Bay Area Skeptics Information Sheet - 1989 12

Magazine Overview

Title: BASIS
Issue: Vol. 8, No. 12
Date: December 1989
Publisher: Bay Area Skeptics
Editor: Kent Harker

This issue of "BASIS," the newsletter of the Bay Area Skeptics, presents a collection of articles examining various topics from a skeptical perspective, including astrology, self-help fads, science education, and the investigation of alleged Satanic crime.

Is Astrology Rational?

By David Widdowson, this article, which first appeared in "The Skeptic" newsletter of the Australian Skeptics, questions the rationality of astrology. Widdowson argues that while observed correlations between celestial bodies and earthly phenomena might have existed, the basis of modern astrology is not rational. He points out that the characteristics associated with zodiac signs are often derived from symbolic correlations with the names of constellations (e.g., Leo associated with lions) or the perceived properties of planets (e.g., Mars associated with war due to its red color), rather than empirical observation of people born under those signs. The article further critiques the arbitrary nature of planetary rulerships assigned by Ptolemy around 150 AD and the classification of signs by elements and qualities, suggesting these systems are based on "magical belief" and arbitrary assignments rather than reason or experience. Widdowson illustrates the absurdity by comparing the astrological method to how physicists might explore the subatomic world, concluding that astrology's irrational basis explains its survival and continued popularity.

Conspicuous Consumption

This short piece laments the amount of money spent on "useless food supplements" by health-food faddists, citing information from the NCAHF newsletter. It contrasts this spending with the global problem of hunger, questioning the priorities of modern society.

Ex-Firewalker Promoting New Age Course

By Eugenie C. Scott, Ph.D., this article critically examines Tony Robbins, who was known for promoting "firewalking" seminars. Scott recounts Robbins' "Fear Into Power -- the Firewalk Experience," which involved walking on wood chip embers, not fire, and used "imbedded commands" and hypnotic techniques. The article notes that the fad declined after a physicist demonstrated the physics involved and skeptical groups began exposing the practice. Scott expresses concern that Robbins is now promoting a "PERSONAL POWER!" course via tapes, which uses New Age terminology and promises "results beyond your wildest dreams," urging potential participants to consider his history.

A Wonder in Our Midst: The California Academy of Sciences

By Yves Barbero, this article highlights the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. Roy Eisenhardt, the Director, emphasizes the importance of teaching youth how to learn and grounding them in science, as they will be future decision-makers. The Academy, founded in 1853, is described as the West's oldest science institution, featuring the Steinhart Aquarium, Morrison Planetarium, and a vast research division. Despite damage from earthquakes, it has grown significantly. The research division is active in various scientific fields, and its library is accessible to the public. The Academy offers exhibits designed to educate and engage visitors, with the ambition to inform about the natural world. The article mentions exhibits like the Wattis Hall of Human Cultures and the Gem and Mineral Hall, and notes the importance of adult education through lectures and classes to navigate the impact of human activity on the natural world. Susan Douglas, the educational chairperson, discusses the "Junior Academy" for children and the Biological Forum for high school teachers. New exhibits, including "Life Through Time" (evolution) and "When the Rainbow Touches Down" (Native-American Art), are mentioned. Admission details and membership information are provided.

TASS Goes Rag

This brief section notes the shift in the Soviet news agency TASS towards reporting sensationalist stories, akin to the "National Enquirer," possibly due to Rupert Murdoch's influence. It mentions evening news pieces about "UFOnauts" in Soviet soil and the differing descriptions of aliens compared to those on the Atlantic side. It also recounts an anecdote from the "Oakland Tribune" about an individual named E. Frenkel who claimed to stop bicycles and streetcars with psychic powers but was killed when he stepped in front of a freight train, with the "Trib" remarking, "It didn't work."

Editor's Corner

This section, likely written by the editor, discusses the crucial concept of falsifiability in the scientific method. The author argues that non-falsifiable propositions, such as "scientific creationism," lack scientific value because there is no theoretical evidence that could prove them false. The term "scientific creationism" is deemed oxymoronic. The editor references a debate with a creationist about the definition of science, emphasizing the need for clear, agreed-upon definitions before engaging in discussions. The article then delves into the concept of a "big Mafioso," suggesting that defining such a term formally is possible and necessary to discuss its falsifiability. The author contends that the falsifiability of whether someone is a "big Mafioso" can be determined at the inference level, not just the definition level. The section concludes with a quote from Santayana about skepticism and a note on the unavoidable nature of circular definitions in language.

