Indian Skeptic - 2010 04

Magazine Overview

This issue of Indian Skeptic, dated April 2010 (No. 01/04), is an e-magazine distributed free of charge. The cover features a painting and highlights several key articles, including "Sex, Swamis, and Videotapes," "Naturalism, Life and Meaning in a Causal Universe," "Role of Rationalism in Eradicating Communalism," and a book review titled "Civilisation On Its Death Bed."

Editor & Publisher

Manoj Trichambaram serves as the editor and publisher. The magazine is distributed freely with the aim of being useful to its recipients. Readers are encouraged to inform the publisher if they are not interested in receiving it. The views expressed in the articles are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Indian Skeptic.

Featured Articles and Content

Swamis, Celibacy, and Sex Scandals by Ram Puniyani

This article addresses the recent surge of sex scandals involving holy men, citing examples like Swami Nityanand and Ichhchadhari Baba. It recalls historical cases involving Satya Sai Baba, Gurmeet Ram Rahim, Santosh Madhavan, and the Kamkoti Peetham Shakarachrya. The author also mentions Sister Jesme's book "Story of a Nun" and the Roman Catholic Church's handling of pedophilia accusations. The article contrasts the underlying mechanisms of these scandals, noting that while the Catholic establishment has a norm of celibacy, Hindu God-men often operate as 'stand-alone' systems. A key distinction highlighted is the deliberate misuse of 'spiritual attainments' for carnal pleasures, sometimes involving sex rackets and exploitation of devotees. The article critiques the methods used by swamis, deeming them serious crimes. It explores the concept of celibacy, its spiritual basis in renunciation, and its historical adoption by figures like Shankara and its prevalence in Buddhism, some Hindu sects, and among Catholic priests. The article also touches upon the RSS's adoption of celibacy for political reasons. It references Patanjali's argument for celibacy linked to spiritual insight and Sri Sri Ravishaker's similar views. A dissenting voice is noted from Osho, who argued that sex could only be transcended through experience, as detailed in his book "Sambhog se Samadhi tak." The article further discusses the rise of religiosity, collusion with the corporate world and state, and the promotion of religious tourism, particularly in India. It suggests that the phenomenon of God-men is an accompaniment to the existential anxieties of the globalized world. The author argues that when religion is used with aplomb, reason is suppressed, leading to blind religiosity and blind faith, benefiting entrenched social and economic powers. Globally, the article notes the US promoting conservative versions of Islam and using religious language for political ambitions. In India, it points to the use of issues like the Ram Temple to create mass hysteria and push back social transformation, with God-men playing a dual role in propagating conservative values and exploiting the situation for material and sexual enhancement.

Sex, Lies and Religion by Narendra Nayak

This article examines the common thread of obsession with sex among jihadis, swamis, and priests of the Roman Catholic Church. It suggests that deprivation of sex may lead to craving it, and while such behavior occurs in other religions, it is less prevalent and less reported. The author discusses the justification of Nityananda's tapes as consensual sex and the invasion of privacy. The article criticizes the Roman Catholic clergy for traumatizing innocent children. It questions the commonality between sex and jihadis, suggesting young boys are brainwashed into sacrificing their lives. The article then delves into the Roman Catholic Church's belief in abstinence in one department and draws a parallel with the so-called Swamijis and Jagadgurus in India, noting their ostentatious displays of wealth. It questions the excuse of 'devotee desire' for indulgence and discusses the moral degradation associated with the 'saffron robed.' The article critiques the idea of celibacy as a means to suppress sexual urges, questioning why only one biological activity is forbidden. It references the biblical concept of 'original sin' and Mohandas Karamachand Gandhi's promotion of Brahmacharya. The author also touches upon the legal aspect of sexual intercourse between consenting adults, noting that adultery laws are gender-specific. The article concludes by urging religious clergy to act like humans, give up hypocrisy, and not seek exemptions or special facilities.

Atheist Eve by Tracie Harris

(Content not detailed in the provided pages.)

Are You a Free Thinker? by Ajita Kamal

(Content not detailed in the provided pages.)

Role of Rationalism in Eradicating Communalism by R G Rao

(Content not detailed in the provided pages.)

From the President of FIRA by Narendra Nayak

(Content not detailed in the provided pages.)

