EDITORIAL

(Investigator 210, 2023 May)

On the website http://www.quora.com people answer historical questions and receive comments. Recently its editor wrote: "I've disabled comments now. I did warn people to be nice, but this answer has followed the ever-increasing trend in Quora comments sections for people to default to being absolute dicks to each other."  This has never happened in Investigator where, despite controversial material, the writers have always remained civil and the "d" word has never applied to anyone except as a name. Congratulations to all the writers!

In this edition we begin reprinting material from Harry Edwards' book Magic Minds Miraculous Moments. Besides the Preface we have Albert Abrams whose electronic theory of disease got him assessed as "the dean of all twentieth century charlatans", and George Adamski who claimed Flying Saucers Have Landed. Although Edwards' book was published 29 years ago his assessments of the "miraculous" remain valid.

Kirk Straughen in Origin of Gods argues that different civilizations created gods in their own image: Europeans created European gods, Africans created African gods and so on."

Anonymous says that the Bible attributes weight to the wind and this contributed to a 17th century scientific discovery; Laurie Eddie explains Tulpas (creatures that begin as thoughts and take on physical form); B Stett outlines the history of Jehovah's Witnesses in Australia; and Dr Bergman argues that evolution was formulated to undermine the fact that the world looks designed.

Like many people you may have wondered whether decapitated snails can grow a new head and whether dragons can swallow a knight on horseback. Read Melons and Monsters from the book A World of Wonders (1845) and satisfy your curiosity.

Twenty years of investigation are behind us and 1500 articles on religion, the supernatural and the paranormal have been published. See for yourself by examining the Index starting page 43.

This is Investigator Number 120 – welcome to it.

Harry Edwards examines Spirits – particularly manifestations produced by Spiritualists – and concludes, "The evidence [is] tenuous indeed and a travesty of serious research."

From Laurie Eddie we have a tract produced by Australian skeptics explaining how clairvoyant readings come up with seemingly insightful information. Read it and be fooled no longer.

John H Williams criticises predictions based on millennial dates such as 1000, 2000 and 6000.

Anonymous answers Bible critics who claim that the Old Testament does not predict a resurrection on the third day and that the New Testament is wrong in stating it does.

Kirk Straughen shows that the "Golden Rule" occurs in many religions, not just in Christianity.

One well-wisher has expressed hope that Investigator will go on to reach 200 editions. While success can’t be promised, we can nevertheless go for it.

Welcome to another fact-filled edition of Investigator, investigating religion, the supernatural and the paranormal.

From Harry Edwards we have Seances. Edwards says, "rational and acceptable explanations have been given for the supernatural claims made."

Bob Potter writes on Zionism and the Holocaust and explains how, "the major objective of the world Zionist movement was not in conflict with Hitler’s racist policies."

Laurie Eddie in Changing Thinking Patterns explains how Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can change distorted or unwanted thought patterns.

B Stett in Conservapedia examines a Christian-based Internet encyclopedia created to rival Wikipedia.

Anonymous, in Holy or Horrible?, discusses the current "avalanche of books" authored by prominent atheists criticising faith, religion and the Bible.

Kirk Straughen in The Abolition of Sati in India examines the factors responsible for the abandonment of the practice.

Investigator Magazine gives believers in religion, the supernatural and the paranormal fair opportunity to debate their critics and settle their disagreements.

In our 110 editions many topics have been debated and settled, sometimes with certainty and sometimes only probably.

This time we have the following:

Laurie Eddie is an Adelaide psychologist, recently retired, whose patients included gamblers. Mr Eddie contributed a pamphlet from his clinic about problem gambling.

Harry Edwards writes on Extraterrestrial Intelligence. The article is from his book published some time ago and therefore lacks information on recent developments. Nevertheless his conclusion on whether ET will show up – "I for one will not be holding my breath" – remains valid.

B Stett discusses Indoctrination in Jehovah's Witnesses and focuses on the importance of information-control and of repetition.

John H Williams, a highschool teacher in South Australia and a university graduate in geology, discusses "catastrophism" in geology. He rejects the notion that catastrophism implies geology is moving toward creationism.

Anonymous in Genesis and Human Origins replies to Kirk Straughen and claims Genesis has one creation story not two. In another article he assures us that "The Devil" is nasty and therefore "Justly Maligned".

University zoology includes discussion of what some now called "irreducible complexity" and whether this implies bigger evolutionary jumps than mutation and natural selection could explain.

Such discussion is part of science. However, if what's unknown is attributed to a supernatural agency then we have not science but religious belief.