A Formal System

This article explains the principles of formal reasoning. It states that a system must establish theorems, axioms, and definitions to evaluate propositions. Using geometry as an example, it highlights the need for clear, unambiguous definitions and the acceptance of primitive, undefined terms like "point." The article discusses axioms as unprovable, self-evident truths that form the foundation of a system. It explains that the combination of axioms and definitions creates a logically airtight system. The author then connects this to falsifiability, stressing that clear definitions are essential for arguments to proceed. The piece also touches upon the difficulty of avoiding circular definitions and the importance of a systematic approach to reasoning.

CSER Reports on Satanism

By Shawn Carlson, Ph.D., this article presents findings from a three-year investigation by the Committee for Scientific Examination of Religion (CSER) into allegations of Satanic crime. The report, "SATANISM IN AMERICA," concludes that while some occult-related criminal activity exists, its prevalence has been grossly exaggerated. The article criticizes self-styled experts who have created a lucrative "information industry" of fear, funded by public money for seminars and publications that are described as "evangelism posing as criminology." It states that a person is more likely to be struck by lightning than to be a victim of a Satanic crime.

The Devil with Geraldo

This brief mention notes that CSER, after exposing fraudulent TV faith healers, focused on analyzing Geraldo Rivera's coverage of the nationwide Satanism scare, which was fueled by sensational media coverage.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the promotion of critical thinking and skepticism. The Bay Area Skeptics, through "BASIS," actively challenges pseudoscientific beliefs like astrology and New Age fads, advocating for a rational, evidence-based approach. The newsletter emphasizes the importance of scientific literacy, the scientific method (particularly falsifiability), and the critical evaluation of claims, whether they pertain to paranormal phenomena, self-help gurus, or societal issues. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of science and reason, aiming to inform the public and counter what it perceives as irrationality and misinformation.

This document contains selected articles from the December 1989 issue of "BASIS," the monthly publication of the Bay Area Skeptics (BAS). The primary focus is a critical examination of a television special titled "Devil Worship: Exposing Satan's Underground," which aired on October 25, 1988. The issue also touches upon the broader phenomenon of the "Satanic panic" and introduces new personnel involved with BAS.

Critique of "Devil Worship" Special and Satanic Panic

The articles strongly criticize a special television presentation by Rivera, charging that it was "poorly researched, sensational, and highly irresponsible." The report "SATANISM IN AMERICA," authored by Dr. Shawn Carlson, is presented as a counterpoint, arguing that Rivera's special was misleading and omitted key facts that would have lessened audience alarm about a supposed "threat" of Satanism. Carlson, a physicist and software engineer, suggests that a more even-handed approach by Rivera could have averted public hysteria.

The issue details the negative consequences of such media portrayals, noting that since a 1985 "20/20" segment on Devil-worship and subsequent media fascination, numerous acts of violence have been committed by vigilantes and arsonists against those suspected of Devil-worship. Examples include the vandalism and burning of churches, including Black churches, due to "rumor-panics." A specific incident in Pharr, Texas, is mentioned where rumors of ritualistic murder led to the destruction of the "Church of Fire" and threats against its members. A similar event occurred at a Black church in Illinois.

Kenneth Wooden, the producer of the "20/20" segment, is also criticized for addressing an audience and claiming that 25% of all unsolved homicides were ritualistic, a number deemed "unbelievable." His comments in Olean, New York, and Jamestown, New York, are described as "simply irresponsible." In Jamestown, fears of a ritual sacrifice led to a mob forming and a warehouse sustaining damage.

Exaggeration of Satanic Crime

The report "SATANISM IN AMERICA" contends that many public allegations about Satanic crime have exaggerated the problem. Carlson points out that accusers claim to know cultists' identities and methods but, unlike organized crime investigators, cannot provide tangible evidence like names, dates, or places. This view is supported by law enforcement officers and criminologists, including Kenneth Lanning of the FBI's Behavioral Research Unit.

