Bay Area Skeptics Information Sheet - 1990 09

Magazine Overview

This issue of "BASIS", the newsletter of the Bay Area Skeptics, dated September 1990, Volume 9, Number 9, is edited by Yves Barbero. The publication focuses on promoting science education, consumer protection against psychic fraud, exposing confidence schemes, and encouraging critical thinking.

DON'T CALL ME BROTHER by Austin Miles

This article, an excerpt from Austin Miles' book "Don't Call Me Brother," exposes the alleged fraudulent practices of spiritual con men and women. The author recounts his encounters, particularly focusing on the ministry of William Branham. Pastor Bedzyk describes Branham's "word of knowledge" as so precise that it could only be from God, and claims it was "proved." The method involved people writing down their illnesses or problems, sealing them in envelopes, and Branham then revealing their needs and desires from God, with the contents of the envelopes matching his pronouncements. This was presented as evidence of miraculous healings. The article also recounts an incident where Branham allegedly threatened two men with diseases if they lied about their ailments.

Miles then draws a parallel between Branham's methods and a magician's "mind reading" trick he learned as a boy from "Senor Lopez" in Salinas, California. The trick involved a plant in the audience and a staged revelation of a lost earring, demonstrating how the magician could appear to read minds by being one step ahead, reading the next person's envelope while pretending to read the current one. The author concludes that Branham was using "parlor tricks" to manipulate vulnerable people.

William Branham's death is also mentioned, with his followers initially refusing to bury him, believing he would be resurrected. He was eventually buried when this did not occur.

MILES ON CABLE

This section announces that a video tape of Austin Miles' talk at the Bay Area Skeptics' June meeting, made by Dan Dugan, was turned over to Public Access Cable Channel 25 in San Francisco. The talk was scheduled to be broadcast in its entirety on September 8.

A quote from George Bernard Shaw is included: "The reasonable man adapts himself to the world: the unreasonable man persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man."

AN INNOCENT IN WONDERLAND by Diogenes Arouet

This article details the author's visit to the Institute for Creation Research (ICR) in Santee, California. The author, "Diogenes Arouet" (a pen-name for a university instructor and electronics engineering consultant), describes the ICR as a "bastion of fundamentalist thought" located in a commercial strip. The ICR campus shares a building with a copy center and office supplies store, with classrooms and laboratories located behind and below.

The author was denied a catalog, told it was "in revision." He found the course titles impressive, but the descriptions bizarre, focusing on topics like "The Great Flood" being PROVED and arguments against evolution. The faculty included individuals trained in engineering, science, and theology.

Access to classrooms and laboratories was denied due to "renovation," including the installation of a new carbon-14 dating laboratory. The author notes the ICR's criticism of carbon-14 dating, claiming isotope decay rates change over time to support their notion of a young Earth (less than 6,000 years old) and that the speed of light has also changed.

When attempting to speak with professors or students, the author was told they were "not around," leading him to suspect their rarity. He was allowed to browse lobby materials and visit the "museum," which he describes as dark and containing few artifacts, mostly posters, biblical quotations, and photographs of expeditions related to Noah's Ark and fossil digs, all presented to demonstrate the "errors of evolution." A visitor's comment in the guest book called the exhibits "Ludicrous and loathsome."

MINISTER PREACHES "SCIENTIFIC" CREATIONISM IN CALIFORNIA PUBLIC SCHOOL! by Eugenie C. Scott, PhD

This article reports on a fundamentalist minister who presented the creationist film "Origins, Two Models" to seventh and eighth-grade science classes in Weed, California. A handout sheet provided a rationale for teaching creationism and claimed many scientists now consider it a scientific theory. The new science teacher at the school protested, but the presentation, described as "traditional," proceeded. Students questioned the minister, who often resorted to "because the Bible says so" to explain points. The article notes that while there is no specific law prohibiting creationism in public schools, the California Science Framework states that only science may be taught, and "scientific" creationism is not scientific and is a sectarian religious position.

The article also mentions a "Back to Genesis" conference held by the ICR in Weed and a public lecture on human evolution by Ken Goehring. Dr. Scott is identified as the executive director of the National Center for Science Education and an advisor to Bay Area Skeptics.

Excerpts from a Weed Creation-Science Handout are included, which frame evolutionary dogma as a religious belief system and suggest that a creation account fits origins better than evolution.

CHRISTIAN GODMEN FROM THE WEST by A.K. Savani, Nagpur, India

This article, reprinted from "INDIAN SKEPTIC," details an event in Nagpur, India, in February 1989, where miracle workers from a Christian organization called "Global Network" claimed to cure diseases through prayer. The event featured Rev. Mike Huggins, Rev. Roger Jude, Sister Judy Such (USA), and Rev. Martin Bullman (Switzerland), assisted by Rev. Satish Rathore and others.

Despite large advertisements claiming cures for all physical disabilities, the event was disrupted by the Andha Shraddha Nirmulan Samithi. Skeptics, led by Mr. Harish Deshmukh, filed a complaint with the police, arguing that instant cures by prayer were impossible and that such publicity spread blind belief. When the police did not act, a procession was organized, including physically handicapped people. The committee offered the godmen a large sum of prize money to demonstrate their miracles. The procession converged on the venue, and 63 protesters were arrested.

The next day, a similar demonstration occurred. The police witnessed a healer falsely claim to cure a blind man and a lame man. Convinced it was a con, the police arrested the faith healers and organizers. Cases were registered against them under the drugs and Magical Remedies Objectionable Advertisement Act and the Medical Practitioners Act.

