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Encounters: Experiences with Nonhuman Intelligences
A revolution is underway. For the first time in human history, we are at the cusp of experiencing contact with nonhuman life-forms of all kinds due to technological innovations and research into the experiences of people at the forefront of this development.
In Encounters , author D.W. Pasulka takes readers to the forefront of this revolution, sharing the work of experts across a spectrum of fields who are working to connect humanity with unknown life-forms.
Most of us have visions of nonhuman encounters that are shaped far more by Hollywood than they are informed by the current research. Encounters rewrites our visions of nonhuman species by featuring the work and stories of contemporary innovators who are rethinking our most basic assumptions about life and its manifestations beyond our experience.
The author of American Cosmic, D.W. Pasulka is a professor of religion at UNC, Wilmington; her work as a scholar has given her the tools to systematically examine data that exceeds rational categories―exactly the skillset needed to parse the world of UFOs, angels, AI, dreams, and other dimensions, which exist at the edges of human understanding. Encounters is a riveting exploration of the leading science of nonhuman life and a bold glimpse of the future of humanity in a universe where we are far from alone.
In Encounters , author D.W. Pasulka takes readers to the forefront of this revolution, sharing the work of experts across a spectrum of fields who are working to connect humanity with unknown life-forms.
Most of us have visions of nonhuman encounters that are shaped far more by Hollywood than they are informed by the current research. Encounters rewrites our visions of nonhuman species by featuring the work and stories of contemporary innovators who are rethinking our most basic assumptions about life and its manifestations beyond our experience.
The author of American Cosmic, D.W. Pasulka is a professor of religion at UNC, Wilmington; her work as a scholar has given her the tools to systematically examine data that exceeds rational categories―exactly the skillset needed to parse the world of UFOs, angels, AI, dreams, and other dimensions, which exist at the edges of human understanding. Encounters is a riveting exploration of the leading science of nonhuman life and a bold glimpse of the future of humanity in a universe where we are far from alone.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2023
318 people are currently reading
4,576 people want to read
About the author
D.W. Pasulka
5Ìýbooks163ÌýfollowersDr. Diana Walsh Pasulka is a professor of religious studies at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington. She writes and teaches about the history of the Catholic tradition and new religious movements, particularly as they intersect with digital technologies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
November 20, 2023
I find it challenging to write about this book, because of the succession of mind explosions I experienced reading it. My jaw is still hanging open.
It's apparent that the recent revelations about UAP (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena) and Non-Human Intelligence in the media and in Congress are about much more than advanced aerodynamic technologies. The reality is, we are embarking on the ultimate adventure into Consciousness.
To grapple with the ‘’impossible’� aspects of what’s so far been disclosed about ‘’the phenomena’� - the apparent presence of one or more highly advanced species co-existing on or around our planet, coming and going at will; the gravity defying speeds and maneuvers of their vehicles; their ability to appear and disappear in an instant; the dismantling of our physics - is requiring us to unlock latent, neural pathways in our psyches. Faced with phenomena that defy our ‘’reality,�' we find ourselves grappling with ontological shock. The process of integrating into our world the apparent reality of other dimensions - a ‘’multiverse’� - is the most momentous evolutionary turning point in our history.
There is an urgency - We either grow, learn to navigate our expanded reality, or fail to adapt as a species and fall into annihilation from climate collapse, or war, or both.
To help enlighten our collectively blown minds, a wave of highly researched books, documentaries and podcasts have appeared. Some of the best are books like NY Times journalist Leslin Kean’s 2010, ''UFO’s - Generals, Pilots & Government Officials Go On The Record,'' and the more current ''IN PLAIN SIGHT - An Investigation into UFO’S and Impossible Science, '' by award winning Australian investigative journalist Ross Coulthart, Kelly Chase’s ''THE UFO RABBIT HOLE'' and Dr. Steven Greer’s ''UNACKNOWLEDGED.''
