with only Peter, James, and John being part of the "Jesus faction" and witnesses to the contact with Moses and Elijah.

The Great Flood and Resurrection

The author draws a parallel between Jesus' belief in an imminent "great flood" and the actions of CBA, a Japanese UFO group, which devoted energy to building a "pyramid" on the eve of a predicted world-scale great flood. This suggests a recurring theme of impending cataclysms in both religious and UFOlogy contexts.

Regarding Jesus' death and resurrection, the text notes that Jesus died quickly, suggesting a possible state of apparent death. The resurrection is described as more than a revival, with Jesus appearing with a "different face." The author posits that UFOlogists might more easily accept the possibility of Jesus' Resurrection, given the potential capabilities of "space people."

Notes and References

• The issue includes detailed notes referencing various publications and translations, including:
• J-N Video News (No. 78, March 1992)
• Gospel of James (Protoevangelium of James)
• Soratobu Enban Nyusu (The Flying Saucer News) (April 1963, Feb-Mar 1962, June-July 1962)
• "The Death of Jesus" by Joel Carmichael (1962)
• "Talks of Schopenhauer" by Arthur Schopenhauer
• Seisho Jiten (Bible Dictionary)

These notes provide context and sources for the author's arguments, including details about translations and specific biblical passages.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reinterpretation of religious figures through a UFOlogical lens, the potential extraterrestrial origins of certain beliefs, and the historical context of religious and political movements. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical historical inquiry, seeking to deconstruct traditional narratives and explore alternative explanations, particularly those influenced by UFO phenomena and Japanese UFOlogy perspectives. The author encourages a rational, albeit speculative, approach to understanding historical and religious events.