Bay Area Skeptics Information Sheet - 1992 09

Magazine Overview

This document is an information sheet from the Bay Area Skeptics, titled "BASIS", dated September 1992, Volume 11, No. 9. It is edited by Rick Moen and features an article titled "A VISIT TO THE ICR" by Steven Linke.

A Visit to the ICR by Steven Linke

Steven Linke, a graduate student in molecular biology at UC San Diego, recounts his visit to the Institute for Creation Research (ICR) in Santee, California, on August 27th. The ICR is described as an institution that portrays itself as scientific but shows a different picture to its supporters. Linke visited the ICR seeking original creationist papers on molecular biology but did not find any.

The ICR is located in an industrial park in Santee, CA. The building, constructed in 1985, houses the "ICR Museum of Creation and Earth History." The museum was preparing for a Grand Opening Celebration from September 18-20, advertising free guided tours, live animals, and exhibits presenting the case for creation and evidence against evolution. The pamphlet mentioned special invitations for "home schoolers" and a meeting with Dr. Richard Bliss, designer of the "Good Science" curriculum.

The Grand Opening agenda included guided tours, live animal presentations, science experiments by Dr. Richard Bliss, book signings by various authors including Dr. Henry Morris, Dr. John Morris, Dr. Duane Gish, and Ken Ham, a "Media Tour," a video titled "The Great Dinosaur Mystery," and a live broadcast by K-PRAISE 1210 AM featuring Dr. Duane Gish and Ken Ham.

Linke proceeded through the museum, noting that the curator was listening to Rush Limbaugh. The museum was described as busy for a Thursday afternoon, with parents bringing their children. The ICR Graduate School Catalog states the museum is open to the public and frequently toured by school children and individuals.

Exhibit #1: Science and Faith

This exhibit featured wall plaques asserting that religion and science are not separate spheres and that true science supports the Biblical worldview. It claimed there are no proven scientific errors in the Bible and that science does not support false religions like atheism or evolutionism. The exhibit emphasized the "Importance of the Origins Issue," stating that "The tree of evolutionism bears only corrupt fruits; Creationism bears good fruits." It also noted that the National Academy opposes the teaching of scientific creation. The plaque listed "Orthodox Judaism," "Orthodox Islam," and "Biblical Christianity" as the only three "real" creationist religions, while listing "Atheism, Humanism, New Age-ism, Occultism, Liberalism, Marxism, Fascism" as "evolutionary religions."

Exhibit #2: Seven Days of Creation

This exhibit addressed the question of which came first, the chicken or the egg, answering "chicken" based on Genesis 1:11-12. It featured impressive pictures of planets and stars, and live animals in cages, including a bird, fish, tarantula, cricket, lizard, rat, and snake. The exhibit also touched on the creation of functional maturity, stating that fruit trees were created mature and Adam was created as a full-grown man.

Exhibit #3: The Fall of Man

This exhibit noted that no animals died until Adam sinned by eating the apple, and the first animals to die were used to make skins for Adam and Eve.

Exhibit #4: 2nd Law of Thermodynamics

This exhibit displayed "decaying" items like a rusty hook, a melted flask, a mouse skeleton, and a melted record, presumably to illustrate the increasing entropy of the universe. A plaque stated that the Second Law of Thermodynamics is the scientific reflection of God's curse on His created world due to sin, and that this tendency toward disorder can only be reversed by specially programmed energy or information, thus precluding natural evolution toward higher order. It listed "Open System," "Available Energy," and "Program" (e.g., "Genetic Code" in DNA) as conditions for increasing complexity in open systems.

Exhibit #5: Noah's Ark

This exhibit featured a perspective picture of the Ark and explained the concept of "kinds" of animals that were on board, stating that "Biblical kind" is uncertain but probably includes variations within broader categories (e.g., dog kind includes dogs, wolves, coyotes). The creationists estimated 3,700 mammals, 8,600 birds, 6,300 reptiles, and 2,500 amphibians, totaling 21,100 "kinds." The dimensions of the Ark were given as 450'x75'x45', which could fit 50,000 animals in 208 railroad stock cars, occupying 36.5% of the Ark's volume. The exhibit addressed how animals survived together by suggesting predators and prey could mingle in a torpid state, animals could enter hibernation or estivation under stress, or God could have instituted dormancy.

Exhibit #6: Geology

This exhibit featured fossils, mock-ups of geological strata, and a picture of the Grand Canyon. It presented the view that strata formed during recent eruptions, such as Mt. St. Helens. A section on "How to Determine the Geological 'Age' of a Fossil" advised against using depth, rock type, radiometric dating, or the "stage of evolution," and instead recommended using "the Word of God." The exhibit also discussed "The Unreliability of Radiometric Dating," claiming that a mature earth would have had isotopes and daughter products, that rocks could have been altered by groundwater during the Flood, that decay rates might have changed, and that radiometric measurements often give discordant ages.

