Raël, the central figure of the Netflix series Raël: The Alien Prophet, claims to be a prophet aliens chose to deliver a revolutionary message to humanity. It shows how in the first episode Genesis Raël talks about how traditional beliefs in a conventional, white-bearded God are outdated, and he asserts that aliens are the true architects of our planet’s creation. The documentary features interviews with Raël, his followers, and critics, and explores the journey of this UFO-inspired religion evolving into a controversial cult.
Spoilers Ahead
What Is Raël’s Cult All About?
In the eyes of his followers, Raël exudes a captivating magnetism, with some describing him as the “bringer of light” and the “ambassador of the aliens.” The series reveals that Raël leads a powerful international organization with hundreds of followers in Quebec and thousands worldwide. However, opinions about him are sharply divided, with some viewing him as a prophet bringing a message of hope, while others see his cult as baseless. Rejecting traditional religious narratives, Raël sees himself as a vessel for this truth. Critics who have infiltrated his religious movement claim that he exhibits a concerning level of control and authority, particularly towards women. The series delves into the controversies surrounding Raël, with some accusing him of addiction to the submission of women within his movement. The debate over whether Raël is a genuine prophet or an impostor adds layers of intrigue to the narrative. The documentary emphasizes the global reach of Raël’s influence, portraying him as the fastest-growing religious leader on the planet. Raël, the leader of the Raëlian movement, harbored a unique dream: the introduction of a cloned baby to the public before Christmas 2011. At the core of this aspiration lies the Raëlian belief that legalizing human cloning is essential for safeguarding the rights of the yet-to-be-born. The movement contends that those opposed to cloning and the pursuit of eternal life are free to make their own choices, even if it means embracing mortality. For Raëlians, the mission to legalize human cloning is rooted in the desire to offer individuals the option of extending their lives through scientific advancements. This perspective is encapsulated in the concept known as Espíritu, or “the spirit.”
Who Was Brigitte Boisselier?
Brigitte Boisselier, a chemist and a leader in the Raëlian movement, played a significant role in the movement’s controversial claim of successfully cloning the first human being. According to the provided information, Boisselier stunned the world by announcing that a woman had given birth to the world’s first cloned human. This revelation caught global attention and sparked controversy. She has been involved in the movement since at least 1993. At the Raëlian 20th-anniversary celebration in France, Raël, is described as an extremely generous and loving person who changed her life. She expresses gratitude towards Raël and the Elohim, the extraterrestrial beings Raëlians believe in.
How Did Claude Vorilhon Influence People?
Claude Vorilhon, who goes by the name Raël, has influenced people through his account of a profound encounter with extraterrestrial beings, which he detailed in his book “The Book That Tells the Truth.” According to Raël, in 1974, while driving from Metz to Vigy in Moselle, he had an encounter with humanoid aliens who revealed themselves as the Elohim. This revelation, as described in his book, became the foundation of the Raëlian movement’s beliefs. The core message from the Elohim, as conveyed by Raël, challenges traditional religious narratives. Raël claims that these extraterrestrial beings, resembling humans with two legs, two arms, a head, and a brain, are our true creators. According to him, human beings and everything on Earth were scientifically created by these advanced beings from another planet. Raël’s teachings have a unique blend of scientific and philosophical dimensions, urging followers to contemplate creation from a scientific perspective. He emphasizes that the Elohim are not just scientists but our creators. This perspective has resonated with individuals like Jean-Pierre and Philippe Levaux, who share their experiences in the provided text. Jean-Pierre mentions the strength that comes from people uniting for a common purpose. Philippe Levaux, who was initially drawn to Raël through “The Book That Tells the Truth,” expresses a conviction in the existence of aliens and a belief that humanity is not alone. His dedication to the Raëlian movement became a life’s work after realizing that the beings Raël encountered were the Elohim, the representatives of another planet.
