Chapter 7 Summary and Analysis

Sagan reviews some of the beliefs and literature from ancient times about demons, and finds striking parallels between those half-human creatures and the space aliens of the contemporary world. Demons lived in the skies between God and humans and served as a kind of intermediary. Demons were, in fact, created by God to rule humans, according to ancient beliefs. Demons could assume many forms and were capable of causing great harm, including regular sexual intercourse with women (incubi) and sometimes men (succubi).

People have always believed in demons and seem to be happier when they can believe in them. In an age when organized religion seems in decline, as measured by church attendance, why not recycle the old gods, demons, and witches and give them new currency as alien visitors from space? Perhaps belief in demons or aliens allows people to...