Bay Area Skeptics Information Sheet - 1989 06

Magazine Overview

Title: BASIS
Issue: Vol. 8, No. 6
Date: June 1989
Publisher: Bay Area Skeptics
Editor: Kent Harker

This issue of "BASIS," the newsletter of the Bay Area Skeptics, features an in-depth investigative report by Don Henvick titled "The Case of the Counterfeit Christians." The article scrutinizes the faith healing ministry of Charles and Frances Hunter, a couple from Texas who claim to perform miracles and train thousands of others to do the same.

The Case of the Counterfeit Christians by Don Henvick

Don Henvick, known for his previous investigations into faith healers like Peter Popoff and W. V. Grant, turns his attention to Charles and Frances Hunter, often referred to as the "Happy Hunters." The Hunters draw large audiences and have developed a unique formula: they not only perform healing miracles themselves but also teach thousands of others how to do faith healing through books, videos, and three-day classes.

Henvick notes that faith healers generally rely on unsupported testimonials. The Hunters, however, have a system where they don't follow up on those who are not healed, and they accept testimonials from those who claim to be better without further inquiry. Their success rate, by their own reckoning, is 100% because they only count those who report improvement. They also mitigate personal blame by training a thousand students, who then perform the healings.

The Hunter's Method and Claims

The Hunters' core claim is that ONLY TRUE BELIEVERS WHO HAVE COMPLETED THEIR TRAINING CAN INVOKE THE POWER FROM GOD TO HEAL PEOPLE. This proposition is tested by the author's investigation. Henvick suggests that the healings are likely the result of the placebo effect and the power of suggestion.

The Hunters' methods are described as being akin to born-again chiropractors. Their book and video, "How to Heal the Sick," offer medical advice focused on relieving pressure on nerves in the spine. However, their technique involves simply touching or lightly moving the body at specific points and commanding a healing, attributing the actual work to God. Henvick recounts the story of Charles Hunter claiming to have prayed over a boy's amputated thumb, which allegedly grew to full length, though this miracle was never documented or checked.

Frances Hunter, who claims to cure obesity, and Charles, who claims to cure baldness, are themselves noted to have physical issues (Frances wears glasses, Charles is bald). The author also points out the inconsistency in their claims, such as expecting God to fix eyesight when Frances herself wears glasses.

A chiropractor associated with the Hunters explains the 'scientific' basis, suggesting that interconnected nerves allow for healing through touch at various points, even seemingly unrelated ones like an earlobe to cure hemorrhoids.

Henvick criticizes the Hunter method for not being as simple as laying on hands and praying. He argues that if it were that easy, there would be no need for the Hunters to conduct expensive training sessions and collect donations.

Specific Techniques

1. "Neck Thing": Placing hands on the back of the neck and gently moving the head to unpinch nerves and realign vertebrae, claimed to cure everything from headaches to broken backs. Skeptics suggest this is merely a soothing massage.
2. "Pelvic Thing": Based on the notion that pelvic bone movement can relieve lower back pain and 'unpinch' nerves to internal organs. This involves placing hands on the hips and commanding the pelvis to rotate and align.
3. Leg Lengthening: A demonstration where a person sits with legs outstretched. The healer grasps the ankles and notes the thumb position to determine if one leg appears shorter. The healer then commands the shorter limb to lengthen, reinforcing the belief that it is growing. This is presented as a visual cue to convince the patient that a miracle is occurring.
4. "Whole Thing" / "Slaying in the Spirit": A ritual involving placing a hand on the forehead, calling upon God, and watching the person fall over. This is described as impressive and a key element that convinces observers of the power at work.

Henvick notes that William Jarvis, MD, suggested that 'slaying in the spirit' might be a physical reaction to pressure on a nerve, but Randi's explanation that people fall over because they expect to is considered more plausible.

Investigation and Training Seminar

Henvick and a colleague decide to infiltrate a Hunter training seminar in Oakland. They obtain study materials and attend the sessions. They observe that attendance is not strictly checked, suggesting that threats of divine retribution are meant to deter insincere participants.

The seminars involve lively hymn singing, prayers, and 'warm-up acts' from medical 'experts,' including a chiropractor who mixes legitimate information with unverified claims. A nutritionist warns against common foods, promoting distilled water and describing margarine as 'partial plastic.'

During the training, participants are encouraged to practice the healing techniques on each other. Henvick notes that nearly two-thirds of the trainees raise their hands when asked if they are in need of healing themselves, indicating personal motivations beyond altruism.

"Slaying in the Spirit" Demonstration

A significant part of the training involves 'casting out demons' and 'slaying them with the spirit.' Pastors and Hunters touch participants, causing many to fall over. Henvick describes how he and his colleagues, posing as believers, also participate, noting that they fall over immediately when touched, understanding the expected behavior.

He recounts an instance where Frances Hunter's daughter attempts to 'slay' a man who does not fall. She instructs him to 'really let himself feel the spirit,' but he still resists. Henvick, however, falls immediately when touched, acknowledging the need to 'go along to get along.'

Financial Aspects and Recruitment

Henvick details the financial operations of the ministry. While the training sessions are free, collections are taken at each session, described as high-pressure. The Hunters emphasize that showing faith in God requires showing faith with one's wallet. The money collected is not publicly accounted for.

Henvick draws a parallel between the Hunter Ministry and Amway, noting the emphasis on recruiting new healers and the pressure to perform, rather than solely on healing patients. He suggests that by making people believe they are miracle workers, the ministry increases their commitment to sending contributions.

