Spielberg is releasing yet another movie about psychic phenomena that may be caused by, or are a result of… aliens. This is not his first foray into the genre. His famous two movies, “ET The Extra-Terrestrial” and “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” previously explored the possibility of aliens, either among us or visiting us. His latest movie, “Disclosure Day” is another “what if” movie about aliens and/or extraterrestrial phenomena.
But one thing is certain: it’s just a movie. Nobody, not even Spielberg, can state with certainty whether aliens have visited Earth in the past, whether they are “here among us”, or whether they are shape-shifting chameleons capable of hiding in plain sight. But what Spielberg can do is spin a yarn better than most other directors. This doesn’t mean he’s prescient or omniscient: it just means he has a vivid imagination.
As to historical references, many people with a strong belief in the western biblical tradition point back to only one specific individual when referencing spiritual power: Jesus Christ. There are those who keep mentioning “Jesus” in their online posts as if he was the only spiritual leader in history. What they forget is that Christianity goes back maybe 2000 years, but other major religions – including local native sects and beliefs – go back much further. Taoism and Buddhism, and Judaism, are thousands of years old and their patriarchs – and matriarchs – are also respected and revered as religious leaders.
This is not to say that every religion has something positive to contribute to humankind. It is to say that many religions rely on charismatic leaders to inspire acolytes. And it is also to say that many of those same religions rely on writings passed down over thousands of years in languages no longer spoken or written words that can no longer be read. Sanskrit is a “lost language” as is Aramaic. And ancient Chinese, the heart of Taoism, is spoken and written differently today than in the past.
The ideas behind “Disclosure Day” are neither new nor revolutionary. Indeed, when considering Spielberg’s range of works, it is evolutionary in nature. I am also looking forward to viewing his latest film. But, as I mentioned earlier, it is only a film.
Carl Sagan is quoted to have said, “The universe is a pretty big place. If it’s just us, seems like an awful waste of space.” I tend to agree. However, until there is proof of intelligent life elsewhere in the universe, I will do as others continue to do: have faith.