John H Williams (p. 48) provides a short piece about the current creation/evolution trial in Kansas. And Anonymous (p. 36)  distinguishes creationism from intelligent-design and explains what's wrong with the former.

Harry Edwards discusses Near Death Experiences. He rejects the idea that the experience occurs when a mechanism that releases the soul at death is prematurely triggered.

John H Williams in Providentially argues that good outcomes during life do not prove that God gave a helping hand but are "providential". (p. 10)

B Stett in Bible Movies discusses the Hays Code that guided movie makers, and provides a list of movies about Bible characters and early Christianity.

Kirk Straughen continues the disagreement about "The Problem of Evil". (p. 34)

Investigator 107 has lots of material that not everyone will fully agree with. However, that's normal and unavoidable – because Investigator seeks to find out who's correct and who's wrong when people disagree in religion, the supernatural and the paranormal.

In this edition:

Harry Edwards discusses Hypnosis. He says: "There appears to be little consensus in law for the validity of hypnosis."

Dr Bob Potter in Demonology In The Modern World explains why people working to assist others with mental problems need to be aware of the patients'/clients' beliefs including beliefs in demons and witchcraft.

The central claim of Islam is, "There is no God but Allah, and Mohammad is his prophet." The Book of Mormon in contrast foretells a "choice" prophet and translator named "Joseph". The Bahais, however, believe that their founder, Baha'ullah, is the return of Christ – which Mormons, Muslims and Christians disagree with. And the Bible has Jesus saying, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father except through me."
Can such rival claims be investigated scientifically? Anonymous explains how. (Page 26)

John H Williams and Kirk Straughen respond to Ken DeMyer's (#106) argument for a young Universe. They argue that science is correct, and the Earth and Universe really are billions of years old and not 6,000 years.

B Stett says that Gamblers Mostly Lose, and explains why this is so.

Once again Investigator has lots of interesting and controversial material from some of your favourite writers. There's much to enjoy, therefore settle down and begin.

In this edition:

Harry Edwards sums up the life of Madame Blavatsky founder of the Theosophical Society. We find out she's: "one of the most accomplished imposters of history."

Hiroshima & Nagasaki. Every tenth anniversary after World War II there's renewed debate in the media about the atomic bombs dropped on Japan in 1945. An Investigator article on this topic appeared ten years ago and is now  revised.

Demons. My TV Guide, describing Erotic Ghost Story (1990) which showed on April 23, says, "A demon, disguised as a poor scholar, seduces three beautiful wolves." I'm quoting correctly, but wondering whether the TV Guide got it wrong. Investigator's debate about demons is now  fading – see p. 5 – but Edwards introduces a new variant by claiming "The Devil" has been misrepresented (p. 44).

Astrology. Kirk Straughen presents The Origin of Astrology and explains why: "The predictive powers of astrology are illusionary."

Goliath. Anonymous discusses various Bible giants particularly the Goliath versus David episode. He argues, not surprisingly, that the Bible again is accurate.

Starting with the next edition Investigator subscriptions will be $20 within Australia; for overseas it will be $25 or US$20. If anyone wants to renew at the previous price, it will be accepted.

 

800 articles and letters from Investigator – about religion, the supernatural, the paranormal and the skeptics – are now on the Internet.

The 800 articles coincide with many of the beliefs people argue and even fight over and which motivate many of our decisions and much of our behaviour. Potentially, people can make better decisions by finding out who wins when skeptics and believers give their evidence and argue out their discrepant views. This is Investigator's Rational – see page 30.

We also, in Number 100, have an Index of everything since the first edition in July 1988.

This has left space for only a few short articles. Contributors include Harry Edwards on Fairies, Anonymous on Birth the Bible Way, and Jerry Bergman on JW Books in Academic Libraries. K Straughen and D Nicholls continue with the Transmission of Scripture debate, and L Eddie authorized reprinting of a skeptics tract about Scientific Method.

A history of Investigator published in #50 concluded, "Now that fifty editions have been published, dare we hope for 100?" The "hope" evidently was justified. The aim now is to keep going while it's possible.

The 800 articles can be accessed at:  www.adam.com.au/bstett/

The Investigator websites now have over 600 articles on religion, the supernatural and the paranormal.

Occasionally requests are received to publish Investigator articles on other websites or even in books. Such requests are not decided by the editor but are passed on to the authors of the articles concerned.

