North Texas Skeptic - Vol 25 No 10 - 2011

Magazine Overview

Title: The North Texas Skeptic
Issue: Volume 25, Number 10
Date: October 2011
Publisher: The North Texas Skeptics
Country: USA
Language: English

Main Articles and Content

By Design by John Blanton

The lead article, "By Design" by John Blanton, critically examines the Intelligent Design (ID) movement, particularly in light of the Kitzmiller v. Dover Board of Education trial. Blanton argues that despite claims by ID proponents that it is purely science and not religion, religious motivations are often evident. He references the Dover trial, where school board members' comments went beyond ID theory to express beliefs about Jesus and creationism. The article notes that the Discovery Institute (DI) advised its fellows not to testify at the trial, and some, like Stephen C. Meyer and William Dembski, withdrew their offers to speak.

Blanton discusses the book "Mere Creation," which originated from a 1996 conference at Biola University. While editor Henry F. Schaefer assures readers that few attendees advocated literal interpretations of Genesis, the article points out that Christian religiosity is a common thread. The book's contributors, including Del Ratzsch, are examined. Ratzsch, a philosophy professor, is noted for relating science and religion. His contribution, "Design, Chance & Theistic Evolution," explicitly identifies God as the intelligent designer. Blanton critiques Ratzsch's argument involving spontaneous atomic decay, suggesting it falls into a trap of implying divine intervention where natural processes suffice. He illustrates this with a hypothetical scenario where God intervenes to cause an atom to decay at a specific time for a beneficial genetic trait, questioning why God would then neglect suffering children.

Phillip Johnson, described as a godfather of ID, is also discussed. His contribution, "A Call to Separate Materialistic Philosophy from Empirical Science," is seen as an attack on materialism. Johnson highlights three events that he believes symbolize a shift in ruling philosophy in the U.S., leading to a nation declaring independence from God. Blanton notes Johnson's portrayal of the play "Inherit the Wind" as an attack on Christianity, contrasting it with the playwrights' stated intent to address government oppression and attacks on free speech.

William Dembski, referred to as the "Isaac Newton of information theory" and ID's "brain trust," is analyzed. Blanton suggests that Dembski's argument from information theory is the best supported logically but that his deep religious convictions prevent him from separating ID from religious proselytizing. The article quotes Dembski from "Mere Creation" discussing the disunity within the Christian world regarding creation and evolution, and the need for common ground. Blanton questions whether Dembski's phrasing implies that Christians who accept purely materialistic processes, including Darwinian evolution, are not true Christians.

David Klinghoffer, a senior fellow at the DI, is presented as an example of how ID proponents, despite claims of secular intent, engage in rhetoric that blurs the lines with creationism. Klinghoffer's blog post about Garry Trudeau's "Doonesbury" comic strip is cited, where he equates the dismissal of evolution with creationism. Blanton argues that Klinghoffer's statement reveals laziness or dishonesty in not distinguishing between ID and creationism.

Skeptics in the Pub by John Blanton

This section details a meetup of the San Antonio Skeptics group. John Blanton describes the group, largely driven by Gary Laun, as a "cult of personality" that reflects Laun's essence. The group meets monthly for social interaction and discussion on topics ranging from science to health, politics, and religion, aiming to promote critical thinking and science. They are considering incorporating lectures and community outreach. The group aims to be "a-religious" rather than anti-religious, focusing on specific claims and whether they stand up to reason, rather than general religious bashing.

Skeptic Ink

A comic strip by Prasad Golla and John Blanton titled "Skeptic Ink" humorously depicts a situation where someone claims to believe in creationism, then admits they were only testing someone's gag reflex.

The Skeptical Inquirer

An advertisement for "The Skeptical Inquirer," the official journal of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, is included, detailing subscription prices and contact information.

Events Calendar

The issue includes an events calendar for the North Texas Skeptics, listing an October Program meeting on October 15th to discuss bylaws and blog logistics, and a Board Meeting and Social Dinner on October 22nd.

Organization Information

Details about The North Texas Skeptics are provided, including their mission as a tax-exempt scientific and educational organization, membership benefits, and contact information. An application for membership is also included.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical examination of Intelligent Design and its relationship to creationism and religion. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical of ID's claims to be purely scientific, highlighting perceived religious motivations and the movement's rhetorical strategies. The publication advocates for critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and a rational approach to evaluating claims, as exemplified by the activities of the San Antonio Skeptics group. There is a strong emphasis on distinguishing between science and pseudoscience, and on challenging arguments that appear to be based on faith or religious dogma rather than empirical evidence.