As a non-journalist sociologist, Susan Palmer writes her book not for controversy, but in lieu of it. As opposed to the average hit piece or expose' of most news stories - which Rael invites and appreciates for the publicity of his new religious movement - Palmer's book attempts a study from a non-judgmental viewpoint. In this manner the author avoids the drama of legal action from the slander-sensitive prophet of ET. (Rael vs. Paul Toutant, 1979-80; Rael vs. Montreal's 'Le Devoir', 1994...)

By not labeling Rael a cult leader, Palmer maintains the "objective" perspective like a true scientist - without which she wouldn't have obtained such close access to Rael. Yet in her objectivity she gives the benefit of too much doubt. Say it, Susan. Argue the point, if not only for those intellectual proponents of (ET) Intervention Theory - DNA co-discoverer Francis Crick, philosophical author Neil Freer, world renowned geologist Dr. Robert Schoch, etc. Please say it: "Rael must be a liar, considering the evidence herein." All of the hints at the fact are frustrating in their impotence.

This powerlessness of concept is precisely what has upset Mr. Jacques Vallee (see his review), whom Susan failed to contact/consult...as if to avoid confronting the reality of Rael's lies (in respect to the "Teesdale inheritance" fiasco, specifically). Why would internationally acclaimed author Vallee make up such a story? It's obvious who the more credible personality is, considering the credentials.

This vagueness likewise informs the reader inadequately of the "ancient astronaut theory", despite the superb point noted in mentioning French writer Jean Sendy (p. 28), whose groundbreaking book on the subject ('La Lune, Cle de la Bible', or 'The Moon: Key to the Bible', Editions Rene Julliard, 1968) may have been Rael's original inspiration. That is, if Rael knew more about his true target demographic, he might not have needed to get so sexually deviant in order to hone the group mentality of his virtual commune.

Rael's books - containing knowledge directly spoken from the ET-human "gods" in 1973 - may have been specific enough to describe characters from the Bible as their original Sumerian counterparts (and using the original "gods" names), had an important 1976 book been consulted (Zecharia Sitchin, 'The 12th Planet'). This would have enabled a less radical approach to the "religious" idea, a more socially acceptable theory of Mankind's origin. Perhaps this strays from the "review" category of writing, but I consider it applicable to think as if I were writing a book on Rael.

Palmer's suggestion that Rael's International Raelian Movement (IRM) has a chance of success similar to that of Joseph Smith of Mormon fame - frightening as it is - should argue toward a more judgmental thesis. Yet this thought comes as a relative fact! (See p. 77: "Rodney Stark's Eight Conditions for Success")

From the transparent base text of the "UFO religion" to the Teesdale inheritance hoax AND from the racist pro-Jewish ideology to the disappearing/nonexistent human clone media snafu, an argument forms from simple common sense.

This is all just my opinion, of course. Please don't sue me, Claude...I mean Rael. It was Susan's fault.

Brand	N/A
Rating	3.8 (14 ratings)
Price	$33.56
Category	Agnosticism

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