The report addresses various claims surrounding Satanism and occult crime, such as child-abductions, ritual abuse, human and animal sacrifices, and links to Heavy Metal music. It concludes that most allegations are baseless. In instances where crimes had Satanic overtones, the report states there was no evidence that Satanism itself was responsible. Instead, nearly every "Satanic criminal" had a history of anti-social behavior, with Satanism appearing as an expression of mental illness rather than the primary cause.

Carlson refutes claims that between 50,000 and two million children are ritually murdered annually by Satanists. He cites FBI data indicating fewer than 80 open files on stranger abductions per year and notes that the total number of homicides in the U.S. makes the lowest sacrifice number offered by conspiracy theorists twice the national murder average.

Focus on Real Issues: Child Abuse

Carlson argues that children are far more likely to be killed by their own parents (2,100 annually) than by cultists. He advocates for focusing resources on issues like covering swimming pools and addressing child abuse, rather than pursuing "non-existent Devil-worshiping conspiracies." The report indicates that over a million violent crimes were committed in the U.S. in the past five years, with fewer than one hundred involving Satanism or the occult.

Gerald Larue, Emeritus Professor of Religion at the University of Southern California and co-author of "SATANISM IN AMERICA," emphasizes the need to concentrate efforts on finding and apprehending real child abusers. He states that allegations of Devil-worshiping conspiracies in child-abuse cases are often "phantoms of the prosecutors' imagination" and that juries tend not to convict when such allegations are raised. Larue believes this panic is more harmful than helpful to children.

New Faces and Board Members

The issue introduces new personnel and welcomes them to the organization. Kate Talbot is thanked for her responsibility in distributing "BASIS." Eugenie Scott, Ph.D., an anthropologist and a long-time advisor, is welcomed to the BAS board. Scott is the Executive Director of the National Center for Science Education and has a specialty in the creation/evolution controversy. She is also an elected member of the Board of Directors of the American Association of Anthropologists.

Other Sections and Contributors

"Degrees of Folly" is mentioned as concluding in January. A letter from Stuart Hurlbert to Joseph Barankin is partially quoted, praising "BASIS" articles for being the "ONLY accurate account available to the public" regarding certain events, and crediting them with protecting the integrity of science degrees in California.

The "BAS BOARD OF DIRECTORS" and "BASIS STAFF" are listed, including names like Larry Loebig, Yves Barbero, Rick Moen, Kent Harker, Shawn Carlson, Andrew Fraknoi, Mark Hodes, Lawrence Jerome, John Lattanzio, Eugenie Scott, and Norman Sperling.

The "BAS ADVISORS" list includes numerous individuals with scientific, journalistic, and academic backgrounds, such as William J. Bennetta, Dean Edell, Donald Goldsmith, Earl Hautala, Alexander Jason, Thomas H. Jukes, John E. McCosker, Diane Moser, Richard J. Ofshe, Bernard Oliver, Kevin Padian, James Randi, Francis Rigney, Wallace I. Sampson, Eugenie C. Scott, Robert Sheaffer, Robert A. Steiner, Ray Spangenburg, and Jill C. Tarter.

Skepticism in the 1990s

A section titled "THE GANG OF THREE" discusses "SKEPTICISM IN THE 1990'S," featuring BAS past chairs and directors Bob Steiner, Robert Sheaffer, and Larry Jerome. They are described as individuals who will "predict, analyze and sort out skepticism for the coming decade," addressing topics like the Age of Aquarius, End-of-the-Millennium Prophets of Doom, Creationism, and "backward masking."

Robert Sheaffer, author of "The UFO Verdict," and his recent book "Resentment Against Achievement" are mentioned. Lawrence Jerome's literary achievements in "Astrology Disproved" and "Crystal Power: The Ultimate Placebo Effect" are noted. Bob Steiner, past president of the Society of American Magicians, is highlighted for his talk radio appearances and his book "Don't Get Taken!"

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around media criticism, the debunking of moral panics (specifically the Satanic panic), and the promotion of rational skepticism. The publication takes a stance against sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims, advocating for evidence-based reasoning and a focus on real-world problems like child abuse. The editorial stance is clearly that of a skeptical organization aiming to counter what it perceives as unfounded hysteria and misinformation, particularly concerning paranormal or cult-related phenomena. The inclusion of individuals with strong scientific and academic credentials reinforces this objective approach.