International Raëlian Movement
The Raëlian Movement: Detailed Overview
The Raëlian Movement (International Raëlian Movement, IRM) is a new religious organization that combines ufology, science, and atheism. It is based on the idea that humanity was created by extraterrestrial beings and positions itself as a “scientific religion” with the motto “Science is our religion, religion is our science.”
As of 2025, the movement claims between 80,000 and 100,000 members in over 90 countries, with the greatest popularity in Japan, South Korea, the United States, and Europe. It is known for using media provocations and scandals to attract attention. Below is a detailed analysis of its key aspects.
History and Development
The movement emerged in 1973–1974 in France, founded by Claude Vorilhon (b. 1946), a former race car driver and journalist who later adopted the name Raël, claiming to be a prophet.
First encounter with the Elohim
Raël claimed to have seen a UFO on Mount Luberon, France. The Elohim (extraterrestrial creators) told him they had created life on Earth using DNA.
The Elohim allegedly took Raël to their planet, where he met Jesus, Buddha, Moses, and Muhammad—his “predecessors.” He was instructed to build an embassy for their return.
Raël published The Message Given to Me by the Elohim and Let’s Welcome Our Fathers from the Sky. The movement’s first name was MADECH (Movement for the Welcoming of the Elohim).
With the “permission” of the Elohim. Introduced the symbol—a hexagram with a swastika.
Opened “UFOland,” a theme park in Quebec, Canada. Membership grew to about 30,000.
Banned in France as a “sect.” Founded Clonaid, a company claiming to clone humans.
Clonaid announced the birth of the first cloned human, “Eve” (never verified).
50th anniversary of the second encounter: convention in Okinawa (Japan, Oct 2025). Global meditation for peace (Nov 8, 2025). Focus on “Paradism”—a utopia without money or labor.
The movement evolved from a UFO group into a global network with a hierarchy ranging from “trainees” to “guides” (leaders).
Core Beliefs
Raëlians reject traditional religions as “myths,” interpreting the Bible and other sacred texts as accounts of extraterrestrial intervention.
- Elohim as creators: An alien race 25,000 years ahead of us scientifically created Adam and Eve in a lab. “Let us make man in our image” (Genesis) refers to DNA cloning.
- Infinite universe: No God or afterlife; immortality is achieved through science (genetic reincarnation via cloning).
- Prophets: Moses, Buddha, Jesus, and Muhammad were messengers of the Elohim; Raël is the last one (Maitreya).
- Eschatology: The Elohim will return to Earth when the embassy is built (planned for Jerusalem). Good people will gain immortality; evil ones will not. The “Age of Apocalypse” began with Hiroshima (1945), seen as the awakening signal.
- Paradism: A future society where robots perform all labor, freeing humans for pleasure and creativity—ruled by a “geniocracy” (government by the most intelligent and genetically gifted).
Practices and Rituals
Raëlians emphasize joy, meditation, and activism rather than strict dogma.
- Seminars: “Happiness Academies” feature meditation, lectures, and “sensual meditation” focusing on physical sensations.
- Celebrations:
- Rehabilitation of the Swastika Day (June)
- Clitoris Day (May, for sexual education)
- Raëlian New Year (August 6, commemorating Hiroshima)
- Initiation: A form of baptism called the “transmission of DNA” (recording one’s genetic code for future cloning). Initiates renounce previous religions.
- Activism: Campaigns for GMOs, gender equality, and peace. Organizes “GoTopless Day” and promotes sexual freedom. In 2025, Raëlians on X (Twitter) share videos about “10,000 traps to destroy humanity” (critiques of war and religion).
Views on Science, Religion, and Sexuality
- Science: Central to Raëlian philosophy. Cloning is seen as the path to immortality; they strongly support GMOs and genetic engineering. Clonaid symbolizes this faith in science.
- Religion: They view conventional religion as obscurantist. Their doctrine is an “atheistic philosophy” that nonetheless includes prophets and rituals.
- Sexuality: Extremely liberal. Sex is a source of happiness; masturbation, homosexuality, and polyamory are encouraged. The “Order of Angels” consists of women “ready to seduce” for the cause. Clitoraid is an affiliated campaign against female genital mutilation (FGM).
Controversies and Criticism
The movement is frequently accused of pseudoscience and sensationalism.
- Symbol: A hexagram with a swastika (changed to a spiral in some countries after 1991 due to Nazi associations). Raëlians celebrate a “Day for the Rehabilitation of the Swastika.”
- Clonaid: The 2002 cloning claim of “Eve” was never proven; critics call it a hoax.
- Sexuality: Accusations of promiscuity and “brainwashing” (notably a 1991 French scandal involving recordings of sexual activities at seminars).
- Cultural conflict: Labeled a sect in France (1995); symbols banned in Germany. Raëlians have fought legal battles for freedom of expression.
- On X (2025): Followers post about meetings with Raël, RAEL-coin cryptocurrency, and “humanity’s traps.” Some view the movement as a cult; others as a meme or lifestyle.
Organization and Global Presence
- Structure: Hierarchical—six levels of “guides.” Central council in Geneva, Switzerland. Raël is lifelong leader.
- Finances: Funded by donations (6% of members’ income) and book/seminar sales.
- In Russia: Marginal presence; occasionally mentioned in ufology but without official centers.
- In 2025: Focused on the 50th anniversary celebrations; members include scientists, artists, and activists who share personal stories of “happiness through science.”
Summary
The Raëlian Movement is a provocative blend of science fiction, spirituality, and social activism, appealing to those seeking alternatives to traditional religion. Critics see it as a cult; followers describe it as a “path to paradise through science.”