THE UFO/ALIEN DEMON CONNECTION

Transcription

1 THE UFO/ALIEN DEMON CONNECTION There are some who would deny this connection is even possible and dismiss the subject without giving it any serious consideration. The reason? They would claim that since demons are fallen angels they are intangible beings (spirits) and so would have no physical or material nature. They would point out that UFO encounters oftentimes include the actual touching of people by supposed alien beings. But a careful investigation of the scriptures will reveal this is not only possible, but quite likely. The Bible encourages Christians to search and study the scriptures to see if "..those things are so" (Acts 17:11). In 1 John 4:1 the Bible teaches us "...not to believe every spirit...", but to actively "test the spirits to see whether they are from God.." (i.e., test the message, ideas and philosophy). Paul writes to Timothy and tells him to "...study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Tim. 2:15). We as Christians are to be ready to give an answer of truth for the hope that is within us (1 Peter 3:15). We are to test the spirits, in this case beings who come in the guise of alien visitors, to see if they are from God. Therefore, I want to first draw attention to a subtle fallacy in the argument concerning "spirits" and "demons" not having a material substance. I will demonstrate, from both the O.T. and N.T. language, that "demons" or "angels" (i.e., "spiritual beings") did and still do manifest themselves "physically". Indeed, to "communicate" with man, they more often than not choose to do so. Also, humans themselves are spiritual beings housed in temporary [mortal] bodies of inorganic and organic elements and compounds that have their own biological life. Let me begin with the passages Luke 4:33 and 24:36-39 which are most often cited as proof texts that supposed alien creatures could not be demonic manifestations. Now in the synagogue there was a man who had a spirit of an unclean demon. And he cried out with a loud voice.. Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, "Peace to you." But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. And He said to them, "Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? "Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have." The words demon (Gk. daimon ), devils (Gk. daimonia ), ghost (Gk. phantasma ) and spirit (Gk. pneuma ) all convey the idea of a spiritual being or entity (intelligent, interactive being). However, and this is the important fact, demons (angels) appear to take on physical form whenever required to fulfill a human mission, or more precisely, interact with humans in this world. If demons are ONLY purely spiritual, intangible entities, how is it that when Jesus addressed demons he always spoke to a PERSON with a physical body. Why? Because demons desire to be housed and work through physical instrumentalities (e.g., Matthew 12:43-45), even if it is the body of a pig (e.g., Mark 5:9-12). Spirits (or demons) can and usually ARE housed in physical type BODIES when they interact with man. The people during Jesus' time knew and understood this. Thus, at various points in Jesus' ministry they accused him of "having" a demon because of the awesome things he was saying and doing (e.g., John 8:48, 52; Matthew 12:24-28; Mark 3:22-30). I will show later that Jesus' resurrected body had some very extraordinary properties, even though it was a body of FLESH and BONES that could be touched and handled! 1

2 Now I have used the word "housed" in the sense of a tent or tabernacle. For such is the meaning found in 2 Corinthians 5:1-4. Here Paul tells us that if..our earthly house of THIS tent" (Gk. "skenous" or tabernacle) were dissolved (i.e., demolished, equivalent to physical death) we, that is our spirits, have ANOTHER building of God, eternal in the heavens". See also 2 Peter 1:13-14 where Peter uses the same idea about his own body. So a "body" is simply a "tent", an outer covering, a shell which houses a real spiritual being inside. (Gk. "skenoma"; tent, or encampment, residence). In John 1:14 we are told that..the Word became flesh" (i.e., God became a man) and..dwelt among us" (Gk. "skenoo"; literally tabernacled or "pitched a tent"). Hebrews 2:16 further informs us that,..he (God) took not on him the nature of angels, but took on him the seed of Abraham". In other words, God did not come to save man in a pure spiritual form only, but in the form of the "flesh" he wanted to save. So for Jesus to say (Luke 24:39) I am no spirit, touch me and believe, for a spirit doesn't have flesh and bones is not anything unusual because a spirit BY ITSELF isn't physical. But the Son of God was still HOUSED IN a new, RESURRECTED body with a different kind of "flesh" all it's own. (See 1 Cor. 15:37-44 where Paul refers