Raël’s influence extends to the Raëlian baptism, described as the “transmission of the cellular plan.” This process involves recognizing a genetic code on a specific wavelength, symbolizing a connection with the Elohim. Raël’s physical gestures during the baptism ceremony, placing hands on the forehead and the back of the neck, are believed to establish a connection with the Elohim and transmit a message to their planet. Brigitte Boisselier sheds light on the profound commitment associated with becoming a Raëlian, emphasizing that being a Raëlian means embracing and living by the philosophical tenets laid out by Raël. This commitment, as she describes it, carries significant implications for one’s lifestyle and worldview. Jean-Pierre echoes this sentiment by mentioning that individuals who were baptized as Raëlians were essentially dedicating themselves to a cause of immense importance. The narrative also touches upon Raël’s public presence through live TV shows, noting a distinctive element of his attire—a combination of the Jewish star and the swastika. The explanation provided clarifies that this symbol is derived from the Tibetan Book of the Dead, representing an ancient emblem with historical significance. Raël’s strategic move in appointing guides, such as Philippe, to assist in disseminating his message more broadly. This organizational structure reflects a concerted effort to expand the reach of Raël’s teachings and philosophy worldwide, and he was happy to do it and emphasized a deep commitment to the cause.
What Was The Conflicting Opinion About The Cult?
The conflicting opinions about the Raëlian cult stem from the fantastical and controversial nature of Raël’s claims and teachings. On one hand, there are followers who find Raël’s narrative of visiting an alien planet, encountering prophets, and witnessing extraordinary phenomena as awe-inspiring and spiritually significant. They embrace the idea that the great prophets, including Moses, Mohammed, and Buddha, are allegedly kept alive through advanced processes of cellular and DNA manipulation in this otherworldly realm. For them, Raël’s mission as a prophet is a sacred and transformative journey, and his teachings serve as a path to self-discovery and fulfillment. However, on the other side, there are critics who perceive Raël’s narrative as utter nonsense.
The description of a planet where it rains only at night and is inhabited by small squirrels with teddy bear heads painted in pink and blue raises skepticism about the legitimacy of Raël’s claims. Critics argue that such fantastical stories, coupled with anti-scientific speeches, can be frustrating and infuriating, particularly when science is positioned as a religion. The belief in Raël’s teachings, regardless of evidence, is seen as an effect of the manipulation that leads followers to lose the ability to reason critically. The conflicting opinions extend to the fundamental question of whether Raël’s movement harms society. While some argue that as long as the followers are not causing direct harm, they have the right to pursue their beliefs, others see the potential harm in the erosion of critical thinking and the embrace of unverified, fantastical narratives. The use of the title “prophet” bestowed upon Raël by the aliens is both a point of reverence for followers and a source of contention for those who view it as a self-proclaimed status lacking empirical basis.
What Was The Significance Of Eden To Raëlians?
Eden holds profound significance for Raëlians as a sanctuary and symbol of their beliefs. The leaders of the Raëlian movement sought a place where their followers could feel truly comfortable, and they identified this place as Eden, a place closely associated with paradise. For Raëlians, Eden represents a sacred space and is considered the world’s first Raëlian safe space. It is described as a place where individuals can escape the pressures and challenges of everyday life and immerse themselves in an environment designed to foster happiness and tranquility. Raël himself lived in a house within this symbolic Eden, reinforcing its importance within the movement. Dominique, a Raëlian, shared her experience of entering Eden and described it as a transformative place where the weight of everyday life seemed to lessen. She mentioned that, despite her initial discomfort with nudity, women in Eden were at ease with their bodies.
The atmosphere in Eden was characterized by perpetual happiness and smiles, creating an environment where followers felt a profound sense of love and acceptance, presumably associated with the love of the Elohim, the extraterrestrial beings Raëlians believe in. However, the narrative also introduces complexities within the Raëlian community. Raël’s emphasis on love and openness is contrasted with instances where followers are encouraged to engage in sexual relations with others to manage feelings of jealousy. This contradiction raises questions about the sincerity and consistency of Raël’s teachings, especially when it is revealed that Raël himself is described as extremely jealous. Additionally, the narrative mentions Raël’s symbolic choice to dress entirely in white, which is seen as an embodiment of his role as a prophet. The association of Eden with an embassy to welcome an alien civilization further underscores the profound significance attributed to this place within the Raëlian movement.
