Cincinnati Skeptic - Vol 01 No 04 - 1991

Magazine Overview

Title: The Association For Rational Thought News
Issue: Vol. 1, No. 4
Date: December, 1991

This issue of the newsletter from The Association for Rational Thought (ART), formerly the Ohio Valley Skeptics, focuses on promoting clear thinking and the scientific investigation of paranormal and fringe-science claims. It invites readers to become charter members of the organization.

December Meeting: Name Change and Near-Death Experiences

The December 14th meeting saw the Ohio Valley Skeptics officially change their name to the Association for Rational Thought. This change was made to better reflect the organization's intent to support rational and scientific thinking rather than to criticize paranormal beliefs. The members also decided to continue meeting at the Natural History Museum for the upcoming months. Plans were made to recruit new members via telephone calls to subscribers of 'Skeptical Inquirer,' with a recruitment form to be designed by Porter Henry. Virginia Jergens will provide a subscriber list for distribution. The treasurer, Richard Shepherd, reported a balance of $167.59 after covering initial expenses, with the newsletter costing $49.50 per issue for their mailing list of 110 names.

Presentation on Near-Death Experiences

Professor Richard McGrath, a pioneer in teaching about death and dying from Thomas More College, addressed the membership on the topic of near-death experiences (NDEs). He noted the increasing interest in NDEs but cautioned that the term is often used too broadly. McGrath explained that while historical and cultural backgrounds influence the specific elements of these experiences, common themes include hearing oneself declared dead, out-of-body sensations, feeling a tunnel, seeing a bright light, and meeting deceased figures. He cited a 1982 Gallup poll indicating that one-third of those reporting NDEs had positive experiences, while others reported frightening or unpleasant ones. McGrath emphasized that individuals reporting NDEs were not actually dead but in the process of dying when revived. He proposed a physiological explanation: the brain, facing imminent death, goes into shock, dilating blood vessels to increase oxygen and sugar supply. This process produces endorphins, leading to a pain-free, euphoric state and clear thinking, which he suggested could be a survival mechanism. He also noted that the brain typically ceases functioning 5-10 minutes after respiration and pulse stop. McGrath concluded that the brain's organization aims to maintain life under threat, and these last-ditch responses are useful for survival.

Interpretation of NDEs

McGrath discussed how individuals interpret NDEs differently based on their existing beliefs. Some interpret them as evidence of an afterlife, while others, particularly conservative Christians, may see them as demonic tricks. For some, NDEs can enhance a romantic view of death or boost self-esteem by making them feel specially privileged.

The meeting concluded with an informal lunch, and thanks were extended to Richard Davis and the Cincinnati Museum of Natural History for hosting the event.

Next Meeting: Satanism

The next meeting, scheduled for January 18th, will focus on "Satanism: What Is It? Why Is It So Feared?" Virginia Jergens, a sociologist, will speak on satanism, a phenomenon viewed by some as a societal threat and by social scientists as unsubstantiated. A round table discussion will follow. Sources recommended for preparation include "The Satanism Scare" and articles from 'The Skeptical Inquirer' and the 'Cincinnati Enquirer'.

Calendar and Organizational Updates

The regular monthly meeting day has been changed from the second Saturday to the third Saturday of the month, starting in January 1992.

• Upcoming meetings include:
• January 18: Monthly Meeting with a discussion on Satanism, moderated by Virginia Jergens.
• February 15: Monthly Meeting, topic and moderator to be announced.
• March 21: Monthly Meeting featuring Bob Baker discussing "Ghost-Busting in Kentucky."

Richard Shepherd has resigned as Treasurer due to health reasons. Peggy Borger has been appointed as the new Treasurer and will also chair a new Telephone Tree Committee. Other ART officers elected until April 1992 include Joseph Gastright (President), Virginia Jergens (Newsletter Editor), Porter Henry (Publicity Chair), and Richard Boznian (Media Resources Chair). The By-Laws Committee includes Dick Shepherd, Mary Pacinda, Chuck Rodway, and Holly Norton.

Organization's Mission and Membership

The Association for Rational Thought is described as an independent, nonprofit, scientific, and educational organization that shares the philosophy of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal. ART holds monthly meetings, publishes its newsletter, sponsors public lectures, and plans to assemble a panel of experts for media consultation. Annual dues are $10.00 for regular members and $5.00 for full-time students, which includes a subscription to the newsletter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes a commitment to rational thought, scientific investigation, and critical thinking, particularly in relation to paranormal and fringe-science claims. The organization's rebranding from "Ohio Valley Skeptics" to "Association for Rational Thought" underscores this focus. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, aiming to debunk unsubstantiated claims and provide evidence-based explanations, as seen in the discussion of near-death experiences and the upcoming focus on satanism. The newsletter serves as a platform for disseminating information, fostering discussion, and encouraging membership in a community dedicated to critical inquiry.