to a spirit as a "seed" for different kinds of bodies. He goes on to tell us that there are physical BODIES and spiritual BODIES, v. 44). The Bible teaches us that we have "seen" God as declared through Jesus Christ, the Word of God made FLESH (John 1:14) and it became possible for man to "see" God (e.g., John 1:18; 14:8-9). Therefore, it is still consistent when the Bible teaches that God is spirit and those that worship him must worship him in SPIRIT and TRUTH! (John 4:24) and yet Jesus Christ is to be worshipped. One final comment on Luke 24:39. The apostle John partially enlightens us as to the nature of Jesus' resurrected body of "flesh and bones", it had the capability to go through solid matter, the walls of the room where the disciples were hiding! We find this truth in John 20:19-20, 26; Jesus appeared in the room where the disciples were hiding with the doors locked! We can deduce this from inference: Twice John is very careful to mention in his narrative that when Jesus appeared to his disciples after his resurrection, the doors were "shut" (Gk. "kleio", to be shut or closed) but Jesus came and..."stood in the midst" (vv. 19, 26). This word, "kleio" is also used in Acts 5:23 in reference to being "shut" up in prison. Note that this happened during the event described in Luke 24:39. Even though Jesus' body could be touched and handled, i.e., was physical body, it neverthe-less had the ability to go though solid matter as a spirit! I am therefore saying that one ought to be careful in stating what a spirit (demon), taking on the physical form of an alien, is capable or incapable of doing. Evidently, to be effectual in communicating with man, a spirit takes on physical form to fully express itself. In conclusion, this is an important point and significant truth to keep in mind. When one talks about an angel or demon it must be realized that when they operate and communicate within human experience they do it primarily housed in a physical body ("tent")! I site the following examples as a partial list: Abraham, had three "visitors" prior to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. These visitors appeared to Abraham in the form of men (Genesis 18:1-3, 22). One was LORD, the other two were angels (Heb. "malak"; "messenger", equivalent to the Gk. "angelos") sent with a message for Abraham. How do we know that the two men were angels, having supernatural powers? Because the same two appear to Lot in Sodom to warn him and his family to get out (See Genesis 19:1, 10-12). Notice from this passage that two angels come to Lot, but it is men who..."put forth their hand" and men who..said to Lot. Not only that, but these angels must have appeared to the rest of the citizens of Sodom as men, because some of them wanted "to know" (i.e., sexually) them. Here we have a case where angels (spiritual beings) appear in bodily form as human men. 2

3 We also have the case of the angel Gabriel appearing to Daniel in some physical form. (Daniel 9:21-22). Gabriel also appeared to Zacharias and Mary announcing the conception and birth of John the Baptist and Jesus, respectively. (Luke 1:11-13, 19, 26-28). They both "saw" and "heard", again in physical form. In Luke 1:11 the word "appeared" is used of this angel, in the Greek this word is "optomai" meaning "to see" with the eye ("ops"). Demons inhabiting human bodies as well as animals. (Numerous O.T. and N.T. passages including Genesis 3:1 when Satan appears to Eve in the form of a "serpent") Angels are shown appearing to disciples in jail on at least two occasions and help them get out. (Acts 5:18-20; 12:5-16). This last passage contains an interesting reference relating to how people of that day perceived angels. After Peter was super-naturally released from prison by an angel, he went to Mary's house. There, while knocking at the door someone came and heard him. Out of gladness she forgot to open the door, but hastily went back to the other believers and told them. Some thought she was mad, others thought she had heard "Peter's angel". Again, spiritual beings have physical characteristics which interact in the affairs of men and which can help identify them. Finally, in Hebrews 13:2 we are told that we should..."not be forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares". In other words, when associating with mankind, angels would be so human-like they were inconspicuous. In Job 1:6 and Job 2:1 we are told that; Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD.. and Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD.. The phrase sons of God is ben ha-elohiym and they are described as coming to present themselves before the Lord in Heaven. They are created beings but they are not human. Although there are two main viewpoints 1 as to who the sons of God in these verses are, the following