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Encounter at Puy de Lassolas: the origin story -

In 1973, Claude Vorilhon's life took an unexpected turn at Puy de Lassolas, France, where he claimed to meet extraterrestrials. This marked the inception of the Raëlian story.

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Raël: the race car driver turned prophet -

Once a speed enthusiast, Claude Vorilhon, who now goes by Raël, shifted gears from race tracks to spiritual tracks, founding a movement based on his alleged extraterrestrial encounters.

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Elohim: The extraterrestrial creators -

Raël says that he met the Elohim—highly advanced beings who he says engineered all life on Earth. This is certainly a cosmic twist on the Earth's origin story. 

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Madech to MRF: the evolution of a movement -

The Elohim reportedly told Raël to name his religion 'MADECH.' It later changed to the Raëlian French Movement (MRF), as it's better known today. Raël's followers have seen their group evolve over decades, mirroring their leader's journey.

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Raël's global influence: a cosmic network -

With members in 26 countries, Raël's teachings have seemed to resonate worldwide, creating a network united by a belief in extraterrestrial origins and a future of peace. They claim to have tens of thousands of members all over the world. 

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The ritual of Raëlian baptism -

In a unique ceremony, new Raëlians undergo a baptism during which they believe their genetic code is transmitted to a cosmic database, connecting them to the Elohim.

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Sensual meditation: a unique Raëlian practice -

Raëlians embrace 'sensual meditation,' seeking pleasure through the senses. This practice reflects their belief in the joy of life's earthly and cosmic dimensions.

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The Raëlian lifestyle: purity and pleasure -

From diet to sensual meditation, the Raëlian lifestyle aims to focus on purity and pleasure, given that Raëlian's have a philosophy that celebrates life in its most vibrant forms.

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Raëlian retreats: spaces of serenity -

Raëlians find solace and connection in their retreats, places they can indulge in their version of tranquility and where that meets spirituality. The aim is for followers to deepen their cosmic journey.

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The Raëlian peaceful philosophy -

At its core, Raëlism claims to be a peaceful religion, advocating for love and harmony among all beings. 

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Fighting for a future: anti-nuclear advocacy -

With a vision for a peaceful future, Raëlians stand firmly against nuclear weaponry. Raëlians are focused on preserving a healthy balance to allow a world for their Elohim to one day return to.

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Raëlian celebrations: cosmic festivities -

Raëlian gatherings are not just meetings; they are aimed at being celebrations of life, love, and the cosmic connections that bind their community across the globe. 

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The annual seminar: a cosmic convergence -

Every year, Raëlians gather in Canada for what they describe as a cosmic convergence where they share insights and strengthen their belief in extraterrestrial superbeings.

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UFOLand: a dream project in Valcourt -

Located in Valcourt, Canada, UFOLand is not your average museum. It was created by the Raëlians in 1997 and held the strange title of the largest structure in North America to be made from bales of hay. UFOLand acted as a visitor center for the religion that would also generate some revenue, but it was closed to the public after a few years. 

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UFOLand: a visionary project for the future -

However, UFOLand is still a major part of the Raëlian vision of a future where humanity and extraterrestrials coexist, sharing knowledge and culture. It's a haven for Raëlians to express their vision and feel safe while doing so.

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The quest for an extraterrestrial embassy -

Raëlians are on a mission to build an embassy fit for the Elohim's return, a project that epitomizes their cosmic aspirations and diplomatic hopes.

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The order of angels: Raël's elite -

Within the Raëlian structure thrives the Order of Angels, a group dedicated to becoming the Elohim's consorts. The Order of Angels is focused on devotion to the religion and building a gateway for the Elohim!

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Geniocracy: governing by the geniuses -

Raël's Elohim-guided vision of a 'geniocracy' suggests a world led by the intellectually elite, a thought-provoking take on the future of global governance.

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Raëlian symbols: swastikas and stars -

Swastikas intertwined with stars symbolize peace for Raëlians, a controversial emblem that reflects their unconventional path to spiritual enlightenment.

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The Swastika rehabilitation: a symbol reimagined -

Raëlians aim to reclaim the swastika's ancient symbolism of peace and well-being, embarking on a challenging journey of reeducation and acceptance after it has become a symbol synonymous with hatred and Nazism. 

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Clonaid: pioneering human cloning -

In a bold leap into science, Raël created a human cloning organization called Clonaid. In 2002, Clonaid claimed the birth of the first human clone, but the claims were never substantiated. 

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Media and the movement: a double-edged sword -

While media attention brings Raëlism into the spotlight, it also brings scrutiny and skepticism, painting a complex picture of this cosmic movement.

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Legal battles: defending a cosmic faith -

Facing legal challenges and public skepticism, Raëlians have had to dig their heels in and defend their unusual religion on more than one occasion.

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Public perception: controversy and curiosity -

Raëlianism walks a tightrope between controversy and fascination, drawing scrutiny from skeptics and intrigue from those drawn to its unconventional beliefs.

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Scholarly scrutiny: academia meets the Elohim -

Not just a subject of tabloids, Raëlism captures academic interest too, offering a rich field for scholars exploring the realms of new religious movements. Given how unconventional Raëlism is, it has attracted multiple researchers wanting to understand its development.

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Raël's written works: unveiling cosmic secrets -

From his first book to his latest, Raël's writings offer a window into the Raëlian cosmos, blending earthly experiences with extraterrestrial encounters which are a must-read for anyone wanting to understand what exactly this unusual religion is all about.

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The future of Raëlism: an evolving cosmos -

As science advances and society evolves, Raëlism too adapts, continually redefining its place in the cosmic tapestry of beliefs and human curiosity.

Sources: (Religion Media Center) (Times of India) (DBpedia)

See also: The scientific explanation for alien abductions

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