These books lay the factual groundwork, revealing what we now know, while introducing us to the accompanying mysteries. ''ENCOUNTERS'' wades into those mysteries, along the way opening us up to tantalizing, hopeful possibilities for our future, such as an ‘’earth language�.the connection to the intelligences that surround us, globally and in the natural world.’� Leading the exploration into the anomalous are some of the most visionary and respected figures in the aerospace, intelligence and scientific communities, several of them appearing anonymously in the book. In sheer wonder, we find ourselves plunging with them into encounters with what previously have been dismissed as ‘’esoteric’� phenomena. Enthralling and transformative, ''ENCOUNTERS'' is invaluable guidance into the new era.
It could be paired with another, equally provocative read, Leslie Kean’s ''SURVIVING DEATH.'' Both books pioneer our understanding of this new world, where matter is not what it appears to be, beings and objects appear and disappear, and consciousness seems to survive bodily death.
Understanding that our consciousness inhabits far more than this dimension, and far more than our brains, is the great leap our species is making at this time. ''ENCOUNTERS'' and ''SURVIVING DEATH'' are gateways to a new frontier.
‘’Nature paints with a broad brush,’� remarked whistleblower David Grusch. ''ENCOUNTERS'' provides a glimpse into just how broad that brush may be. In the wisdom of the Lakota, ‘’Mitakuye Oyasin…We are all related, two legged, four legged, furred, feathered or finned, those that crawl in the earth and those that grow from it.’� To these, we can now add ‘’the others,’� those who come from beyond, or within.
Rich Flanders, author of ''UNDER THE GREAT ELM - A Life of Luck & Wonder''
richflandersmusic.com
It's apparent that the recent revelations about UAP (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena) and Non-Human Intelligence in the media and in Congress are about much more than advanced aerodynamic technologies. The reality is, we are embarking on the ultimate adventure into Consciousness.
To grapple with the ‘’impossible’� aspects of what’s so far been disclosed about ‘’the phenomena’� - the apparent presence of one or more highly advanced species co-existing on or around our planet, coming and going at will; the gravity defying speeds and maneuvers of their vehicles; their ability to appear and disappear in an instant; the dismantling of our physics - is requiring us to unlock latent, neural pathways in our psyches. Faced with phenomena that defy our ‘’reality,�' we find ourselves grappling with ontological shock. The process of integrating into our world the apparent reality of other dimensions - a ‘’multiverse’� - is the most momentous evolutionary turning point in our history.
There is an urgency - We either grow, learn to navigate our expanded reality, or fail to adapt as a species and fall into annihilation from climate collapse, or war, or both.
To help enlighten our collectively blown minds, a wave of highly researched books, documentaries and podcasts have appeared. Some of the best are books like NY Times journalist Leslin Kean’s 2010, ''UFO’s - Generals, Pilots & Government Officials Go On The Record,'' and the more current ''IN PLAIN SIGHT - An Investigation into UFO’S and Impossible Science, '' by award winning Australian investigative journalist Ross Coulthart, Kelly Chase’s ''THE UFO RABBIT HOLE'' and Dr. Steven Greer’s ''UNACKNOWLEDGED.''
These books lay the factual groundwork, revealing what we now know, while introducing us to the accompanying mysteries. ''ENCOUNTERS'' wades into those mysteries, along the way opening us up to tantalizing, hopeful possibilities for our future, such as an ‘’earth language�.the connection to the intelligences that surround us, globally and in the natural world.’� Leading the exploration into the anomalous are some of the most visionary and respected figures in the aerospace, intelligence and scientific communities, several of them appearing anonymously in the book. In sheer wonder, we find ourselves plunging with them into encounters with what previously have been dismissed as ‘’esoteric’� phenomena. Enthralling and transformative, ''ENCOUNTERS'' is invaluable guidance into the new era.
It could be paired with another, equally provocative read, Leslie Kean’s ''SURVIVING DEATH.'' Both books pioneer our understanding of this new world, where matter is not what it appears to be, beings and objects appear and disappear, and consciousness seems to survive bodily death.
Understanding that our consciousness inhabits far more than this dimension, and far more than our brains, is the great leap our species is making at this time. ''ENCOUNTERS'' and ''SURVIVING DEATH'' are gateways to a new frontier.
‘’Nature paints with a broad brush,’� remarked whistleblower David Grusch. ''ENCOUNTERS'' provides a glimpse into just how broad that brush may be. In the wisdom of the Lakota, ‘’Mitakuye Oyasin…We are all related, two legged, four legged, furred, feathered or finned, those that crawl in the earth and those that grow from it.’� To these, we can now add ‘’the others,’� those who come from beyond, or within.