In the current edition:

Harry Edwards explains "Automatic Writing". This occurs when the hand producing the writing or painting "is not consciously directed by that person's mind." (p. 8)

Tomas Hu Douts seeks reasons for Islamic "Fanaticism & Violence". He adds that, "the vast majority of Muslims do not appear to be bloodthirsty fanatics hungering for the destruction of the West."

Laurie Eddie investigates the sources of the Atlantis legend. Another writer wrote about Atlantis last year, but Mr Eddie's effort supplies additional details.

B Stett shows that if you gamble you "Risk Being A Loser" and the odds of you being a loser are in your favor. (p. 33)

Jerry Bergman provides a summary of the life and beliefs of rocket scientist Wernher von Braun - who apparently believed the Bible!

There have been further literary contributions to the 1 1/2-year long creation/evolution debate. However, that debate finished in #95. I remind writers of the requirement expressed in the Editorial of #94:

Investigator Magazine investigates. Therefore it's for people who don't have all the answers but are still learning. It's of less interest if you already know everything.

What we investigate are topics in religion, the supernatural and the paranormal (including medical claims that apparently flout science).

In this edition:

Stigmata is a chapter from Harry Edwards' book A Skeptics Guide to the New Age. Edwards explains most occurrences of stigmata as physical effects of  "religious ecstatic states".

Dr Sydney Bockner of Adelaide discusses The Rise and Fall of Psychotherapy. Despite listing five main criticisms he says, "Freud's work cannot be dismissed as of no significance."

From Kirk Straughen we have Part 2 of Is Creationism The Answer? His conclusion, which I quote here at the risk of spoiling your suspense, is "Creationism is not the answer."

Anonymous replies to Kirk Straughen on Adam and Eve and gives six reasons which together, he says, constitute, "evidence for divine origins of humans." He also continues what began as a debate about prayer but which became a discussion of why there is evil if God is good.

B Stett (1) Summarises a TV report on Homeopathy [often spelt Homoeopathy]; (2) Discusses weeping statues; and (3) Explains why JWs decline public debates.

Investigator is for people who are skeptical or believers or neutral in topics in religion, the supernatural and the paranormal AND who are gutsy enough to face contrary evidence.

In this edition:

Sai Baba is an Indian psychic whose followers make remarkable claims about him. Harry Edwards lists some of the alleged miracles of Sai Baba and says they are, "simple magic tricks performed by magicians world-wide."

Dr Sydney Bockner of Adelaide, in You can't change your sex, explains why "sex change is impossible."

Bob Potter says Laurie Eddie's article (#87), on The Real Story of Christmas, "magnificently covered much ground". Now in #88 Dr Potter covers additional ground.

"Anonymous" in Skymap and the Christmas Star uses computer technology to support his Christmas Star thesis described in Investigator 81. He also challenges Laurie Eddie's (#87) interpretation of similarities between the Gospels and other religions.

In December, 2002, Bigfoot was declared "Dead". To commemorate this, an article is reprinted from Investigator #8 wherein it was argued that Bigfoot is "nonsense".  (pp. 37-39)

Kirk Straughen asks Is Creationism the Answer? He gives reasons for concluding it's not. In particular Creationism is based on faith whereas, "science is based on the testimony of nature which is accessible to all people and therefore its theories are capable of being tested."

If, occasionally, an Investigator article makes you angry because you disagree with it read The Asininity of Anger by Joseph Holman.

Welcome to Issue 75 of the magazine that examines religion, the supernatural and the paranormal – the magazine that invites skeptics and true believers to give their evidence and settle their differences.

In this edition:

We have the Index to Investigator 2 to 74. A separate index to the "Brief Report" sections is planned for January.

Harry Edwards, author and skeptic of NSW, writes on Spontaneous Human Combustion and concludes that: "unreliable circumstantial evidence abounds."

Lance Storm – Adelaide University Ph.D student in psychology – investigated ESP in vision-impaired and sighted subjects. He discusses why sighted subjects got the higher score.

We see Investigator's whimsical side in Movie Cliches, Oh deer I got it awl rong!, and in the reprint of one of the earliest investigations, done in 1988 – Zambian Spaceflight.

Burjin J Kotwall found his long-ago debate with "Anonymous" on the Bible "debilitating". (No. 73 p. 4) John H Williams perhaps felt the same way when he wrote, "I will not be responding to anything he writes in future." (No. 72)

Mr Williams has now recovered and will be joined in January by Keith Cornish, president of the Atheist Foundation. Epic Bible Battles lists Bible Debates so far since No. 60.

The previous special edition, No. 50, had the comment: "Now that fifty editions have been published dare we hope for one hundred?"  Well, having reached No. 75 we're half way there.