Book Review: Culture Can Kill by Prabhakar Nanawaty

(Content not detailed in the provided pages.)

Humour

This section features humorous SMS messages related to the scandals of Swami Nityananda, including jokes about hidden cameras and comparisons to actors like Kamal Hassan and Rajinikanth.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the intersection of religion, sexuality, and societal issues. There is a critical examination of religious figures and institutions, particularly concerning sex scandals and the concept of celibacy. The magazine promotes rationalism and critical thinking as antidotes to blind religiosity and communalism. The editorial stance, as indicated by the quote from the Constitution of India on page 2, emphasizes the duty of every citizen to develop a scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform. The magazine appears to advocate for a skeptical and rational approach to religious and social phenomena.

This issue of Indian Skeptic, dated April 2010, features a collection of articles exploring themes of rationalism, naturalism, causality, and the critique of religious and communal ideologies. The magazine presents a rationalist perspective on various societal and philosophical issues.

Articles

"Are You A Freethinker? Naturalism, Life and Meaning in a Causal Universe" by Ajita Kamal

This article delves into the fundamental differences between a freethinker's view of reality and that of the superstitious. It posits that freethinkers believe in a naturalistic reality governed by causality, while others subscribe to the supernatural. The author explains that causality, in physics, is viewed as an interaction where events are both cause and effect simultaneously. The article uses hypothetical cases of Sethu, Jen, and Yalda to illustrate how individuals suspend belief in causal reality when dealing with supernatural concepts. Sethu, an engineer, believes in Ganesha for his fortunes, exhibiting a dualistic approach to causality. Jen, a businesswoman, uses superstitious rituals like knocking on wood, while Yalda believes in Allah as the creator but applies cause and effect to practical matters. The author concludes that belief in any supernatural concept requires a voluntary suspension of reason and the fundamental assumption of science that all things have a natural cause. The article also touches upon the belief in an internal supernatural self, or 'soul,' and the concept of 'free will' as an illusion of uncaused agency. It poses questions about the necessity of believing in contra-causal free-will for morality and personal responsibility, promising further discussion in future installments.

"Role of Rationalism in Eradicating Communalism" by R.G.Rao

This article defines communalism in the Indian context as conflicts arising in the name of religion or ethnicity, often fueled by hatred and violence. It argues that communal politics thrives on hate propaganda, creating external enemies and generating hysteria through distorted facts and false history. The author debunks the myth that Muslim kings solely destroyed Hindu temples, stating that temples were often looted for wealth by kings of various religions, and that Tipu Sultan even repaired temples. The article highlights that the Somnath temple was looted by Muhammed Ghazni for its gold, and that many of his soldiers were Hindus. It criticizes the propagation of the idea that India had a uniquely great ancient civilization, asserting that only progressive rationalists have fought for the rights of marginalized people. The piece also points out the rise of new-age spiritualist movements that present old conservative ideas in a modern guise, challenging rationalists and humanists to counter these forces and promote a scientific temper.

"From the President of FIRA" by Narendra Nayak

Narendra Nayak, President of FIRA, discusses the challenges faced by religious forces in March, referencing scandals within the Roman Catholic Church and among Indian 'godmen.' He critiques the enforced celibacy of clergy, suggesting it may contribute to sexual exploitation, and condemns the suppression of information regarding such incidents. Nayak also addresses the issue of pedophilia and other sexual misconduct, emphasizing that there can be no excuses for such acts. He then turns to the scandals involving Indian godmen, citing an instance of a godman running a call girl racket. The article touches upon land grabbing and other unsavory incidents linked to individuals in positions of power. Nayak also discusses the organizational strength of rationalist movements, highlighting efforts to reach the younger generation through meetings and training programs. He emphasizes the need for dedicated organizations to fearlessly address movement-specific issues and notes the progress in forming a federation at the Karnataka State level.

"ATHEIST EVE: What I Learned from the Pedophilia Scandal" by Tracie Harris

This is a comic strip that satirizes the pedophilia scandal within the Catholic Church. It uses dialogue and imagery to critique the concepts of prayer, forgiveness, and responsibility within the context of the scandal. The comic humorously depicts the church's response to allegations, the concept of 'alms are not about charity,' and the idea of pedophile priests being 'God's mysterious way of creating pedophile priests.' The strip is illustrated by Don Baker and is presented as part of Tracie Harris's "Atheist Eve" series.

"Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam" (Translations by Richard Le Gallienne)

Page 1 features a poetic excerpt from the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, translated by Richard Le Gallienne. The verses reflect on the Koran, questioning its authority and the nature of belief, and express a personal devotion to 'the Book of Love' over religious dogma.

"What is superstition?" Quote by Robert G. Ingersoll

A quote attributed to Robert G. Ingersoll defines superstition as "To disregard the true relation between cause and effect."

Quote by Immanuel Kant

A quote attributed to Immanuel Kant states, "Everything that happens.... presupposes something upon which it follows by rule."

Quote by Ralph W. Emerson

A quote attributed to Ralph W. Emerson states, "Shallow men believe in luck, believe in circumstances. Strong men believe in cause and effect."

Quote by David Hume

A quote attributed to David Hume states, "All reasonings concerning matter of fact [the empirical reality] seem to be founded on the relation of Cause and Effect."

Quote by Emma Goldman

A quote attributed to Emma Goldman, from "The Philosophy of Atheism," praises atheists for their role in advocating for truth, justice, and fidelity, stating that these values are interwoven with social and material life, not fixed or eternal.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are rationalism, naturalism, and the critical examination of religious and supernatural beliefs. The magazine consistently promotes a scientific temper and a causal understanding of reality, while actively challenging communalism, superstition, and religious scandals. The editorial stance is clearly secular, skeptical, and humanistic, advocating for critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning.

Title: Indian Skeptic
Issue: April 2010
Publisher: Indian Skeptic
Country: India
Language: English

This issue of Indian Skeptic delves into critical analyses of Indian society, culture, and the challenges faced by rationalist movements. A significant portion is dedicated to a review of S. Subodh's book, "Culture can Kill," which presents a stark critique of India's traditional and religious underpinnings, arguing they are the root cause of societal stagnation and a lack of progress.

"Culture can Kill" by S. Subodh: A Deep Dive

The review highlights S. Subodh's assertion that India is a "wounded civilisation" on the verge of death unless drastic steps are taken. The author contends that while the world sees India as a potential superpower, its internal cultural fabric is deeply flawed. Subodh's analysis, presented in "Culture can Kill," is described as unconventional and rebellious, stemming from his perturbation over India's degeneration into a "communal cauldron." He identifies the educated intelligentsia's mediocrity and the country's embrace of religious and cultural chauvinism as key issues.

Symptoms of Societal Decay

Subodh argues that Indian culture, inextricably linked to religion, is the primary cause of its problems. He points to fatalism, contentment, irrationality, and an excessive focus on spirituality as detrimental factors. The book dissects the societal disease, identifying slavery to tradition, a sheepish mentality, and gullibility as core issues. The author notes that many in India fail to recognize their backwardness, clinging to myths and refusing to acknowledge problems.

The Role of Religion and Tradition

According to Subodh, all known religions, including Hinduism, promote dogmas requiring blind faith and often consider women inferior. He criticizes the prevalence of idol worship and the unquestioning acceptance of traditions. The book suggests that the Indian society's deep-rooted problems stem from its religion, spirituality, and excessive obsession with both, leading to a belief in myths and a rejection of reason. The author contrasts this with Western societies that have largely shed such restraints.

Causes and Consequences

The book identifies several probable causes for societal diseases, including the failure to empower women, the caste system, a status-conscious society, restricted education, authoritarian culture, an overabundance of spirituality, and isolation from the world. These factors, the author argues, have blocked creativity, innovation, and rationality. The "Hinductive logic" of the Hindu religion, characterized by its ambiguity and misuse of texts, is also critiqued. Subodh posits that while technology can enhance capabilities, it cannot instill critical thinking, emphasizing the need for mental modernization.

The Need for Modernization and Rationalism

Subodh regrets the slow pace of modernization in India, stating that changes are often superficial. He calls for a real modernization of attitudes, beliefs, and values, stressing that becoming rational is a learned process. The author advocates for treating religion as an irrelevance in public life and shedding attachments to religious symbols and practices. He believes that conflicts like Hindu-Muslim tensions are competing ideologies that can be resolved through modernized minds. The book is presented as an eye-opener, encouraging a clean sweep of the past and embracing new ideas, rational attitudes, and technological innovations.

