Cincinnati Skeptic - Vol 03 No 03 - 1994

Magazine Overview

The Association For Rational Thought News, Volume 3, No. 3, published in February 1994, serves as the voice of Cincinnati's skeptics. The organization is dedicated to encouraging rational, well-informed evaluation of fringe science, pseudoscience, and paranormal claims, promoting responsible scientific investigation and public distribution of results. Membership in A.R.T. is encouraged.

February Meeting

The February meeting was scheduled for Saturday, February 12, at 10:00 AM at the Bethesda Blue Ash Medical Building, followed by lunch and conversation at the James Tavern. The public was invited.

Skeptical Blurbs Begin Media Assault

Lance Moody, Media Resources Coordinator, launched "Skeptical Blurbs" in January, a project designed to supply the news media with accurate and timely information on paranormal claims. The first use of this service occurred on January 8, when news teams at WXIX and WKRC Television received information regarding visions of the Virgin Mary. The "blurb" provided a concise history of such sightings, a survey of typical scenarios, and concluded that no evidence supported the claim of Mary speaking to followers, with sources included. A.R.T. members are urged to monitor local media for paranormal claims, note details, and contact Lance Moody. Moody will then search the Skeptical Blurb database for a scientific perspective and fax it to the reporter or media source, including information about A.R.T. Current blurbs cover topics such as Mary visions, Creationism, near-death experiences, UFOs, mind reading, repressed memories, and astrology. The project relies on member support for writing summaries of skeptical positions on various topics, with a call for authors to contribute brief summaries (two to three paragraphs) on subjects like Bigfoot, Loch Ness Monster, Hypnotherapy, Psychic Detectives, Faith Healers, Graphology, Biorhythms, The Bermuda Triangle, Alien Abductions, and Communication.

Understanding "Mary Sightings"

Members of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Center in Cincinnati anticipate a series of visions of Mary near Falmouth, Kentucky, on the eighth of each month from January to June of that year. The newsletter references further information in the January Membership Meeting section.

Book Review: Encountering Mary

The newsletter reviews Sandra Zimdars-Swartz's book "Encountering Mary: Visions of Mary from La Sallette to Medjugorje" (1991), describing it as a thorough, sympathetic, and nonapologetic investigation of contemporary sources. The review highlights that while Mary is revered by Roman Catholics, evidence for alleged visions is limited to the visionaries' reports, with no photographic or audio/video evidence. The Roman Catholic Church has generally not recognized these visions, though it has acknowledged a small number of healings as miraculous. The phenomenon is seen as a folk custom driven by a need for a sympathetic figure. Common elements of these events include female visionaries, outdoor sites, rural settings during distress, and messages urging prayer. The review also notes that recent US visions are often accompanied by claims of miracles like rosaries turning to gold. It recommends Zimdars-Swartz's book, along with Marina Warner's "Alone of All Her Sex" and Ann Taves' "The Household of Faith," as scholarly sources.

Cincinnati Skeptics and Religion

An article submitted by Lance Moody, authored by Mark Hodes of the Bay Area Skeptics, discusses the relationship between skepticism and religion. The Bay Area Skeptics' policy is to have no position on religion, as religious claims are generally not considered within the scope of scientific inquiry, unless they assert scientific justification or pose societal costs. Exceptions are made for religious claims that proponents assert have scientific justification (Category I), such as the Shroud of Turin, and those that, if unchallenged, exact grievous societal costs (Category II), such as Creationism. The article also touches on faith healers as an example of Category II, noting concerns about potential medical fraud rather than religious beliefs themselves. The author encourages A.R.T. members to consider and discuss their own policy on religion.

Letters to the Editor

Everett DeJager, an A.R.T. Member, writes that while astrology and flying saucers are easy targets for skepticism, there is a more dangerous field of "quack science" in environmentalism. He suggests investigating environmental fads using "Roy's laws" of quack science and questions "politically correct" ideas, citing asbestos as an example where outlawing it caused damage despite the common "white" asbestos not being linked to lung problems. He also states that global warming is not happening and the ozone is safe, attributing these issues to politics influencing science. Roy Auerbach, A.R.T. Membership Secretary, responds regarding climate and ozone. He agrees there's been alarmism about climate but believes genuine concern is warranted, stating that man-made changes are significantly affecting the atmosphere and increasing trace gases. He asserts there is solid evidence for ozone depletion being man-made, despite contrary voices with other agendas. He notes that the consequences of the ozone hole are uncertain, with a clear effect being increased skin cancer, but the impact on plant and animal life is unknown.

Another letter from an unnamed author agrees with DeJager about issues of engineering and science entering the political arena, attracting emotional overtones and drowning out reasoned discourse, using nuclear reactor decisions as an example.

December Membership Meeting

Fourteen members attended the December 11 meeting. Topics for future meetings were discussed, and volunteers assisted with the February newsletter. Lance Moody reported on recent changes in public views on repressed memories and the concept of false memory syndrome.

Mary Sighting Predicted

Peggy Borger summarized a Channel 12 broadcast about predicted visions of Mary in Falmouth, Kentucky, occurring on the eighth of each month for six months. This event was seen as an opportunity to observe paranormal claims and test the reliability of predictions.

Trial Run for Questionnaire

Lance Moody provided members with a questionnaire to study beliefs in paranormal or pseudoscientific phenomena. Results from thirteen members and one guest showed a range of beliefs, even among those who identify as skeptical.

January Membership Meeting

Two dozen A.R.T. members met on January 8. President Keith Brabender announced predicted visions of Mary at a farm near Falmouth, Kentucky. Treasurer Peggy Brabender provided detailed information about the event, including directions, parking arrangements, and suggestions for attendees. The prayer service was open to all faiths, and the visionary expected an apparition. The handout included directions to the apparition site, Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Center, and St. Joseph's Church.

Outside Speakers

Keith reported difficulties in finding outside speakers on topics like Creationism, facilitated communication, false memory syndrome, and cryptozoology. He suggested that members might need to rely more on their own research and presentations, mentioning Consumers Reports as a source for information on topics like acupuncture and homeopathy.

Annual Elections In April

Annual elections were announced for April, with members encouraged to volunteer for positions.

Skeptic: A Good Read

Joe Gastright recommended "Skeptic" magazine, published by the Skeptics Society, highlighting its focus on critical thinking and good science. The cost for membership and subscription was provided. The review mentioned specific articles from a recent issue, including those on "Phony Archaeology," "Holocaust Revisionism," and cults. The meeting concluded with a videotape lecture by Michael Shermer.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes a rational, scientific approach to evaluating paranormal and pseudoscientific claims. It actively engages with media coverage of such topics through initiatives like "Skeptical Blurbs." The publication encourages critical thinking and evidence-based analysis, even when dealing with sensitive subjects like religion. There is a clear editorial stance against unsubstantiated claims and a willingness to challenge potentially harmful pseudoscience, particularly when it intersects with public policy or health. The organization seeks to educate its members and the public, fostering a community of critical inquiry.