Aliens · Ancient Astronauts · Science ·

Raëlism: The Alien Creation Religion

Imagine waking up one morning with the realization that everything you've been taught about human origins is wrong. No evolution over millions of years, no divine creation by a supernatural deity – instead, humanity was engineered in laboratories by hyper-advanced extraterrestrial scientists. This is the foundation of Raëlism, one of the world's most prominent UFO religions, which challenges conventional wisdom about our origins while blending science fiction, sexuality, and spirituality into a unique belief system claiming tens of thousands of followers worldwide.

The French Race Car Driver Who Met Aliens

Before he became an alien prophet, Claude Vorilhon lived a relatively ordinary life in France. Born in 1946 and raised in Ambert by his mother and aunt, Vorilhon pursued careers as a sports car journalist, race car driver, and even had a brief stint as a pop singer releasing five albums under the name Claude Celler. By 1971, he had founded an auto racing magazine called Autopop and settled into family life with his wife Marie-Paul and their children.

Then came the cosmic interruption. On December 13, 1973, Vorilhon claims he was hiking near an inactive volcano called Puy de Lassolas in central France when he witnessed something extraordinary – a flying saucer descended from the sky, and from it emerged a four-foot-tall humanoid with greenish skin and a goatee. This being introduced himself as Yahweh, a representative of an advanced extraterrestrial race called the Elohim.

Over six consecutive days, this alien supposedly shared revelations about humanity's true origins and the misinterpretation of religious texts throughout history. The alien showed Vorilhon a symbol on his spacecraft: a Star of David with a swastika in the center, explaining it represented infinity in time and space.

But the cosmic education wasn't complete. Nearly two years later, on October 7, 1975, Vorilhon claims the aliens returned and took him aboard their spacecraft to their home planet. During this 72-hour cosmic journey, he says he met historical religious figures including Jesus, Buddha, and Mohammed – all revealed to be half-alien prophets created through extraterrestrial intervention. Vorilhon was told he was the final prophet, the half-brother of Jesus, and was given the name "Raël" meaning "messenger of the Elohim."

Upon returning to Earth, Vorilhon completely embraced his new identity and mission. He abandoned his racing magazine, changed his name to Raël, and began establishing what would become known as the Raëlian Movement. His first conference in Paris reportedly attracted over 2,000 curious attendees, and by the end of 1974, he had gathered 170 dedicated followers.

"I was like you before," Raël often tells newcomers. "I didn't believe in aliens or any of this. Then they showed me the truth."

"Genesis Was a Genetics Project": The Cosmic Gospel

At the core of Raëlian belief is a complete rewriting of human origins. According to their teachings, approximately 25,000 years ago, the scientifically advanced Elohim created all life on Earth through genetic engineering. These extraterrestrials established seven research laboratories across the ancient supercontinent Pangea, where they synthesized DNA and designed various life forms, culminating in humans made in their own image.

This creation narrative provides alternative explanations for familiar religious stories:

The Garden of Eden was actually an alien scientific laboratory
Adam and Eve were genetic experiments, not the first natural humans
The "fall of man" occurred when an alien scientist named "Lucifer" revealed the truth about human origins
Noah's Ark was a spacecraft preserving DNA samples when the Elohim unleashed nuclear weapons on Earth
The Tower of Babel was an early rocket humans attempted to build to reach the Elohim's planet
Religious figures like Buddha, Jesus, and Mohammed were hybrid offspring of Elohim males and human females

Perhaps most striking is the Raëlian view that humanity entered the "Age of Apocalypse" in 1945 with the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. This moment marked a pivotal decision point: would humans use technology for self-destruction or advancement? The Elohim will allegedly return to Earth by 2035, but only if humanity establishes world peace, eliminates nuclear weapons, and builds an embassy to welcome them – preferably in Jerusalem.

"The greatest story ever told was true," a Raëlian guide once explained to me, "just not in the way most people understand it."

Raëlians reject the concept of an eternal soul or spiritual afterlife. Instead, they believe in achieving immortality through scientific means – specifically, cloning. According to their teachings, the Elohim have mastered this technology, allowing them to live for centuries by transferring consciousness to new, cloned bodies. This explains the Raëlian obsession with human cloning: it's the path to eternal life.

Angels, Hierarchies, and the Guide of Guides

The Raëlian Movement is organized in a rigid hierarchical structure with seven levels, from trainees at level 0 to the "Guide of Guides" at level 6 – a position held exclusively by Raël himself. Between these extremes are organizers, priests, and bishops who advance through the ranks during annual seminars.

Women comprise only about a third of Raëlian membership but occupy unique roles through special women-only groups. The most notable is the Order of Angels, founded in the 1990s, consisting of over a hundred Raëlian women dedicated to promoting femininity. The group has its own hierarchy of "rose angels" (elite members) and "white angels" (regular members).

The Order has generated controversy with allegations that members provide sexual services to Raël and donate eggs for human cloning experiments. Former members have reported that the women pledge to defend Raël's life with their own bodies if necessary.

