North Texas Skeptic - Vol 22 No 01 - 2008

Magazine Overview

This issue of The North Texas Skeptic, Volume 22, Number 1, dated January 2008, is primarily focused on the ongoing debates and conflicts surrounding creationism, intelligent design, and evolution, particularly within the context of science education and scientific institutions in the United States. The magazine features several articles that critically examine these issues, highlighting legal challenges, policy debates, and the philosophical underpinnings of both scientific and religious viewpoints.

Web News

The lead article, "Web News" by John Blanton, sets the tone by emphasizing the importance of skepticism in navigating information found on the World Wide Web, noting that some of it is true and some is not. The column immediately dives into the contentious issue of creationism, framing it as a significant threat that requires skeptical scrutiny.

Canned for panning

This section details the controversy surrounding Christine Castillo Comer, the Director of Science at the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Comer was asked to resign or face termination after using her agency email to recommend a talk by Barbara Forrest, author of "Creationism's Trojan Horse: The Wedge of Intelligent Design." An employee, Monica Martinez, contended that Comer's action was an endorsement of Forrest and that the TEA should remain neutral on creationism versus evolution. The author argues that the TEA should actively oppose creationism, drawing a parallel to how Child Protective Services would not take a position on pedophilia.

Official leaves post as Texas prepares to debate science education standards

This article, referencing reports from The North Texas Skeptics website and The New York Times, elaborates on the departure of Christine Castillo Comer. After 27 years as a science teacher and 9 as TEA's director of science, Comer believed she did not need to remain "neutral" about teaching evolution. Her dismissal letter cited "misconduct and insubordination." Debbie Ratcliffe, a spokeswoman for the agency, stated Comer resigned and that the agency's role is to enact laws, not inject personal opinions. Comer felt officials were uneasy about the required evolution curriculum and had previously advised sticking to the exact language of the state's biology standards, which include understanding the theory of biological evolution and identifying evidence of change in species.

Biologist fired for beliefs, suit says

This section reports on Nathaniel Abraham, a former researcher at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, who claims he was fired in 2004 because of his creationist beliefs. Abraham's work involved developmental biology, and he allegedly expressed a disinclination to work on evolutionary aspects of the research. He filed a lawsuit seeking $500,000, alleging a violation of his civil rights. David C. Gibbs III, one of Abraham's attorneys, stated that Woods Hole insisted on a belief in evolution. The article contrasts the scientific definition of evolution with creationist rejection of it, noting Abraham's belief that there was no conflict between religion and his job. Woods Hole officials maintained their actions were lawful and did not discriminate based on religion.

Woods Hole states creationist stance at odds with work

This article, by Beth Daley of the Globe Staff, further details Nathaniel Abraham's lawsuit against Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. It highlights the claim that Abraham was dismissed because he does not believe in evolution and that his Christian belief that the Bible presents a true account of human creation led to his termination. The article also includes a skeptical commentary from the author, comparing Abraham's situation to his own semi-retired work and questioning the $500,000 claim.

Denied tenure, astronomer alleges intelligent design witchhunt

This article reports on Guillermo Gonzalez, an Iowa State University astronomer who claims he was denied tenure due to his belief in intelligent design. The Discovery Institute is mentioned as supporting Gonzalez. The article questions the assertion that Intelligent Design is not religious, pointing to the support from religious conservatives. It also scrutinizes Gonzalez's research output and funding compared to his peers, suggesting his claims might be exaggerated.

Matzke drubs Behe in Trends in Ecology and Evolution

This section focuses on Nick Matzke's critique of Michael Behe's book, "The Edge of Evolution." Matzke, writing in Trends in Ecology and Evolution, argues that Behe's central thesis about complex biological structures being beyond random mutation "collapses at every step" and is driven by metaphysics. The article references Matzke's blog posts on The Panda's Thumb, where he summarizes Behe's perceived failures to address scientific opposition effectively. Matzke's background as a former NCSE staffer and his work on the Kitzmiller v. Dover case are highlighted.

Rio Rancho school board rescinds policy on intelligent design

This news brief reports that the Rio Rancho school board in New Mexico voted to dissolve a policy that allowed alternative theories of evolution to be discussed in public school science classes. The policy had been approved in 2005 and rescinded in a 3-2 vote.

Rock of ages, ages of rock

This article, by Hanna Rosin, discusses young Earth creationists and their continued influence, despite the rise of old Earth creationism and Intelligent Design. It describes a gathering of geologists who, despite their academic credentials, adhere to a young Earth timeline based on the biblical account of creation, citing the Great Flood as an explanation for fossils. The article contrasts this with conventional geological timelines.

Evolution battling intelligent design in Florida schools

This article by Brandon Keim discusses the ongoing debate over evolution in Florida's science education. It notes that Florida schools previously received an 'F' from the Fordham Institute for not mentioning evolution. The current controversy arises from proposed standards emphasizing evolution, following the Texas incident. The article reiterates that in a 2005 court case, intelligent design was designated as religion, not science, but its proponents continue to advocate for it.

The Alamo Ghost Hunt

This is a short promotional piece by John Blanton for a ghost hunting tour in San Antonio, Texas. It describes the tour's offerings, including ghost hunting with experienced guides, historically accurate stories, and the use of ghost hunting equipment.

What's new

This section, curated by Robert Park, includes several short articles:

FAITH: THE WAR BETWEEN SCIENCE AND RELIGION.

Robert Park addresses Paul Davies' assertion that science is not entirely free of faith. Park distinguishes between "complete trust or confidence" and "strong belief in a religion based on spiritual conviction rather than proof," arguing that scientific faith is based on experimental proof, making the two meanings of "faith" exact opposites.

"SNAKE OIL SCIENCE: THE TRUTH ABOUT ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE"

This is a brief mention of a book by R. Barker Bausell that explains how the placebo effect is packaged and sold, with an emphasis on acupuncture.

Skeptic Ink

This section features a comic strip by Prasad Golla and John Blanton, with a humorous exchange about Texas, its spaces, cultural life, and schools. It also includes a brief commentary on the anthropic principle and a book review.

THE FAITH WAR: WHAT CONNECTS SCIENTISTS OF FAITH?

This article discusses the Templeton Prize and its recipients, noting that many physicists have received it. It explores the idea that science and religion can be seen as two different windows onto the same landscape, referencing the anthropic principle as a concept used by some recipients.

ANTHROPIC PRINCIPLE: SOME THINK IT PROVES THERE IS A GOD.

This short piece explains the anthropic principle, particularly its "strong form," which suggests the universe's fundamental parameters are fine-tuned to permit the creation of observers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the defense of scientific principles against what the magazine perceives as the encroachment of pseudoscience and religiously motivated ideologies, particularly creationism and intelligent design. The editorial stance is clearly pro-science and skeptical of claims not supported by empirical evidence and rigorous testing. The magazine actively promotes critical thinking and the separation of church and state in educational contexts. It highlights instances where scientific integrity is challenged by political or religious agendas and advocates for a rational, evidence-based approach to understanding the world. The inclusion of a ghost hunting as a separate, non-skeptical item suggests a broad interest in phenomena, but the core editorial focus remains on debunking pseudoscience and defending established scientific theories.