discussion should suffice to prove that, although they are part of God s created order, they are not part of any human lineage. This fact is made clear in Job 38:4-7 where they are mentioned in the context of being present when God created the heavens and earth: Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? To what were its foundations fastened? Or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars 2 sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Job 38:4-7 1 In Gen. 6:1-4 the sons of God are the progenitors of a race of giants, the Nephilim, which are considered by many to be giant demigods, the unnatural offspring of the daughters of men (mortal women) in some kind of cohabitation with the sons of God who are fallen angels. This utterly unnatural union, violating God's created order of being, was such a shocking abnormality and produced such a depraved and sinful society that it necessitated the worldwide judgment of the Flood. Another view of the Nephilim is that they were particularly violent group of men [the name comes from a root word meaning "to fall," i.e., on other people; strong ("mighty"), and infamous ("men of renown")] and refer to a group of people who predated the marriages of v.2. This viewpoint is used in reference to intermarriage unions of the godly line of Seth {described in Gen. 4:25-5:32} with the ungodly line of Cain {Gen. 4:1-24}. However, this viewpoint ignores the fact that the sons of God are clearly angelic beings who have Heavenly access to God which no mortal man can have. But perhaps more detrimental to this viewpoint is that it is also self-contradictory by the fact that the sons of God did something evil, which presumably the descendents of the godly line of Seth would not do. 2 The stars here are probably referring to other kinds of angelic beings since stars are oftentimes used to metaphorically refer to angels. See for example Isa.14:13; Dan. 8:10; Rev. 1:20. 3

4 Evidently, the sons of God are referring to a created order of angelic beings 3! As astonishing and incredible as might seem to the modern, technologically sophisticated mind in Gen. 6:1-6 some of those in the class of angels referred to as the sons of God are associated in producing human-hybrid offspring that are described as giants [Heb. Nephilim 4 meaning the fallen ones ]. Several points need to be made regarding Gen. 6:1-4. First, at the beginning of the multiplication of mankind on earth, some of the sons of God had physical relations with the daughters of men [ took wives for themselves ] causing them to bear mighty men who were of old, men of renown who are described as giants the Nephilim. Second, some believe these men became demigods because they had super-human strength and stories of their exploits may have been handed down through the ages by oral tradition starting with Noah s family. These stories eventually may have been the inspiration for the legends and exploits of the gods in the Greek and Roman pantheons. And third, they would all have been destroyed in the Flood. Note that this interpretation is supported by scriptural passages in the New Testament. And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day; as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. Jude 1:6-7 Note that these angels that did not keep their proper domain but left their own special dwelling place. They are described in association with Sodom and Gomorrah, specifically in the context of engaging in sexual immorality and having gone after strange [i.e., different] flesh. This could very well be a reference to the sons of God that did the same thing in Genesis 6:1-4 who came to earth to engage in a perverted and unnatural union [ sexual immorality ] with human women. If so, they produced a generation of men so wicked and evil that God had to destroy mankind by destroying the earth and incarcerated these particular fallen angels in everlasting chains under darkness. Peter also gives us additional insight as to what happened: For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to Tartaros 5 and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment; and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly; and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly. 2 Pet. 2:4-6 3 In the book of Daniel there appears to be another class or order of angelic beings referred to as the watchers who are holy ones. See Dan. 4:17. In the context of its usage in Daniel, a watcher is probably a special class of angelic being who God uses to carry out His will on earth. The Book of Daniel informs us that there are many different classes of angels, all accomplishing God s special purposes on earth. There are also fallen angels which work through human leaders to try and thwart the purposes of the Lord {ref. Dan. 10:13} much like the sons of God mentioned here in Job. Nebuchadnezzar recognized this distinction and understood the supernatural aspect of these beings {see Dan. 3:25}. 