Another women's group, "Rael's Girls," consists of women in the sex industry who promote the idea that there's no reason to feel shame about activities like stripping or prostitution. This group was created as a counterpoint to Christian outreach groups targeted at sex workers.

Financially, members are expected to contribute significantly:

10% of annual income toward the Elohim embassy construction
An additional 1% directly to Raël himself
Supplementary contributions for special projects

These financial demands have faced criticism, with ex-members reporting that Raël maintains a luxurious lifestyle including expensive sports cars, properties, and gambling habits while his followers make significant sacrifices.

From Cellular Transmission to Sensual Meditation

The primary initiation ritual in Raëlism is called the "transmission of the cellular plan," similar to baptism in Christian traditions. During this ceremony, a guide places water on the forehead of the new member, supposedly transmitting their DNA information to an extraterrestrial computer maintained by the Elohim.

This ritual can only be performed on four special days in the Raëlian calendar: the first Sunday in April (commemorating Adam and Eve's creation), August 6 (anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing), October 7 (date of Raël's journey to the Elohim planet), and December 13 (anniversary of Raël's first encounter).

Before undergoing this ritual, prospective members must perform an "Act of Apostasy," formally renouncing their previous religious affiliations. They also sign a document permitting a mortician to remove a piece of bone from their forehead after death to be sent to the Elohim.

More controversial is the practice of "Sensual Meditation," which Raël claims to have learned from the Elohim. This practice aims to develop awareness of one's body and senses to achieve harmony with the universe through several progressive activities involving breathing exercises, body awareness, partner massages, and sometimes sexual stimulation.

A former member described these sessions: "We would lie on the floor in dim light while a guide spoke softly through a microphone. We'd focus on different body parts, feeling the energy flow through us. Then we'd pair up for the partner exercises, which often led to more intimate contact."

These practices have drawn criticism for promoting group sexual activity and nudity. Media reports have described Raëlian seminars as "a cross between a nudist camp and new-age retreat," with color-coded bracelets indicating whether participants want to be alone, meet new people, or form couples.

Cloning Babies and Building Spaceports

The Raëlian Movement has launched several high-profile projects that have attracted media attention, scientific skepticism, and legal scrutiny.

Most notorious was Clonaid, established by Raël in 1997 shortly after the successful cloning of Dolly the sheep. Led by Brigitte Boisselier, a French biochemist and Raëlian bishop, Clonaid generated global headlines on December 26, 2002, when Boisselier announced they had successfully created the first human clone – a baby girl named Eve.

Despite promises of DNA evidence to verify the claim, Clonaid never produced any proof of Eve's existence. When legal proceedings investigated the welfare of the supposedly cloned child, Raël and Boisselier withdrew their offers of evidence, claiming the parents wanted privacy. Clonaid later claimed to have cloned several more babies in various countries, but no evidence was ever provided for any of these assertions.

Another ambitious project was UFOland, opened in 1997 on their compound in Valcourt, Quebec. This attraction featured a full-size replica of the spacecraft Raël claimed to have encountered, scale models of the proposed Elohim embassy, and exhibits about UFO sightings. UFOland closed to the public in 2001 due to financial issues, and by 2018, the flying saucer replica was listed for sale.

More recently, the movement founded Clitoraid in 2006, an organization dedicated to helping victims of female genital mutilation (FGM). The project aims to provide reconstructive surgery for affected women, particularly in African countries, through a hospital in Burkina Faso called the "Pleasure Hospital." While addressing FGM is certainly worthwhile, critics have questioned whether Clitoraid serves primarily as publicity for Raëlism.

The Raëlians also organize an annual "Go Topless Day" (held near August 26, the anniversary of women's suffrage in the USA), advocating for women's equal right to go topless in public. During these events, female Raëlians protest topless except for nipple pasties to avoid arrest, while male supporters often wear bras in solidarity.

Dark Clouds: The Controversies

Behind the cosmic narrative and utopian promises, Raëlism has faced serious allegations that have driven it from country to country.

Perhaps most troubling are concerns about sexual ethics, particularly regarding minors. In his book "Sensual Meditation," Raël encourages parents to teach children about masturbation, sometimes through demonstration. He has advocated removing age-of-consent laws, stating: "We must remove laws that criminalize sexual activities between someone over the age of 18 and someone under that age."

In the early 1990s, five Raëlian men were convicted of molesting an 11-year-old girl whose mother, also a Raëlian, had encouraged the abuse as part of her daughter's "sexual education." Raël himself reportedly married a 16-year-old girl named Sophie to circumvent age-of-consent laws.

The movement has also faced scientific skepticism about its cloning claims. When Clonaid announced the birth of Eve in 2002, experts pointed out that:

The group had never published peer-reviewed research demonstrating cloning capability
Even established scientific institutions had not succeeded in human cloning
Animal cloning experiments had shown high rates of failure and abnormalities
No evidence was ever provided to verify the claim

Governments worldwide have taken action against the movement. A French parliamentary commission categorized Raëlism as a "secte" (cult) in 1995. The Swiss canton of Valais denied Raël residency, citing concerns about the movement's sexual teachings. Canadian authorities revoked its tax-exempt status after investigating its practices. South Korean immigration authorities denied Raël entry following the Clonaid controversy.

