The Arizona Skeptic

Magazine Overview

Title: The Arizona Skeptic
Issue: April 1990 Edition
Publisher: The Phoenix Skeptics
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Ethical Skepticism by Michael A. Stackpole

Michael A. Stackpole, Executive Director of The Phoenix Skeptics, addresses the subject of ethics in skeptical pursuits. He acknowledges that investigating paranormal claims can lead skeptics to associate with individuals who promote dubious practices, which he finds distasteful.

Stackpole recounts attending a prayer meeting hosted by Rev. Peter Popoff in Scottsdale. He and a colleague, Ron Harvey, were invited and sat at a table away from the podium. A woman named Frances joined them, expressing her belief that her husband was from Satan and later confiding that she sometimes spoke in tongues to stay sane.

During Popoff's sermon, Stackpole notes that Popoff told elaborate, seemingly fabricated stories, including a tale of finding a truck full of potatoes in war-torn Berlin and his mother duplicating loaves of bread. Stackpole interprets these as parables designed to solicit money, promising a hundredfold return for donations.

Popoff's narrative continued with a story about his family being miraculously saved from deportation to Siberia by Jesus appearing as a Russian officer. Stackpole questions the veracity of these stories, particularly given Popoff's young age during the events described.

When Popoff began distributing offering packets, Frances was visibly distressed but eventually participated. Popoff then led a prayer circle, laying hands on attendees. Stackpole felt Popoff's ministry would be strong and that he would reveal truth, humorously noting Popoff could be a psychic flimflammer.

Stackpole describes being pressured to speak in tongues. He initially lied about not being blessed, but when pressed further by Popoff and Frances, he felt compelled to comply to avoid hurting Frances, who desperately needed to believe. He feigned speaking in tongues, repeating gibberish, and attributed it to the Holy Spirit. He reflects on the ethical dilemma of potentially destroying Frances's belief system versus his own integrity.

He notes that Peter Popoff was born in Bulgaria in 1946, contradicting his stories of experiencing World War II. Stackpole had enclosed David Alexander's business card in his prayer envelope, inscribed "So nice to see you again, Peter."

Stackpole emphasizes the importance for Skeptics to identify their targets and demand positive proof for claims, rather than simply rejecting them. He also stresses the need to avoid hurting or ridiculing individuals who believe in New Age phenomena, focusing instead on encouraging critical thinking.

Radio Debate on Creation Science

Stackpole recounts participating in a radio show on KFYI 910 AM discussing whether Creation Science should be taught in schools. His opposition was Bill Parks, an employee of the Center for Scientific Creation. Stackpole argued that Creationism is a religion and has no place in science education, while Parks maintained that Scientific Creation was divorced from religion.

Stackpole quotes from Walter T. Brown, Jr.'s book "In The Beginning," published by the Center for Scientific Creation, which states that if evolution happened, death preceded man, making sin and the need for a Savior a fiction. Stackpole finds this argument less convincing.

UFO Group Information

In April, the Phoenix Skeptics provided background information on a local UFO group to a talkshow host. However, the data was not used, and the reason remains unclear, possibly due to material not reaching the intended host.

Meeting Announcement

The May meeting of the Phoenix Skeptics was announced for Saturday, May 5, at 12:30 PM at the Central Branch of the Phoenix Public Library. The speaker was Michael A. Stackpole, discussing "Satanism: The True Menace in America." Stackpole is noted as an award-winning game designer and science fiction novelist with experience studying Satanistic Phenomena.

Editorial Blathering

This section includes a renewal form for membership in The Phoenix Skeptics, with dues considered due on May 1, 1990, and delinquent on June 1. Membership benefits include a subscription to The Arizona Skeptic and notifications of meetings. The publication assures that mailing lists are not sold. Dues are used for producing the newsletter, providing dinner for local speakers, and renting venues for meetings. The address for renewals is provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly advocates for critical thinking and evidence-based skepticism, particularly concerning paranormal claims and religious or pseudoscientific assertions. The editorial stance is to challenge fraud and misinformation while maintaining respect for individuals' beliefs, aiming to educate rather than ridicule. The publication also highlights its role in debunking claims and promoting scientific literacy, as seen in the debate on Creation Science and the discussion of the Peter Popoff meeting.