AI-Generated Summary
Magazine Overview
The REALL News, Volume 11, Number 1, published in January 2003, is the official newsletter of the Rational Examination Association of Lincoln Land (REALL). The publication focuses on critically examining paranormal claims and fringe science phenomena through a rational and scientific lens. This issue features articles on reptoids, the Satanic Panic, the history of witchcraft, and claims of human cloning.
Reptoid Fever by Martin S. Kottmeyer
This article explores the phenomenon of 'Reptoid Fever,' the growing interest in reptilian aliens within ufology and popular culture. Kottmeyer notes that the concept of reptoids gained traction not from mainstream ufology but from lower-brow sources and conspiracy theorists like David Icke, Sheldon Nidle, and Branton. He traces the lore back to claims of reptoid armies arriving by 1999, connections to the Dulce Base, and alleged discoveries of reptile-skinned aliens in crashed UFOs. The author observes that while initially dismissed, the sheer volume of testimony has led some ufologists to cautiously consider reptoids as a potential alien species. The article highlights the popularity of reptoids online, with sites like Reptoids.com and David Icke's Reptilian Research. Kottmeyer contrasts the interest in reptoids with the relative lack of attention given to 'Mantis aliens.' He attempts to quantify reptoid encounters, estimating around 250 reports known to him, comparable to Mantis aliens but fewer than 'Grays.' He references a 1992 MIT abduction study conference where John Carpenter estimated reptilians represented 'About ten percent' of alien types. The article also discusses the resemblance of some reptoid descriptions to a 1982 museum model of an evolved dinosaur created by paleontologist Dale Russell, noting that this resemblance is speculative and overlooks Russell's artistic choices. Kottmeyer suggests that the fascination with reptoids in American culture may be a psychodynamic phenomenon, fitting with cultural obsessions with dinosaurs and 'Big Bug' mantis-like aliens. He also notes the presence of reptilian figures in comic books and popular culture, predating their UFO lore prominence. The article concludes by suggesting that the reptoid phenomenon is explicable as a cultural construct, fitting American obsessions and serving as ideal alien figures, and that ufology may face challenges if science fully engages with such subjects.
Breeding a Satanic Panic by Rob Hardy
This article examines the rise and nature of the 'Satanic Panic' of the 1980s, drawing on the work of folklorist Bill Ellis. Hardy explains that while Satanism existed before, it became a fashionable scare in the 1980s. Ellis's book, 'Raising the Devil,' explores how folklore affects society and politics, and how scares about Satan and witchcraft serve as a social safety valve. The author distinguishes between individual belief in demons and the use of folkloric beliefs for social or governmental agendas, which can lead to aberrations like the Satanic Panic. The rise of the Pentecostal and Catholic faiths in the 1960s, with their emphasis on direct contact with the divine and belief in demon possession, is discussed. Criticism of the 'deliverance movement' by skeptics and liberal Christians led to accusations of satanic inspiration, while fundamentalists criticized exorcism and speaking in tongues as forms of devil worship. Ellis explains how the Charismatic movement encouraged rituals for divine connection, while actively campaigning against the Ouija board. The deliverance ministry began to define demons and their activities, leading to the idea of a vast network of Satanists controlling society. 'Evidence' often came from children's memories of induced ritual abuse, which therapists or ministers might have inadvertently created. The McMartin Preschool trial is cited as an example of a lengthy and expensive trial that ended without convictions, stemming from a mother's weak hold on reality. Hardy notes that fears of Satanic blood rituals share characteristics with anti-Semitism, and that conspiracy beliefs, like the Illuminati controlling events, could extend to claims of vampires and cattle mutilations. The article highlights the careers of John Todd and Mike Warnke, two key figures in the Satanic Panic, whose testimonies were later exposed as fraudulent. Despite the exposure of these individuals, the belief in Satanism as a real threat persisted among some Christians.
