I thought I would share my theory on the subject. There is no scientic evidence, although there is ample anecdotal evidence to perhaps support it. Although frankly, I'm not sure I care too much about that and I'm comfortable with not having proof.
First, I believe there is intelligent life on other planets (probably very many). It has always stuck me as the height of arrogance and self-centeredness (is that a word?) to think otherwise.
I have always suspected that way back when, our human ancestors were re-located here by another space-travel enabled civilation as a social experiment. "We" were the ones that were not quite "right". Either sub-intelligent. or social misfits, or genetically imperfect, or otherwise somehow not acceptable. Perhaps even criminals. Since then, every once in awhile, "they" checked-in on us to see how we were doing. Over time they either still check-in or have just forgotten about the experiment over time. Much the same way we, as a society, tend to embrace experimental programs and then abandon them for something else over time.
As for the various religions...shrug. Humans are generally very uncomfortable with the unknown and demand explaination. Humans also tend to be very superstitious. Then there have always been men who are uniquely charismatic, and when they embrace a cause, are able to convince great numbers of people to follow. Couple that with others, who have a political agenda, get involved and voila...a religion is born. It's always been easier to manipulate people by saying "God said so".
There it is, take it or leave it. I'm happy with it either way
