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The First and Last Deception: Aliens, UFOs, AI, and the Return of Eden's Demise
Only man bears His Image. History's Original Tragedy—The First Deception—began with Eve's neglect of this truth. By her willingness to engage in dialogue with a "Nonhuman Intelligence" (a fallen angel feigning benevolence and assuming the disguise of an incarnate rational creature), the Fall of Man was precipitated. Today, the Last Deception is arising in the same manner.
The Devil now seeks to deceive mankind not in the form of a speaking serpent, but rather by employing today's prevailing myth—science fiction—and he is empowered by increasingly sensational but patently false claims masquerading as nonfictional. These contemporary lies—regarding aliens, UFOs, and superintelligent AI—provide still more alluring disguises for him to yet again beguile the human race into entering into dialogue with him, even while failing to discern the cloven hoof. Thus, the Biblically foretold "Strong Delusion" (2 Thessalonians 2) is heralded as men "wander into myths" (2 Timothy 4) and heed "demonic instructions." (2 Timothy 4)
But this book will equip you to resist to reject The Last Deception.
The Devil now seeks to deceive mankind not in the form of a speaking serpent, but rather by employing today's prevailing myth—science fiction—and he is empowered by increasingly sensational but patently false claims masquerading as nonfictional. These contemporary lies—regarding aliens, UFOs, and superintelligent AI—provide still more alluring disguises for him to yet again beguile the human race into entering into dialogue with him, even while failing to discern the cloven hoof. Thus, the Biblically foretold "Strong Delusion" (2 Thessalonians 2) is heralded as men "wander into myths" (2 Timothy 4) and heed "demonic instructions." (2 Timothy 4)
But this book will equip you to resist to reject The Last Deception.
355 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2025
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March 31, 2025First, I am grateful to the author for this book because not enough people are providing genuinely thoughtful commentary such as this on these issues--this is especially true of the church (in its broadest sense). It is not possible to escape the reality of NHI and AI. The implications for the church are obvious--and a good understanding of them falls easily within the framework of orthodox Christianity, as the author clearly demonstrates. And yet the modern Christian church tends to avoid it, notwithstanding a somewhat silly article in Christianity Today last year. In some ways I understand this, and yet ... the author of this book provides a needed call for people to pay attention.
In short, the author addresses the phenomena of non-human intelligence and artificial intelligence as, ultimately, deceptions -- not denying their existence but challenging the way they are portrayed to the culture at large.
For the most part, I agree with him. That said, I hold some ideas more loosely than the author -- some things I simply cannot know and realize they might be different than I imagine them. I see some utility in AI (probably the author does, too). And I retain an appreciation for some of the authors who are taken to task in the book. Those like Vallee -- who way ahead of his time, challenged the traditional nuts-and-bolts portrayals of so-called "UFOs"--should not be dismissed simply because their beliefs are unorthodox. And to some degree, the same for Pasulka, whose books I have read. We can still learn from them. And because the author is Catholic, the book has sections on the magisterium and Mariology that didn't really resonate with me. I admit I skimmed them quickly, but I did not skip them, as my intent was to give the book its due.
All of that said, this book is well researched and reasoned, courageous and insightful, welcome and needed. People should read it and form their own opinions. Christian believers addressing this issue are coming mostly from the Catholic and evangelical parts of the church at large. Oddly enough, Catholic Daniel O'Connor and evangelical Allen Nolan seem to share some common ground, and where they do, I tend to be on board for now. And yet the parts of the church with which I have traditionally identified -- the Enlightenment-drenched mainline Protestant denominations -- are mostly silent. It is hard to know whether it is a lack of interest, a lack of courage, or a lack of belief in churches that may have largely de-enchanted (is that a word?) themselves. But I would argue that it's probably time.
Click the book cover for a general description.
In short, the author addresses the phenomena of non-human intelligence and artificial intelligence as, ultimately, deceptions -- not denying their existence but challenging the way they are portrayed to the culture at large.
For the most part, I agree with him. That said, I hold some ideas more loosely than the author -- some things I simply cannot know and realize they might be different than I imagine them. I see some utility in AI (probably the author does, too). And I retain an appreciation for some of the authors who are taken to task in the book. Those like Vallee -- who way ahead of his time, challenged the traditional nuts-and-bolts portrayals of so-called "UFOs"--should not be dismissed simply because their beliefs are unorthodox. And to some degree, the same for Pasulka, whose books I have read. We can still learn from them. And because the author is Catholic, the book has sections on the magisterium and Mariology that didn't really resonate with me. I admit I skimmed them quickly, but I did not skip them, as my intent was to give the book its due.
