Interesting Times with Ross Douthat What if the Government Believes in U.F.O.s More Than You Do?
70 snips
Jul 24, 2025 
Diana Walsh Pasulka, a religious studies professor and author of American Cosmic, explores the intriguing intersection of UFO phenomena and spirituality. She discusses her research into Catholic archives and how it connects to modern UFO beliefs, including telepathic communication and the 'hitchhiker effect.' Pasulka also delves into government secrecy surrounding UFO encounters and how narratives shape public perceptions. The conversation highlights a cultural shift towards viewing extraterrestrial experiences as a new form of belief, inviting us to embrace the mysteries of the cosmos.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Historical UFO-Like Religious Phenomena
- Diana Walsh Pasulka found historical Catholic accounts of aerial phenomena resembling modern UFO reports.
- This surprising overlap led her to attend a UFO conference and engage deeply with present-day experiencers.
UFO Beliefs as Decentralized Religion
- UFO experiences resemble raw religious material, lacking a unified doctrine.
- The internet decentralizes beliefs, preventing a single coherent UFO religion from forming.
Aerospace Workers’ Secret UFO Research
- Pasulka was contacted by aerospace professionals who viewed UFO research as their "hobby job."
- They investigated crash sites and anomalies while working legitimate aerospace roles.