The original Raëlian symbol – a Star of David with a swastika in the center – has caused additional problems. While Raëlians claim the swastika represents infinity and peace (drawing on its ancient meaning in Eastern religions), the symbol's association with Nazi Germany led Israel to deny their request to build the Elohim embassy. The movement temporarily modified their emblem, replacing the swastika with a swirl pattern, but in 2007 Raël announced they would return to the original symbol.

Global Reach and Cultural Adaptations

Despite these controversies, Raëlism has established a presence across multiple continents. While exact membership numbers are disputed (the movement claims over 130,000 members worldwide), it has notable followings in:

France (the movement's birthplace)
Canada (especially Quebec, their former headquarters)
Japan (where Raël currently resides)
South Korea (with reportedly thousands of members)
Various African countries (particularly French-speaking nations)

Interestingly, the movement has shown remarkable adaptability across different cultures. In Japan, Raëlians emphasize harmony and collective values alongside the individualistic sexual freedom promoted in Western countries. In Africa, Raël encourages followers to reject colonial religions and return to pre-Christian spiritual roots while simultaneously embracing his extraterrestrial narrative.

A Raëlian guide in Mumbai explained: "The message is universal, but how people connect to it differs based on cultural background. In India, people are already comfortable with the idea of ancient beings guiding humanity. The scientific explanation just makes more sense to them than supernatural stories."

Why People Join: The Psychology of Belief

Despite its extraordinary claims and controversies, Raëlism continues to attract followers. Understanding why offers insight into human psychology and spiritual needs in the modern age.

The movement provides several compelling elements:

Sexual liberation without guilt: Unlike traditional religions that restrict sexuality, Raëlism celebrates physical pleasure as spiritual practice.
Scientific-sounding explanations: For those disillusioned with supernatural religion but seeking cosmic meaning, the extraterrestrial narrative offers purpose without traditional faith.
Community and belonging: The hierarchical structure provides clear paths for advancement and recognition in a world where traditional community ties are weakening.
Cosmic significance: Members feel they possess special knowledge and play a crucial role in humanity's future by preparing for the Elohim's return.

A former member explained: "When I joined, I was going through a difficult time. Raëlism offered answers about my purpose, a community that accepted me, and freedom from the sexual shame I'd grown up with. It felt liberating."

However, leaving can be difficult. Members often make significant financial and social investments in the movement. Their identity becomes intertwined with Raëlian beliefs, and departure means losing status, relationships, and the cosmic narrative that gave their lives meaning.

Raëlism Today: Approaching the 2035 Deadline

As of recent reports, Raël (now in his 70s) lives on the Japanese island of Okinawa, maintaining a lower profile than during his earlier years of frequent media appearances. He still conducts speaking engagements via Zoom and oversees the Order of Angels.

Brigitte Boisselier, who was named as Raël's successor in 2003, divides her time between Las Vegas and Japan, continuing to serve as a spokesperson for the movement and leading the Clitoraid project.

The movement's numbers appear to be declining, with many of the compounds and centers established during its peak years now abandoned or reduced in activity. The Canadian UFOland is largely empty, and the promised embassy for the Elohim remains unbuilt, despite claims of having saved $200 million toward its construction.

With the prophesied 2035 date for the Elohim's return approaching, the movement faces a critical juncture. Will they manage to build the embassy and create the conditions they claim are necessary for the extraterrestrials to return? What happens if 2035 comes and goes with no alien arrival? Like many apocalyptic movements facing failed prophecies, they'll likely need to adapt their narrative to maintain relevance.

Beyond Raëlism: Cultural Significance

Regardless of one's view on its validity, Raëlism offers a fascinating case study in how religious narratives evolve in the technological age. By replacing divine creation with extraterrestrial intervention, supernatural miracles with advanced technology, and spiritual afterlife with scientific immortality, Raëlism bridges ancient religious impulses with contemporary scientific worldviews.

The movement stands alongside other UFO religions like Heaven's Gate, the Aetherius Society, and aspects of Scientology in creating a modern mythology that responds to humanity's persistent questions about origins and purpose. These groups reflect our changing relationship with technology, authority, and the cosmos.

In many ways, Raëlism functions as a mirror, reflecting our culture's deepest anxieties and hopes about science, sexuality, and survival. The alien creators fulfill the same psychological role as traditional deities, but in a form more palatable to a technological age. The promise of cloning addresses our fear of death in materialist terms. The sexual liberation responds to restrictions many find oppressive in traditional religions.

Whether Raëlism eventually fades into obscurity or continues to evolve, it has already secured its place as one of the most distinctive religious movements of the late 20th century – a uniquely modern answer to humanity's oldest questions about where we came from and where we're going.

And somewhere in Japan, an aging French former race car driver continues to insist that the answers came not from above, but from the stars.