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If this ever happens, I sure hope the rapture precedes it. I don't think I want to be around when everyone is celebrating "the most important event in human history" (which is how it would be sold) and are falling on their knees praising our benevolent "space brothers," while Christians might be the only ones left denying their benevolence. It seems like it would be a natural starting point for severe persecution. Everyone would celebrating the arrival of aliens, while we'd be singing a different tune.

We'd be looked at as being "intolerant" of not accepting the "clear truth" of aliens. We'd maintain our devotion to our faith, and the "believers" in aliens probably wouldn't like that too much. Instead of having faith in aliens, we'd continue to have faith in a God they can't see and don't know.

Not that I spend my time worrying about being persecuted for it as there is already plenty of real persecution going on around the world against Christians, but I think it would truly isolate us as never before, and would make spreading the Gospel a more dangerous endeavor than it's ever been. If it happens, I hope we're gone by then. Trying to convince people of the truth would be like trying to talk to an angry brick wall that has fists and guns. However, if we're not gone, I know that despite the obstacles, souls would still come to Christ.

But I've already heard this response to my own opinion that aliens, if real, are probably demonic: "It's just so much like you Christians to HATE things that don't agree with YOUR faith! These beings are here to help us, and you say they're evil! What's wrong with you people!? You're such hate-mongers!!"

That's the type of reaction I've had based on a theoretical discussion regarding aliens. Imagine if they ever showed up for real...

I have a Catholic aunt who sat in on a Muslim funeral prayer over the weekend, and she was totally taken by the Islamic sheik. She went on and on to me about how peaceful and worldly and accepting he was.

Her words to me in an email were:

"It opened my eyes to the reality that we ARE all children of God, we ALL want to be good and forgiving people, and that we CAN accept others.

That's the point of the religious counsel - or whatever it is the Sheik mentioned he was on. It's leaders of all different faiths getting together to try to do what God wants from us - faithful, forgiving stewards. I figure if the leaders of the churches can get along and not feel like they are betraying their faith or blaspheming, then I can do it too."

I couldn't believe it. I replied back:

Back in school or at church, did you learn about Biblical Prophecy? The Bible specifically says in several different verses that towards the end times, many religious leaders and followers will merge and unite in the name of peace. This is how the One World Order and One World Religion comes about. It's also how the Anti-Christ comes about -- he proclaims (at first) to want to bring unity and peace to the world... and he has many, many followers. The Bible warns us against this, and tells us in many ways to follow Christ and do not let our hearts and spirits be deceived by those claiming unity or peace among religions.

I'm not saying we can't love or forgive or help non-Christians. But in no way should we condone, accept or open our arms to other religions. It's a very slippery slope. If you aren't converging and getting along with them as an ambassador of Christ, then it's a road you don't want to be on -- one can easily get lost.

Jesus also said: "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?" (Luke 6:44)

Meaning priests and teachers will come along, seeming to be peaceful and accepting. But their words do not come from God, the Father of Christ. So we should not learn from them or seek spiritual guidance from them.

There is nothing wrong with having compassion for others or loving one another. But when religions converge to accept each other in the name of unity and peace, it just sends chills down my spine. Especially when Muslims and Christians want to come together to find common ground. Sure, we should treat each other with respect and kindness and love. But that doesn't mean we should just accept that they are of a different faith and believe that they'll go to heaven by their own way. It doesn't mean that we shouldn't make an effort to convince them of the truths found in Christianity. True Christians know and believe in the truth -- that Jesus is the ONLY way to Heaven, and it is our duty to witness to others and help bring them to Christ.

It did no good whatsoever. She was one of the strongest Christians in my family (who are predominately Muslim). Her reply to that?

"I just want to say -- all religions have their extremists. So it is best left alone at this point."

Basically, she shut me up and called me an extremist. I was flabbergasted. I have to hand it to the Evil One... he's really found a good tactic with this. Almost as good as convincing Eve to eat the apple from the tree.