Cults & Cons: The Raëlians

Today's first episode of Cults & Cons is all about the Raëlians cult. In the 1970s, a French journalist claimed he was contacted by extraterrestrial beings who revealed that humanity was scientifically created by an advanced alien race. From that encounter, the Raëlian Movement was born, blending UFO belief, sensual freedom, and a futuristic vision of human destiny. Vanessa Richardson examines the rise of founder Claude Vorilhon, known as Raël, and the group’s teachings about the Elohim, cloning, and eternal life through science. As the movement spread internationally and made headlines with controversial claims of human cloning, critics challenged its credibility and internal practices. This episode explores how a message of cosmic origins and technological salvation evolved into one of the most unusual and debated new religious movements of the modern era.And for more cases just like this one, be sure to check out the Crime House Original, Conspiracy Theories, Cults, & Crimes.If you’re new here, don’t forget to follow Crime House 24/7 to never miss a case! For ad-free listening and exclusive bonus episodes, subscribe to Crime House+. Join at crimehouseplus.com or if you’re listening on Apple Podcasts, tap “Try Free” at the top of this show’s page. Crime House 24/7 is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios.🎧 Need More to Binge? Listen to other Crime House Originals Clues, Crimes Of Reddit, Serial Killers & Murderous Minds, Conspiracy Theories, Cults, & Crimes, Murder True Crime Stories, and more wherever you get your podcasts!Follow me on SocialInstagram: @Crimehouse | @crimehouse247TikTok: @Crimehouse | @crimehouse247Facebook: @crimehousestudiosX: @crimehousemediaYouTube: @crimehousestudios