North Texas Skeptic - Vol 15 No 12 - 2001

Magazine Overview

Title: The North Texas Skeptic
Issue: Volume 15, Number 12
Date: December 2001
Publisher: The North Texas Skeptics
Country: US
Language: English

This issue of The North Texas Skeptic delves into two primary topics: the ongoing debate between Darwinian evolution and creationism/intelligent design, and a critical examination of alternative medicine, specifically gemstone therapy.

The Death of Darwinism

Authored by John Blanton, this article critiques an issue of 'Impact' (No. 341) from the Institute for Creation Research (ICR), titled 'The Imminent Death of Darwinism and the Rise of Intelligent Design.' The ICR, described as a prominent young Earth creationist (YEC) group, was founded in 1970. The article highlights ICR Senior V.P. Duane Gish's history of debating mainstream scientists on topics conflicting with creationism.

The focus then shifts to G.J. Brewer, whose article in 'Impact' argues that modern biology, particularly DNA sequence information and the concept of irreducible complexity (citing Behe's 'Darwin's Black Box'), should lead scientists to abandon Darwin's theory in favor of intelligent design or Biblical creation. Brewer, a biologist with a Ph.D. from UCSD and postdoctoral work at MIT, is listed by ICR as a creation scientist.

The article explains the concept of common ancestry through DNA similarities, illustrating it with a diagram of the Last Unknown Common Ancestor (LUCA). Brewer, however, emphasizes the differences in DNA sequences rather than similarities, suggesting that these differences support a model of independent origins, akin to a 'shrub' or 'grass,' which he aligns with the Genesis account of creation. He points to the low percentage of common proteins and unique genes in *E. coli* as evidence against common ancestry.

The author of 'The North Texas Skeptic' article counters Brewer's argument by stating that Brewer conveniently ignores that they are looking at modern organisms and redraws the tree of life to show a complete evolutionary path. The article also touches upon Michael Behe's argument of irreducible complexity, which posits that certain features could not have evolved through gradual Darwinian processes due to the requirement of multiple simultaneous mutations.

Note from the Secretary

Authored by John Blanton, this section marks the end of the first year of the twenty-first century. Blanton notes the global reach of information through the internet and the receipt of both supportive and critical feedback. He introduces an article on gem therapy submitted by a reader from India, stating that it is not from a skeptical viewpoint but is included to illustrate beliefs taken on faith. He also mentions a companion piece by NTS board member Prasad Golla.

Gemstone Therapy:

This section features two articles on gemstone therapy. The first, by V.K. JAIN from Dehradun, India, presents gemstone therapy as a technique to combat tumor growth. Jain describes tumors as complex abnormal growths, differentiating between benign and malignant types. He suggests that toxic waste accumulation in the body contributes to tumor formation. The article lists various tumor types and discusses conventional treatments like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, highlighting their limitations and side effects. Jain proposes that a change in lifestyle, diet, and environment, along with improved waste elimination, is crucial. Gemstone therapy is presented as a natural and ancient science that functions through the association of colors emitted by planets, influencing human behavior and actions. The therapy aims to rebalance 'color energy' centers in the body by using gemstones to provide specific color rays. Jain reports conducting experiments where unexamined tumors were restored to normal conditions within 6 to 36 months, though he advises regular medical monitoring.

A Note from Prasad Golla on Gemstone Therapy

Prasad Golla expresses his reluctance to publish Jain's article, fearing it might lend legitimacy to pseudo-scientific claims. He questions the scientific basis of gemstone therapy, noting that gems are primarily chemical compounds and elements whose structure, while unique, has no scientifically proven extraordinary powers to influence living tissues. Golla critiques Jain's premise, stating that the concept relies on astrology, which he disputes, and that there is no scientific evidence for colors radiating from gems influencing organs. He argues that the interaction of gem colors and planetary 'self-rays' has no scientific basis and would require a Nobel Prize to prove. Golla shares a personal anecdote about losing his grandmother to a tumor and advises against seeking 'alternative' treatments, suggesting that only those selling gemstones benefit from such practices.

Skeptical Ink

This section features a comic strip by Prasad Golla and John Blanton, copyrighted in 2001. The comic depicts a fortune teller making predictions, with the final panel humorously referencing Mr. bin Laden and the year 2002.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a skeptical stance, critically examining claims that lack scientific evidence. The articles on Darwinism and gemstone therapy exemplify this approach, with the editors actively questioning and refuting arguments based on faith, pseudoscience, or misinterpretations of scientific data. The publication aims to promote critical thinking and provide a platform for reasoned discourse on controversial topics.