All of that said, this book is well researched and reasoned, courageous and insightful, welcome and needed. People should read it and form their own opinions. Christian believers addressing this issue are coming mostly from the Catholic and evangelical parts of the church at large. Oddly enough, Catholic Daniel O'Connor and evangelical Allen Nolan seem to share some common ground, and where they do, I tend to be on board for now. And yet the parts of the church with which I have traditionally identified -- the Enlightenment-drenched mainline Protestant denominations -- are mostly silent. It is hard to know whether it is a lack of interest, a lack of courage, or a lack of belief in churches that may have largely de-enchanted (is that a word?) themselves. But I would argue that it's probably time.
The last deception will mirror the first.
The Father of Lies has changed the shapes of his appearances, but not the hallmarks of his tactics.
He promises you illumination, he offers you knowledge ...
Click the book cover for a general description.
September 8, 2025
This book is hilarious. He makes great arguments. I don’t doubt that the author is right in his thesis. I think it’s hilarious because I picked up the audiobook and it is read by author. I feel like much snark and sarcasm comes through and I am definitely here for it. I listened while in traffic and just kept laughing so much so that I started to feel bad for laughing at the people who fell for such obvious deceptions. I probably should take to confession, but the audiobook is definitely worth a listen.
September 20, 2025
Concerned
The author does a thorough job of pointing out, from a Catholic perspective, the flaws in believing in extraterrestrial life that end up being projected onto UFO and so-called alien activity. He shows how physical laws simply make extraterrestrial life impossible and thus its associated phenomena on earth equally impossible. Thus the phenomena resides in the spiritual not the physical world. He also devotes considerable space quoting Catholic dogma and refuting various Catholic personalities who believe in extraterrestrial life. In his polemic against “Artificial Intelligence”, the author references Erik Larson’s book “The Myth of Artificial Intelligence: Why Computers Can’t Think the Way We Do”. I think reading that book is sufficient for dismissing “thinking computers” as a future reality and it doesn’t have all the Catholic dogma baggage. Thus my concern with his overall approach is concluding that reality is best represented by the Catholic religion which is one of the most complex religions in existence and in representing Jesus of Nazareth as the source of Catholic truth. This conclusion contradicts the biblical mandate of defying the “simplicity in Christ”. To wit…. “But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. (2 Corinthians 11:3 (New King James Version)).” I would suggest the book “The Gospel According to Jesus” by John MacArthur as the right direction to go in learning the truth about Jesus of Nazareth. As an alternative to this book with the same general theme, I recommend “Alien Intrusion” by Gary Bates which I think is simpler, more straightforward, and more compelling.
The author does a thorough job of pointing out, from a Catholic perspective, the flaws in believing in extraterrestrial life that end up being projected onto UFO and so-called alien activity. He shows how physical laws simply make extraterrestrial life impossible and thus its associated phenomena on earth equally impossible. Thus the phenomena resides in the spiritual not the physical world. He also devotes considerable space quoting Catholic dogma and refuting various Catholic personalities who believe in extraterrestrial life. In his polemic against “Artificial Intelligence”, the author references Erik Larson’s book “The Myth of Artificial Intelligence: Why Computers Can’t Think the Way We Do”. I think reading that book is sufficient for dismissing “thinking computers” as a future reality and it doesn’t have all the Catholic dogma baggage. Thus my concern with his overall approach is concluding that reality is best represented by the Catholic religion which is one of the most complex religions in existence and in representing Jesus of Nazareth as the source of Catholic truth. This conclusion contradicts the biblical mandate of defying the “simplicity in Christ”. To wit…. “But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. (2 Corinthians 11:3 (New King James Version)).” I would suggest the book “The Gospel According to Jesus” by John MacArthur as the right direction to go in learning the truth about Jesus of Nazareth. As an alternative to this book with the same general theme, I recommend “Alien Intrusion” by Gary Bates which I think is simpler, more straightforward, and more compelling.
July 22, 2025
Informative
Mr. O’Connor does an excellent job fleshing out his thesis in this book. It was pretty eye-opening to realize all the propaganda around ET and AI belief that has inundated our culture.
Mr. O’Connor does an excellent job fleshing out his thesis in this book. It was pretty eye-opening to realize all the propaganda around ET and AI belief that has inundated our culture.
June 13, 2025
excellent
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews