Magazine Summary
UFO-Mail
Summary
This issue of UFO-Mail focuses on a study by Ken Ramshøj Christensen and Mathias Clasen from Aarhus University titled 'What do Danes Believe?', which surveyed 2,200 Danes about their beliefs in topics ranging from zombies to conspiracy theories. The study found that Danes believe most in the non-material and spiritual. The issue also highlights a critical commentary on the study's methodology by historian of religion Mikael Rothstein, who questioned the representativeness of survey data collected via Facebook and Twitter. Additionally, the newsletter promotes various book packages and publications from Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI), including 'UFO-Nyt' and 'UFO-Vision', and encourages membership in SUFOI's support circle.
Magazine Overview
Title: UFO-Mail
Issue: nr. 258
Volume: 2018
Date: March 6, 2018
Publisher: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
Main Article: "Hvad tror danskerne på?" (What do Danes Believe?)
The central article in this issue of UFO-Mail, written by Kim Møller Hansen, delves into a study conducted by researchers Ken Ramshøj Christensen and Mathias Clasen from Aarhus University. This study, titled "Hvad tror danskerne på? En kortlægning af tro, overtro og overbevisning" (What do Danes Believe? A mapping of belief, superstition, and conviction), surveyed 2,200 Danes of all ages across the country via Facebook and Twitter. The research aimed to understand Danes' beliefs on a wide range of topics, including zombies, ghosts, religion, and conspiracy theories.
The article highlights a key conclusion from the study: Danes tend to believe most in the non-material and spiritual aspects of life, and least in physically dangerous beings. This is contrasted with a critical perspective from Mikael Rothstein, a historian of religion, who commented on the study in an article on videnskab.dk. Rothstein expressed skepticism about the representativeness of a survey relying heavily on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook, noting that he himself does not use these platforms and that they do not cover the entire population.
The article also references a videnskab.dk article titled "Hver syvende dansker tror på spøgelser" (Every seventh Dane believes in ghosts), which discusses the study's findings on beliefs in phenomena like astrology, witches, and ghosts, noting that these beliefs are more widespread in countries like Sweden, Canada, USA, and the UK than in Denmark. Stonehenge is mentioned as a site for neo-religious activities, attracting thousands of participants for summer solstice celebrations.
Book Reviews and Offers
The issue features several promotional sections for books and publications related to UFOs and related topics, offered by Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI).
"UFOer - Myter og Viden" (UFOs - Myths and Knowledge)
A book titled "UFOer - Myter og Viden" is presented with a description from a "Lektørudtalelsen" (Librarian's Statement) which praises the authors' engagement and passion, describing the book as factual, well-researched, well-written, and attractively laid out with many photographs and illustrations.
Special Offers for Readers
SUFOI is offering special packages of previously published materials. These include:
- UFO-Nyt Package: A collection of 6 years of UFO-Nyt (1994, 1997, 1999, 2003, 2004, and 2010) is available for 99 DKK. Once this single package is sold, no more UFO-Nyt issues will be available.
- UFO-Vision Packages: Several packages of "UFO-Vision," SUFOI's annual publication on UFO literature, are available. These include various issues from 1988 to 2007, with prices ranging from 79 DKK for a package of 8 different issues.
- Ungdoms-ufo-pakken (Youth UFO Package): This package contains four titles aimed at young readers (11+ years old): "Fakta om UFO," "UFO Studium," "Læs kritisk om ufoerne," and "Mysteriet om UFOer." It is priced at 89 DKK.
Readers interested in purchasing these packages are instructed to email Skandinavisk UFO Information - SUFOI.
SUFOI's Activities and Membership
The newsletter also provides information about SUFOI's ongoing work and encourages support.
Read UFO Reports Online
Readers can find the latest UFO reports on www.ufo.dk under the "Observationer" (Observations) section.
Become a Member of SUFOI's Support Circle
Skandinavisk UFO Information is run by volunteers. Their primary mission is to provide serious information about the UFO phenomenon through ufo.dk and to register observations. Financial contributions to the support circle, starting at 250 DKK, help sustain the organization's work, including operating ufo.dk and conducting research into UFO experiences.
Membership Benefits
Members of SUFOI's Support Circle can choose one of four book titles as a thank-you gift: "Ildkugler over Danmark" (Fireballs over Denmark) for 159 DKK, "Mysteriet om UFO'er" (The Mystery of UFOs) for 54 DKK, "UFO'er - Myter og viden" (UFOs - Myths and Knowledge) for 149 DKK, or "Firestorm" for 89 DKK. Payment for these can be made via online banking, with specific instructions provided.
Editorial Stance
The magazine, published by Skandinavisk UFO Information, aims to provide serious information about UFOs and related phenomena. It promotes research, critical thinking, and the dissemination of knowledge through its publications and website. The focus is on presenting information and offering resources for those interested in the subject, while also encouraging support for their volunteer-driven organization.
Jeg er ikke statistiker, men jeg kan ikke forstå, at Twitter og Facebook kan sikre en nogenlunde repræsentativ besvarelse. Jeg bruger f.eks. ikke selv de medier. Netop fordi repræsentativitet er afgørende for denne type undersøgelser, ville jeg være meget påpasselig med at basere den på teknologi og medier som, alt andet lige, ikke dækker hele befolkningen.
Key Incidents
The Kelly-Hopkinsville case from 1955 is mentioned as a classic UFO experience illustrating the fear of alien beings and external threats in the American psyche.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main topic of UFO-Mail nr. 258?
UFO-Mail nr. 258 discusses a Danish study on beliefs and superstitions, and also features offers for books and publications from Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI).
Who conducted the study on Danish beliefs?
The study, titled 'What do Danes Believe?', was conducted by researchers Ken Ramshøj Christensen and Mathias Clasen from Aarhus University.
What were the main findings of the 'What do Danes Believe?' study?
The study found that Danes believe most in the non-material and spiritual, and least in physically dangerous beings.
What is SUFOI?
SUFOI stands for Skandinavisk UFO Information, an organization that provides serious information about the UFO phenomenon and registers observations of unusual aerial phenomena.
In This Issue
People Mentioned
- Ken Ramshøj Christensenresearcher
- Mathias Clasenresearcher
- Kim Møller Hansenauthor
- Mikael Rothsteinhistorian of religion
- Ole Henningsenauthor
- Ann Druffelauthor
Organisations
- Danmarks UFO Forening
- SUFOI
- Aarhus Universitet
- videnskab.dk
Locations
- Denmark, Denmark
- Sweden, Sweden
- Canada, Canada
- USA, USA
- Storbritannien, United Kingdom
- England, United Kingdom
- Salisbury Plains, United Kingdom
- Kelly-Hopkinsville, USA