Raëlism is a UFO-centered new religious movement founded in France in 1974 by Claude Vorilhon, who later called himself Raël. He claimed that extraterrestrial scientists known as the Elohim contacted him and revealed that they created all life on Earth through advanced genetic engineering. Raëlians interpret ancient gods, angels and religious miracles as misunderstood encounters with these beings, while figures such as Jesus, Buddha and Muhammad are viewed as messengers sent by the Elohim.

Raëlians generally reject a supernatural God and an immortal soul. Instead, they believe science—especially cloning and memory transfer—could eventually allow humans to overcome death. Their practices include “sensual meditation,” personal freedom, sexual openness, nonviolence and enthusiasm for scientific advancement. A major goal of the movement is constructing an official embassy where the Elohim could someday return publicly to Earth. These teachings remain religious claims rather than scientifically established facts, and the movement has attracted controversy over its leadership structure, sexual teachings and highly publicized but unverified human-cloning claims.