Rich Flanders, author of ''UNDER THE GREAT ELM - A Life of Luck & Wonder''
richflandersmusic.com
July 4, 2023
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
It's the same stuff John Keel said years ago, only with more impenetrable jargon.
It's the same stuff John Keel said years ago, only with more impenetrable jargon.
August 8, 2023
Format Read: Ebook from NetGalley (available 11/7/23)
Review: I imagine this to be a tough book to research, a fun one to write. I enjoyed many parts, some were very drawn out though. This was more like a school book on a forbidden topic and less a gripping tell all.
Recommended For: Those into aliens.
Bookopoly #13
November 9, 2023
ENCOUNTERS is an academic and scientific study of the phenomenon of UFOs/UAPs (Unidentified Flying Objects/Unidentified Aerial Phenomena). It is not a history but a sociological and political study of how this concept, and belief in it, are changing the minds of contemporary individuals and society. Like the late Dr. John Mack's 1994 psychological study ABDUCTIONS, and the earlier study by author D. W. Pasulka, AMERICAN COSMIC, ENCOUNTERS examines the effect of belief in such phenomena on individuals, organized religions, and also the role played in regard to this topic by the culture of disinformation. Compulsively readable, ENCOUNTERS is a valued edition to the literature for ordinary citizens as well as academics and scientists.
July 22, 2024
A mixture of interesting science, theory and stories interspersed with fairly dry concepts and fluff.
At some points I’d be completely enthralled, and other times I’d be falling asleep.
At some points I’d be completely enthralled, and other times I’d be falling asleep.
November 5, 2023
“Are we alone in the universe? This is a question that has fascinated humanity for centuries, and one that has inspired countless stories, myths, and legends. But what if the answer is not as simple as yes or no? What if there are other forms of life and intelligence that exist beyond our conventional understanding and perception? And what if some of us have already encountered them, in ways that challenge our worldview and our sense of reality?
This is the premise of “Encounters: Experiences with Nonhuman Intelligences�, a book by D. W. Pasulka, a professor of religion and a scholar of the paranormal. In this book, Pasulka takes us on a journey to the forefront of a revolution that is underway, a revolution that involves the possibility of contact with nonhuman life-forms of all kinds, from UFOs and aliens, to angels and demons, to artificial intelligence and dreams. Pasulka introduces us to a diverse range of experts and experiencers who are working to connect humanity with these unknown entities, and who are rethinking our most basic assumptions about life and its manifestations beyond our experience.
The book is not only informative and comprehensive, but also engaging and captivating. Pasulka narrates the audiobook herself, and she does a remarkable job of conveying her passion and curiosity for the topic, as well as her empathy and respect for the people she interviews. She also shares her own personal stories and insights, which add a touch of authenticity and vulnerability to the book. Pasulka has a clear and pleasant voice, and she speaks with a natural and conversational tone, making the audiobook easy to follow and enjoyable to listen to. However, the narration for the audiobook may have been a little better with a more professional narrator.
One of the strengths of the book is that it does not try to prove or disprove the existence of nonhuman intelligences, nor does it offer any definitive answers or explanations. Instead, it invites us to open our minds and expand our horizons, to consider the evidence and the testimonies, and to explore the implications and the possibilities. Pasulka does not shy away from the complexity and the controversy of the subject, but rather embraces it with curiosity and humility. She also acknowledges the limitations and the challenges of her research, and the ethical and moral dilemmas that arise from it.
The book is not only a fascinating exploration of the leading science and the cutting-edge research of nonhuman life, but also a profound reflection on the nature of reality and the meaning of existence. It challenges us to question our assumptions and our beliefs, and to wonder about the mysteries and the wonders of the universe. It also inspires us to imagine the future of humanity in a cosmos where we are far from alone, and where we may encounter beings that are beyond our comprehension.
“Encounters: Experiences with Nonhuman Intelligences� is a book that will appeal to anyone who is interested in the paranormal, the supernatural, and the extraterrestrial, as well as anyone who is curious about the unknown and the unexplained. It is a book that will stimulate your mind and stir your soul, and that will make you rethink your place and your role in the grand scheme of things. It is a book that will change the way you see the world, and the way you see yourself. Thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy of the audiobook.
