Enter “Destination Earth: Ancient Aliens, the Ancient of Days, and the Ancient Plot to Hybridize Humanity” by Donna Howell, Allie Anderson, and Derek Gilbert. This timely and insightful book tackles the question head-on: What does the growing belief in extraterrestrials mean for Christianity? The authors argue that this cultural shift could lead to spiritual deception on a massive scale, and they want Christians to be prepared.
One of the most compelling arguments the authors make is that the fascination with extraterrestrials could eventually lead people to view God—or even Jesus—as an alien. Howell warns, “…the world will soon embrace one or more members of the Trinity as aliens, as the world is currently being psychologically groomed to do,” (p. 6). That’s a startling thought, but it’s not hard to see how it could happen. As belief in alien life becomes more widespread, it’s not a stretch to imagine that some people might begin to associate divine power with extraterrestrial beings. The authors make it clear that this isn’t just idle speculation—they see it as a very real possibility that could have far-reaching consequences for the Church.
The book is filled with examples of how these beliefs are already taking root in society. From TV shows to movies to online conspiracy theories, the idea that aliens may be divine—or at least have divine powers—is being subtly reinforced. And this isn’t just happening in the secular world; the authors point out that even some Christians are starting to entertain these ideas. As Howell asks, “Will the God of the Bible really someday be characterized as an alien among humans? And, if so: Will the Church be prepared to respond to such a claim, or are there people in the Church right this minute who will be deceived?” (p. 5). It’s a sobering question, and one that the authors take seriously.
One of the book’s key strengths is how it equips readers to respond to these questions. Howell, for example, explains why the idea of Jesus as an alien is theologically impossible, and that God is notlimited by space or time as we understand them. This kind of clear, biblical reasoning is exactly what many Christians need in a world where these ideas are becoming more and more common.
But the book isn’t just about debunking alien theories—it’s also about showing how Christians can engage with those who hold different beliefs. Howell emphasizes the importance of compassion and understanding when addressing these issues. She points out that the apostles didn’t ridicule the people they encountered, even when their beliefs seemed strange or outlandish. “The apostles never poked fun when their neighbors hailed the many-breasted goddess Artemis/Diana as the source of every successful hunting trip” (p. 7), Howell reminds us.
At its core, Destination Earth is a call for Christians to be informed, compassionate, and ready to engage with the world around them. The authors argue that the rise of interest in aliens isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a cultural shift that could have serious implications for faith. By equipping readers with the tools they need to navigate these conversations, Destination Earth offers a much-needed response to a world increasingly fascinated by extraterrestrial life. If you’re looking for a book that tackles the big questions of faith and culture in the 21st century, this is it.
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