We’ve come a long way, baby … uh, wait. What?
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My date-for-life, Kandace, is taking a psychology course and sent me this quote from her textbook:
“Earlier in this chapter, we saw how Descartes’ radical new idea separating the spiritual mind from the physical body enabled scientists to start identifying biological bases for behaviors, thus challenging the pseudoscientific ‘common sense’ that attributed certain behaviors to mysterious spiritual forces. Today, psychology continues to dispute the unfounded claims of pseudoscience, which range from palm reading to psychic predictions to use of crystals to heal physical ailments.
“What makes psychology different from these pseudopsychological approaches to understanding people? Not one of them has survived trial by the scientific method, which is a way of testing ideas against observations. Instead, pseudopsychology is based on hope, confirmation bias, anecdote—and human gullibility.”
– Psychology: Core Concepts (7th Edition) by Philip G. Zimbardo, Robert L. Johnson and Vivian McCann
The separation that Descartes proposed allowed science to look at essentially biology and behavior independent of spirituality and mysticism, and therefore free of the medieval church’s control and influence over such subjects, and the authors of course go on to explain that contemporary science has reunited these metaphorically separate elements into the single biological entity we know as the brain. (Albeit mind/body debates still occur in some quarters, among the religious, the spiritual, and philosophers – you may insert your philosopher joke here, but I will leave ticking off philosophers to my friend Lawrence Krauss for the time being.)
While running some errands earlier today, I was considering this historic breakthrough in thinking and the accompanying debt we owe to Descartes – meanwhile stopping by an outlet of the large retail chain, “The Sports Authority.” As I entered the shop I passed a two-sided display that caught my eye. Have a look:
Biting the Big One: Snake Bite Kills Preacher
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- Written by Dr. Karen Stollznow
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The lethal tradition of snake handling arose from a literal interpretation of several Biblical passages. In Acts (28:1–6) Paul survives a bite from a vicious viper. Mark (16:17–18) promises impunity from snakes and even poison, “They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” Luke (10:19) gives us the, “power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Of course, we’re yet to see any church take up the practice of serpent or scorpion treading…
Snake handling is outlawed in many states in America, although this hasn’t stopped its practice among people who claim religious freedom. On Saturday February 15, Jamie Coots died of a bite during a snake-handling ceremony. Coots was the preacher at the Full Gospel Tabernacle in Jesus Name in Middlesboro, Kentucky (where snake handling is illegal). He was also one of the stars of National Geographic’s reality TV show Snake Salvation. During the service at his church, Coots was bitten on his right hand. He soon passed out and his family took him home. Emergency workers arrived at the church and then his home, but Coots refused treatment and died at about 10pm.
This wasn’t his first venomous bite. Coots had been bitten nine times before, and even lost half of a finger to a rattlesnake bite. Four generations of his family have handled snakes as preachers, from his grandfather to his son Cody. Coots kept over 70 snakes for this purpose, and had been arrested twice for illegally possessing a collection of copperheads, cottonmouths and rattlesnakes that he had caught himself. Snakes used for snake handling are usually in poor shape. Their mouths aren’t sewn shut like the cobras used by snake charmers on the streets of India, but they are mistreated and mishandled, and these snakes are often sluggish and sick.
Same thing, different day: This week in Doubtful News for February 18, 2014
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Reading these stories, you might think it's the 70's again. We found an array of spooky and weird news that proves that there is really nothing new under the sun. Here is a rundown of the week courtesy of Doubtful News.
Two haunted houses to tell you about this week. First, one in Wilkes-Barre PA that was advertised as haunted and bought by a paranormal investigator. He brings in other paranormal investigators, including John Zaffis, and apparently ghosts overrun the place. Wish I could see that. Also, this house in Pittsburgh was called a portal to hell by another demonologist in training. Now it's a website and book too.
In a story bearing a remarkable similarity to that of the infamous Minnesota Iceman, we have Hank the Bigfoot on tour.
The latest speculation over the Shroud of Turin is even more ridiculous than usual - that neutrons released by an earthquake created the image (which is still flat instead of 3D).
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration sees fit to remind people there is no particular danger to the area known as the Bermuda Triangle.
We also saw some overenthusiastic hunters who killed a mangy coyote whoop it up, calling it a chupacabra, "cousin to the unicorn".
Do one in four Americans really not know the earth revolves around the sun? Yes. Same as all the other years that survey has been done. They also think that Creationism is superior to teaching evolution in school. And some who are rather extreme think they can throw around venomous snakes - with predictable results.
The Prime Minister of New Zealand answers why he is not a reptilian alien thanks to an citizen request.
And finally, now that you are likely in despair over the state of the world, note that Bill Nye, the Science Guy is getting good at debating anti-scientists.
Come visit Doubtfulnews.com for more stories like this every day. Check out our twitter feed @doubtfulnews and our Facebook page. Send your story tips to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Last Week In Science Based Medicine
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Here is a recap of the stories that appeared last week at Science-Based Medicine, a multi-author skeptical blog that separates the science from the woo-woo in medicine.
The return of the revenge of high dose vitamin C for cancer (David Gorski)
Numerous news stories have recently covered studies showing that high-dose intravenous vitamin C is effective in cancer treatment. The evidence is poor quality and the doses required are extremely high. Those who advocate vitamin C also advocate orthomolecular medicine, integrative medicine, “functional” medicine, and other dubious approaches.
How to Think (Harriet Hall)
A new book, The Critical Thinker’s Dictionary by Robert Carroll, covers the biases, logical fallacies, and illusions that interfere with critical thinking. Each topic is illustrated by memorable examples, many taken from the world of medicine. Accessible, entertaining, and useful for all, even those who think they already know about the subject. Highly recommended.
VIDEO: Live Million Dollar Challenge from TAM 2013
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Live on stage at The Amaz!ng Meeting 2013, we test a claimant for the James Randi Educational Foundation's Million Dollar Challenge. Join Chip Denman, Jamy Ian Swiss, Banachek, Richard Saunders, and D.J. Grothe as they conduct a test of an paranormal claimant, Mr. Brahim Addoun of Algeria, who says he can demonstrate "remote viewing." Can Mr. Addoun use his claimed mystical abilities to identify random objects hidden under controlled circumstances as claimed? A million dollars is on the line!
Read more: VIDEO: Live Million Dollar Challenge from TAM 2013
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