Bay Area Skeptics Information Sheet - 1990 05

Magazine Overview

This issue of "BASIS", the newsletter of the Bay Area Skeptics, dated May 1990, Volume 9, Number 5, is edited by Kent Harker. The main cover story is "NEW AGE: THE NEED FOR MYTH" by Ted Schultz, which originally appeared in the "Western New York Skeptics Newsletter" in July 1989.

New Age: The Need for Myth by Ted Schultz

Ted Schultz, a biologist now pursuing graduate studies at Cornell University, reflects on his past immersion in the New Age movement. He states he is a "sympathetic skeptic," appreciating the creativity and imagination within these belief systems, and also due to sentimentality from his youth. He recounts writing away for books like "The Hollow Earth" and "Do Abominable Snowmen of America Really Exist?" as a child. In 1973, at age twenty, he dropped out of college and moved to San Francisco, immersing himself in the Haight-Ashbury scene, exploring Eastern religions, psychic development, meditation, and occult practices.

Despite his transformation into a scientist, Schultz maintains his goal of seeking the most wondrous experiences. However, his standards for establishing truth have become more stringent. He notes that many New Age theories are contradictory, with channeled teachings offering conflicting accounts of the universe's formation, life's origin, and history. He found that an objective standard was necessary, identifying the scientific method as the most reliable. Despite New Age criticisms of science as "materialistic," Schultz sees the scientific method as the application of critical thinking and rules of evidence.

Schultz emphasizes that his time in the New Age was not wasted, providing beneficial psychological experiences through altered states of consciousness, meditation, and counseling. He contrasts the New Age reliance on feelings ("if it feels right, it is true for you") with the scientific method. He argues that while feelings and intuition are appropriate for the subjective realm (emotions, dreams, art), the scientific method is essential for evaluating objective claims about the natural world.

He uses past-life therapy as an example, where the cathartic benefits do not prove reincarnation's existence. Similarly, channeled entities have not provided verifiable information, like the location of buried temples. He compares New Age therapies to "psychodrama," where participants engage in imaginary interactions without insisting on their objective reality.

Schultz concludes by stating that while he is skeptical of many New Age notions like lost continents or communications from ancient entities, he appreciates them as products of imagination and as a defiance of orthodoxy. He notes that his position often provokes criticism from both psychic enthusiasts and skeptics.

Webster Creationism Decision Appealed by Eugenie Scott

This article, by Eugenie Scott, Executive Director of the NCSE and a BAS board member, reports on the appeal of a Federal District Court ruling regarding the teaching of creationism in public schools. Judge Harold Dinger ruled against a junior-high teacher, Ray Webster, in New Lenox, Illinois, who was told not to teach "creationist science" because it was considered religious advocacy.

The superintendent's directive was that Webster could discuss the historical relationship of creationism in an objective manner if it was part of the curriculum, but without advocating a Christian viewpoint. ICR attorney Wendell Bird is using this case as a strategy following the Edwards v. Aguillard decision, which banned the required teaching of scientific creationism. Creationists are attempting to argue that individual teachers can teach it, even if states cannot require it.

Judge Dinger dismissed Webster's case, citing precedent that teachers must "teach within the framework of curriculum" and that the school district has a responsibility to ensure the establishment clause of the First Amendment is not violated. The ruling stated that Webster was prohibited from teaching creation science because it is a religiously based theory, and teaching it in public schools violates the First Amendment.

The case is being appealed on procedural grounds. Bird is expected to pursue cases involving euphemisms for creationism, such as "theory of abrupt appearance" or "theory of intelligent design," as the courts have declared "theory of creation science" to embody a religious belief. The article notes that there is no constitutional provision against teaching bad science, only religion.

More Rebuttal by Hal Draper

Hal Draper responds to an "Editor's Corner" in a previous issue, discussing the definition of "science." He points out that scientists themselves often use the word "science" imprecisely, contributing to public confusion. Draper identifies three conceptions of science:

1. Body of knowledge: Knowledge gained through scientific investigation.
2. Methodology: A guide to investigation of the universe, referring to the scientific method.
3. Social institutions and activities: The totality of societal structures that carry on scientific endeavors.

Draper suggests that in discussions with creationists and other pseudoscientists, it is crucial to determine which conception of "science" is being used. He addresses a statement from a creationist friend who defined science as "knowledge," implying that anything could be considered science. Draper clarifies that while one can study voodooism scientifically (methodology), it does not mean voodooism itself is science. He suggests that an opponent might be using concept (2) (methodology) rather than concept (1) (body of knowledge), and that arguments can be made by conceding that a definition is correct but unscientific.

An editorial reply from "Ed." clarifies that while voodooism can be studied scientifically, it is not science itself. The friend's definition of science as "knowledge" implies that everything is science, which is incorrect.

Creationism's Other Face by Yves Barbero

Yves Barbero discusses the ongoing battle for evolution as fact and theory, emphasizing the need for scientists to step away from their research to address public misinformation. He notes that while this is time-consuming, failure to do so threatens the educational system and public understanding of science. The debate has heightened awareness of scientific issues and has helped scientists understand their role in the public forum.

Barbero suggests that creationist groups will continue their efforts, hoping for a political victory, as there is no scientific evidence to suggest evolution is incorrect. Their funding comes from supporters predisposed to certain conclusions, rather than from typical scientific sources. He departs from the usual presentation of scientific evidence to question the motives of those who support scientific creationism, suggesting that for many, cynicism and the temptation of public notoriety play a role, rather than genuine belief.

He argues that admitting error would be difficult for individuals who have invested years in their beliefs, especially those in middle age who would lose prestige, followers, and potentially income from selling books and lecturing. He also touches on the political motivations behind such movements, suggesting that giving up one facet of a political ideology might lead to the collapse of a larger agenda.

