North Texas Skeptic - Vol 12 No 06 - 1998

Magazine Overview

This issue of "The Newsletter of The North Texas Skeptics," titled "The Skeptic," Volume 12, Number 6, dated July 1998, focuses on skeptical viewpoints across various topics including creationism, UFOs, and the organization Scientology. The cover features a stylized Texas outline with a lightning bolt and the publication's name.

Show Me God

This article by John Blanton details a debate between skeptic Bernard Leikind and neo-creationist Fred Heeren on the McCuistion show on KDTN-TV. Leikind, known for debunking motivational speakers, and Heeren, author of "Show Me God," engaged in a discussion that was attended by members of the North Texas Skeptics and the North Texas Church of Free Thought. The studio audience was largely hostile to Heeren, with one clergyman expressing his opposition to scientists trying to justify Christian faith. Heeren's views included acceptance of the Big Bang, the Genesis creation accounts, the Flood, and the Resurrection. The debate touched upon what evidence would be required to change one's beliefs, with Leikind suggesting something extraordinary and Heeren not conceding any ground. The article also praises host Dennis McCuistion for tackling thorny issues.

The Third Eye

Written by Pat Reeder, this section covers several disparate topics. It begins by humorously addressing rock singer Tori Amos's analogy comparing skeptics to Nazis for not believing in fairies, pointing out the factual difference in existence. The article then discusses a 1981 Australian news story about "The Book of Predictions," which foretold futuristic clothing and interstellar travel by 2001. A significant portion of the article is dedicated to the controversy surrounding a Washington Post front-page story about the Society for Scientific Exploration (SSE) announcing baffling UFO evidence. The New York Post is quoted as blistering the Washington Post for being deceived by what it called a "lunatic fringe" organization, dismissing SSE's other research topics and asserting a lack of credible UFO evidence. The article also critiques the Clinton administration's promotion of Scientology and highlights a Dateline NBC report on Bob Minton, a philanthropist who has funded efforts against Scientology. Minton's experiences with a smear campaign orchestrated by Scientology are detailed, including accusations against his relatives and ex-wives. The author expresses frustration with the government's support for Scientology and tax-free status. Finally, the article touches upon the cultural impact of "The X-Files" and other media on public belief in the paranormal, citing a Purdue University professor's research on how watching such shows influences beliefs. A list is provided to help inoculate viewers against such influences, humorously stating that "The X-Files is fiction," "The people on Star Trek shows are actors," and "Yoda is a Muppet."

The author's wife, Laura, is mentioned for her role as Emily Dickinson in a play.

Creation Science Education

John Blanton's article examines the creationist movement's push to teach "creation science" in public schools. Blanton argues that creationists often do not want to teach creationism itself but rather aim to prevent the teaching of evolution. He notes that creationists tend to avoid public schools for their own children when alternatives exist. The article discusses the Metroplex Institute of Origin Science (MIOS), a local creationist organization, and its lectures, which often focus on critiquing mainstream science rather than presenting creationist models. Don Patton, identified as a Ph.D. Geologist, and Wayne Spencer, who has an MS in physics, are mentioned as speakers at MIOS. Spencer's website is noted for its discussion of the Solar System, though it includes a young-Earth perspective. The article also introduces David Bassett, who heads the science department at Ovilla Christian School and presents arguments for the recent existence of dinosaurs, citing literature and historical accounts. Carl Baugh's Creation Evidence Museum near Glen Rose, Texas, is described as a showcase for young-Earth creationism, detailing Baugh's interpretation of Genesis and scientific concepts. The article critiques the academic credentials of several creationist figures, including Baugh and Patton, suggesting they obtained degrees from "diploma mills" or lacked legitimate college degrees. Harold Slusher, also noted as having a Ph.D. from a diploma mill, is mentioned. Thomas G. Barnes, an emeritus professor of physics, is also discussed in the context of his young-Earth views. Dr. Kent Hovind's explanation of carbon-14 dating is presented as flawed. The article also addresses the "cytochrome c argument" used by creationists against evolutionary theory, explaining why the differences in protein sequences between species are consistent with evolution. It concludes by referencing a court decision that found teachers unable to find anything to teach when ordered to teach creationism in science classes, reinforcing the idea that the real issue for creationists is preventing the teaching of evolution.

What's New

This section, by Robert L. Park, provides brief updates on several topics:

1. UFOS: CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE WORST KIND: Reports on a Rockefeller-funded panel of scientific experts examining alien abductions and related phenomena. The panel concluded that some phenomena are not easily explainable and that further investigation could lead to scientific advances, suggesting government funding for serious scientists.
2. EMF: HEALTH PANEL EXHUMES REMAINS OF POWER-LINE CONTROVERSY: Discusses a National Cancer Institute study that found no link between EMF exposure and childhood leukemia. Despite this, a panel assembled by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences voted 19-9 to classify EMF as "a possible carcinogen," advocating for continued research funding.
3. SCIENCE LITERACY: NOT SURE ABOUT THE HELIOCENTRIC MODEL?: Cites a 1998 Science and Engineering Indicators report by NSF, revealing that 27% of adults surveyed believe the sun orbits the Earth, and over half believe atoms are smaller than electrons. Despite these findings, the article notes that interest in science and belief in its promise remain high in America.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards pseudoscientific claims, particularly creationism and UFO phenomena, and a critical examination of organizations and individuals promoting such ideas. The newsletter consistently advocates for scientific rigor, evidence-based reasoning, and critical thinking. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of mainstream science and against what it perceives as the distortion or misrepresentation of scientific principles for religious or other agendas. The publication actively debunks creationist arguments, questions the credentials of prominent creationists, and highlights the importance of science literacy. There is also a critical perspective on the media's portrayal of scientific and pseudoscientific topics, as seen in the discussion of "The X-Files" and the reporting on UFO evidence.