In Intimate Alien: The Hidden Story of the UFO, David J. Halperin, a distinguished historian of religion who has published studies of the prophet Ezekiel, Merkavah mysticism, and other Jewish visionary experiences, seeks to explain the long-smoldering American fascination with aliens through the lenses of religious studies and Jungian psychology. In doing so, he aims to build what he calls a bridge between “reported existence and postulated cause” for a series of famous UFO cases and motifs, including Roswell.David Halperin's work on the Hekhalot literature and Merkavah Mysticism has been inspirational and influential (e.g., here) for my own work. I am very pleased to see he has a new book out.
I noted his UFO novel here, with reviews etc. noted here and links. For his book on Shabbetai Zvi, see here.
This article by Socher amounts to a biographical review of Halperin's career and work. It is very good.
I am puzzled, though, about one point. Socher says that Halperin's book Seeking Ezekiel is a "Jungian psychbiography." No. It is definitely Freudian.
For more on Erich Von Däniken and his very early influence on me, see here and links. And yes, Mr. Von Däniken is still around, although he is reportedly "somewhat ailing." His 90th birthday was last month.
Thanks to my University of St. Andrews colleague Michael Lyons for drawing Socher's review to my attention.
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