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By William Van Zyl
Published in October 2024
“Hallo from the other side.”
Aliens may not be physical but spiritual entities—like angels, demons, or other supernatural beings. These beliefs often view alien encounters as spiritual experiences rather than extraterrestrial interactions.
Or are they real?
Table of Contents
Just for fun, let’s look at the different theories on the existence of aliens, including examples:
Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH):
This is the idea that aliens from other planets or solar systems could visit Earth. This theory suggests that these aliens are advanced beings with the technology to travel through space and are interested in studying or exploring our planet and humanity.
IMAGE: The Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) is the most widely accepted theory, suggesting that aliens are biological beings from other planets or solar systems. According to ETH, advanced civilisations from distant star systems have developed the technology to travel across space and visit Earth, possibly exploring or studying humanity. CREDIT: AI-generated image. Midjourney. Oct 2024.
IMAGE: Roswell Incident of 1947. EXAMPLE: An example of the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) can be found in the famous Roswell Incident of 1947. According to ETH proponents, the incident involved the crash of an extraterrestrial spacecraft near Roswell, New Mexico. Witnesses reported seeing strange debris; some claimed to have seen alien bodies at the crash site. Supporters of the ETH argue that these aliens were biological beings from another planet who had developed the technology to travel across space and visit Earth. These beings were possibly on a mission to explore or study human civilisation when their craft malfunctioned. Despite official explanations attributing the incident to a military balloon, ETH believers view it as compelling evidence of alien visitation. CREDIT: AI-generated image. Midjourney. Oct 2024.
Fermi Paradox Concept:
Asks why we have yet to find any clear proof of aliens, even though the universe is vast and there’s a good chance that alien life exists. It’s like a puzzle because it’s hard to understand why we haven’t seen any signs of extraterrestrial civilisations, even though they might be out there.
IMAGE: Fermi Paradox. The Fermi Paradox questions why, given the vastness of the universe and the high probability of life elsewhere, humans have yet to encounter definitive evidence of aliens. It presents a conflict between the likelihood of extraterrestrial civilisations and the lack of observational evidence for their existence. CREDIT: AI-generated image. Midjourney. Oct 2024.
EXAMPLE: This is an example of the Fermi Paradox, which highlights the puzzling contradiction between the high probability of extraterrestrial life in the vast universe and the lack of clear evidence or contact with such civilisations. The paradox is named after physicist Enrico Fermi, who famously asked, “Where is everybody?” during a discussion about the likelihood of alien civilisations. An illustrative case is the Drake Equation, which estimates the number of advanced civilisations that could exist in our galaxy based on factors like the number of stars and planets. Despite the equation suggesting a high likelihood of extraterrestrial life, we have yet to detect any signs—no signals, spacecraft, or other evidence. Despite the mathematical probability of alien life, this absence of proof is the essence of the Fermi Paradox, leaving scientists and philosophers to puzzle over why we haven’t found any clear indications of alien civilisations. CREDIT: AI-generated image. Midjourney. Oct 2024.
Zoo Hypothesis:
This idea suggests that aliens know us but choose not to make contact. They might watch us from a distance, like how we observe animals in a zoo, to let humanity develop naturally. Ancient Astronaut Theory: This theory says aliens visited Earth in ancient times and may have influenced human civilisations. Extraterrestrial visitors could have helped some of humanity’s outstanding achievements.
IMAGE: Zoo Hypothesis. This theory proposes that extraterrestrial civilisations are aware of humanity but choose to avoid contact. They may observe us from a distance, like humans would watch animals in a zoo, to allow humanity to develop naturally without interference. CREDIT: AI-generated image. Midjourney. Oct 2024.
EXAMPLE: Zoo Hypothesis Example – A potential example of the Zoo Hypothesis could be the WOW! Signal, a strong radio signal detected by astronomer Jerry Ehman in 1977. The signal appeared to come from deep space and lasted for 72 seconds. While it has never been conclusively explained, proponents of the Zoo Hypothesis suggest it might be a rare glimpse of an alien civilisation observing us without direct communication. According to this theory, the aliens are aware of us but choose not to make contact, possibly to allow humanity to evolve naturally, much like zookeepers observe animals without interference. CREDIT: AI-generated image. Midjourney. Oct 2024.
