He earned a bachelors degree in physics from Hartwick College, a divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D degree in science and religion from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. He wrote The Bible and Flying Saucers published in 1968, a book reprinted several times in Europe and the United States. He has argued that events like the parting of the Red Sea and the resurrection of Jesus are UFO related events. His new book, Biblical UFO Revelations, expands on these issues, both in terms of the response of religious groups to these issues and the way a scientific worldview reflects on the evidence. Downing is listed in Who's Who in Theology and Science, has been a consultant in theology to the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) since 1972, and has appeared in several episodes of the History Channel's TV series “Ancient Aliens.”