Exhibit #7: The Ice Age

This exhibit discussed the creationist post-Flood Ice Age, focusing on its causes, the Bible's discussion of it, high volcanism, and the fact that there was only one Ice Age. It explained human and animal migration during the Ice Age, stating that lowered sea levels made continents accessible and that human migration was enforced by the confusion of languages at Babel. It also posed questions about environmental effects, such as tree rings and ice cores, and the impact on Carbon-14 dating.

Exhibit #8: Post Ice-Age Civilization

This exhibit featured a model of the Tower of Babel and plaques with "Evolutionist Interpretation" and "Creationist Interpretation" for various human ancestors. "Homo Erectus," "Neanderthals," and "Archaic Homo Sapiens" were described as true humans or descendants of Adam and Noah, not ancestral apes. "Australopithecines" were called extinct apes. The exhibit also included a mock-up of the Laetoli footprints and the Rosetta Stone, which the author revealed to be a photograph.

Regarding the "Origin of Races," the exhibit stated that separate language groups could not intermarry freely, leading to the development of ethnic characteristics through in-breeding and environmental selection, not mutation. It asserted that "THE CONCEPT OF RACE IS AN EVOLUTIONARY IDEA" and that all humans are descended from Adam and Noah.

Dinosaurs and Dragons

This section stated that dinosaurs lived before the Flood and that dinosaur fossils are remains from flood sediments. It suggested that land "kinds" were present on the Ark and lived afterward. The exhibit also displayed small ancient artifacts and quoted an archaeologist, Nelson Glueck, stating that "No archaeological discovery has ever controverted a Biblical reference."

Exhibit #9: Origin of Religion

This exhibit described the origins of various religions with a creationist slant, characterizing "Evolutionary Pantheism" as tracing back to ancient Sumeria and Nimrod, becoming equivalent to polytheism and leading to atheistic evolution.

Exhibit #10: Famous Creationists and Evolutionists

This final exhibit displayed pictures of famous people, categorizing them as creationists or evolutionists. Creationists included Boyle, Newton, Pascal, Descartes, Linnaeus, Faraday, Babbage, Morse, Rawlinson, Pasteur, and Kelvin. Evolutionists listed included Hitler, Lenin, Stalin, and Freud. Quotes were provided for William Sumner, John Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Karl Marx, often framing their views negatively or linking evolution to undesirable ideologies. The exhibit also mentioned Alfred Wallace and other scientists who purportedly "stole" Darwin's theory. Plaques titled "Nazism and Communism -- Fruits of Evolution" and "Racism -- The Fruit of Evolution" were present. The exhibit concluded with a comparison of a "Creationist Tree" (with "long roots" and "good fruits") and an "Evolutionary Tree."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of BASIS are the critique of creationism as presented by the Institute for Creation Research (ICR) and the promotion of a skeptical, scientific viewpoint. The article by Steven Linke provides a detailed, albeit critical, review of the ICR's museum, highlighting its attempts to reconcile scientific evidence with a literal interpretation of the Bible. The editorial stance of the Bay Area Skeptics, as reflected in this publication, is clearly one that values empirical evidence and scientific consensus over creationist interpretations of natural phenomena. The magazine aims to inform its readers about organizations and ideas that challenge scientific understanding, particularly concerning evolution and origins.

This document is the September 1992 issue of the "Bay Area Skeptic Informatoin Sheet," a monthly publication of the Bay Area Skeptics (BAS). The issue features a variety of articles, letters, and announcements related to skepticism, science, and the paranormal.

Branches of the Creationist and Evolutionary Trees

The issue opens with a stark comparison between the "Creationist Tree" and the "Evolutionary Tree." The Creationist Tree is depicted with "Genuine Christianity" branches such as "True Christology," "True Evangelism," "True Missions," "True Fellowship," "True Gospel," "True Faith," "True Morality," and "True Hope," alongside "Correct Practice" branches like "True Science," "True History," "True Government," "True Americanism," "True Family Life," and "True Education." In contrast, the Evolutionary Tree is associated with "Harmful Philosophies" including "Communism," "Nazism," "Imperialism," "Monopolism," "Humanism," "Atheism," "Amoralism," "Scientism," "Racism," "Pantheism," "Behaviorism," and "Materialism." These philosophies are linked to "Evil Practices" such as "Abortion," "Promiscuity," "Pornography," "Genocide," "Euthanasia," "Infanticide," "Chauvinism," "Bestiality," "Homosexuality," "Drug Culture," "Child Abuse," and "Slavery." The section concludes with a quote from a museum exhibit: "To those who are not yet believing Christians, or whose faith has been weakened by attacks of skeptics, ICR personnel would be happy to assist you in settling these vital and eternal issues. Just ask...."