This is the premise of “Encounters: Experiences with Nonhuman Intelligences�, a book by D. W. Pasulka, a professor of religion and a scholar of the paranormal. In this book, Pasulka takes us on a journey to the forefront of a revolution that is underway, a revolution that involves the possibility of contact with nonhuman life-forms of all kinds, from UFOs and aliens, to angels and demons, to artificial intelligence and dreams. Pasulka introduces us to a diverse range of experts and experiencers who are working to connect humanity with these unknown entities, and who are rethinking our most basic assumptions about life and its manifestations beyond our experience.
The book is not only informative and comprehensive, but also engaging and captivating. Pasulka narrates the audiobook herself, and she does a remarkable job of conveying her passion and curiosity for the topic, as well as her empathy and respect for the people she interviews. She also shares her own personal stories and insights, which add a touch of authenticity and vulnerability to the book. Pasulka has a clear and pleasant voice, and she speaks with a natural and conversational tone, making the audiobook easy to follow and enjoyable to listen to. However, the narration for the audiobook may have been a little better with a more professional narrator.
One of the strengths of the book is that it does not try to prove or disprove the existence of nonhuman intelligences, nor does it offer any definitive answers or explanations. Instead, it invites us to open our minds and expand our horizons, to consider the evidence and the testimonies, and to explore the implications and the possibilities. Pasulka does not shy away from the complexity and the controversy of the subject, but rather embraces it with curiosity and humility. She also acknowledges the limitations and the challenges of her research, and the ethical and moral dilemmas that arise from it.
The book is not only a fascinating exploration of the leading science and the cutting-edge research of nonhuman life, but also a profound reflection on the nature of reality and the meaning of existence. It challenges us to question our assumptions and our beliefs, and to wonder about the mysteries and the wonders of the universe. It also inspires us to imagine the future of humanity in a cosmos where we are far from alone, and where we may encounter beings that are beyond our comprehension.
“Encounters: Experiences with Nonhuman Intelligences� is a book that will appeal to anyone who is interested in the paranormal, the supernatural, and the extraterrestrial, as well as anyone who is curious about the unknown and the unexplained. It is a book that will stimulate your mind and stir your soul, and that will make you rethink your place and your role in the grand scheme of things. It is a book that will change the way you see the world, and the way you see yourself. Thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy of the audiobook.
January 9, 2024
Since I read her previous book, I was hoping that the cover of this book didn't represent its contents. I'm sorry to say that it did. I don't even have the energy to explain all of the things wrong here. Don't read it, it's bad scholarship.
November 14, 2023
Most amazing book ever. Thank you
This book was an amazing journey into the possibilities of life. I am so glad that opportunities like these are sent my way.
This book was an amazing journey into the possibilities of life. I am so glad that opportunities like these are sent my way.
November 30, 2023
I had a 3 star experience with this book. I considered giving it 4 since my expectations were different from the actual content of the book, but in retrospect I think my expectations were fair. There are some interesting anecdotes about dreaming, UFOs, etc. but not nearly enough. The author focuses on those experiencers she has met personally, and fair enough, these are stories she's become expert in--but there weren't enough.
Beyond weird experiences, we have a long digression on a researcher looking into the "Earth language," someone trying to construct a grammar, or syntax, or semantics, or something from various organic patterns in natural sounds, animal calls, etc. This is potentially interesting, but the current state of this research--at least as presented in this book--is vague and dull. I regret the time I spent reading that part of the book.
We meet Jacques Vallee, but we don't find out much about his conclusions. Luckily, he's written his own books. Guess we really should have gone off and read those books instead of this one.
In fact, I would have liked either much more specific eye-witness accounts OR a synthesis of accounts into some firm conclusions about weird experiences as a phenomenon. We get a little of both. We learn, for example, we're told the deeper one goes into the top secret world of government research into these phenomena, the more one becomes convinced it's "all real." That is interesting. But there's just too little of that sort of thing in this book. So, yeah: a disappointment.
