Posted by Gonzo on August 29, 2023 7:11 PM
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Many sensationalists have asserted that the Bible contains references to aliens. Erich von Daniken’s book Chariots of the Gods quotes Ezekiel 1 to suggest that Ezekiel saw flying saucers from space.
Proper biblical interpretation demonstrates otherwise; even if the Bible mentions alien life at all, its references would likely take on symbolic forms.
The Bible is God’s Word
People of all backgrounds are intrigued by the possibility that alien life may exist on other planets, and scientists often speculate about this topic in movies and TV shows. What does the Bible have to say on this matter?
Some have tried to interpret certain passages from the Bible as alluding to aliens or UFOs, including Swiss author Erich von Daniken’s claim that Ezekiel 1 describes flying saucers visiting Earth from space. A careful reading reveals this is false: instead it describes a vision the prophet experienced and uses highly symbolic language to describe it.
Ezekiel describes God’s glory in heaven through a comparison between it and angelic creatures he sees below (verse 10). Von Daniken interprets Ezekiel by reading into its text his own ideas rather than carefully considering its original meaning (eisegesis).
Thirdly, one powerful indicator that the Bible is truly from God is its authority and power. No other book has had as great an effect in transforming lives as the Bible; from curing drug addicts and homosexuals, to turning deadbeats into good citizens – this stands as testimony that it truly is His word.
The Bible is the Old Testament
The Bible is an assemblage of sixty-six distinct books compiled over centuries by various authors. It comprises laws such as the Torah (Jewish law) and Christian Old Testament (Christian book); history books detailing Israel from its foundation to final defeat in Babylonia; poetry/Wisdom books that address life’s most pressing concerns, and prophetic books which offer glimpses into God’s future plans for mankind.
Though the Bible never addresses aliens or other planets directly, it does discuss spiritual beings such as angels. Furthermore, God created these beings with intelligence – angels.
Remember, though, that the Bible was written by ancient cultures living during periods of great social and cultural upheaval. They accepted the idea that God created all things, was all-powerful, and would provide for their needs; these people needed assurances that their creator was with them at all times; God provided this in visible and comforting ways – He went ahead of them as a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night (Exodus 13:21-22).
The Bible is our sole source of understanding about God and our relationship with Him, making it essential that we read it carefully with an objective mind, seeking to grasp its messages rather than reading our own beliefs into it.
The Bible is the New Testament
With so much focus on UFOs and alien life in films and television shows, many are curious what the Bible says about these topics. Some attempt to use different passages to support their beliefs on this matter but often end up misquoting or reading into passages what is actually said therein (eisegesis).
The New Testament is composed of 27 Greek books written between 50 CE and 120 CE in Greek. These include four Gospels that describe Jesus’ life and ministry, Acts of the Apostles, 21 Epistles or letters sent out by Christian communities, and Revelation – which gives details about the end of time.
Although it does not explicitly discuss aliens from other planets, but does refer to angels and their activities. Therefore, any intelligent life forms that inhabit other dimensions could potentially be angels themselves or another intelligent species if aliens do exist.
Even if there were proof of intelligent alien life, the Bible would remain true and Jesus remains the only way to salvation. But such evidence might call into question certain interpretations and secondary doctrines in Scripture – leading Christians to constantly evaluate ideas against Scripture for clarity.
The Bible is Inspiration
Aliens have long been an intriguing topic of conversation among Christians, with many Christians buying into this belief system. Yet Christians should always critically evaluate ideas with Scripture – including UFOs. Many claim that the Bible mentions aliens; however, their biblical definition differs significantly from extraterrestrial aliens often seen depicted in movies and books.
Chariots of the Gods is based on Ezekiel 1 where prophet Isaiah described four living creatures that resembled “people, lions, oxen and an eagle”. These weren’t aliens – these were angels!
Similar to its textual predecessors, the Bible does not refer to aliens living on other planets as living beings that visit Earth; instead it emphasizes humankind being created in God’s image and that Jesus Christ alone can lead them into heaven.
Some have attempted to explain the inspiration of the Bible by asserting that certain portions are more divinely inspired than others, yet this is an insufficient argument given that its text states otherwise: God inspired all of it! This concept, known as full verbal plenary inspiration, holds that while human authors wrote these books of the Bible, God oversaw their writing process so as to ensure accuracy and inerrancy – this explains why its words remain reliable and authoritative today.
