Raelism : A Religion of Extraterrestrial Enlightenment
By CA A. K. Jain
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Introduction
Raelism, also known as the Raelian Movement, is a contemporary UFO religion that claims life on Earth was created by advanced extraterrestrial beings called the Elohim. Unlike traditional theistic religions, Raelism positions science, sensual pleasure, and peace as central to spiritual growth.
Founded in the 1970s by a French race car driver turned prophet, Claude Vorilhon (Raël), Raelism blends futurism, extraterrestrial theory, pacifism, and hedonism into a unique worldview. While controversial, it has attracted tens of thousands of adherents across the world.
Origins and Founding
Raelism began in 1973, when Claude Vorilhon, then a French sports car journalist, claimed he had a life-altering encounter with a humanoid alien in a volcanic crater near Clermont-Ferrand, France. This being, an Elohim, explained to him that all life on Earth had been scientifically engineered by their race and that the truth had been misinterpreted by ancient religions.
Vorilhon was told to spread this message and prepare humanity for their eventual return. He changed his name to Raël and published his first book, The Book Which Tells the Truth, later followed by Intelligent Design: Message from the Designers.
Philosophy and Core Beliefs
Raelism is built around the idea that :
• Humans were created through advanced genetic engineering by the Elohim, a scientifically advanced alien species.
• The Elohim have visited Earth throughout history and were mistaken for gods by ancient civilizations.
• Prophets like Jesus, Buddha, Moses, and Muhammad were actually messengers sent by the Elohim to guide humanity.
• Science, love, peace, and pleasure are central pillars of enlightenment.
• Humanity must abandon war, religion, and superstition to be welcomed into a universal intergalactic community.
Raelism is non-theistic; the Elohim are not worshipped as gods but revered as creators and teachers.
Key Beliefs Summary
| Concept | Belief |
| Elohim | Extraterrestrial creators of humanity |
| Cloning | Path to immortality and continuation of consciousness |
| Sensual Meditation | Technique to connect with one's inner self and the universe |
| Universal Love and Peace | All humans are one family; wars and racism must end |
| Embassy for Elohim | The Earth must build an official diplomatic embassy for Elohim's return |
| Rejection of Traditional Religion | Religion is based on misunderstandings of ancient alien visits |
Religious Teachers and Leadership
• Claude Vorilhon (Raël) is the founder and spiritual leader of the Raelian Movement.
• He is regarded as the last prophet in a line of Elohim-appointed messengers.
• Raël actively lectures, writes, and organizes events globally from his base in Japan and other locations.
There are no priests or clergy in Raelism. Leadership is structured in levels known as Guides, who assist with organizing events, teaching philosophy, and mentoring followers.
Sacred Texts
• The Book Which Tells the Truth (1974)
• Extraterrestrials Took Me to Their Planet
• Yes to Human Cloning
• Intelligent Design: Message from the Designers
These texts lay out Rael’s encounter, the history and science of the Elohim, human origins, and future goals.
Rituals and Practices
Raelism has a few key rituals and spiritual exercises :
|
Ritual |
Description |
| Transmission of the Cellular Plan | A baptism-like ritual in which the follower’s DNA is symbolically connected to the Elohim; usually held four times a year. |
| Sensual Meditation | A central spiritual exercise focusing on pleasure, inner peace, and universal energy. |
| Planetary Meditation | Group meditation sessions promoting world peace. |
| Nudity in Ceremonial Contexts | Practiced in some events to promote naturalism and body positivity. |
There are no temples, prayers, or deities in the conventional sense. Practices are focused on personal awareness, pleasure, and peace.
Festivals and Observances
| Event | Date | Significance |
| First Encounter Day | December 13 | Marks Raël’s initial contact with the Elohim in 1973. |
| Planetary Peace Day | August 6 | Honors victims of Hiroshima and calls for global disarmament. |
| Human Cloning Day | Date varies | Promotes ethical discussions on science and cloning. |
Raelians also organize public conferences, media events, and sensual meditation camps throughout the year.
Religious Places and Centers
Raelism does not use traditional religious buildings but has various centers and gathering locations :
• RaelianCenters: Found in Europe, Canada, Japan, and the U.S. for meetings, workshops, and education.
• Embassy for Elohim: Raelians seek to construct an official interstellar embassy to welcome the Elohim. They have requested land from multiple governments, with a preference for neutral countries like Israel.
So far, no country has granted land, but the embassy project remains central to Raelian doctrine.
Followers and Global Reach
Raelism claims over 120,000 members in 100+ countries, though independent estimates place active membership at around 30,000-50,000.
| Region | Estimated Followers |
| Europe (France, Switzerland, Belgium) | ~15,000 |
| North America (Canada, USA) | ~10,000 |
| Asia (Japan, South Korea) | ~5,000 |
| Africa (Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso) | ~3,000 |
| South America, Australia, etc. | ~5,000 |
| Worldwide | ~30,000–50,000 (active members) |
Raelianism is most active in France, Canada, Japan, and parts of West Africa, where it is registered as a legal religious organization.
Social Movements and Activities
Raelism is also known for its activism and advocacy campaigns, including :
• Clonaid : A biotechnology company founded by Raelians to promote human cloning.
• GoTopless.org : Advocates for gender equality in topless rights.
• No More War and One Minute for Peace : Initiatives for global peace.
• Paradism : A utopian political vision of a world without money or labor.
Controversies and Criticism
Raelism has been subject to controversy :
• Belief in human cloning led to widespread media scrutiny, especially after Clonaid claimed to have cloned a human in 2002 (which was never verified).
• Sensual meditation and liberal views on sexuality have sparked criticism from conservative groups.
• Claims of extraterrestrial contact are often viewed with skepticism and ridicule.
However, Raelians defend their right to spiritual freedom, scientific curiosity, and personal liberty, and see their movement as a pioneering blend of rational thought and cosmic purpose.
Conclusion
Raelism stands as a post-modern spiritual movement, combining the scientific with the spiritual, and the cosmic with the personal. It dares to challenge old paradigms by suggesting that science and pleasure-not sacrifice and guilt-can lead humanity to enlightenment.
With a message of peace, pleasure, and planetary unity, Raelism represents one of the boldest attempts in modern times to redefine what religion can mean in the age of science and space exploration.
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Author : CA A. K. Jain
Cell : +91 98 100 46108
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Mail to : Ahimsa Foundation
www.jainsamaj.org
R26052025
