William B. Lindley
Associate EditorThe Focus section for this issue, with the theme "Consider the Source—Examining Unconventional Beliefs," has several wild cards. To lead off, Peter Sturrock, a founder of the Society for Scientific Exploration, tells us why he thinks that the hostility to fringe science is excessive and unfounded. Some of the issues he raises provoke comment from me, as you'll see. David Darling offers a history and an even-handed approach to the question of what I call the post-mortem survival of the ego. Bill Moyers elicits from Candace Pert a fascinating review of current work on mind chemistry. Dennis Gersten reviews various folk medicines, including our own AMA priesthood. Ed McGaa (Eagle Man) gives us some history worth knowing, and his approach to the supernatural is quietly accepting and decidedly non-Christian. Our man on the scene, Jack Barranger, a fan of some paranormal things, is disappointed by the very uneven Star Family Conference. 

The Heaven's Gate suicide resulted in a good deal of communication, especially on the Internet, including a statement by Alan Hale, co-discoverer of the Hale-Bopp comet. Quite a coincidence, given our coverage of UFOs elsewhere in this issue. See our Cyberspace Postings. In conclusion, I can safely say that we have once more managed to be eclectic in our approach to our theme. As a rationalist, I have misgivings about "Gee, isn't this offbeat stuff interesting?" At the same time, you'll find that there is some good, solid rational material mixed in. I have learned that integrity, and the lack of it, are found on all sides of these issues, and I wish to emphasize that open- mindedness is a two way street.