The Skeptic's Board BBS

Information is provided about "The Skeptic's Board BBS," offering public computer access to worldwide discussion conferences and e-mail via the Internet at no charge. The contact number is 415-572-0359 (San Mateo), with parameters 8N1, and speeds ranging from 2400 to 14400 bps.

Circle Hoax Contest

An article details a "Circle Hoax Contest" organized by "The Cereologist" magazine and Rupert Sheldrake. The contest, held in the dead of night near West Wycombe, England, aimed to distinguish "real" crop circles from fakes. A team of design engineers from Westland won the first prize of $5200, awarded by the Koestler Foundation and "Omni" magazine, for creating a circle that closely resembled authentic crop circles. The Wessex Skeptics reportedly declined to participate.

And For Your Next Vacation...

This section announces that Andrew Fraknoi, BAS Advisor and CSICOP Fellow, has had an asteroid named after him by the International Astronomical Union. Asteroid Fraknoi is described as a small, rocky object orbiting the Sun between Mars and Jupiter, approximately seven miles in diameter. The article also highlights Fraknoi's extensive background in science communication, including hosting a radio program, editing "Mercury" magazine, and teaching at SFSU and Foothill College.

Two More "Police Psychics" Hit the News-Stands

A news report from the "Oakland Tribune" is summarized, detailing how two self-described psychics, Donielle Patton and Cathy West, assisted Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies in searching for a missing woman. The psychics reportedly examined photos and belongings of Ann Rasz, who disappeared in April 1991, and independently suggested searching a specific canyon area, believing she was a victim of violence.

Editorial: What We Are, What We Are Not

The new editor, Rick Moen, addresses the purpose and scope of "BASIS" and the Bay Area Skeptics. He clarifies that the organization is not about partisan politics, ethical pronouncements, or mainstream science. Instead, it focuses on evaluating testable claims in fringe science and fringe medicine with critical inquiry, emphasizing that this process can be "considerable fun." He encourages readers to engage with the "eternal fringe" and explore strangeness in the Bay Area.

Amaze Your Friends! Earn Extra Income!

This piece, by Toby Howard, introduces a show by Richard Mather, described as the country's leading authority on "psychic" deception. The show, which includes demonstrations of psychic tricks like spoon bending and psychic surgery, aims to reveal the methods used in psychic performances. Details are provided for a show in London on September 5, 1992, at Conway Hall, with tickets costing 4 pounds.

Letters to the Editor

Two letters are published. The first, from Rick Moen (Vice-Chair, Bay Area Skeptics), responds to a letter by Henry Scambini. Moen criticizes Scambini's attack on Ray Hyman's "Proper Criticism" article and clarifies that Bay Area Skeptics are not belligerent cranks and are not anti-religious. He emphasizes the importance of fair, fundamental principles for being taken seriously.

The second letter, from George Warren, expresses surprise at the inclusion of an article on drug addiction and the "war on drugs" in a skeptics' journal, stating that he reads "BASIS" for news in maybe-science and not-science, not for social issues.

Challenge to "Lemon" Decision?

This article by Eugenie C. Scott, Ph.D., discusses the "Lemon" test, a key component in Supreme Court cases concerning church/state separation. The test, derived from the 1971 "Lemon v Kurtzman" decision, involves three prongs: secular purpose, secular intent, and avoiding entanglement between religion and the state. The article references the "Edwards v Aguillard" case and the upcoming "Lee v Weisman" graduation prayer case, noting that while some justices are critical of the "Lemon" test, its complete abandonment is uncertain. The outcome of "Lee v Weisman" is expected to significantly affect future church/state separation issues.

Neo-Catastrophism

This section announces a September meeting on "Neo-Catastrophism" featuring David Morrison, Ph.D., Chief of NASA's Space Science Division. Morrison will discuss theories of celestial impacts as crucial events in planetary and biological evolution, comparing them to Immanuel Velikovsky's work and proposing techniques to prevent future impacts. The article also mentions Morrison's past involvement with Hawaii Skeptics and a defamation lawsuit he was co-defendant in.

Calendar

The calendar lists a September meeting on "Neo-Catastrophism" by David Morrison at the El Cerrito Library on Wednesday, September 23, 1992. Directions to the library are provided. Readers are urged to call a hotline for up-to-the-minute event details and potential changes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and the examination of claims related to fringe science, pseudoscience, and paranormal phenomena. The Bay Area Skeptics, as represented by "BASIS," positions itself as an organization dedicated to evaluating such claims objectively and without prejudice, distinguishing itself from partisan politics or anti-religious stances. The editorial emphasizes the importance of intellectual curiosity, open-mindedness, and the pursuit of knowledge, even when it challenges conventional beliefs. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between genuine scientific investigation and unsubstantiated claims, as seen in the discussions on creationism vs. evolution, crop circles, and psychic phenomena. The publication also highlights the role of skepticism in debunking hoaxes and misinformation, while maintaining a stance that is inclusive of diverse viewpoints and not dismissive of all non-mainstream ideas.