North Texas Skeptic - Vol 22 No 02 - 2008

Magazine Overview

The North Texas Skeptic, Volume 22, Number 2, published in February 2008, is a publication focused on exploring paranormal and pseudoscientific claims from a responsible and scientific point of view. This issue features a cover story titled "Sex and genetics before the flood" by Erling Beck, which critically examines an article from Newswatch Magazine.

Sex and genetics before the flood

Erling Beck's article scrutinizes a December 2007 article from Newswatch Magazine, a publication of the Church of God Evangelistic Association. The Newswatch article, titled "History Before the Flood" (Part 2) and likely written by editor David J. Smith, presents bizarre claims about events preceding the biblical flood. According to the Newswatch article, angels became sexually attracted to human females and cross-bred with them, resulting in 14-20 foot tall giants. These giants, described as 'Frankenstein monsters,' allegedly turned against humans, devoured them, and engaged in various sins, including cannibalism and blood-drinking. The article states these claims are partly based on the Book of Enoch, which is not part of the canon for most Christian traditions.

Beck expresses dismay at the integration of modern genetic engineering concepts into these ancient myths. The Newswatch article posits that the angels' actions were a deliberate attempt to corrupt human DNA and prevent God from saving humanity. It suggests that some humans were spared because they did not have defective DNA or cross-breed with angels.

Another source cited in the Newswatch article is the Book of Jasher (also known as the Book of the Upright), which Beck notes is unrecognized by most mainstream Abrahamic religions, though potentially used by the Latter-day Saints. Beck finds the conclusions drawn from the Book of Jasher to be "clinically insane," detailing claims of angels performing gene-splicing experiments to merge different species, such as dogs and cats, humans and goats, and horses and humans.

Beck addresses the claim that scientists have already performed similar feats, citing an example of a mouse that grew a human ear. He clarifies that this likely refers to the Vacanti mouse experiment, where cartilage was grown and implanted, not genetic splicing. He criticizes the Turning Point Project, a technophobic group, for allegedly misrepresenting this experiment in a propaganda ad.

The article then connects these ancient claims to modern times, suggesting that gene splicing and cloning are "signs" of the end times, aligning with the belief in the imminent return of Jesus Christ. It asserts that pre-flood generations lived in a "golden age" of high technology, performing brain surgery and possessing advanced knowledge, allegedly introduced by "fallen angels."

Beck concludes his critique by expressing disappointment with the lack of accuracy and detail in the Newswatch article, even by creationist standards. He humorously notes the absence of an explanation for how the platypus managed to get onto Noah's Ark, calling it a "missing link in the pre-flood history of genetic manipulation."

Events Calendar

The magazine includes an events calendar for the February Program, featuring a Saturday, February 9, 2008, 2 p.m. event at the Center for Nonprofit Management in Dallas, and an NTS Social Dinner on Saturday, February 16, 2008, at 7 p.m. at Good Eats in Dallas. Contact information for inquiries and reservations is provided.

North Texas Skeptics Officers and Board

Page 2 lists the officers and board of directors for The North Texas Skeptics for 2008. John Brandt is President, Kristine Danowski is Vice President, Mike Selby is Secretary, and Barbara Neuser is Treasurer. The board includes Laura Ainsworth, Erling Beck, John Blanton, John Brandt, Kristine Danowski, Prasad Golla, Elizabeth Hittson, Jack Hittson, Claudia Meek, Barbara Neuser, and Mike Selby. Directors Emeritus include Tony Dousette, Ron Hastings, Mark Meyer, John Thomas, Joe Voelkering, and Mel Zemek. Scientific and Technical Advisors are also listed.

The newsletter is published monthly by The North Texas Skeptics, a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. The newsletter can be reprinted with proper credit.

NTS Activities and Membership

John Blanton, the webmaster, notes that 2008 marks the 22nd year of the NTS. He mentions that back issues are available on the NTS website. The article also details the retirement of Mark Meyer, the long-time treasurer, and Barbara Neuser taking over the position. Keith Blanton continues as the newsletter publisher, and Kristine Danowski is the social chairman.

Challenge Activity

An "NTS Challenge activity" is mentioned, involving a $12,000 prize. Gary Greenwood had planned to demonstrate his ability to detect a glass mirror box hidden inside a cardboard box but had to postpone due to low testing percentages. Shirley Potter also had a schedule conflict and could not attend a demonstration.

The organization's accounts are reported as healthy, with donations received. The NTS is a 501(c)(3) tax-deductible organization.

What's New

This section, by Robert Park, includes clippings of interest. One article discusses "Darwinism: Is Evolution Compatible With Faith?" It references a report by the National Academies of Science that calls evolution the "foundation of modern biology." The Discovery Institute, associated with intelligent design, is criticized for calling this description "outrageous hype." The report stresses that accepting evolution does not require abandoning belief in God, but notes a growing body of evidence for evolution and a lack of evidence for God.

Skeptic Ink

A comic strip by Prasad Golla and John Blanton is included, humorously depicting the state of science teaching in Texas, with one panel showing "Science teaching in Texas is a shambles!" and another questioning if evolution is ever mentioned.

Breakthrough and Breakdown of the Year

The "Breakthrough of the Year" is identified as "Human Genetic Variation," as announced by the journal Science. The "Breakdown of the Year" is the Bush Administration's continued denial of climate change, with the White House Science Office reportedly censoring testimony on health effects.

Spokesperson of the Year

This section discusses the need for a unified voice for science. It criticizes the lack of a strong, consistent scientific spokesperson, contrasting it with the vocal advocacy for creationism by some political figures. The article suggests that the editor of Science, Donald Kennedy, and the new editor-in-chief, Bruce Alberts, are important voices for science.

New Books

A new book, "Ambivalent Design" by A.D. Rosenberg, with illustrations by Prasad Golla, is featured. It is available on Amazon.com for $34.95, though temporarily out of stock.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a skeptical and scientific approach to paranormal and pseudoscientific claims. It critiques religious and creationist interpretations of history and science, particularly when they intersect with modern scientific concepts like genetics. The editorial stance is critical of unsubstantiated claims and advocates for evidence-based reasoning. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of scientific literacy and the defense of established scientific principles against challenges from pseudoscience and religious fundamentalism. The publication also serves as a platform for organizational news and events for the North Texas Skeptics.