John E. Smithers - A review of IS ET HERE? NO POLITICALLY BUT YES SCIENTIFICALLY AND THEOLOGICALLY

Is Et Here?: No Politically But Yes Scientifically and Theologically

Robert Trundle, Ph.D. EcceNova Editions, Victoria, BC, 2005. $22.95 (ISBN 0973534125)

The remarkableness of Robert Trundle taking UFOs seriously is amplified by his being the first philosophy professor to argue not only for their likely presence but for their occupants sharing with us a theological-scientific belief system. In being the essential contention of the book, the potential reader might be wary of its being too academic. Indeed, the book delves into the philosophy of science to show that science cannot exclude ET's visit, makes a compelling case for the existence of a God of Nature, and argues that natural theology is related logically to science - permitting us to infer a naturalistic ethics that fulfils our nature! Nevertheless, the book is a fascinating read. For if ET and humans have the same cosmological origin in a relatively homogeneous universe, as the author notes, then ET and we may well have a similar psychobiological nature, as well as comparable notions of "good" that fulfil it. This would be good news for those worried about whether ET is friend or foe. While there is enough logical rigor to impress the reader with what the writer proposes, his proposal is presented largely in everyday language. And the cases he makes are all the more astonishing because they are made with the authority of a seasoned philosopher, enhanced by interesting references where he takes on his less rational critics. These critics include many politically correct professors who, embracing "multiculturalism," reject Western notions of God and attention to UFOs since it would impede their mundane political agenda. In this vein, the space program and Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) have been rejected for their alleged "irrelevance." Moreover, the book is peppered with reports of UFOs and alien creatures as well as with intriguing photos and government documents obtained by the FOIA (Freedom of Information Act). In short, this volume is not for the faint hearted. Many in the academic world will not like it since they are revealed as charlatans who, with the mainstream media and government, have virtually conspired to dumb down the UFO topic. The topic in this book is tackled in an extraordinary manner. A must read!