From Evil Crones to Goddess Worship by Rob Hardy
This article, based on Candace Savage's book 'Witch: The Wild Ride,' explores the historical perception and evolution of the witch archetype. Hardy begins by describing Savage's personal attraction to the 'witch' image, finding power and forbidden knowledge in it. He notes that laws have historically targeted black magic, with ancient Egyptian and Roman laws prescribing death for harmful spells. Surprisingly, the medieval church was initially tolerant of beliefs in witchcraft, viewing reports of women flying or cursing as mere dreams. However, this tolerance ended around 1400 when the church opposed dissident sects, leading to torture and confessions of witchcraft. The 'Malleus Maleficarum' ('Witch's Hammer'), produced in 1486, codified the view that women were stupid, impulsive, and lustful, leading to witchcraft. The Reformation did not change this, with Luther advocating for burning witches. Witches became scapegoats for societal ills, seen as agents of the Devil. Savage details cases like the Lancashire Witches, where children's accusations led to convictions, though later overturned by more urbane courts that found no evidence. Witchcraft remained a punishable offense in England until 1736. The image of the witch then shifted from a malevolent figure to a foolish old lady, a figure of folklore. The Enlightenment challenged the literal belief in witchcraft, but the witch figure remained influential, appearing in children's literature like the Brothers Grimm tales, often depicted as ugly, murderous, and cunning. In the 20th century, Margaret Murray's 1921 treatise proposed that witches were practitioners of an age-old pagan cult, a view that influenced modern feminist witchcraft, goddess worship, and Wicca. Hardy concludes that the witch image persists as a figure to scare or inspire, reinforcing the idea of the powerful woman as anomalous or not quite human.
UFO Group Claims First Human Clone by David Bloomberg
This article reports on the claim made by Brigitte Boisselier, a 'bishop' in the Raelian group, that a woman had given birth to a clone of herself. The Raelian belief system, founded by Rael (Claude Vorilhon), posits that extraterrestrials called 'Elohim' created life on Earth through genetic engineering and that cloning is a path to eternal life. The group, founded in 1973, claims 55,000 members worldwide and has raised millions of dollars for an embassy in Jerusalem. Bloomberg expresses skepticism about the claim, noting the lack of evidence and the group's unusual beliefs, including a visit to Rael's 'home planet.' The article mentions that the cloning was not performed in the U.S. due to legal restrictions. The Raelians formed Clonaid to create the clone, using a method similar to what they claim the Elohim used. Bloomberg points out the fantastical description of cloning in Rael's book, 'Yes to Human Cloning.' He notes that an independent lab is expected to test the DNA, but the implications of human cloning, even if proven, are significant, potentially leading to more laws against cloning and negative impacts on scientific endeavors. The article also touches on the Bush administration's delay of a UN vote on a global ban of reproductive cloning. Bloomberg concludes that regardless of the clone's authenticity, Rael has successfully used the claim to generate publicity, attract attention to his UFO movement, and likely gain new members and funding.
Other Content
The issue also includes a "From the Chairman" section by David Bloomberg, announcing REALL's upcoming tenth anniversary and soliciting member feedback. He also details the January meeting, which will feature a screening of a Dateline NBC documentary on faith healer Benny Hinn, followed by a discussion. A list of 'Patrons' of REALL is provided, acknowledging financial supporters. A "Call for Articles" section invites members to submit thoughts for the tenth-anniversary retrospectives.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The REALL News consistently promotes critical thinking and the application of the scientific method to paranormal and fringe-science claims. The publication demonstrates a skeptical but open-minded approach, examining phenomena like reptoids, Satanic Panic, witchcraft, and cloning without outright dismissal but with a demand for evidence and rational analysis. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of debunking pseudoscience and exposing hoaxes, while also exploring the cultural and psychological factors that contribute to belief in such phenomena. The magazine encourages its members to engage in rational discourse and to question extraordinary claims. The recurring themes include the examination of popular myths, historical interpretations of unusual beliefs, and the impact of media and culture on the acceptance of fringe ideas.
