REALL News - Vol 09 No 09 - 2001

Magazine Overview

Title: The REALL News
Issue Date: September 2001
Publisher: Rational Examination Association of Lincoln Land (REALL)
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of The REALL News, a newsletter from the Rational Examination Association of Lincoln Land (REALL), focuses on critiquing pseudoscientific claims and promoting rational thinking. The main article, "Quote Mining: The Tradition Continues, Part 2" by Karen E. Bartelt, Ph.D., scrutinizes a presentation by Frank Sherwin of the Institute for Creation Research (ICR) at Eureka College. The article details how Sherwin allegedly used quotes out of context to support creationist arguments, particularly concerning evolution and its supposed link to social ills like rape. Bartelt provides examples of Sherwin's misrepresentations, including his interpretation of a quote attributed to an anthropologist named Tiger and his use of biblical passages to justify his claims. She also highlights Sherwin's mischaracterization of scientific discussions on evolutionary theory, such as the 1980 meeting of biologists and geologists, and his selective use of outdated sources.

Quote Mining: The Tradition Continues, Part 2

The article by Karen E. Bartelt, Ph.D., meticulously dissects Frank Sherwin's presentation, accusing him of employing deceptive quote mining. Sherwin's central argument appears to be that "creation science model is a worldview, because it's based upon the scriptures: the book of Genesis and the other 65 books of the Bible." He positioned himself as a "supernaturalist." Bartelt points out Sherwin's attempt to link evolutionary theory to social consequences, citing an article from Scientific American and a book titled "A Natural History of Rape." Sherwin's interpretation suggested that evolution promoted rape, a claim Bartelt refutes by presenting biblical passages that could also be used to justify violence.

Bartelt further criticizes the ICR's stance, quoting Henry Morris from 1991, who made controversial statements about the descendants of Ham, linking "colored" races to "servants of servants." This is presented as an example of how the ICR's own words could be seen as justifying racism.

During the Q&A session, Sherwin fielded questions from the audience. The article notes that Sherwin's arguments often relied on personal incredulity, such as the complexity of the flagellum or DNA implying a designer.

• Bartelt addresses specific points raised by Sherwin:
• Scientific Evidence for Creation: Sherwin stated that creationism is based on Genesis 1:1 and that science is a search for truth, not inherently atheistic.
• Quotes Out of Context: Sherwin claimed his quotes were not out of context and that authors had said them, but Bartelt found at least eleven quotations were misrepresented.
• Noah's Ark: Sherwin suggested Noah's Ark was the size of a WWII escort aircraft carrier, a claim Bartelt dismisses due to thermodynamic and geological issues.
• Second Law of Thermodynamics: Sherwin perpetuated the urban legend that humans are experiencing the Second Law of Thermodynamics, implying a "genetic load."
• Dinosaur Evolution: Sherwin cited a 1985 book by Barbara Stahl to claim paleontologists had little clue about ornithisichian dinosaur origins, an outdated source given the growing body of data.
• Evolutionary Biology Meeting (1980): Sherwin misrepresented a Science magazine article about a meeting of evolutionary biologists, omitting the context that the discussion was about punctuated equilibrium versus gradualism, and that the meeting was seen positively by participants.
• Archaeopteryx: Sherwin's interpretation of Archaeopteryx as a bizarre bird not on its way to becoming a full bird was challenged. Bartelt points to accurate information available online.
• Creation Model Basis: Sherwin stated the creation model is based on Genesis 1:1 and that REALL is a Christian organization.
• Jesus Christ and Prophecy: In response to a question about what to do if a creator exists, Sherwin stated that Jesus Christ took human form and lived for 32 years, and that disproving the resurrection and biblical prophecy would be necessary.

Bartelt concludes that Sherwin presented no scientific evidence beyond personal incredulity and continued the ICR's tradition of quote mining. She urges scientists to be aware of how their words might be used and for skeptics to actively challenge such misinformation.

Fallout, E-mails, Etc.

• Following Sherwin's presentation, Bartelt sent an email to the campus announcing a summary of the out-of-context quotations and other misinformation. She also planned a presentation on why creationism is not taught in science classrooms. The article includes responses from students:
• Student A: Expressed an open mind and planned to attend Bartelt's lecture, questioning where everything began.
• Student B: Claimed to have asked Sherwin a question point-blank about quotes being out of context, which Sherwin allegedly denied.
• Student C: Felt Bartelt's campus-wide email criticizing Sherwin was inappropriate, though Bartelt defended her actions as a senior faculty member.
• Student D: Found Sherwin's lecture unimpressive and the creationist evidence weak.
• Student E: Questioned why Bartelt bothered with the lecture and expressed confusion about evolution, but planned to attend.
• Student F: Acknowledged not being well-learned in the creation/evolution debate but found creationism made more sense at the time.

REALLity Check

This section, by David Bloomberg, reports on two stories related to psychics:

• Miss Cleo Gets Hit: Yahoo News reported that "Miss Cleo," a psychic hotline personality, was allegedly acting and given a script. A former employee claimed she couldn't read Tarot cards and was instructed on how to keep callers on the line. The company faced numerous complaints and lawsuits for false advertising and fraud, with the Missouri attorney general filing suit. The company was ordered to pay a $75,000 fine for violating a "no-call" law.
• The Future Is Jail: The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reported on another psychic con artist, Sylvia Lee, who scammed a Chinese immigrant out of nearly $220,000. Lee used various tactics, including selling jewelry for magical purposes and taking large sums of cash to "pray over." The article notes that while it's good to see such individuals facing jail time, the focus should also be on reducing victims.

Bloomberg also discusses Scott Adams and his views on psychics and graphology. He recalls Adams' negative reaction to a previous review of his book "The Dilbert Future," where Adams expressed belief in psychic powers and affirmations. In a later Dilbert cartoon, Dogbert advises using handwriting analysis (graphology) to detect dishonest employees, claiming it has been scientifically tested but the results were lied about. Bloomberg contrasts this with his own analysis of graphology, which he likens to psychic readings involving vague statements and cold reading. He expresses disappointment that Adams is skeptical of graphology but believes in psychic powers, suggesting Adams doesn't fully understand skepticism.

From the Chairman

David Bloomberg, REALL Chairman, thanks the McMasters for hosting the REALL picnic and reports on the visit of Italian skeptic Massimo Polidoro. He describes Polidoro's talk and their activities showing him around Lincoln, including a visit to the Lincoln Home. Bloomberg also mentions a flight cancellation due to a pilot strike.

Our Next Meeting

The next REALL meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 4, at 7:00 PM at the Lincoln Library in Springfield, Illinois. The event is a "Skeptic Jeopardy!" game, designed to test knowledge of skeptic facts and trivia in a team-based format. It is free and open to the public.

A Nod to Our Patrons

A list of REALL patron members is provided, thanking them for their financial support which enables the organization to continue its work in Central Illinois.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes a skeptical and critical approach to claims of the paranormal and pseudoscientific theories, particularly creationism. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific inquiry and evidence-based reasoning, actively challenging what it perceives as misinformation and deceptive practices. The critique of Frank Sherwin's presentation highlights the importance of accurate representation of scientific information and the dangers of quote mining. The "REALLity Check" section reinforces this by exposing fraudulent psychic claims and questioning the selective application of skepticism. The overall tone is one of promoting critical thinking and debunking unsubstantiated beliefs.