Ancient Astronaut Theory:
This theory states that aliens visited Earth in ancient times and may have influenced human civilisations. Extraterrestrial visitors could have contributed to some of humanity’s great achievements.
Popularised by authors like Erich von Däniken, this theory suggests aliens visited Earth in ancient times, interacting with or guiding human civilisations. It claims that these extraterrestrial visitors influenced or aided some of humanity’s outstanding achievements—such as the pyramids or Puma Punku.
IMAGE: Ancient Astronaut Theory. Popularised by authors like Erich von Däniken, this theory suggests aliens visited Earth in ancient times, interacting with or guiding human civilisations. It claims that these extraterrestrial visitors influenced or aided some of humanity’s great achievements—such as the pyramids or Puma Punku. CREDIT: AI-generated image. Midjourney. Oct 2024.
IMAGE: Aliens from outer space use a laser to cut stone at Puma Punku in Bolivia. CREDIT: AI-generated image. Midjourney. Oct 2024.
Simulation Hypothesis:
This theory suggests that aliens could exist within a simulated reality, where advanced beings, possibly extraterrestrials, have created a simulation in which we live. It implies that higher intelligence may control or observe what humans perceive as reality outside the simulation.
IMAGE: Simulation Hypothesis: This theory proposes that aliens might exist in a simulated reality created by advanced beings, possibly extraterrestrials. Higher intelligence might control or observe what we think is real outside the simulation. CREDIT: AI-generated image. Midjourney. Oct 2024.
EXAMPLE: An example of the Simulation Hypothesis is the concept proposed by philosopher Nick Bostrom, which suggests that our reality might be an artificial simulation created by advanced beings or extraterrestrial intelligences. In this theory, the aliens (or future humans) are so technologically advanced that they have developed the ability to run highly sophisticated simulations of entire universes, including intelligent life. An illustrative pop-culture example is the movie The Matrix, in which humans live in a simulated world created by smart machines, unaware that their entire reality is a computer-generated construct. Similarly, the Simulation Hypothesis suggests that aliens or higher intelligences might control or observe the simulated reality in which humanity exists, with everything humans perceive as real being part of an artificial environment designed for research, entertainment, or other purposes. CREDIT: AI-generated image. Midjourney. Oct 2024.
Interdimensional Hypothesis (IDH):
According to this theory, aliens are not from other planets but from parallel dimensions or alternate realities. It suggests that these beings can move between dimensions and enter our reality, which explains their ability to defy physical laws and appear or disappear quickly.
IMAGE: Interdimensional Hypothesis (IDH): According to this theory, aliens are not from other planets but from parallel dimensions or alternate realities. It suggests that these beings can move between dimensions and enter our reality, which explains their ability to defy physical laws and appear or disappear quickly. CREDIT: AI-generated image. Midjourney. Oct 2024.
EXAMPLE: An example of the Interdimensional Hypothesis (IDH) can be found in the phenomenon of UFO sightings, where the objects seem to defy the laws of physics. For instance, in 2004, the USS Nimitz UFO incident involved Navy pilots encountering a “Tic Tac”-shaped object that moved with incredible speed, made abrupt changes in direction, and appeared to vanish without a trace. Proponents of the IDH suggest that such objects may not be physical spacecraft from other planets but beings or craft from parallel dimensions that can enter and exit our reality. According to this theory, these entities or objects can move between dimensions, which explains their sudden appearances and disappearances and why they seem to operate outside the constraints of known physical laws. CREDIT: AI-generated image. Midjourney. Oct 2024.
Panspermia Theory:
This theory suggests that life on Earth, including potentially intelligent life, came from microorganisms or biological material spread through space. Aliens may not be separate creations but related to us through a common source of life seeded across different planets.