4 The word Nephilim is also mentioned in Num. 13:33 where they are described as people of great size and made the Israelites look like grasshoppers in comparison. However, these giants cannot be the same as the Nephilim in Gen. 6:4 since the former were all destroyed in the Flood. In that case the word is simply being used in referring to their gigantic size. Some believe that Goliath and his three brothers were of these giants. 5 Tartaros: This is the only place this Greek word is used in the New Testament. Evidently it s referring to the deepest and darkest part of Hades, which itself will one day be cast into the Lake of Fire {Rev. 20:14}. 4

5 Here we see the context of what happened; (a) the angels who sinned were cast down to a place called Tartaros to be incarcerated in chains to await future judgment of the Lake of Fire burning with brimstone, (b) the destruction of the ancient world by the Flood, (c) the saving of Noah and his family and (d) the destruction of the wicked, sexually immoral cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Note that in this passage the angels that sinned are again, like the Jude passage, mentioned in association with Sodom and Gomorrah, which represent ungodliness, sexual immorality and perversion. These angels would then be the same as those that did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode in Jude 1:6 to presumably have illicit physical relations with human women. Note especially that in several UFO Encounters of the First Kind, people have claimed that sexual experiments were performed on them. This characteristic of many UFO encounters strongly connects with what we read in Gen. 6:1-4; Jude 1:6-7 and 2 Peter 2:4-6 and supports the idea that aliens can have physical form. Thus, there is a strong Biblical case that there was a class of angelic being called the sons of God that left their particular position in Heaven and either (1) had the ability to assume human masculine form or (2) spiritually possessed men for the purpose of having physical relations with human women [ took wives for themselves of all whom they chose ] which they found attractive and irresistible. Finally, it should be noted that most of the Jewish rabbinical writers, the translators of the Septuagint, as well as the oldest of the church fathers, held this second explanation. Men such as the archaeologist and theologian Merrill F. Unger and the authors of the Wycliffe Bible Commentary also support this explanation. Many contemporary prominent and respected commentators such as Roy B. Zuck and Jon Courson also hold to this interpretation. The only serious scriptural objection to this explanation is that when Jesus was asked whose wife the woman who had seven successive husbands would be after she died, Jesus responded by saying; You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven. Matt. 22:29-31 This seems to indicate that because of the way angels are created they cannot engage in physical sexual activity like humans. However, could not Jesus simply be stating the obvious; that there will be no marital relationships in Heaven answering the context of the question; whose wife of the seven will she be? [i.e., in Heaven]. Therefore, the solution to this apparent contradiction is that Jesus may have been referring specifically to angelic inter-relationships in Heaven and not on earth. This is why it was such serious sin when some of the fallen angels did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode; that is, Heaven {Jude 1:6} because on earth it is possible for them to have some kind of illicit relations with human women. They are now delivered..in everlasting chains under darkness..reserved.. for the judgment of the great day in Tartaros {Jude 1:7; 2 Pet. 2:4}. Note also that Jesus statement would not apply to demonic [i.e., fallen angel ] possession of someone. As a side note it is interesting to note that Ezek 28:11-19 and Dan 10:13 indicate that great kings of the earth have supernatural princes ruling behind them their power is in reality demonic. We are told that the man who is anti-christ will be possessed by Satan himself as he is given his power, his throne, and great authority {Rev. 13:2}. Therefore, it may be that demonic activity/possession has the ability to alter, or mutate, what we now know to be the genetic information contained in human DNA. This explanation would also avoid the issue of having actual physical relations in the normal sense, and avoid a conflict with Matt. 22:30. The previous discussion has clearly shown that there is nothing contradictory between aliens being demons housed in "physical" bodies and what the Bible teaches about the nature and business of demonic spirits [fallen angels]. Satan and his angels, the demons, want nothing more than to realize the utter destruction of God's capstone creation, man, who is created in "God's own image". 5