Barbero notes that creationists may retain their beliefs due to a desire to maintain their political ideology, even if they privately doubt them. The "in-group" phenomenon can lead to slogans and ad hoc conclusions replacing reality, especially when dealing with media soundbites. He concludes that court decisions and scientific ridicule will not stop creationism; only better scientific education for children will ultimately prevail.

Sincerity Gambit

This section examines the assumption of sincerity among rank-and-file believers in scientific creationism, noting that their leaders may be better rewarded. It discusses the hazards of assuming motives, even for those trained in the scientific method. The article suggests that for a creationist to change their lifestyle upon being convinced of error, they would face significant personal and professional challenges, including losing credibility, colleagues, and social standing. It highlights the difficulty of admitting defeat after years of commitment and the potential for losing prestige and followers.

The article also touches on the political aspects, suggesting that those who disguise religious ideas as scientific theories often have eclectic political agendas. It notes that creationists may feel a need to maintain their political ideology and that the "in-group" phenomenon can lead to a distortion of reality. The section concludes that external pressures like court decisions are less effective than improving scientific education.

C.S. Equals Long Life?

This brief section reports on a study suggesting that Christian Scientists, despite abstaining from tobacco and alcohol, may die younger than the general population, possibly due to their avoidance of most modern medical therapies. It mentions Mary Baker Eddy's teachings and CSICOP's investigations into Christian Science healing and court cases involving parents withholding medical attention from children.

Enlightenment Search is a Waste by Don Lattin

Don Lattin writes about U.G. Krishnamurti, a spiritual figure who offers no consolation or answers, and has no desire for followers. Krishnamurti, who is 72 years old, has attracted thousands of disillusioned spiritual seekers. Unlike the more famous J. Krishnamurti, U.G. is described as more radical, controversial, and hopeless. He rejects occult philosophy and categorizes himself as an "anti-philosopher," a cynic, nihilist, and iconoclast.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "BASIS" revolve around critical thinking, skepticism, and the importance of the scientific method in distinguishing between subjective belief and objective reality. The newsletter consistently advocates for evidence-based reasoning and challenges pseudoscientific claims, whether they originate from the New Age movement or from creationist proponents. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific literacy and a rigorous approach to evaluating claims about the natural world, while acknowledging the psychological benefits that some individuals may derive from less evidence-based belief systems. The publication also highlights the ongoing societal and legal debates surrounding the role of science education and the separation of church and state.

This document is the May 1990 issue of the "Bay Area Skeptic Informatoin Sheet," a newsletter published by the Bay Area Skeptics. It features several articles covering topics related to skepticism, spirituality, psychics, and science education.

Articles

U. G. Krishnamurti: The Don Rickles of Religion

This article profiles U. G. Krishnamurti, describing him as a disarming, charming, and alarming figure who challenges conventional notions of spirituality. Krishnamurti asserts that concepts like mind, soul, spirituality, and enlightenment are illusions. He views spiritual seekers as wasting their time with practices like meditation and prayer, and considers mystical experiences to be mere neurological glitches. The article mentions Dr. Paul Lynn, a physician who was a devotee of Da Free John before reconnecting with Krishnamurti, highlighting the difference in their approaches.

The Beginning of Religion

Krishnamurti explains that religion began when humans became self-conscious and separate from nature, leading to feelings of fear and isolation. He believes that religious figures have often contributed to human misery and that political ideologies, wars, and value systems stem from the false assumption of mind, spirit, or meaning. Krishnamurti concludes that humanity is on a path of annihilation and cannot be saved.

The Psychics and Skeptics Con

Authored by Moleen Matsumura, this article critiques a recent CBS "48 Hours" segment on psychics. The author argues that the program failed to present a genuinely skeptical viewpoint, featuring a "psychic menagerie" including tarot readers, psychic detectives, faith-healers, and a channeler, while giving minimal airtime to skeptic Dr. Ray Hyman. The article criticizes the reporter's handling of the segment, particularly the explanation for a cancer patient's hair regrowth after chemotherapy stopped. It also reveals that BAS founder Bob Steiner was filmed for the program but his contributions, which would have provided a skeptical perspective, were omitted.

Who is a Bay Area Skeptic?

Written by Bob Steiner, this piece addresses the question of what constitutes membership in Bay Area Skeptics (BAS). Steiner explains that BAS is not a formal membership organization but rather a group of individuals who activate their involvement. He introduces key figures associated with BAS, including Loyd Auerbach, Monroe Pastermack, and Price Burlingame, highlighting their roles and shared skeptical outlook.

Pell to Win

This short piece discusses Senator Claiborne Pell's reelection campaign and his well-publicized interest in the paranormal. It notes Pell's introduction of measures to promote government sponsorship of psi research and mentions Uri Geller's claim to "beam energy" for Pell's victory. The article speculates on the implications for political contests if psychics were to become involved in influencing election outcomes.

Science Education Outside the Classroom

This section features Sue Douglas, who discusses the importance of science education outside of formal schooling. With extensive experience in teaching and museum education, Douglas emphasizes the role of parents, relatives, and public facilities like museums and libraries in motivating young people towards science. She highlights her work at the California Academy of Sciences and her dedication to fostering scientific interest.

BAS Calendar

This section announces an upcoming event: "Science Outside the Class" by Sue Douglas, to be held at the South San Francisco Public Library on Monday, May 21, at 7:30 pm. It provides directions to the library and encourages readers to call a hotline for event updates.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes a skeptical viewpoint, critically examining claims of the paranormal and supernatural. It advocates for evidence-based reasoning and scientific inquiry, as demonstrated by its critique of media portrayals of psychics and its focus on science education. The publication serves as a platform for disseminating information and fostering a community of skeptics in the Bay Area.