Sacramento Rally and Further Investigation

The investigation continues with plans to attend a Hunter rally in Sacramento. Henvick and his team prepare by studying the Hunter's pitch and their own previous experiences. They obtain 'healing team badges' to allow them closer access.

At the Sacramento event, the Hunters teach the audience how to 'practice babbling' before speaking in tongues. The healing teams then go to work, with participants responding to what they believe is divine power. Henvick's team, now acting as 'counterfeit Christians,' also participates, with similar results: people fall over when touched, and some report dramatic improvements.

Testing the Methods

Henvick describes a specific test case with a young woman suffering from head and backaches. Using the 'Neck Thing' and commanding a healing, the woman falls over and later reports her pain is gone. They then perform the 'Pelvic Thing,' and she reports her discomfort has lessened. This success is attributed to the placebo effect and suggestion.

Another woman, experiencing pain after a previous 'healing,' also falls over and reports lessened discomfort after the 'Pelvic Thing.' However, a woman with mental illness and depression does not show improvement, highlighting the limitations of the methods.

Conclusion

Henvick concludes that the Hunter Ministry is a sophisticated operation that leverages psychological principles, particularly the placebo effect and the power of suggestion, to create the illusion of miracles. The ministry's financial success is driven by aggressive fundraising and recruitment, rather than genuine supernatural healing. The article serves as a critical exposé of faith healing practices, questioning their authenticity and highlighting the potential for exploitation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "BASIS" revolve around skepticism towards supernatural claims, particularly in the realm of faith healing. The editorial stance is critical and investigative, aiming to expose what the authors perceive as deception and exploitation within religious ministries. The article champions critical thinking, scientific explanation, and the understanding of psychological phenomena like suggestion and the placebo effect as explanations for reported miracles. The publication clearly aligns itself with a rationalist perspective, challenging unsubstantiated claims and highlighting the financial and psychological motivations behind such ministries.

Title: BASIS
Issue: June 1989
Publisher: Bay Area Skeptics
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Investigation into Faith Healing and Manipulation

The lead article details an experiment conducted by the Bay Area Skeptics (BAS) involving their own healers, referred to as 'Hunters'. These healers, despite being briefed, were amazed by the power they could exert over people, who believed they were using divine power. The BAS healers, using 'little red badges' as a symbol, were able to perform apparent miracles such as growing out limbs, straightening spines, and alleviating pain through the laying on of hands. The article emphasizes that these results were achieved not through supernatural intervention but through the manipulation of people's beliefs.

The experiment's success is highlighted by the statement: "Our experiment has been successful: Our healers, contrary to the Hunters' claims, can perform apparent miracles just as well as the true believers." The BAS team decided not to disillusion the people who experienced benefits, respecting their beliefs. However, they assert that there is no basis for faith healers' claims of divine intervention or that God works exclusively through believers. The investigation's goal was to provide information to the undecided and those who attend such events out of curiosity, helping them understand the facts behind 'healing explosions'.

A 'FLASH!!' note indicates that the Hunters had sent a fund-raising letter requesting $100,000 or more due to Frances having been sick. The article concludes with the adage, "Physician, heal thyself."

An asterisked note clarifies that the Hunters took precautions, instructing healers to 'COMMAND healing' and not to manipulate pelvises, as such actions could cause serious injury.

Skeptical Analysis and Potential Dangers

The article discusses the potential dangers of explaining phenomena about which one knows little, particularly in the realm of magicians and psychics. It warns that explaining one method might lead to procedural changes that could undermine the skeptic's credibility and turn observers into believers. The example of Uri Geller is cited, where a skeptic's explanation was met with ridicule.

The text also recounts an incident where an elderly woman was 'spirit slain' during a session, and because the spirit was unable to correct the damage, she sued Charles. This highlights a potential risk and consequence of such practices.

Upcoming Articles and BAS Activities

The publication announces the resumption of Bill Bennetta's serialized article, "Degrees of Folly," in July. Part V will focus on the Institute for Creation Research and the State Department of Education, investigating whether Roy Steeves acted independently or on orders regarding the committee that would examine the ICR.

Bay Area Skeptics Board of Directors and Advisors

The issue lists the BAS Board of Directors, including Chair Larry Loebig, Vice Chair Yves Barbero, Secretary Rick Moen, and Treasurer Kent Harker, along with other board members. It also lists numerous BAS Advisors, including scientific consultants, medical reporters, astronomers, attorneys, investigative consultants, and experts in various fields such as UFO research, anthropology, and magic.

Steinhart Aquarium Tour

Information is provided about a special tour of the Steinhart Aquarium offered to BAS members for $10 per person. The tour includes viewing animals, the filtration area, and the pathology lab. Participants are advised to wear comfortable, non-slip shoes, and there is a minimum age requirement of seven or eight years for children. Due to space limitations, only about 32 people can be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Editorial Stance and Contact Information

A disclaimer states that opinions expressed in "BASIS" are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of BAS, its board, or its advisors. The issue is identified as selected articles from the June 1989 issue of "BASIS," the monthly publication of Bay Area Skeptics. Contact information is provided for obtaining a free sample copy, including a mailing address, a BBS number, and a voice hotline number.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around skepticism, critical thinking, and the debunking of pseudoscience, particularly in the context of faith healing and supposed miracles. The Bay Area Skeptics' stance is clearly one of promoting rational inquiry and exposing manipulative practices that prey on people's beliefs. They advocate for evidence-based understanding and caution against accepting unsubstantiated claims, especially those related to supernatural phenomena. The publication also serves to inform its readers about the organization's activities, such as special events and ongoing investigations into various claims.