Bay Area Skeptics Information Sheet - 1990 12

Magazine Overview

This issue of "BASIS", the newsletter of the Bay Area Skeptics, dated December 1990, focuses on the intersection of religion, skepticism, and media. The cover story, "MARKETING RELIGION" by Yves Barbero, examines the commercialization of religious movements, using the example of Larry Lea's "prayer warrior" event in San Francisco. Other articles discuss the role of skepticism in modern science and understanding issues like fluoridation, critique media hype, and analyze the organization's approach to religious claims.

Marketing Religion

Yves Barbero's article details a Halloween evening event in San Francisco featuring Larry Lea, a self-proclaimed leader of "prayer warriors." Lea claimed to be able to fight the "Spirit of Perversion," which drew a protest outside the Civic Center. Barbero notes the media's focus on the confrontation, providing soundbites from both sides. Author Austin Miles, an ordained preacher, criticizes Lea and other "charlatan preachers" who "merchandise God" in Texas, suggesting that attributing falsehoods to God is blasphemy. Miles points out that Lea, headquartered in Rockwell, Texas, is adept at organization, leveraging his "outrageous statements" for publicity. The event included extensive merchandise sales, with books and cassettes prominently displayed alongside inspirational articles in Lea's magazine, "The Cutting Edge." Volunteer pastors were present to manage the crowd, and the program featured loud music, including rap and rock and roll. Barbero found Lea to be a "disappointment" and a "second-rate Jimmy Swaggart," noting his tendency to cry and his frequent use of the word "blood."

Barbero reflects on how established religion has made peace with a secular government, while figures like Lea are an embarrassment. He contrasts this with the traditional relationship the Bay Area Skeptics had in mind when drafting their by-laws, deciding to avoid commenting on religious dogma unless it directly impacts public policy or science. He argues that upstart religious groups exploit societal uncertainties to create in-groups, using people's faith to raise funds and power. He concludes that skeptics should take notice when individuals like Larry Lea "rape and pillage the emotions of decent people for a buck."

The Role of Skepticism in Modern Science and in Understanding the Fluoride Problem

John R. Lee, MD, writes about the inherent nature of skepticism in modern science, contrasting it with medieval science's reliance on past authority. He traces the evolution of scientific inquiry from the Renaissance, highlighting figures like Rabelais and Galileo, and the establishment of the scientific method by Francis Bacon. Lee emphasizes that scientific truth is not absolute but an approximation, with hypotheses being temporary until disproved. He criticizes educational institutions for often rewarding rote memorization over critical thinking, particularly in medical schools, which he describes as perpetuating an "anti-scientific tyranny."

Lee then applies this to the "50-year old fluoridation problem," arguing that skepticism is needed to overcome bureaucratic intransigence. He cites Lewis Thomas on the discovery that "we know so little" and that much of what we "know" is wrong. He states that the fluoride used in fluoridation is a toxic waste product and that older studies supporting it were poorly designed. Despite a Rand Corporation review finding systematic errors and a consultant concluding that a $60 million annual expenditure was "spit down the drain," fluoridation programs continue. Lee asserts that studies over the past two decades find no discernible dental benefit. He also criticizes the National Institute of Dental Health for claiming reduced cavities despite data showing no differences and for refusing to release data on dental fluorosis. He notes that daily fluoride intake now exceeds "optimal" levels, yet public health officials defer to "experts in Washington." Lee concludes that when skepticism is silenced, science and public health suffer, and he plans to review the scientific evidence concerning fluoridation at a future Bay Area Skeptics meeting, exposing the pro-fluoride mindset as a throwback to medieval authoritarianism.

Reporting Turned Hyperbole

John A. Taube reviews an article from the San Francisco Chronicle titled "Healthy-Heart Guru" by Sylvia Rubin. Taube found the article to be hype rather than journalism, using hyperbole and large graphics to promote yoga. While acknowledging that lowering fat intake, adding fiber, exercising, reducing stress, and not smoking contribute to good health, Taube states there is no scientific evidence that yoga exercises, by themselves, prevent heart attacks. He suggests that the article would have been more helpful if it had proposed a scientific double-blind test to determine yoga's health value and questions whether focusing on yoga might lead to disregarding other good health practices.

