Are Aliens Real? An Iranian-American Christian Conservative’s Perspective on the Pentagon’s UFO Revelations
By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS
In recent years, one of the most intriguing questions has gripped not just scientists and UFO enthusiasts but even the United States government: Are aliens real? This question, which might have been laughed off as “conspiracy theory” a few decades ago, has taken on new significance with recent developments. The Pentagon’s release of declassified footage showing unidentified flying objects (UFOs), or what are now often called “unidentified aerial phenomena” (UAPs), has fueled the debate even further. With F-16 pilots reporting encounters with inexplicable aircraft that defy our known laws of physics, many are left wondering what’s really going on in our skies.
As an Iranian-American Christian conservative and former Muslim leader who grew up with a scientific education in cybersecurity and information technology, I approach this question with caution but with an open mind. The phenomenon deserves scrutiny, and it’s essential to look at the evidence, historical context, and potential theological implications.
The Pentagon’s UFO Disclosure and Its Implications
In 2020, the Pentagon officially released three videos captured by F-16 fighter jets showing high-speed, agile objects executing maneuvers that defy our known aerospace capabilities. These UAPs, which appear to perform feats such as sudden stops, right-angle turns, and acceleration beyond what any known human aircraft can achieve, have been described by military personnel as “beyond next-generation” technology. This is no longer the stuff of science fiction; it is on government record as a legitimate, unexplained phenomenon.
One video, nicknamed the “Gimbal” video, depicts an object rotating in midair, while another shows an object accelerating at speeds that would subject a human pilot to unbearable g-forces. While the Pentagon has not definitively identified these objects as extraterrestrial, they acknowledge that these sightings challenge our scientific understanding and raise significant questions about national security.
Historical Perspectives: Ancient Encounters with “Visitors”
The idea of alien life is not limited to modern-day military reports. From the biblical accounts in Ezekiel, which describe wheels within wheels appearing in the sky, to ancient Persian and Indian myths that reference celestial beings, humanity has always pondered the existence of life beyond Earth. As an Iranian-American familiar with Zoroastrian traditions and now a Christian, I see parallels between ancient accounts of otherworldly encounters and modern-day UFO phenomena. Could these accounts be ancient interpretations of extraterrestrial encounters?
The Zoroastrian texts, for instance, talk about celestial beings known as Ahuras and Devas that might remind one of otherworldly entities. Similarly, the Bible’s Nephilim (Genesis 6:4) or the “sons of God” who descended and interacted with human beings have been interpreted by some as evidence of alien contact. Though speculative, these stories raise interesting questions about whether ancient cultures had encounters with similar phenomena that we now describe as “UAPs.”
The Role of Faith: Do Aliens Fit into a Christian Worldview?
From a Christian conservative viewpoint, I believe that the possibility of extraterrestrial life does not necessarily contradict the Bible. In fact, the vastness of God’s creation and His boundless power could certainly encompass life beyond Earth. Some theologians argue that God’s creative work extends beyond our planet, citing Colossians 1:16: “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible.”
However, I remain cautious. The existence of aliens raises profound questions about sin, salvation, and God’s purpose for humanity. If there were other intelligent beings, would they too be in need of redemption? It’s a complex issue, but in my view, the potential existence of extraterrestrial life would serve only to further glorify God’s creation rather than diminish humanity’s unique role in His divine plan.
A Technological or Governmental Explanation?
There’s also the question of whether these UAPs are truly “alien” in origin or if they represent advanced, potentially experimental technologies from another nation—or even secret projects within the U.S. government. During the Cold War, both the U.S. and the Soviet Union experimented with aircraft technologies that would seem “otherworldly” if observed today. China, Russia, and other countries are undoubtedly working on their own advanced aviation and drone technologies that could theoretically account for some sightings.
The UAP task force, established by the U.S. government, has been clear that it will explore all possible explanations, from experimental technology to atmospheric phenomena, before concluding that these objects might be extraterrestrial. However, the highly advanced and inexplicable nature of these UAPs has raised the question: If they were indeed human-made, why haven’t we seen these technologies publicly deployed?
Why This Matters to American Christians
Ultimately, the question of alien life is important not only because of its scientific implications but also because of its cultural and spiritual impact. Many Americans, especially Christian conservatives, see the issue through the lens of existential and philosophical inquiry. If aliens do exist, what does that mean for our understanding of God, creation, and our place in the universe?
As a former Muslim who has come to embrace Christianity, I find that questions about extraterrestrial life can bring believers closer to a sense of awe about the Creator. Christianity has long taught that God’s creation is both mysterious and orderly, that He works in ways that often surpass human understanding. The unexplained nature of these UAPs is a reminder of the limitations of human knowledge and a call to humility before God’s expansive creation.
Conclusion
The Pentagon’s UFO videos have reignited age-old questions about our universe and our place within it. As someone who has explored a wide range of beliefs, from Islam to atheism to veganism to socialism, and now as a Christian conservative, I find these revelations both fascinating and humbling. They challenge us to explore beyond our biases and limitations, to approach the question of extraterrestrial life not just with curiosity but with reverence for the mysteries of creation. While the jury is still out on whether aliens are truly “out there,” I believe that our pursuit of answers can draw us closer to the divine, teaching us to marvel at the vastness of God’s universe.
References
“U.S. Department of Defense Releases Videos of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena.” Department of Defense, 27 April 2020, https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/2165711.
Colossians 1:16, The Holy Bible, King James Version.
Kean, Leslie. “Inside Knowledge About Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Could Lead to a Scientific Revolution.” The New York Times, 26 Dec. 2017, https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/16/insider/unidentified-flying-objects-navy.html.
Knapp, George, and Colm Kelleher. Hunt for the Skinwalker: Science Confronts the Unexplained at a Remote Ranch in Utah. Pocket Books, 2005.
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