Raëlians believe that life on earth—as well as many religions of the world—was the work of extraterrestrial influence. They believe these were scientists and that ancient people saw them as "gods" and gave the name "Elohim".Raël, p. 370.Sethi, Atul, "Was God an astronaut?", Times of India. Retrieved 3 August 2007. Raëlians believe that the Embassy for Extraterrestrials or "Third Temple"Yoel Ben Assayag, A Dinner With the Messiah, Raelian Contact 320. 10 October 2006. Retrieved 15 February 2007."Words of Our Beloved Prophet", Raelian Contact 317. 24 August 2006. Retrieved 15 February 2007."Our Beloved Prophet in Accra", Raelian Contact 257. 4 January 2006. Retrieved 15 February 2007. is to support an official contact with Extraterrestrial Elohim and their messengers of the main religions at the "New Jerusalem".Uriel, "Invitation and welcoming with the Kimbangists", Raelian Contact 269. Retrieved 15 February 2007. Writers who have influenced Raëlian beliefs include Zechariah Sitchin and Erich von Däniken.
