NIVFO

Magazine Overview

This issue of NIVFO, dated November 26, 1988, features a cover story titled "Avsløringen uteble!" (The Revelation Was Cancelled!), highlighting the cancellation of an event organized by the Norwegian Institute for Scientific Research and Information (NIVFO).

Cover Story: The Cancelled Revelation

The main article discusses NIVFO's announcement of a 50,000 kroner reward for anyone who could demonstrate paranormal abilities. However, the entire event was called off. The reason cited by NIVFO was the unavailability of the American magician and skeptic James Randi, who was supposed to be the key figure in debunking claims. The magazine notes that no candidates had come forward even before the cancellation. Readers like Karl Bruun from Røros express skepticism about NIVFO's methods and past reward offers, calling the current offer "pure bluff." Another reader points out that NIVFO Oslo offered a relatively small sum compared to a previous offer of 2.5 million kroner by NIVFO Trondheim to psychics in Trøndelag.

The article also touches upon the change in personnel for the magazine's clipping and pasting duties, with Lisbeth Johnsen taking over from Kari Anne Sørensen, who had to step down due to other commitments. The author humorously suggests buying a large pizza to persuade Kari Anne to continue.

UFO Sightings in Norway

The issue includes several reports of UFO sightings from different parts of Norway:

• Tvedalen: A man reported seeing a ring of luminous points in the sky for over half an hour early on a Tuesday morning. The ring was circular, with points as bright as stars, and appeared larger than a full moon. It moved slowly from east to west.
• Vealøs: A reader from Skien reported a luminous object on the southern side of Vealøs peak that remained stationary.
• Lofoten: A resident of Vestvågøy described seeing three luminous spheres in the evening sky. One moved from southeast to northwest, another turned west, and the third moved straight up before disappearing. The observer used binoculars to study the spheres.

NIVFO's Stance and Christian Counterpoint

The magazine presents a critical view of NIVFO's approach, particularly their rigid stance against anything considered metaphysical or paranormal, often labeling it as "false science and humbug." The article questions how NIVFO can claim to have theologians within its organization if they dismiss biblical miracles. It argues that the spiritual or psychic world cannot be measured by physical methods and that James Randi, while skilled at debunking, does not disprove the existence of genuine miracles.

A separate article features Pastor Petter Moltzau of the Adventkirken in Halden and Fredrikstad. He delivered a series of sermons titled "Håpets Port" (Hope's Gate), which concluded with a discussion on UFOs, the occult, and the Second Coming of Christ. Pastor Moltzau views UFOs as "the Devil's work" and a form of demonic manipulation designed to deceive people, especially in light of the growing interest in the occult. He believes that the phenomenon itself, regardless of its reality, has a dangerous, captivating effect on the human mind and serves as a tool for the Devil to preempt Christ's return.

NIVFO Board Meeting Report

A report from the NIVFO board meeting held on October 8, 1988, details several administrative and financial decisions:

• Subscription for 1989: Text for the 1989 "UFO" subscription was finalized, including prices for subscriptions and supporting memberships.
• Binding of "UFO" Volumes: Complete annual volumes of "UFO" will be sent to Odd-Gunnar Røed for storage in a fireproof safe.
• Financial Matters: Efforts will be made to transfer funds to high-interest accounts. The "Prosjekt Hessdalen" account had approximately 12,146 kroner, UFO-Norge's Project Fund had 2,628 kroner, and the "UFO" magazine account had 38,474 kroner as of mid-October 1988. The latter will contribute 2,500 kroner to the UFO-Norge Project Fund at the end of the year.
• Report Forms: A new, simplified report form, adapted from SUFOI's old system, will be distributed to department leaders. These leaders will handle functions previously managed by the central "Rapportsentralen." The address for the central reporting will be updated.
• International Cooperation: The possibility of NIVFO engaging in data processing of its reports was discussed, with potential partners like Project URD, ScanCat, and UNICAT mentioned. Further information was to be sought from ScanCat and UNICAT.
• Nordic UFO Newsletter: The newsletter will change its name to "UFO-NORWAY NEWS" starting in 1989 and will focus exclusively on Norwegian reports and material. Knut Aasheim was tasked with designing a new cover.
• Miscellaneous: Mentz Kaarbø was to write the report from the general meeting and the lead article for "UFO" No. 3.

Personal Notes

Odd-Gunnar Røed concludes the editorial section with a brief note about the approaching Christmas and New Year, wishing readers a happy holiday season.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings in Norway, the ongoing debate between skepticism and belief in the paranormal, and a distinctly Christian perspective that views UFO phenomena as potentially deceptive. The editorial stance appears critical of NIVFO's methods and public pronouncements, while also acknowledging the existence of fraud and humbug in the paranormal field. The magazine seems to provide a platform for both eyewitness accounts and critical analysis, often framed by a religious viewpoint.