Beyond weird experiences, we have a long digression on a researcher looking into the "Earth language," someone trying to construct a grammar, or syntax, or semantics, or something from various organic patterns in natural sounds, animal calls, etc. This is potentially interesting, but the current state of this research--at least as presented in this book--is vague and dull. I regret the time I spent reading that part of the book.
We meet Jacques Vallee, but we don't find out much about his conclusions. Luckily, he's written his own books. Guess we really should have gone off and read those books instead of this one.
In fact, I would have liked either much more specific eye-witness accounts OR a synthesis of accounts into some firm conclusions about weird experiences as a phenomenon. We get a little of both. We learn, for example, we're told the deeper one goes into the top secret world of government research into these phenomena, the more one becomes convinced it's "all real." That is interesting. But there's just too little of that sort of thing in this book. So, yeah: a disappointment.
August 26, 2023
This is thought provoking in a profound way but, has it been said before? Seems like it � at least some of the reports.
Nevertheless, it’s always interesting to read pieces of information and interviews from scientists about aliens and invisible forces in our world. It’s not a long book but it takes some time to digest the research that is presented. There is a lot of information to process which includes astronaut reports, personal stories of the gray-colored aliens, the effects on technology and lucid dreaming.
I have always believed that humans aren’t the only ones in our world. Yet, as it suggests, there has been so much propaganda from our government and some religions over the years that people will believe what they feel makes sense to them. The book is especially good for those that may need more evidence that there is a world beyond ours that exists.
My thanks to St. Martin’s Essentials and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of this advanced book with an expected release date of November 7, 2023.
Nevertheless, it’s always interesting to read pieces of information and interviews from scientists about aliens and invisible forces in our world. It’s not a long book but it takes some time to digest the research that is presented. There is a lot of information to process which includes astronaut reports, personal stories of the gray-colored aliens, the effects on technology and lucid dreaming.
I have always believed that humans aren’t the only ones in our world. Yet, as it suggests, there has been so much propaganda from our government and some religions over the years that people will believe what they feel makes sense to them. The book is especially good for those that may need more evidence that there is a world beyond ours that exists.
My thanks to St. Martin’s Essentials and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of this advanced book with an expected release date of November 7, 2023.
November 19, 2023
23 let’s talk about synchronicities
November 15, 2023
This is a good presentation and light overview of the convergence of paranormal aspects of ufo sightings and the study of how our consciousness interacts with this world and the world of dreams, visions and spirit. It's a quick and easy read. for depth I would recommend "Passport to Mangonia"by Jaques Vallee although that book while informative made my eyes glaze over. I know the skeptics will attack because there is no hard data presented. But knowing there are serious studies being conducted by a new generation of scientists gives me hope that these encounters will continue to be taken seriously by spiritual practitioners and therapists as well as some governmental agencies. I listened to the Audible version due to some eye issues. Doctor Palsulka does a good job of reading her own work. She's an engaging writer. I gave 5 stars because it doesn't get bogged down with story after story. But takes a few good accounts and keeps a good pace.
December 21, 2023
I liked this better than her prior book American Cosmic, but it still feels like somebody who is very excited and new to the subject. Pasulka is able to interview different scientists and professionals that have contact with angels, aliens, or with the global network of bio/spiritual information. Much of this topic and themes have been discussed by other authors that I feel have a firmer grasp on it but the first hand accounts she relates are very interesting. No real sense of conclusion or understanding is really given, but she does try to somehow link the different experiences together.
November 5, 2023
This book has some concepts that surely flew over the other reviewers heads. Without spoiling anything; there’s an agenda at play here that’s been here for a long time and this is laying some interesting philosophies down.
