Alternate Horizons Newsletter - Vol 5 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: ALTERNATE HORIZONS NEWSLETTER
Volume: Five
Issue: Number One (Whole Number 22)
Date: The cover date is May 16, 1965, though the interview with Eugene R Steinberg is dated December 27, 1970.
Publisher: Allen H. Greenfield
Country: USA
Language: English

Review: Immortality: The Scientific Evidence by Alson J. Smith

The issue opens with a review of Alson J. Smith's book, "Immortality: The Scientific Evidence." The reviewer notes that considering life beyond the grave is a topic few can approach with total objectivity, especially since the author, Alson J. Smith, himself passed away at the age of 56 on May 16, 1965.

The review delves into the concept of "untimely" death and the universal equalizer of death, suggesting that "human equality" is found in nothingness. However, it questions whether it is truly nothingness, referencing man's historical interest in immortality, even preceding the concept of God, according to anthropologists.

Dr. Smith's background as a minister and his belief in the potential for organized religion to benefit from parapsychology are mentioned. The reviewer acknowledges that some readers might find the inclusion of theological considerations unwarranted in a book subtitled "The Scientific Evidence," especially given its 1954 copyright date and later Signet editions. The reviewer suggests that while a relationship between theology and immortality might exist, a work focused on scientific evidence could benefit from less "church-talk" or more scientific backing for the connection.

Despite this, the review clarifies that the book is not religious but does present a significant amount of information that could lead a reader to believe in a non-physical part of the human organism that persists after biological death. The reviewer concludes that while there is considerable data suggesting the reality of a non-physical aspect of man and a reality beyond our usual perception, the concept of immortality remains tentative. The reviewer expresses a suspicion that Dr. Smith may have known more than he included in his less than 200-page work.

The reviewer also suggests that if one is interested in immortality, other works should be considered, such as R.C.W. Ettinger's "The Prospect of Immortality," which proposes extending life through scientific means. The reviewer urges that any consideration of extended human life should include both "non-material" and scientific possibilities.

Interview with Eugene R Steinberg

The second major section features extracts from an interview with Eugene R Steinberg, conducted by Allen H. Greenfield on December 27, 1970.

Connection with Saucer News:
Steinberg recounts meeting Jim Moseley, the Editor of Saucer News, in 1961. He initially bought issues from a bookshop and then subscribed. He became actively involved with Saucer News in late 1961, first as Advertising Manager and later as Managing Editor, a full-time salaried position. He is currently an Editor-At-Large for Saucer News, an honorary title.

Editing UFO Reporter:
Steinberg also edited his own magazine, "UFO Reporter." It began as a mimeographed publication and was later converted to a photo-offset format around 1964. He utilized Jim Moseley's mailing list for subscribers. However, due to growing conflict with Moseley and the inactivity of the Associate Editor, Kenneth Alpert, Steinberg decided to merge his mailing list and publication with Jim's, which led to him becoming Managing Editor of Saucer News.

Transition from the UFO Field:
Since becoming active in the radio industry and getting married, Steinberg has been less active in the UFO field. He explains that in 1966, when he was Managing Editor of Saucer News, interest in flying saucers peaked, and he earned a regular salary. However, he foresaw a decline in interest, comparing it to a previous lull in 1957-1963. He realized he couldn't depend on flying saucers for a regular income and needed to plan for his future, which led him to pursue a career in radio.

Current Interest in UFOs:
Steinberg states that his interest in the UFO problem is now more serious than before. He and others contemplate bringing out a magazine that would cover flying saucers and parapsychology, as the subjects are becoming increasingly similar. He initially focused on the interplanetary theory of UFOs but, around the mid-sixties, developed an interest in the "alternate reality theory."

He now thinks about possibilities rather than simply accepting theories. He believes there is more to flying saucers than just physical objects or spaceships. While he doesn't claim to have answers, he now accepts the possibility and probability that flying saucers exist, but he prefers to approach it from an objective sense, where it can be objectively proven.

Editor's Note:
The editor adds a note that the discussion did not end on a negative note. In response to a question about the meshing of psychical and UFO research, Steinberg indicated that this synthesis was "the only way" the UFO subject will survive.

Publication Information

Alternate Horizons Newsletter is edited by Allen H. Greenfield, with a mailing address in Atlanta, Georgia. It is distributed free of charge. Readers are invited to write for the mailing list and are requested to provide written permission to reprint their letters. Exchange publications should be sent to The Paraufologist.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter appears to focus on topics related to the paranormal, including immortality, psychical research, and UFOs. The editorial stance, as represented by the review and interview, is one of critical inquiry, seeking evidence and exploring different theoretical frameworks rather than blind acceptance. There is an acknowledgment of the evolving nature of these subjects and a suggestion that interdisciplinary approaches, such as combining psychical research with UFO studies, may be necessary for their continued relevance.