Modern society often treats science and spirituality as two separate worlds. Yet a growing amount of historical research suggests that many early advancements in rocketry, space exploration and high-level physics were shaped not just by human ingenuity, but by men who openly embraced occult beliefs and supernatural guidance.
A recent episode of the Ninjas Are Butterflies podcast explored this unsettling overlap, examining how occult orders, ritualistic symbolism, and claims of contact with nonhuman intelligences appear repeatedly in the origins of the space race.
Their discussion raises an important question for believers: What spiritual forces were actually influencing the people who helped launch humanity into space? And what does Scripture say about the pursuit of forbidden knowledge, contact with spirits and the blending of technology with occult worldviews?
These questions matter, not because Christians fear scientific progress, but because the Bible teaches that the unseen realm shapes human affairs far more than most realize.
A Legacy of Occult Influence Behind Early Rocketry
As the podcast recounted, many of the key figures in American, German and Russian rocket programs were deeply involved in occult organizations. Jack Parsons—one of the architects of American rocketry—operated a confirmed California chapter of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn under the influence of Aleister Crowley. The Bible is unambiguous: practices involving magic, spirit rituals and divination are detestable to God (Deut. 18:9–12; Acts 19:19).
This is not fringe history. These men openly integrated occult teachings into their worldview and credited spiritual rituals for their inspiration.
“Downloads” From Nonhuman Intelligences
The podcast also highlighted repeated claims by early engineers that breakthroughs in rocketry came through supernatural “downloads” from nonhuman entities. These engineers believed their technical insights were given to them rather than invented.
Scripture warns that fallen angels once taught humanity forbidden knowledge (Gen. 6:1–4; Jude 6). Believers are commanded to “test the spirits” because not every supernatural influence is from God (1 John 4:1). When modern scientists openly attribute their insights to unseen beings, spiritual deception—not inspiration—is at work.
Freemasonry, Pagan Symbolism and NASA’s Spiritual Messaging
The hosts further noted the recurring presence of Freemasonry among high-ranking NASA personnel, including astronauts who carried Masonic symbols to the moon. Mission patches and rocket names often incorporate pagan gods, Egyptian deities, occult numerology and ancient star lore.
God repeatedly warned His people not to adopt the symbols or practices of nations that worshipped other gods (Ex. 20:3–5; Deut. 12:2–4). The patterns seen in NASA history are not meaningless aesthetic choices—they reflect spiritual influence behind institutions presumed to be purely scientific.
Forbidden Knowledge and the Tower of Babel Pattern
Some of the more unusual claims discussed—hidden research into anti-gravity, time manipulation and exotic physics—reflect humanity’s oldest temptation: attaining hidden power apart from God.
This is the spirit of Babel, where mankind attempted to ascend into the heavens through its own means (Gen. 11:1–9). Scripture reminds us that the real conflict is not technological but spiritual—“against principalities, powers and the rulers of darkness” (Eph. 6:12).
Why Christians Must Stay Discernment-Driven
The takeaway from the podcast is not fear of science, but awareness of the spiritual battle behind human innovation. The Bible commands believers to expose the works of darkness (Eph. 5:11) and remain grounded in the truth as culture increasingly embraces supernatural ideas without understanding their origins.
No occult ritual, spiritual entity or hidden technological program can rival the authority of Jesus Christ, who has already triumphed over every principality and power (Col. 2:15).
As technology advances and occult influence resurfaces in public conversation, the church must stay vigilant, spiritually awake, and firmly rooted in Scripture.
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a background in journalism from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine.
