North Texas Skeptic - Vol 01 No 02 - 1987

Magazine Overview

This document is the Fall 1987 issue (Volume 1, Number 2) of "The Skeptic," the newsletter of The North Texas Skeptics (NTS). It features articles, reports, and a calendar of events, focusing on skepticism, science, and the debunking of pseudoscientific claims.

Comments from the Chair

Ron J. Hastings, Ph.D., the initial chairperson of the newly reformed NTS, welcomes readers and expresses hope that the column will be a forum for thoughtful commentary. He thanks patrons and especially Jim and Vicki Hinson-Smith for their contributions. Hastings clarifies that NTS is mutually supportive but autonomous from CSICOP (Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal) and encourages readers to subscribe to CSICOP's journal, Skeptical Inquirer (SI). He introduces the NTS Charter goals using the mnemonic IESI: Information (clearinghouse), Education (promoting public education), Scientific Inquiry (expounding scientific knowledge), and Investigations (calling for systematic inquiry).

Co-Chairman's Report

Mark Mateer, Co-Chairman, reports on the NTS's enjoyable meetings and positive publicity from the Dallas Times Herald. He details the NTS's involvement in debunking the creationist claim of Rev. Carl Baugh finding a human tooth of Cretaceous age near the Paluxy River, a claim that had gained traction via local media. Hastings's investigation, which involved the Times Herald, aimed to prevent such claims from going unchallenged and potentially influencing school texts. Mateer also mentions NTS secretary John Thomas's successful radio debate on KERA against a local astrologer regarding the 'harmonic convergence,' noting that the paranormal community's pseudo-scientific viewpoint appeared weak. A significant ongoing project is the compilation of a bibliography of rationalist literature for school libraries, with a deadline of mid-September.

Supreme Court quashes creationists

This article discusses the U.S. Supreme Court's June affirmation of a trial court decision that the Louisiana Balanced Treatment Act was unconstitutional. The Act required teaching 'creation science' alongside evolution in public schools, defined as 'scientific evidences for [creation or evolution] and inferences from those scientific evidences.' The court found that the Act's purpose was not to promote academic freedom but to discredit evolution and advance religion, violating the establishment clause of the First Amendment. The article notes the dissenting opinion by Justice Scalia and Chief Justice Rhenquist, who argued for a remand to the District Court for a full hearing of evidence, suggesting a stricter judicial view on striking down state laws. The moral for opponents of creationism is to challenge it on its merits in public discourse and legislative arenas, not solely in the courts.

"Glen Rose Man" identified, something "fishy" going on?

By Ronnie J. Hastings, Ph.D., this article scrutinizes Rev. Carl Baugh's claim of finding a human tooth from the Cretaceous period, presented as evidence to 'topple evolution.' Hastings reports that paleontologist Wann Langston, Jr. identified Baugh's teeth as belonging to pycnodonts, Mesozoic bony fishes. Worn-down incisors of these fish could superficially resemble human dentition. Such remains are compatible with the known Cretaceous ecology of the Glen Rose limestone. The article draws a parallel to the debunked 'Nebraska Man' (a pig's tooth) and suggests 'Glen Rose Man' is similarly a misidentification, possibly a fish tooth. It also notes Baugh's failure to submit a claimed 'trilobite' for identification.

Book Reviews

Books of the "New Age"

This section reviews two books related to the "New Age" movement: "The Aquarian Conspiracy" by Marilyn Ferguson and "Crystal Power" by Michael C. Smith. The reviewer finds "The Aquarian Conspiracy" more interesting, describing its premise of an enlightened conspiracy driving social change. The book's core idea is Holism, the concept that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, contrasted with Determinism. The reviewer criticizes Ferguson for denying the flexibility of these views and for presenting her ideas as a new paradigm, drawing heavily from Eastern religions without full integration, leading to a "wishy washy Zen" philosophy. The book's themes include the bankruptcy of Western thought, inadequacy of religions, importance of psychic power, and societal restructuring. The reviewer faults the book for its circular argument, assuming its premises rather than proving them, and for its disorganized structure. The author's critique of Darwin's theory of evolution is highlighted as a significant inaccuracy. Despite its flaws, the book is seen as demonstrating the weak foundation of the New Age movement.

"Crystal Power" is mentioned as a "practical" handbook on using mineral crystals for psychic power, with its review deferred to the next issue.

Fellows elect new board

This section reports on a meeting of NTS fellows held on July 22, 1987. Resignations of James P. Smith (Co-Chair) and Vicki Hinson-Smith (Liaison), and Mary Hunter (Secretary) were accepted. Mary Hunter was appointed Archives Chair, and Mark Mateer was appointed Program Chair. Mark Mateer was nominated and elected Co-Chair, and John A. Thomas was elected Secretary. The position of Liaison was left temporarily open, with a need for someone experienced in newsletter production and media relations.

North Texas Skeptics fall calendar

The newsletter provides a schedule of upcoming NTS events for Fall 1987:

• September: Mark Mateer will speak on "New Age crystal power" at Brookhaven College.
• October: Dr. Ron Hastings will discuss the "Glen Rose Man" find, presenting evidence to show it is not uniquely human.
• November: Dr. Frank Harrold, an anthropologist at UTA, will speak on the culture of paranormal belief systems and the persistence of irrational beliefs.

Details for the October and November locations were to be announced by postcard.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards pseudoscientific claims (creationism, New Age beliefs, alleged fossil finds), the importance of scientific inquiry and education, and the promotion of rational thought. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific methodology and critical thinking, actively seeking to debunk misinformation and educate the public on scientific principles. The NTS positions itself as an organization dedicated to providing accurate information and fostering a skeptical approach to extraordinary claims.