STEERING COMMITTEE NAMED

This section lists the named Steering Committee members for the 1991 CSICOP Conference to be held in the Berkeley area. Yves Barbero is listed as Chair. The committee is seeking individuals to coordinate publicity and student activities.

A NOTE FROM THE NEW EDITOR...

Yves Barbero introduces himself as the new editor of "BASIS," having previously been involved in folding, stapling, mailing, and coordinating meetings for the Bay Area Skeptics. He highlights his background as a reporter and published author. He invites articles, opinions, letters, and suggestions, stating that editorial matter will be edited as needed. He provides his contact information and reiterates the primary focus of BAY AREA SKEPTICS: science education, consumer protection against psychic fraud, exposing confidence schemes, and promoting critical thinking and the investigation of the paranormal. He clarifies that skepticism is a methodology, not an ideology, and that it does not answer questions of spirituality or purpose.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of claims of supernatural phenomena, faith healing, and pseudoscientific theories, particularly creationism. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, aiming to expose fraud, promote critical thinking, and advocate for science-based understanding. The newsletter actively debunks claims of psychic abilities, miracle cures, and creationist arguments, contrasting them with scientific evidence and rational inquiry. The publication also serves as a platform for reporting on events and discussions relevant to the skeptical community.

This document is the September 1990 issue of "BASIS", the monthly publication of the Bay Area Skeptics. It serves as a newsletter and a platform for discussions related to skepticism, critical thinking, and science.

Editorial and Staff Transitions

The issue prominently features a series of acknowledgments and transitions in the editorial leadership of "BASIS". It begins with a thank you to Kent Harker, the Editor Emeritus, for his contributions over the past few years. Bob Steiner writes a tribute to Harker, praising his writing, analytical skills, and expertise in skepticism and computers. The publication highlights the dedication of its editors, noting that "BASIS" has had a "charmed existence" due to the quality of individuals who have taken on the role. Mike McCarthy is credited with assuming the editorship for the first several issues, followed by Ray Spangenburg and Diane Moser. The current transition marks Kent Harker stepping down, with Yves Barbero taking over as the new editor. Barbero is described as a dedicated activist for Bay Area Skeptics, an excellent writer, and a computer whiz, satisfying all the qualifications for the role.

The "BASIS STAFF" for this issue includes Yves Barbero as editor, Sharon Crawford as associate editor, Wilma Russell for distribution, Rick Moen for circulation, Kate Talbot as meeting coordinator, and John Taube for media watch. The "BAS BOARD OF DIRECTORS" is also listed, with Larry Loebig as Chair, Yves Barbero as Vice Chair, and Rick Moen as Secretary. Kent Harker is listed as Treasurer.

Principles and Philosophy

Kent Harker outlines his personal principles for understanding the world, which include:

• It's possible for the bad guys to win; they're as smart as the good guys.
• Extraordinary claims require extraordinary proofs.
• No one has all the answers.
• Explanations that attribute all things to a single cause are wrong.
• The cosmos are indifferent but tend to favor the prepared.

These are presented as rules of thumb rather than philosophically eloquent statements.

"The Heretic's Handbook of Quotations" Review

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to a review of "The Heretic's Handbook of Quotations", edited by Charles Bufe and published by See Sharp Press. The reviewer, Yves Barbero, contrasts this book with typical quote collections that are often lofty or inspirational. Bufe's handbook is described as assembling a collection that serves the "merely intelligent, the ordinary social critic, the curious skeptic." It covers a wide range of topics including scientific thinking, religion, politics, women's issues, labor, patriotism, capitalism, revolution, and freedom. The book is noted for not being for the faint of heart and for including a good portion of opposing viewpoints. Several quotes from the handbook are featured, including those from Marcus Aurelius, Robert Ingersoll, Adolf Hitler, Mao Tse Tung, and Pope Leo XIII, along with brief biographical notes on figures like Al Capone and George Washington. The review concludes that the book is "a great deal of fun."

"Life Through Time" Exhibit

The issue also promotes the "Life Through Time" exhibit at the California Academy of Sciences. This permanent exhibit uses advanced technology and live specimens to explain evolution. Dr. Eugenie C. Scott of the National Center for Science Education, described as a leading scholar in defending evolution against creationism, will lead tours of the exhibit. The cost is $1 for admission, with children under five free.

Bay Area Skeptics Activities and Resources

Information is provided regarding upcoming events and resources for Bay Area Skeptics members and interested individuals.

• Calendar: The September meeting is announced, featuring "Life Through Time" by Eugenie C. Scott, PhD, on Saturday, September 22, at 1:30 pm at the California Academy of Sciences. Directions and parking information are provided. Attendees are urged to call the hotline shortly before attending for any changes.
• WANTED: The organization is seeking original graphics, someone to transcribe interviews from cassette tapes, and a good photographer. The positions are described as having lousy hours and no pay, except for expense reimbursement, and require a sense of humor.
• The Skeptic's Electronic Bulletin Board: Contact information is provided for the BBS, including its Baud rate (2400), phone number (415-648-8944), operating hours (24 hours, 7 days a week), and Sysop (Rick Moen).
• Contact Information: For more information, sample copies, or to leave messages, readers can contact Bay Area Skeptics at 4030 Moraga, San Francisco, CA 94122-3928, or use the 415-LA-TRUTH (voice) hotline.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the promotion of skepticism, critical thinking, and scientific literacy. The Bay Area Skeptics organization actively engages with the public by questioning pseudoscientific claims, educating the public, and encouraging a rational approach to information. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and against unsubstantiated claims, as exemplified by the review of Bufe's handbook and the promotion of the evolution exhibit. The publication also emphasizes the importance of community involvement and volunteerism within the organization.