June 15, 2024
Why do I keep reading Pasulka? This one was even messier than American Cosmic—a meandering, unfocused, take-at-face-value foray into the current state of “paranormal� “research,� quotation marks being necessary for both terms. Pasulka chats about her attending or organizing UFO conferences and introduces some of the people she meets there. Most of them go by pseudonyms, either because they supposedly work for the government and/or don’t want to ruin their reputations, and then we’re told how much stuff they they can’t talk about (the stuff never being laid out). While I’m personally fascinated by the U.S. Congress’s investigation into UAPs, Pasulka goes from documentary evidence straight to the “paranormal� aura that pervades “encounters� with whatever “beings� are sharing their information with “us.�
One big problem I have with this book is that it doesn’t know what genre it belongs to. Are we in Erich von Däniken’s the-pyramids-were-built-by-aliens cuckoo land, or is this supposed to be serious religious studies scholarship? The questionable rigor of the book is exacerbated by the fact that Pasulka is perhaps not sophisticated a writer enough to maintain the necessary distance to her object of study: she starts her chapters with some flavor details about meeting someone “big� in the UFO sphere which turn out to be entirely irrelevant, and then she amasses their woo-woo ideas (AI will help us access some platonic realm of truth, humans are on the cusp of turning into a new species because of technological enhancement, UFO sightings are accompanied by telepathy, all existence is defined as the passing on of information because intelligence and evolution have a telos, etc.) without exploring their evidentiary basis—or trying to refute them which could be done using undergrad-level philosophy, computer science, and psychology. It’s all just reported as fact instead of framing these ideas as part of an emergent religion that taps into the very same hagiographic structures employed by religions that came before. You need to already have turned off your critical thinking skills before diving into this book, and then it confirms what you already want to believe.
One big problem I have with this book is that it doesn’t know what genre it belongs to. Are we in Erich von Däniken’s the-pyramids-were-built-by-aliens cuckoo land, or is this supposed to be serious religious studies scholarship? The questionable rigor of the book is exacerbated by the fact that Pasulka is perhaps not sophisticated a writer enough to maintain the necessary distance to her object of study: she starts her chapters with some flavor details about meeting someone “big� in the UFO sphere which turn out to be entirely irrelevant, and then she amasses their woo-woo ideas (AI will help us access some platonic realm of truth, humans are on the cusp of turning into a new species because of technological enhancement, UFO sightings are accompanied by telepathy, all existence is defined as the passing on of information because intelligence and evolution have a telos, etc.) without exploring their evidentiary basis—or trying to refute them which could be done using undergrad-level philosophy, computer science, and psychology. It’s all just reported as fact instead of framing these ideas as part of an emergent religion that taps into the very same hagiographic structures employed by religions that came before. You need to already have turned off your critical thinking skills before diving into this book, and then it confirms what you already want to believe.
November 16, 2023
In the book Encounters by D W Pasulka more than just random alien encounters we get to hear about the leaders and secret and not so secret advocate for alien contact and with the exception of the chapters about Gray The book is mainly a discussion about where we are when it comes to believing in aliens are minimal contact with them an exception as a whole. I couldn’t wait to read this book because I love random alien encounters and siding but I am definitely not disappointed this was a very interesting book from The different conferences she’s going to the popular zeitgeist in the conversation she’s had with those knowledgeable on the subject. Not to mention her own comments and experiences. I will not say I enjoyed this more than I would have enjoyed a book about random alien contact but I would be lying if I said this wasn’t a very entertaining and interesting read. If you have interest in aliens and aliens contacting you probably would enjoy this book as much as I did it is a definite four star listen in one I definitely recommend. I listen to the audiobook and thought the narrator hit a more pleasant voice for children’s book or self-help not to say it wasn’t a pleasure to listen to her narrate I would’ve just expected a more academic tone to the narrators voice but maybe that is just my own personal preference. I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
June 9, 2024
Too general, loose, and correlational than I’d expected. Heard author on JRE and had hopes to get into more specifics or new theories � or at least a deep dive into religious texts and comparing them to UFO sightings. Sooo� meh.
August 30, 2023
This is a well documented, intelligent book. Research is unbiased and thorough.
Highly recommend!
Highly recommend!
April 2, 2025
Fascinating book and one more people should read. I've long felt as if the circles of UFO enthusiast have begun showing the symptoms of cult-like behavior. This book does a great job of identifying the overlap between these fantastic experiences (UFO encounters, psychedelic trips) and religion. The UFO and AI movement is starting to look more and more like a new religion, complete with their own rituals, dogmas, and practices. If ever there was a time ripe for a new religion that would merge technology and spirituality, that time is now. I think a lot of people are going to get swept up in this movement and not understand that malicious forces are behind it until they're in too deep. The only remedy to this is a resurgence of old Christianity. The Churches in the west, which are indistinguishable from self-help seminars, or any other business aren't going to cut it anymore. People want to encounter the divine. They want an experience of profound beauty and meaning. They want a relationship with God, and the churches in America don't offer that. They offer hip pastors in skinny jeans preaching a mix of self-help psychology sprinkled with snippets of scripture so that you can get "your best life now." It's shallow and useless. People want an experience with the numinous. This is why I believe Orthodox Christianity is about to see a resurgence in the west because it offers these interactions with divine beauty that Protestantism does not.