Bay Area Skeptics and Religion

Mark Hodes outlines the position of the Bay Area Skeptics regarding religion. The organization is diverse, including members with various religious and non-religious affiliations. Their stance is that they have no position on religion itself, as religious claims generally do not fall within the domain of scientific inquiry. However, they do engage when religious claims assert scientific justification or when unchallenged claims exact grievous societal costs. Hodes illustrates this with three examples:

1. The Shroud of Turin: Categorized as a claim asserting scientific justification. While initial tests in 1978 suggested authenticity, Hodes notes that surprising scientific results undergo meticulous scrutiny.
2. Creation Science: Spans both categories. Creationists claim empirical justification (Category I) but misrepresent their beliefs, seek to promulgate dogma in schools, and pursue political means (Category II). Hodes emphasizes the importance of the Constitutionally mandated separation of church and state and academic freedom.
3. Faith Healers: Falls squarely into Category II. Hodes criticizes the "take" of faith healers and their claims, citing Peter Popoff as an example of cynical exploitation and disregard for health risks. He clarifies that the criticism is not against religious beliefs themselves but against the potential use of "stage magic" for medical fraud.

Hodes concludes that the Bay Area Skeptics are neither antagonistic nor supportive of religion but are interested in controversial subjects that enter the scientific literature or pose severe penalties for uncritical belief.

Auerbach in Business

This section reports that Loyd Auerbach, who has a master's degree in parapsychology, has opened a New Age business in Orinda, California, called the "Office of Paranormal Investigations." For $25 an hour, they offer to remove "loose poltergeists." This is noted as the second such business in the U.S. The article humorously hopes his clients are as entertained when they pay as when they hear his lectures.

Book Review: Painted Black

Shawn Carlson, PhD, reviews Carl A. Raschke's book "Painted Black." Carlson criticizes the book for its "sloppy research and fuzzy thinking," accusing Raschke of hailing Satanism as the cause of societal problems like child abuse and teen suicide. Carlson points out numerous factual errors, misrepresentations of occult groups, and the use of "items" (newspaper story summaries) without proper citation or context. He argues that Raschke's claims about a widespread satanic crime wave are not supported by statistics, with very few murders having occult overtones. Carlson also reveals that Raschke heavily relies on "Dr." Dale Griffis, whose degree is from an unaccredited diploma mill and whose work is not considered reliable by serious researchers. The review suggests that Raschke's work is more about ignorance of minority religions than actual evidence of Devil-worshiping cults.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "BASIS" consistently champions critical thinking and skepticism. The editorial stance is clear: to question claims, especially those presented as scientific or those that have significant societal implications. The newsletter actively scrutinizes the commercialization of religion, the validity of pseudoscientific claims (like those surrounding yoga and paranormal investigations), and the integrity of public health policies (fluoridation). The organization positions itself as a bulwark against misinformation, media hype, and the exploitation of public credulity, while maintaining a neutral stance on religious beliefs themselves, unless they intersect with scientific or public policy domains.

This document contains selected articles from the December 1990 issue of "BASIS", the monthly publication of the Bay Area Skeptics. The publication focuses on skeptical inquiry, scientific literacy, and the critique of pseudoscience and flawed reasoning.

Article: Critique of Raschke's "Painted Black"

The first article critiques Raschke's material, particularly concerning Jayne Mansfield and her alleged involvement with the Church of Satan. The author notes that Raschke's primary source is May Mann's biography, which was supposedly dictated by Mansfield's ghost. The article questions the reliability of Raschke's sources, describing many as "dubious." It highlights Raschke's dismissive and often vicious attacks on researchers who disagree with him, specifically mentioning FBI special agent Ken Lanning. Lanning's paper, "Satanic, Occult, Ritualistic Crime: A Law Enforcement Perspective," is described by Raschke as having "literacy, the research sophistication, and the rhetorical finesse of a high school sophomore." In contrast, the article praises Lanning's report for its "solid reasoning and clear command of the facts." The critique concludes that "Painted Black" is a "masterpiece of the new 'satanic' McCarthyism," characterized by poor research and "hysterically reasoned" arguments, comparing it to the Exxon Valdez disaster in its negative impact on "rational journalism."

