“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.” & Matthew 7:15

Beware, ladies and gentlemen, for The Devil walks among us. And to make matters worse, he’s French.

Claude Vorilhon’s life was forever changed on Dec. 13, 1973, because it was then that he saw the UFO.

True story. While exploring the Puy de Lassolas crater near Clermont-Ferrand, France, Vorilhon observed a shiny silver object about seven meters in diameter moving in total silence.

When the strange craft landed, a “radiant being,” about four feet tall with long dark hair, almond-shaped eyes and olive skin, appeared. “Exuding harmony and humor,” this alien being shared a secret with the young man: life on Earth as we know it is the result of genetic experiments carried out by a scientifically advanced civilization.

Evolution and God are myths and misconceptions; our Creators come from space, but they are ready to return to us.

Throughout time, these beings have maintained contact with our species through selected prophets, such as Jesus, Buddha and Mohammed. These prophets were asked to educate humanity about their otherworldly Fathers. Unable to grasp such complicated ideas though, the prophets worded the Elohims’ message in the only way they knew how, which ultimately led to the popular religions we practice today. Renamed “Rael,” by the alien, the French author, singer/songwriter and race car driver learned that he was to be our Final Prophet and that his mission was to prepare us for the arrival of the Elohim.

Rael, with the help of his Raelian Movement, Revolution, Religion or Philosophy, depending on who you talk to, is currently building an embassy to greet the Elohim.

The reason for erecting this monstrosity, Rael states, is that, “Without the neutrality of an embassy, an unannounced landing would have enormous political, economic and social repercussions … they wish to endorse any government, religion or ideology other than that of the Raelian Philosophy, by contacting any other institution first. Thus, they will only come when we build their embassy, such is their love and respect for us … It’s the least we can do.”

The Raelian Revolution, for the sake of clarification, is described as being a science-based atheist religion, balancing mankind’s need for spirituality with values more accepted in today’s society. In addition, it boasts anywhere from 35,000 to 50,000 members worldwide and is spreading throughout 84 countries like a plague. $200 for students, or 10 percent of the yearly income for everyone else, will make you an member of the International Raelian Religion, which Rael promises is “the best way to accelerate the day when the Elohim will come down to the embassy.”

Until that day comes though, Rael keeps himself busy. He recently started a company in the Bahamas that offers a service called Clonaid, which, and I quote, “for $200,000 … will offer its services to wealthy parents worldwide.” And if that isn’t enough, Rael oversees UFOLand, the first “interpretation centre” designed to educate visitors on the Raelian philosophy, UFOs, science and technology.

Now, where do you think he’s getting the money for these side projects?

I think the strength of religion, even Rael’s, lies in its faith, and faith to me is something of a double-edged sword. While capable of inspiring and comforting people in their moments of need, it can also be a dangerous weapon, leaving those same people susceptible to the manipulations of zealots like Rael just because they’re looking for something, anything, to believe in.

I wish I could tell you that Rael was nothing more than a figment of my insomnia-induced hallucinations, but the truth is that he is very real. The man is out there building an empire on the hunch that aliens are going to come to Earth soon and shower us with peace and harmony. Is that it then, no heaven or hell, just … aliens? Is this The Truth?

Like all religions, you need to decide that for yourself. But honestly, do you think a Frenchman who’s hot for E.T. holds life’s answers?