A subject growing in popularity is UFOs but many are surprised that the subject has been around for a long time. But how does the Christian respond to this subject? The subject is complex because its often compounded by conspiracy theories, hoaxes, sensationalize media reports, speculative theories, animal mutations and Hollywood productions. Dr. Allen Hynek devised the first standardized classification for sightings and they are
Relatively distant sightings
–Nocturnal lights– these are well-defined lights in the night sky whose appearance and motions are not explainable with conventional light sources
–Daylight disks- generally oval or disked shaped metallic appearing objects, which seem to disappear with astounding speed
–radar/visuals– significance unidentified blips on radar screens
Relatively close sightings
–Close encounters of the first kind– observe a UFO nearby but there appears to be no interaction with either the witness or the environment
–Close encounters of the second kind– encounters that include details of interaction between the UFO and the environment which may vary from interference with car ignition systems, electronic devices or burns on the ground.
–Close encounters of the third kind- encounter UFOs appearing more like human with human like features but still described as non-human creatures and usually no direct contact or communication with the witness.
–Close encounters of the fourth kind– include alien abduction
–Close encounters of the fifth kind– is when communication occurs between a human and an alien being
I just also important to point out that there are UFO religions. And it’s important to distinguish between UFO sighting and UFO based religions. Most reliable sightings of UFOs never join a UFO-based religion. There are numerous religions based in UFO believes and I believe there are too many to categorize simply because they pop up and seem to disappear rather quickly.
The Christian response
From a Christian perspective anyone who has communicated with the UFO and/or extraterrestrial beings have always deliver the message contrary to the Bible. Although Christians may not have every answer ready about UFO sightings, one point remains clear that these communications oppose God and His truth and that are in a demonic nature. The Bible does not specifically say anything on extraterrestrials or flying saucers. Some have attempted to use Ezekiel 1:16, “wheel within the wheel”, to prove that he was talking about a flying saucer but there is no evidence that has ever existed in any type of Hebrew or English translation that would even remotely promote this idea. Christian must reject this approach in unsupported hermeneutics.
Luke 21: 25-28 tells us, 25“There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and there will be distress on earth among the nations that are confused by the roaring of the sea and its waves. 26People will faint from fear and apprehension because of the things that are to come on the inhabited world, because the powers of heaven will be shaken. 27Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28“Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your deliverance is approaching.”
This may be the closest verse in explaining UFOs but it’s certainly not something you can build doctrine off of.
In 2 Thess. 2:9- it tells us, 9The coming of the lawless one will be accompanied by the power of Satan. He will use every kind of power, including miraculous signs, lying wonders, 10and every type of evil to deceive those who are dying, those who refused to love the truth that would save them. 11For this reason, God will send them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie. 12Then all who have not believed the truth but have taken pleasure in unrighteousness will be condemned. And also remember Exodes 20:4-6, You are not to make for yourselves an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above, or on earth below, or in the water under the earth. 5You are not to bow down to them in worship or serve them, because I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God,
The church is only looking for one thing and that is the blessed hope the church which is 1 Thess. 4:16-18, 16With a shout of command, with the archangel’s call, and with the sound of God’s trumpet, the Lord himself will come down from heaven, and the dead who belong to the Messiah will rise first. 17Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18So then, encourage one another with these words.
References
Martin, Walter, Jill Martin Rische, and Kurt Van Gorden. 2008. The Kingdom of the Occult. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
Missler, Chuck. n.d. “Angels Session 3- The Dark Side” YouTube Web site Scriptures & Science. Video/mp4 file. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEFXbbQk4_A [accessed Sunday, July 30, 2017].
International Standard Version. (2011). (Mk 5:1–13). Yorba Linda, CA: ISV Foundation