CIA’s Remote Viewing and the Ark of the Covenant: A Curious Blend of History and Mystery
Recently, a declassified document has sparked renewed interest in the legendary Ark of the Covenant, claiming that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) utilized remote viewing, often referred to as extrasensory perception (ESP), to affirm the Ark’s existence. This ancient artifact, a gold-covered chest described in the Bible, is said to contain the Ten Commandments and represents the divine covenant between God and the Israelites.
The Ark, according to biblical texts, is not just a physical object but a significant symbol of God’s presence. Jeremiah 3:16 prophesies a time when the Ark will no longer be the focal point of God’s dwelling among His people, suggesting a future where its importance fades from memory. However, newfound discussions around it highlight the intersection of faith, history, and modern science.
The CIA document emphasizes that the Ark might be guarded by “entities” with unknown powers. One prominent figure linked to these claims is Paul H. Smith. A retired Major in the U.S. Army, Smith spent seven years in the CIA’s remote viewing program, a project aimed at seeking critical intelligence through unconventional methods. His insights shed light on how this program, launched in 1972 and later run by the Defense Intelligence Agency, sought to explore the limits of human perception.
Smith has openly shared his experiences in the program, which trained individuals in a skill that allegedly allows one to see or sense locations and objects without being physically present. This endeavor, funded by Congress, brought together talented individuals from various artistic and analytical backgrounds, highlighting a belief in the potential of the human mind.
One specific aspect of remote viewing detailed in the recently circulated document revolves around a session held on December 5, 1988. During this session, a remote viewer, identified as #32, was tasked with finding a target that unbeknownst to them was the Ark of the Covenant. The description provided was intriguing, pointing to a hidden location characterized as dark and damp, possibly underground, surrounded by structures reminiscent of mosque domes and inhabited by Arabic-speaking individuals.
The viewer described the Ark as a container made of wood, gold, and silver, and emphasized that it is safeguarded by powerful entities, only to be opened at a divinely appointed time. The report’s claims of an “unknown power” raising questions about whether the Ark is truly a relic of significant historical and spiritual value or merely a figment of ambitious imagination.
Despite the intriguing nature of these findings, many remain skeptical. Joe McMoneagle, another key player in the CIA’s remote viewing program and often referred to as remote viewer #1, expressed doubt regarding the validity of attempting to substantiate such claims with remote viewing techniques. He has argued that unless tangible evidence is provided, such as the physical Ark itself, the claims made in documents like these hold little weight.
Skeptics have criticized the resurfaced claims surrounding the Ark, pointing out the longstanding belief within Ethiopian Orthodox circles that the Ark lies in St. Mary of Zion Church in Aksum, Ethiopia. This reinforces the notion that scholars have long pondered its whereabouts without needing to delve into psychic phenomena.
The debate has ignited fervent discussions across social media platforms, with some users labeling the claims as inconsequential and viewing them as a playful distraction from credible historical investigation. Comments reflecting this sentiment argue that the CIA’s efforts could not uncover anything that serious historians and scholars have not already posited.
In summary, whether the Ark of the Covenant is a lost treasure waiting for a determined soul to uncover, or simply a relic of past beliefs muddied by myths and modern interpretation, remains unclear. As the conversations continue, they remind us of an enduring quest for truth—one rooted in both faith and inquiry. The blending of ancient history with contemporary explorations will likely persist, leaving mankind in its profound search to understand its past and the mysteries that linger.
