Religion and the UFO Phenomenon : Methodological Challenges

How best should scholars of humanities and social sciences approach the UFO phenomenon as an object of study? Why are otherworldly experiences intertwined with new forms of religiosity? Focusing on the consequences for research methodology and knowledge production, this book explores how the UFO phenomenon challenges, disrupts and reshapes current academic practice.

Expanding existing scholarship, this book brings together global contributions at the intersection of religion, technology, and the UFO phenomenon. After an introduction addressing the contemporary relevance of the subject, the book is divided into four distinct themes: ontologies, epistemologies, sociologies, and religions.

Chapters include a case for taking UFOs seriously within the theological space; a sociological look at abduction narratives from late-Soviet and post-Soviet popular culture; a plaidoyer for expanding rational knowledge to account for UFOs and non-human intelligences; and the ecological insights such non-human intelligences could inspire. The authors show how the UFO phenomenon challenges our epistemic assumptions, leading us to revaluate research practices and innovate new methodologies.

Rather than solely studying UFOs in relation to minority religious groups, this book unites scholars of religious studies, anthropology and social science to explore the academic, societal, scientific, and religious consequences of a potentially real UFO phenomenon.