6 Therefore, it strikes me as perfectly predictable that sooner or later the "UFO/alien phenomena" would bridge the gap of religion and attack the very foundation of salvation to man, Jesus Christ. For example; the Urantia Book, first published by the Urantia Foundation (533 Diversey Parkway, Chicago, Illinois 60614) in 1955, is claimed to have been written (between ) by extraterrestrial beings communicating to man via automatic writing (an occultic practice). Most of this book is preoccupied with disclaiming and misrepresenting the Biblical tenets and doctrines of the Old and New Testament and thereby confusing theological truths. Some of these are listed below: The denial of absolute good and evil. The denial of an eternal Heaven and Hell. Jesus was born on earth through natural means of conception instead of a virgin birth. Jesus is considered the human incarnation of "Michael of Nebadon," one of more than 700,000 "Paradise Sons" of God or "Creator Sons." Thus Jesus is referred to as a Creator Son but not considered the eternal Second Person of the Trinity as taught in the Bible 6. Jesus did not walk on water nor perform many of the miracles that are attributed to him in the Bible. Jesus' crucifixion is not considered an atonement for the sins of humanity 7,8. In addition to these a major portion of this book attempts to discredit and downplay the claims of Jesus Christ, including His deity. (I believe this should sound familiar). The Urantia book's extensive teachings about the history of the world come straight from the atheistic teachings of the Theory of Evolution. The book teaches that the earth s physical development began about 4.5 billion years ago, gradual changes in biological and environmental conditions allowed life to develop, and long ages of organic evolution that started with microscopic marine life and led to plant and animal life in the oceans, later on land. The emergence of humans is presented as having occurred about a million years ago from a branch of superior primates originating from a lemur ancestor. The first humans are said to have been a pair of twins called Andon and Fonta, born in 991,485 BC. The Urantia Book teaches not only biological evolution, but spiritual evolution as well (which is after all the primary purpose of Satan s lies). It teaches that human society and spiritual understandings evolve by slow progression, subject both to periods of rapid improvement and the possibility of retrogression. Progress is said to follow a divine plan that includes periodic gifts of revelation and ministry by heavenly teachers, which eventually will lead to an ideal world status of "light and life" in the far distant future. Now we can ask the key questions: Why would a truly advanced alien race be preoccupied with mankind's religion, especially distorting and perverting the teachings of Christianity? and Why would such beings promote the teachings of Evolution in direct opposition to the Bible? It makes sense only if it is from Satan. Jesus says he was a liar from the beginning and a deceiver and he has no positive role in the person and work of Jesus Christ (John 8:44; Matt. 16:21-23; Rev. 12:9). So, we re left with the question; Why would demons want to impersonate themselves as extraterrestrials in the form of alien bodies? Simple, in a technically savvy society it is the most effective way to deceive and lead mankind away from the one true God and to keep men and women from faith in Jesus Christ. This is the primary goal of Satan himself. The Urantia Book is just another link in the on-going, evolving-to-fit-the-culture, New Age philosophy whose source is demonic in nature. 6 The book does acknowledge an Eternal Son as the Second Person of the Trinity but Jesus is not identified with Him. 7 The crucifixion of Jesus is taught to be an outcome of the fears of religious leaders of the day, who regarded His teachings as a threat to their positions of authority. 8 The book does however teach that Jesus was crucified and the third day after his death rose from the dead therefore confusing Biblical teaching regarding the purpose of His death. 6

