A Christian Assessment
There is undeniably a wide range of peculiar doctrines associated with UFO cults.[1] Instead of scrutinizing each religious claim made by each group, it seems more expedient and wiser to focus our critique on the overall perspective of these groups.
Satan Is a Niche Marketer of False Doctrine
Satan, the ultimate master of niche marketing, has crafted an array of false ideas that cater to the desires of every individual in these last days. Within the realm of cults and various false religions worldwide, he offers a tempting selection of deceptive options to fulfill people’s diverse cravings.
Those who are intrigued by the idea of being a god may find solace in either the New Age movement or perhaps in Mormonism. If the concept of personal empowerment and shaping your own reality resonates with you, then the New Age movement might be the perfect fit. If you are seeking health and wealth, then the Word-Faith movement is the ticket. Alternatively, if you harbor a dislike for pain, suffering, and death, then Christian Science may offer a solution as it regards these things as mere “errors of the mortal mind.” If your curiosity lies in connecting with departed loved ones, then Spiritism may be the avenue to pursue. If, on the other hand, your interests skew towards the hedonistic side, then The Family (formerly known as the Children of God) might capture your attention, as this group is characterized by a permissive attitude towards morality. Are you enticed by the idea of experiencing multiple lives through reincarnation? If so, either the New Age movement or Hinduism might hold a certain appeal for you.
With each cultic group and false religion inspired by Satan, the objective is to distance people from the true God, the authentic Jesus, and the genuine gospel. It comes as no surprise that the Scripture urges Christians to be wary of Satan’s cunning schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11).
The UFO cults serve as yet another example of false religious groups that divert people from the truth of Jesus Christ and the saving gospel. It is crucial for us to remember the biblical warning that Satan can pretend to be an angel of light, attempting to deceive individuals (2 Corinthians 11:14). If Satan can disguise himself as an angel of light, he can also pose as an “ascended master.” This emphasizes the importance of heeding the wisdom found in 1 John 4:1: We must diligently “test the spirits.” The Bible, inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21; 2 Samuel 23:2), serves as the ultimate litmus test for discerning the authenticity of various teachings. It is through this measure that the spirits can be truly put to the test.
All Forms of Occultism Are Prohibited
Deuteronomy 18:9-12 reveals that all forms of occultism are detestable to God. Back in Old Testament times, sorceresses were put to death—a penalty that demonstrates how serious the sin of divination was (and is) (Exodus 22:18). Leviticus 19:26 commands, “Do not practice divination or sorcery.” In Acts 19:19 we read that many who converted to Christ in Ephesus rightly destroyed all their paraphernalia formerly used for occultism and divination. Since occultism is featured in varying degrees in the UFO cults, we conclude that they are an offense to God.
Spirit Contact is Prohibited
Not only is occultism off-limits, spirit-contact is also off-limits. Deuteronomy 18:10-11 is clear: “Let no one be found among you…who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead.” Leviticus 19:31 instructs, “Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them.” In 1 Samuel 28:3 we read that Saul rightly “expelled the mediums and spiritists from the land.” Later, we read that “Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD; he did not keep the word of the LORD, and even consulted a medium for guidance” (1 Chronicles 10:13). Now, here’s the important point: Contact with the ascended masters is just a whitewashed form of spiritism. God says that such activity is off-limits.
The “Space Brothers” Set Forth Demonic Deception
Members of UFO cults claiming to receive revelations from space brothers are propagating doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1):
It seems clear that demonic deception is at the heart and center of UFO cult theology.
Jesus is Not a Mere Ascended Master
Salvation cannot be found among the “ascended masters.” Jesus alone is the Christ who brings salvation. The Old Testament contains numerous prophecies about the coming of a single Messiah (such as Isaiah 7:14; 53:3-5; Micah 5:2; Zechariah 12:10). In the New Testament, the term “Messiah” is synonymous with “Christ” (refer to John 1:41). Jesus alone has fulfilled these countless prophecies, thus making Him the one and only Christ. He is the sole bringer of salvation to all of humanity. All others are imposters.
Notice that whenever Jesus is acknowledged as the Christ in the New Testament, He never said, “You too have the Christ within.” Instead, He warned that others would come falsely claiming to be the Christ (Matthew 24:5). He warned of counterfeit saviors, counterfeit prophets, and counterfeit teachings. The leaders of the UFO cults are counterfeit prophets; the ascended masters are counterfeit saviors; and the theological beliefs embraced by the UFO cults are counterfeit teachings.
Let us not forget what Peter boldly said: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). The apostle Paul likewise affirmed without hesitation, “There is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). Jesus Himself definitively said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).
Truly, there is no other path to salvation than through Jesus.
Conclusion
The ideas presented by UFO cults may captivate our curiosity, but beneath their enticing allure lies a labyrinth of falsehoods. The portrayal of Christ by these groups not only distorts the biblical figure, He bears no resemblance whatsoever to the true Christ depicted in the Bible. Buyer beware!
[1] When I use the term cult in this article, I do not intend it as a pejorative, inflammatory, or injurious word. The word’s meaning is limited in scope, referring only to a group that claims to be Christian, or is related to Christianity, but in fact is not Christian because it explicitly or implicitly denies one or more of the central doctrines of the historic Christian faith. These include the doctrines of Scripture, God, Jesus Christ, humankind, sin, and salvation.