Other Articles and Sections

This issue also includes a section on "Attacks on Humanists," detailing the pressures faced by rationalist movements in India. It mentions instances of fundamentalist Muslims pressurizing the Andhra government and the cancellation of an IHEU international conference in Hyderabad due to visa restrictions. The article also touches upon the "Census 2011," questioning how the rationalist community can use it to further their cause and whether they can declare themselves as a separate category. The issue features a quote from Prof Narendra Nayak, President of the Federation of Indian Rationalist Associations, and a quote from Karl Marx on social existence determining consciousness.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critique of traditional Indian culture and religion, the promotion of rationalism and scientific thinking, and the challenges faced by secular and humanist movements in India. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of modernization, critical thinking, and a secular approach to governance, advocating for a departure from what is perceived as outdated and harmful religious dogma and societal practices. The magazine champions the cause of intellectual freedom and challenges deeply ingrained beliefs that are seen as impediments to societal progress.

Title: Indian Skeptic
Issue Date: April 2010
Content Focus: Skeptical Thinking, Critical Analysis, Science.

Article: Tools for Skeptical Thinking by Carl Sagan

This issue of Indian Skeptic features an extract from Carl Sagan's renowned essay, "The Fine Art of Baloney Detection." The article distills the core tenets of skeptical thinking, emphasizing a rigorous approach to evaluating information and ideas.

Key Principles of Skeptical Thinking:

Sagan outlines several crucial principles for developing a skeptical mindset:

• Independent Confirmation: Wherever possible, seek independent confirmation of facts rather than relying on a single source.
• Substantive Debate: Encourage thorough debate on evidence from knowledgeable proponents of all viewpoints.
• Caution Regarding Authority: Arguments from authority should carry little weight. "Authorities" have made mistakes in the past and will do so again. In science, there are no absolute authorities, only experts.
• Multiple Working Hypotheses: When explaining something, consider all possible explanations and devise tests to systematically disprove each one. The hypothesis that survives this Darwinian selection process has a better chance of being correct.
• Detachment from Hypotheses: Avoid becoming overly attached to a hypothesis simply because it is your own. View it as a temporary step in the pursuit of knowledge. Actively seek reasons to reject your own ideas and compare them fairly with alternatives.
• Quantification: Whenever possible, attach numerical quantities to phenomena. Vague and qualitative descriptions are open to multiple interpretations, making discrimination between competing hypotheses more challenging.
• Integrity of Argument: In any chain of argument, every link, including the premise, must be valid, not just most of them.
• Occam's Razor: This principle suggests that when faced with two hypotheses that explain the data equally well, choose the simpler one.
• Falsifiability: Always ask whether a hypothesis can be, at least in principle, falsified. Untestable or unfalsifiable propositions are not scientifically valuable. Assertions must be verifiable, and others must be able to follow the reasoning, duplicate experiments, and achieve the same results.

Source and Context:

The article is an extract from Sagan's essay, and the full text can be found in his book, "The Demonhaunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark." The principles are presented as essential tools for navigating complex information and avoiding fallacious reasoning.

Accompanying Quote:

On page 32, a quote attributed to Buddha is presented, reinforcing the theme of critical evaluation:

"Believe nothing Merely because you have been told it Or because it is traditional Or because you yourself have imagined it Do not believe what your teacher tells you merely out of respect for the teacher But whatever, after due examination and analysis You find to be conducive to the good, the benefit, The welfare of all beings that doctrine believe and cling to and take it as your guide."

This quote emphasizes that true belief should stem from personal examination and analysis, leading to beneficial outcomes for all, rather than from blind faith in tradition, authority, or personal imagination.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the promotion of critical thinking and scientific skepticism. The editorial stance, as evidenced by the selection of Carl Sagan's work, is strongly in favor of evidence-based reasoning, intellectual honesty, and the application of logical principles to understand the world. The magazine advocates for a cautious, questioning approach to claims, particularly those that lack empirical support or are based on weak arguments. The inclusion of the Buddha quote further broadens the scope of critical inquiry, suggesting that the pursuit of truth and well-being should be guided by reason and verifiable benefit, transcending mere dogma or tradition.