November 10, 2023
I don’t recall having read any non-fiction books about UFOs before and I’m happy to have been able to read this as I received an advanced reader’s copy through GoodReads.
I recommend it if you’re interested in UFOs or like to know more about how others view, study or experience UFOs. Thought provoking and definitely an intriguing read.
Spoilers Ahead
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What intrigued me most in this book were the chapters 1, 8 & 10. Chapter 1 was about a space psychologist whose studies have improved cockpits and who talks about the psychology of astronauts and of leaving earth. Chapter 8 was about “the children of the invisibles, particularly about the author’s friend whose father worked in classified intelligence. The insight was great and has made me want to continue learning about how families deal with that kind of life. Chapter 10 was about dreams. The section on the how different cultures viewed dreaming piqued my interest.
#goodreadsgiveaway
I recommend it if you’re interested in UFOs or like to know more about how others view, study or experience UFOs. Thought provoking and definitely an intriguing read.
Spoilers Ahead
.
.
.
What intrigued me most in this book were the chapters 1, 8 & 10. Chapter 1 was about a space psychologist whose studies have improved cockpits and who talks about the psychology of astronauts and of leaving earth. Chapter 8 was about “the children of the invisibles, particularly about the author’s friend whose father worked in classified intelligence. The insight was great and has made me want to continue learning about how families deal with that kind of life. Chapter 10 was about dreams. The section on the how different cultures viewed dreaming piqued my interest.
#goodreadsgiveaway
March 25, 2024
Pasulka on uskontotieteilijä, joka uskaltaa kulkea "käymättömistä korpimaista vihoviimeisillä" eli hän pohtii vakavasti ufoilmiötä ja kohtaa pelkäämättä mitä erilaisempia ufoja kohdanneita ja niiden kanssa toimivia ihmisiä, nobel-tasoisista tutkijoista tavallisiin tallaajiin ja alkuperäiskansojen jäseniin. Hän kirjoittaa sujuvaa narratiivia, narratiivista proosaa, ja ihailen hänen tapaansa lähestyä ja kirjoittaa poikkeuksellisista ja "kummista" asioista ja ihmisistä.
December 13, 2023
A fascinating and weird read talking about different people's experiences with nonhuman intelligences and the ways they have experienced them. A strange and intriguing look that encompasses an interesting spectrum of ways that one experiences the unknown and the different lenses that it is viewed through.
December 25, 2023
The subject matter of this book was very intriguing to me when I saw it on display at the bookstore, so I bought a copy and started reading it shortly thereafter. Some details and anecdotes stood out, but overall it felt very repetitive and bland. Chapters 8 & 9 really saved the book for me and seemed to give it some life. I would like to read more of these experiencers accounts.
May 9, 2024
This is one of those surprise books that come about when you sign up for a book challenge. I’m not sure I ever would have picked this one up if not for the 001-099 Dewey Decimal category this year! I thought I was going to read about alien encounters and while that was definitely part of this book, it was also so much more. What a fun surprise!
February 11, 2025
This is less interesting and has a much less cohesive thesis than American Cosmic . Pasulka seems so wowed by these stories, many of which seem, quite frankly, pretty boring. I think her first book on purgatory was leagues better, and I hope she moves back into writing about Catholic history, which I find stranger and more interesting than some random people who have vivid dreams.
December 11, 2023
Review to come.
February 4, 2024
Along with ‘American Cosmic� this book represents an extensive and ‘all-inclusive� take on the ufo phenomenon.
June 5, 2024
Well researched but a bit out there for me.
September 9, 2024
Would be so great if this stigma around this topic can go away there’s so much cool stuff to be learned
December 20, 2023
Believe or not believe this author wrote a very interesting book on alien encounter with humans. This book is very informative. I enjoy reading this book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
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