Panspermia Theory: This theory suggests that life on Earth, including potentially intelligent life, came from microorganisms or biological material spread through space. Aliens may not be separate creations but related to us through a common source of life seeded across different planets. CREDIT: AI-generated image. Midjourney. Oct 2024.
EXAMPLE: An example of the Panspermia Theory is the discovery of organic molecules on comets, such as those found on Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko by the Rosetta mission. This comet was found to contain complex organic compounds, which are the building blocks of life. Proponents of Panspermia suggest that these molecules, or even microorganisms, could have been carried by comets or meteors to Earth billions of years ago, potentially “seeding” life here. According to this theory, life on Earth may have originated from this extraterrestrial material, and life on other planets might share a common origin, making alien life forms related to us somehow. Instead of evolving independently, life could have spread across different worlds by exchanging biological material via space debris. CREDIT: AI-generated image. Midjourney. Oct 2024.
Post-Biological or AI Civilizations:
Some theorists speculate that advanced alien civilisations have evolved beyond their biological origins and exist as artificial intelligence or digital entities. These civilisations may not need physical bodies, which could explain why we haven’t encountered them in a form we recognise.
IMAGE: Post-Biological or AI Civilizations: Some theorists think advanced alien civilisations have evolved beyond their biological origins and exist as artificial intelligence or digital entities. These civilisations may not need physical bodies, which could explain why we haven’t encountered them in a form we recognise. CREDIT: AI-generated image. Midjourney. Oct 2024.
EXAMPLE: An example of the Post-Biological or AI Civilizations theory can be drawn from the idea of the Von Neumann probe—a theoretical self-replicating spacecraft designed by advanced civilisations. According to this concept, instead of biological aliens exploring the universe, highly advanced civilisations could have developed artificial intelligence (AI) entities or robotic probes that can self-replicate and travel through space indefinitely without the need for biological life forms. These AI civilisations might no longer rely on physical bodies, having uploaded their consciousness into digital formats or transferred their intelligence into machines. This could explain why humans have not yet encountered aliens in a form they recognise—if they exist as digital entities or advanced AI, their presence may be undetectable using conventional methods, or their activities could be carried out by non-biological machines that appear as distant anomalies rather than traditional life forms. CREDIT: AI-generated image. Midjourney. Oct 2024.
Dark Forest Theory:
This theory suggests that alien civilisations are intentionally silent to avoid being detected by other extraterrestrial species. In a “dark forest” universe, civilisations fear that revealing themselves would lead to their destruction by more advanced or hostile aliens. Thus, everyone remains hidden to survive.
IMAGE: Dark Forest Theory This theory posits that alien civilisations are intentionally silent, avoiding detection by other extraterrestrial species. In a “dark forest” universe, civilisations fear that revealing themselves would lead to their destruction by more advanced or hostile aliens. Thus, everyone remains hidden to survive. CREDIT: AI-generated image. Midjourney. Oct 2024.
EXAMPLE: An example of the Dark Forest Theory can be illustrated by the lack of detectable extraterrestrial signals despite the vastness of the universe. One notable case is the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) project, which has been scanning the skies for decades, hoping to find signs of intelligent life through radio signals. Despite the high probability of alien civilisations existing, SETI has yet to detect any clear, intentional communication. Proponents of the Dark Forest Theory suggest that this silence might be because alien civilisations are intentionally avoiding sending out signals, fearing that doing so would alert more advanced or hostile extraterrestrial species to their presence. In this “dark forest” universe, where survival is paramount, civilisations remain quiet, hiding to avoid being detected and possibly destroyed by unknown threats, much like prey animals remain silent in a dangerous forest. CREDIT: AI-generated image. Midjourney. Oct 2024.
Religious and Spiritual Theories:
Some religious perspectives suggest that aliens may not be physical but spiritual entities—like angels, demons, or other supernatural beings. These beliefs often view alien encounters as spiritual experiences rather than extraterrestrial interactions.
IMAGE: Religious and Spiritual Theories: Some religious perspectives suggest that aliens may not be physical beings but spiritual entities—like angels, demons, or other supernatural beings. These beliefs often view alien encounters as spiritual experiences rather than extraterrestrial interactions. CREDIT: AI-generated image. Midjourney. Oct 2024.
