North Texas Skeptic - Vol 19 No 07 - 2005

Magazine Overview

Title: The North Texas Skeptic
Issue: July 2005, Volume 19, Number 7
Publisher: The North Texas Skeptics
Country: USA
Language: English
Website: http://www.ntskeptics.org

This issue of The North Texas Skeptic delves into several topics related to science, skepticism, and pseudoscience, with a particular focus on the ongoing debate surrounding evolution and Intelligent Design.

Einstein and Darwin: Intelligent Design Or Evolution?

This lead article by John Blanton examines the claims made by Tom Barrett of Conservative Truth regarding Intelligent Design (ID). Barrett suggests that millions of scientists, including Albert Einstein, do not blindly accept Darwin's theory of evolution and instead embrace ID. Blanton questions these assertions, noting that while scientists should explore all theories, the censorship of ID in schools is a concern for some. He critiques the idea that evolution is a matter of blind faith, suggesting that scientists have their own theories of evolution. The article also touches upon the Dover, Pennsylvania school board's decision to incorporate ID into the curriculum and notes that many ID proponents are not religious.

Creationism at the Smithsonian

This section reports on the controversy surrounding the Smithsonian Institution's planned screening of the creationist video "The Privileged Planet," produced by Illustra Media and funded by the Discovery Institute. The Smithsonian initially agreed to co-sponsor the event in exchange for a $16,000 contribution but later withdrew, citing that the film was not consistent with the museum's mission. The article highlights the financial backing from organizations like the Crowell Trust and the Discovery Institute, which promotes Intelligent Design.

I Flunked Scientology Stress Test – And It'll Cost Big For Their 'Cure'

By Marianne Garvey, this article details a personal experience with Scientology. Garvey describes taking a personality test and life evaluation, which led to a diagnosis of hating everyone, including herself. She was advised to purchase Scientology books and attend classes to overcome negative influences and achieve a state of 'clear.' The article also mentions the use of an 'e-meter' in Scientology's 'stress test' and the organization's claims about raising IQ and helping people overcome issues like dyslexia and drug addiction. The author recounts a friend's similarly negative experience with the Scientology test.

Homeopathy at 250: the power of medicine that does no harm.

Robert Park's column discusses homeopathy on its 250th anniversary, founded by Samuel Hahnemann. The article critiques the principles of 'law of similars' and 'law of infinitesimals,' particularly the extreme dilutions used, and notes that homeopathy was exempted from the Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act in 1938. It also mentions a controversial study from Columbia University about the efficacy of prayers in fertility treatments and Harvard's ties to alternative medicine, including a partnership between the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and Tai Sophia Institute.

Constitution: Louisiana school district doesn't have a prayer.

This piece recounts the legal battles in the Tangipahoa Parish school board, which attempted to require teachers to read a disclaimer before teaching evolution. After repeated court losses, including an appeal to the Supreme Court, the board continued to face legal challenges regarding prayers at school functions.

Privileged religion: Smithsonian will show a faith-based film.

This article revisits the Smithsonian's involvement with "The Privileged Planet," noting that the Discovery Institute is using the event to promote Intelligent Design. It questions the funding sources for the film, mentioning the Crowell Trust and the Templeton Foundation. The article also discusses another Discovery Institute film, "Unlocking the Mystery of Life," which was pulled by a PBS station due to its funding from evangelical Christian groups.

If you doubt Vaudeville lives, watch evolution debate

This short piece by John Hanna likens the ongoing debates about evolution and creationism to Vaudeville, suggesting a familiar script and recycled arguments are used by the participants.

What's new

This section includes various short news items and commentary, including the discussion on homeopathy, the partnership between Tai Sophia and Penn Med, and the legal challenges in Louisiana regarding evolution education. It also mentions the Smithsonian's screening of "The Privileged Planet" and another Discovery Institute film.

Skeptic Ink

This section features a comic strip by Prasad Golla and John Blanton, with one panel humorously depicting the dilution principle of homeopathy and another touching on the dangers of medication overdose.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The North Texas Skeptic consistently adopts a skeptical and critical stance towards pseudoscience, religious fundamentalism, and claims that lack scientific evidence. The magazine actively debunks topics such as Intelligent Design, homeopathy, and Scientology, advocating for evidence-based reasoning and scientific inquiry. The editorial stance champions critical thinking and challenges what it perceives as the encroachment of non-scientific beliefs into public discourse, particularly in education and scientific institutions. The publication also provides resources and links for readers to explore these topics further.