7 In conclusion, looking at this all from the negative perspective, IF (and this is a big IF ) the claims of UFOnauts, Extraterrestrial Biological Entities (EBE s), or celestial beings concerning Jesus Christ ARE genuine and true then the following MUST also be true: (1) Jesus is NOT really who He or his disciples claimed to be, i.e.; "the Word, God in the flesh" (John 1:14) having the power to lay down His life and take it up again (John 10:17-18). Ironically, it was for this statement that the Jews thought Jesus had a "demon" (John 10:19-20). He would not have been the true Messiah (the Christ) and "Son of God" as Peter observed and Jesus Himself agreed in Matthew 16: (2) Jesus is a LIAR for He said in John 14:6;..." I am the way, the TRUTH and the life, no man can come to the Father but by me." (He would not be THE TRUTH). In Matthew 10:26-28 Jesus tells us not to fear those who can kill the body, but fear him who is able to destroy both body and soul in "gehenna" (hell). If the aliens "invented" and then promoted Jesus, then we should "fear", reverence and worship them instead. (3) Jesus lies when he says he is the Resurrection and Life in John 11:25, the extraterrestrials have all the answers and become the "resurrection" and "life". (4) If the extraterrestrials are right about the reason for Jesus death, then the resurrection of Jesus Christ IS a sham and there is no forgiveness of sins. If this is true, as the Apostle Paul says, those who believe are the most miserable of all men: 1 Corinthians 15: (5) The disciples and apostles LIED when they claimed NOT to be following a sham or cleverly devised "fables", 2 Peter 1:16-18 and Titus 1: (6) The apostle John was speaking falsely when in 1 John 4:1-3 we are told that any "spirit" who denies the person and work of Jesus Christ by saying that the Son of God, THE CHRIST, has REALLY come in the flesh is (spirit) "of anti-christ". (NOTE: The religious and philosophical teaching contained in some of documents connected with UFOs and aliens come directly from Satan himself and IT IS the spirit of anti-christ). (7) EVERY SINGLE Christian that has ever lived (including the N.T. writers as well as highly reputed and esteemed "Church fathers") has been fooled and died a martyr s death for nothing! Note that ALL the things above must be true IF the extraterrestrial messages are true. The message of extraterrestrials and the Bible are mutually exclusive. Therefore, to believe that the claims of the "aliens" are FALSE and phony is much more consistent with God s Word, the Bible. It is much more LOGICAL and REASONABLE to believe the Biblical account of Jesus than what I must alternatively need to believe untrue about Jesus! Therefore, since the idea that demons inhabit "alien" bodies to deceive mankind violates no Biblical teaching, and since we know that the plan and purpose of demons (from Biblical testimony), we cannot believe the claims of the aliens concerning Jesus to be genuine and true! Remember what Jesus said to Thomas; "Because you have SEEN me you have believed, blessed are they who have NOT SEEN (with their own eyes) yet have BELIEVED" (John 20:29). Have I seen Jesus physically? NO. Do I believe what was written concerning him by the apostolic testimony of EYEWITNESSES? YES! Have I seen an alien? NO. Do I believe that aliens exist and people have encountered them? YES! 7

8 Do I believe they are what official documents claim the UFOnauts/aliens are? Emphatically NO! For if I truly believe the testimony of Jesus, then I CANNOT believe the testimony of extraterrestrial beings [demonic spirits]. The two are diametrically opposed and mutually exclusive! In conclusion, the apostle Paul warns us in his letter to Timothy that in the latter days (the time since Jesus' first coming) some will depart from the faith and give heed to the..."doctrines of demons" (not my words, Paul's). See 1 Timothy 1:3-4; 4:1-3. The Urantia Book is full of the "doctrines of demons"! Furthermore, Paul warns us in his second letter to Timothy that false teachers will come and will be turned to FABLES. Christians are to watch out for this. See 2 Timothy 4:1-5. Paul writes to the churches in Galatia (western Turkey) that anyone who comes teaching another (Gk. "heteros"= different kind ) gospel of Jesus Christ which has been taught (by Jesus and the disciples/apostles) let them be accursed (Gk. "anathema")! He actually "marveled" at their acceptance of a false gospel! Refer to Gal. 1:3-6. UFOs and UFOnauts ( alien beings ) are part of the spiritual warfare raging for the minds and souls of people, the merchandising of "souls of men" as described in Revelation 18:13. The main characters of this spiritual battle are referred to in Ephesians 6:12 as principalities (Gk. "arche"; application of order), powers (Gk. "exousia"; authority, force, jurisdiction, control), and rulers (Gk. "kosmokrator"; world authority, over world operations, manager of world order) of darkness. Could it then be that UFOs, UFOnauts, extraterrestrial beings, EBE s and alien encounters are part of the hierarchy of spiritual principalities, powers and rulers of darkness? Could it be that the UFO phenomena are simply nothing more and nothing less than demons or demonic encounters deceiving multitudes?... Comparing Biblical Truth with the evidence points to a convincing Yes! 8