EXAMPLE: An example of Religious and Spiritual Theories is the belief held by some Christians that alien encounters are actually demonic manifestations. This idea is supported by writers like Chuck Missler, who argue that so-called alien sightings or abductions are not encounters with beings from other planets but with spiritual entities—specifically, demons posing as extraterrestrials to deceive humanity. One example is the 1975 Travis Walton abduction case, where Walton claimed to have been taken aboard a UFO. Some religious perspectives interpret such experiences as deceptive acts by demons rather than actual aliens. According to this view, these encounters are spiritual in nature, intending to lead people away from God by mimicking physical extraterrestrial interactions and sowing confusion about the true nature of reality. This interpretation sees “aliens” as part of a spiritual battle rather than an interplanetary phenomenon. CREDIT: AI-generated image. Midjourney. Oct 2024.
Scriptures that relate to debunking alien life:
Several scriptures suggest that humanity is unique in God’s creation. Here are a few verses often cited in this context:
Genesis 1:26-27 (KJV)
“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”
This passage emphasises humanity’s unique creation in God’s image, which some interpret as suggesting that no other intelligent life forms exist.
Isaiah 45:18 (KJV)
“For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.”
This verse suggests that the Earth was explicitly created to be inhabited, implying a focus on human life.
Psalm 8:4-5 (KJV)
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”
Here, the psalmist reflects on humanity’s unique status in creation, which may imply that humans hold a special place in God’s plan compared to other potential life forms.
Hebrews 2:6-8 (KJV)
“But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him? Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet.”
Like Psalm 8, this passage reiterates humanity’s exalted position and dominion over creation, further emphasising a focus on human beings.
John 3:16 (KJV)
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
The verse highlights God’s love for humanity and the sacrificial nature of Christ’s atonement specifically for human beings, which some argue indicates a lack of similar provision for other potential life forms.
Conclusion:
These verses “debunk” the existence of aliens, and they are often interpreted within specific theological frameworks to support the idea that humanity is unique in God’s creation and that other intelligent life forms are not mentioned.
The Bible does not explicitly mention aliens or extraterrestrial beings; however, some Bible Believing Christians interpret specific passages as suggesting that encounters with unidentified flying objects (UFOs) or “aliens” are manifestations of demonic activity or trickery. Here are a few scriptures that support this notion:
- 2 Corinthians 11:14 (KJV)
“And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.”
This verse implies that Satan can disguise himself as a benevolent being, which some interpret as suggesting that aliens could be deceptive entities masquerading as friendly or advanced beings.
- Ephesians 6:12 (KJV)
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
This passage indicates that spiritual forces at work can influence humanity, suggesting that encounters with “aliens” might be related to these dark spiritual powers.
- Matthew 24:24 (KJV)
“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”
This verse warns of deceptive appearances and false signs, which some believe could include alien encounters designed to mislead people.
- Revelation 12:9 (KJV)
“And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.”
This passage describes the deceptive nature of Satan and his followers, implying that they actively work to mislead humanity, potentially through supernatural means.
- 1 Timothy 4:1 (KJV)
“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.”
This verse refers to the rise of misleading spirits and teachings, which some interpret as including the idea of alien encounters as manifestations of deceptive spiritual influences.
- Deuteronomy 18:10-12 (KJV)
“There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.”
This passage warns against practices associated with the occult and the supernatural, which some might associate with alien phenomena being manifestations of such practices.
These verses are used to support the idea that what people perceive as extraterrestrial encounters are spiritual deceptions orchestrated by demonic forces. Interpretations may vary widely, and the connection between these scriptures and the concept of aliens is not universally accepted among all Christians.
Copyright © 2024 by William Van Zyl
Aliens: Do they Exist?
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Published by Five House Publishing (New Zealand)
First Publishing, October 2024
More eBooks and articles are available at https://fivehousepublishing.com/
More about the author at http://williamvanzyl.com/
