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North Texas Skeptic - Vol 21 No 02 - 2007
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The North Texas Skeptic, Volume 21, Number 2, published in February 2007, is a magazine focused on promoting skepticism and scientific inquiry. This issue prominently features 'Evolution Sunday,' an event aimed at reconciling religious faith with evolutionary science, and…
Magazine Overview
The North Texas Skeptic, Volume 21, Number 2, published in February 2007, is a magazine focused on promoting skepticism and scientific inquiry. This issue prominently features 'Evolution Sunday,' an event aimed at reconciling religious faith with evolutionary science, and includes discussions on the debate between evolution and creationism.
Evolution Sunday
The lead article, "Evolution Sunday," by John Blanton, reports on the global observance of Evolution Sunday on February 11th. Hundreds of congregations participated in sermons and educational events to demonstrate that religion and science can coexist. The article mentions Susan Cogan, who will speak on "Why Darwin Matters," emphasizing that believers can accept evolution. It also notes that February 12th, Darwin's birthday, will be observed as "Darwin Day" with a screening of the film "Inherit the Wind." The initiative was instigated by Michael Zimmerman, a biology professor who believes most clergy accept evolution and do not want creationism taught in schools, citing participation from rural areas and the Midwest.
The Debate on Evolution and Creationism
Page 2 delves deeper into the discussion, detailing Zimmerman's efforts through the Clergy Letter Project, signed by over 10,000 clergy, to counter creationist claims that evolution conflicts with Christian beliefs. The letter asserts that while Christians hold the Bible as authoritative, most do not read it literally and can reconcile its timeless truths with modern science. The article also presents a counter-argument from Jonathan Wells, writing in the Yale Daily News, who cautions against accepting Darwinism. Wells argues that evolutionary theory, which posits that all living things descended from a common ancestor through unguided natural processes, denies a divinely created order. He claims that polls show a significant majority of Americans do not accept this view and that Darwinists rely on taxpayer support. Wells' book, "Icons of Evolution," is mentioned as a critique of ten supposed pillars of evolutionary theory.
Other Articles and Features
What's New
This section, by Robert Park, includes several news clippings:
- Washington: The Administration Suppresses Climate Findings: This report discusses accusations that the administration interfered with federal climate research, citing a survey by the Union of Concerned Scientists and the Government Accountability Project.
- Grand Canyon: A Gorge That Separates Science From Ideology: This piece revisits the story of a creationist book sold in Grand Canyon National Park and allegations that Park Service employees were prevented from giving official estimates of the canyon's age. The article acknowledges that the initial charge may have been fabricated, with Michael Shermer of Skeptic magazine credited for ferreting out the truth.
- Terrorism 2007: Pat Robertson Has Been Talking to God Again: This report notes Pat Robertson's claim, made on "The 700 Club," that God predicted a terrorist attack on the U.S. in late 2007.
- Earthquacks: Scientists in China Observed Behaving Strangely: This article discusses a report from China that snakes can sense earthquakes up to five days in advance due to erratic behavior, with scientists installing cameras at a snake farm to monitor them.
NTS Election of Officers
Page 4 details the election of new board members and officers for The North Texas Skeptics for the upcoming year. John Brandt was elected President, Kristine Danowski Vice President, Mike Selby Secretary, and Mark Meyer Treasurer. The staff includes Keith Blanton as Newsletter Editor and John Blanton as Webmaster.
The Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal
This section describes the mission of the committee, which encourages critical investigation of paranormal and fringe-science claims and promotes science education and critical thinking. It also mentions "The Skeptical Inquirer" magazine, published bimonthly by the committee.
Skeptic Ink
A comic strip by Prasad Golla and John Blanton is included, featuring a humorous exchange about an asteroid prediction.
Events Calendar
The magazine lists upcoming events, including a February program on alchemy with Kristine Danowski, an NTS social dinner/board meeting, and a plastics recycling lecture at UT Dallas.
Future Meeting Dates
A schedule of future meeting dates for The North Texas Skeptics is provided.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue are the intersection of science and religion, the promotion of critical thinking and skepticism, and the dissemination of information on scientific topics. The editorial stance is clearly pro-science and skeptical of pseudoscientific claims, as evidenced by the publication's name and the content of its articles, which aim to counter creationist arguments and highlight scientific findings. The magazine also serves as a platform for organizational news and events for The North Texas Skeptics.