North Texas Skeptic - Vol 13 No 12 - 1999

Magazine Overview

The December 1999 issue of The Newsletter of The North Texas Skeptics features a cover story on the format change of Dallas radio station KPBC 770 AM, alongside articles on "Cult archaeology in Rockwall" and "Skeptical ink." The newsletter is published by The North Texas Skeptics and is identified as Volume 13, Number 12, dated December 1999.

Dallas radio station abandons controversial religious programming

This article by Daniel Barnett details the cessation of KPBC 770 AM, a Christian station known as "The Witness," on November 1, 1999. It was replaced by KAAM, which adopted an eclectic oldies/big band format. The station's receptionist confirmed that staff would not be downsized and that management recognized a niche for big band music in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, given the abundance of other Christian radio stations. KPBC, owned by Crawford Broadcasting Company, was one of the oldest religious stations in North Texas, having aired programs on financial planning, sermons, and gospel music. It also hosted a talk show featuring televangelist watchdog Ole Anthony. From a skeptical perspective, KPBC aired programs promoting faith healing, "New World Order" conspiracies, and dubious medical products.

The article highlights Kenneth E. Hagin, an Oklahoma-based faith healer influential in the "name it and claim it" theology, which posits that miracles can occur through positive confession of faith. Hagin's statements on faith healing are quoted, emphasizing that confession of healing makes it a reality regardless of symptoms. The piece also discusses critics of this theology, citing the example of Hobart E. Freeman, a former Hagin disciple who died from a treatable illness after refusing medical attention.

Another faith healer, Daniel Rodes, is discussed in relation to The Prophecy Club, which had daily broadcasts on KPBC. Rodes shared a vision where God allegedly explained sexual assaults were due to male doctors handling women's genitalia during childbirth. Stan Johnson, host of The Prophecy Club, expressed strong agreement with Rodes' views, stating his wife would not see a male doctor. The author suggests that followers of The Prophecy Club might discourage women from higher education and professional careers, drawing a parallel to historical opposition from some fundamentalist Christian pastors towards women's rights.

The Prophecy Club's broadcasts also covered conspiracy theories concerning the Oklahoma City bombing, evolution, Freemasons, and alleged concentration camps for fundamentalist Christians. Many of these theories revolved around the resurgence of Communism, despite the Soviet Union's disintegration, with speakers claiming Communists were merely "playing possum." The Church of God Evangelistic Association, based in Waxahachie, Texas, also broadcast its "Newswatch Magazine" program on KPBC, with pastor David J. Smith warning about the dangers of Communism and a potential one-world government. An excerpt from "Newswatch Magazine" is included, posing rhetorical questions about Texas citizens being subjected to a Communist/UN government and Russian peacekeeping troops.

Richard L. McLaren, associated with the Republic of Texas secessionist movement, is mentioned, with contact information provided. Smith had previously supported McLaren, who, along with supporters, was later arrested after a standoff in West Texas.

The article also examines "Feeling Good Naturally," a program produced by Bee-Alive, Inc., which advertised royal jelly supplements. Madeline Balletta, president of Bee-Alive, claimed that God uses natural substances like royal jelly for health restoration. The company sold royal jelly preparations for $99 to $125 for a three-month supply. Research indicates Bee-Alive had previously faced warnings from the Food and Drug Administration for making illegal claims about its products' efficacy in treating ailments like asthma and Alzheimer's. Despite promises to cease, the company continued to make claims, leading to a 1992 federal court order for the destruction of Bee-Alive products.

Following KPBC's demise, its programs sought new homes. "Newswatch Magazine" is available via shortwave radio. Madeline Balletta's Bee-Alive products are still advertised on KSKY 660AM, and Kenneth Hagin continues to preach faith healing on the same station. The Prophecy Club's broadcasts moved to KWRD 94.9 FM at 4:30 AM.

Other programs previously aired on KPBC included "America's Hope," "Southwest Radio Church," "The Miracle Revival Hour" (hosted by David Paul), and "Catch the Fire." The author concludes by emphasizing the need for evidence when claims are made about healing, world domination, or medical breakthroughs, stating a readiness to examine such claims skeptically.

Cult archaeology in Rockwall

This article by James Cunliffe addresses the "rock wall" structure discovered in Rockwall, Texas. The structures, composed of brown sandstone blocks, have been interpreted by geologists as natural sandstone dikes. However, some individuals, like John Lindsey, propose they are remnants of an ancient city, "Quivera," constructed 30,000 to 100,000 years ago. Lindsey's hypothesis suggests the city was buried by marine sediments during a global ice age flood.

Cunliffe refutes Lindsey's claims by presenting geological evidence. He points out that sand dikes can form along joints, not just faults, and that faults do exist in Rockwall County. He also discusses the Balcones Fault Zone and the Ouachita Tectonic Belt, arguing that Lindsey misinterpreted geological maps. Cunliffe explains that the cracks forming the blocks are likely joints or due to unloading and weathering, not indicative of a man-made structure. He also challenges Lindsey's claim that the stone is unique, noting that the Marlboro Marl and Wolf City Formation provide a source for the sandstone.

Lindsey's assertion that the rock is heavier than granite is explained by the presence of minerals like marcasite in some dikes. His claim about the blue shale being deposited by a 12,000-year-old ice age flood is dismissed, with Cunliffe citing evidence of falling sea levels during ice ages. Furthermore, Cunliffe found no evidence of metamorphism in the rock samples, contrary to Lindsey's claims, and identified the rock as calcite-cemented sandstone, consistent with the Wolf City Formation.

The article concludes that the rock wall is a natural geological formation, a sandstone dike, and that Lindsey's interpretation is based on misinterpretations and a lack of thorough research. Part 1 of this article ends here, with Part 2 to be published in the January 2000 issue.

Skeptical, Inc.

This section features a comic strip titled "Skeptical, Inc." by Prasad Golla and John Blanton. The comic depicts a psychic claiming to see the future and offer help for $300, only to be revealed as a police officer about to make an arrest. The copyright is 1999, and free, non-commercial reuse is permitted.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes a skeptical viewpoint, critically examining claims related to paranormal phenomena, alternative medicine, conspiracy theories, and pseudoscientific interpretations of natural events. The editorial stance is to demand evidence and apply critical thinking to extraordinary claims. The articles in this issue scrutinize religious broadcasting, faith healing, dubious health supplements, and unconventional archaeological theories, contrasting them with scientific explanations and evidence-based reasoning. The publication encourages readers to question and investigate claims rather than accepting them at face value.