Physicist Shawn Carlson, associated with Lawrence Berkeley Labs and the national "Humanist" magazine, is mentioned as working at Lawrence Berkeley Labs and being on the Board of Directors of Bay Area Skeptics.

Letter to the Editor: Reply to Hearn

Thomas H. Jukes, Ph.D., a professor of Bio-physics at UC Berkeley, replies to a comment by Walter Hearn in "BASIS." The core of the debate revolves around the distinction between the American Scientific Affiliation's (ASA) statement of faith and that of "scientific creationists." Jukes argues that both groups affirm God as the creator of the universe, and the number of years for creation is irrelevant to their shared religiosity. He refutes Hearn's assertion that William Provine's credo that the universe cares nothing for us is a religious statement, calling it the "antithesis of religion." Jukes also criticizes Hearn's understanding of molecular evolution, particularly regarding the genetic similarities between humans, chimpanzees, and other primates. He corrects Hearn's misquotation about the historical settlement of the common ancestry question, emphasizing that it was settled in the days of Darwin, T. H. Huxley, and Bishop Wilberforce. Jukes expresses concern that the publication "Teaching Science in a Climate of Controversy," co-authored by Hearn, has been widely distributed despite Hearn's "confused ways of thinking and writing."

Book Review: "Khrushchev: The Years in Power"

Yves Barbero reviews "Khrushchev: The Years in Power" by Roy A. Medvedev and Zhores A. Medvedev. The review notes that the book dedicates a significant portion to the "disastrous agricultural policy of the Nikita S. Khrushchev years," largely influenced by Trofim D. Lysenko. The book is described as a political analysis by dissident historian Roy A. Medvedev, with his brother Zhores, a biochemist, providing access to Western sources. Khrushchev is remembered for his initial reforms, including bringing down Joseph Stalin's godlike image and rehabilitating disgraced officials. However, he is also noted for using his "reservoir of trust to exercise dictatorial power." The review highlights that Khrushchev, lacking agronomy education, fell under Lysenko's influence, leading to the reinstatement of Lysenko and his associate as president of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Minister of Agriculture, respectively. This policy is blamed for the disaster of Soviet Agriculture, from which the nation had not recovered a generation later. The review draws parallels to modern political pressures affecting science, such as restrictions on embryo research due to ethical objections and the influence of various groups on scientific policy.

Judge William R. Overton Quote

A quote from Judge William R. Overton, from "Voices for Evolution" (1989), is included, emphasizing that courts should not discredit testimony based on religious beliefs, but that scientific inquiry must be based on evidence and conclusions should be open to change.

Calendar and Contact Information

The issue includes a calendar listing a "POT LUCK PARTY" on Sunday, December 9, 1990, at Kate Talbot's House in Pacifica. Directions are provided. Readers are encouraged to call the 415-LA-TRUTH hotline for up-to-date event information and to leave messages with ideas for topics or speakers. A warning advises calling the hotline shortly before attending any Calendar activity to check for changes.

BAS Board of Directors and Staff

A list of the BAS Board of Directors is provided, including Chair Larry Loebig, Vice Chair Yves Barbero, and Secretary Rick Moen. The "BASIS" Staff is also listed, with Yves Barbero as editor and Sharon Crawford as associate editor. Rick Moen is listed for circulation.

BAS Advisors

A comprehensive list of BAS Advisors is presented, featuring individuals with diverse scientific and professional backgrounds, including physicists, astronomers, chemists, medical doctors, investigative consultants, science writers, and UFO experts. Notable advisors include Thomas H. Jukes, James Randi, and Jill C. Tarter.

Disclaimer

An important disclaimer states that opinions expressed in "BASIS" are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of BAS, its board, or its advisors.

Subscription Information

The publication notes that the above are selected articles from the December 1990 issue and provides instructions on how to obtain a free sample copy by mail or by contacting the "Skeptic's Board" BBS or the 415-LA-TRUTH hotline.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of BASIS are the critical examination of pseudoscientific claims, the importance of rigorous scientific methodology, and the critique of flawed reasoning and biased reporting in various fields, including occultism, creationism, and political analysis. The editorial stance is clearly pro-science, pro-skepticism, and critical of sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims, advocating for evidence-based conclusions and open inquiry. The publication aims to educate its readers and promote a rational worldview.