The collection of the Sphex Club, of Lynchburg, Virginia, includes minutes ofmeetings, the constitution and bylaws of the Club, a roster of its members, and a listing ofSphex papers presented by members and guests of the Club. In addition to this guide, thecollection is outlined in more detail in “Sphex in the Jones Memorial Library,” ChapterVI of the Club history, The Sphex Club of Lynchburg, Virginia: The First One HundredYears, 1910-2010, by James M. Elson.
John Turner explores the major ideas of four different thinkers in the God is Dead movement: William Hamilton, Gerhard Ritter; J. J. Altizer and Gabriel Vahanian. Turner does not discount all of their viewpoints. For example, Turner agrees that some concepts of God are obviously false and that some misunderstanding of the Bible comes when readers don’t distinguish between the Bible’s literal and figurative language.
Dr. Bill Quillian began his presentation: “The aim of this paper is to provide a fairly simple outline of some of the major philosophical positions current today.” Quillian describes five positions in his paper (“Five Easy Lessons”). The first three he discusses fall under the general category of non-rationalistic philosophies: Pragmatism, Positivism, and Existentialism. The next two Quillian examines are rationalistic systems: Idealism and Naturalism.
Peter T. Marcy's "Cousins" provides a detailed examination of the matrimonial history of Henry VIII, focusing on his six wives and their impact on England's political, religious, and social landscape during the 16th century. Marcy delves into the complex personal and political motivations behind Henry's marriages, the legal and religious ramifications of his quest for a male heir, and the broader implications of these unions on the Reformation and the establishment of the Church of England. Through the lens of these relationships, Marcy illustrates the intertwining of personal desires, religious reform, and monarchical power, highlighting the transformative period of Tudor England.
Thomas Ledford’s presentation explores the founding of the Virginia Baptist School of Nursing (1924) and the significant role played by Mary Frances Cowling, the founding director. Ledford reviews the lives of Florence Nightingale and Clara Barton and ends his paper placing Mary Frances Cowling’s name alongside theirs: Ledford discusses the many heroes who led or graduated from the School of Nursing and its eventual partnership with Lynchburg College. The nursing school's last class was admitted in 1979.
Dean John Turner began and ended his 1989 presentation discussing how Senator Joe Biden’s run for the presidency ended soon after he failed to give credit several times to a source he used in campaign speeches. Turner explains that credit must be given for some quotations, but does not need to be given for others. Many examples are given to demonstrate the challenge of deciding when credit must be given and when it does not.
This academic paper by Rev. Dennis Roberts explores the deeply entrenched anti-Semitism within Christian history, focusing on its manifestations from the Middle Ages through the Nazi era in Germany. Roberts underscores the complicity of German churches, both Protestant and Catholic, in the persecution of Jews, spotlighting the transformation of Christian theology and practice to align with Nazi ideology. He discusses the historical use of the Judensau imagery to demean Jews, Martin Luther's anti-Semitic rhetoric, and the role of the German Christian Movement in reinforcing Nazi racial policies. The paper calls for a theological reformation to address Christianity's anti-Semitic past.
John Turner discusses theories that attempt to explain the destruction of the Minoan civilization between 1500 and 1400 BC. The “most artistic civilization in history” centered in Crete and Thera (Santorini) may have been destroyed by military conquest or fire or earthquakes or volcanoes. It is also possible that Crete and Thera were destroyed closely in time but by different forces. Turner discusses these possibilities.
John Turner introduced his presentation: “We begin with minor crimes against libraries --misdemeanors --and later move on to felonies and capital crimes.” Dr. Turner discusses the misdemeanors including underlining in books, not checking out books taken home, and delays in returning books. Major crimes occurred in ancient and in present day wars. Turner also discusses collections destroyed today and throughout history by competing religions and people holding different political views.
The paper "Dancing and Such" by Joe Burton Linker, Jr., explores the metaphorical dance between science, particularly physics, and our understanding of the universe. Linker delves into the importance of education in science, the evolving nature of scientific inquiry, and the dance-like interaction between ideas and discoveries. He discusses the shift in perception brought about by quantum mechanics, the concept of the fourth dimension, and the shape and origin of the universe, including black holes and the oscillating universe model. The paper concludes with a reflection on the potential for future discoveries and the importance of curiosity and education in science. Linker uses the metaphor of dance to describe the dynamic and interactive nature of scientific exploration, emphasizing the interconnectedness of ideas, the universe, and our perception of reality.
This paper, presented by Dr. Thomas C. Tiller, explores a 1929 labor dispute in Gastonia, North Carolina, through the lens of race relations, community values, and social justice theories. Tiller draws on various sources, including the works of Liston Pope and John A. Salmond, to narrate the events surrounding a textile mill strike, detailing the confrontation between workers, management, and law enforcement. The narrative reveals the impact of industrialization, labor organization efforts, and the violent suppression of worker rights, highlighting the broader implications for social policies and justice.
Tory Lucas's presentation, "Dissing Ability," challenges societal perceptions of disability, urging a shift from a focus on limitations to recognizing capabilities. It reviews the historical mistreatment of individuals with disabilities and highlights significant civil rights advancements, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and its amendments. The presentation advocates for a future where ability is seen without the prejudice of disability, inspired by figures like Harold H. Wilke, a disability rights pioneer. Lukas emphasizes the importance of equal access and opportunities for all, regardless of disabilities.
A pediatrician argues that young children suffer physically and emotionally when the mother works and they are consigned to day-care. This is an update of the author's previous talk on this subject in 1964.
The paper "Documentary Genocide" by Robert C. Wimer discusses the systematic efforts of Walter Plecker to erase the Monacan Indian heritage through legislative means, focusing on Plecker's enforcement of the Racial Integrity Act in Virginia. It highlights the impact of eugenics on the Monacan tribe and their struggle to regain their identity and rights. The paper is organized around the history of the Monacan tribe, Plecker’s actions, and the tribe’s eventual resurgence.
John H. MacMillan's lecture "Does R2D2 Live?" focuses on the evolution and impact of automation and robotics in manufacturing, particularly in the context of increasing global competition faced by U.S. industry. MacMillan examines the economic and productivity challenges, the role of automation in enhancing competitive advantage, and the specific applications of robots in industrial settings. He discusses the origins of robots, their definition, types, and applications, alongside the economic justification for their adoption. The lecture also contrasts U.S. robot utilization with that of Japan and other countries, highlighting the rapid growth of robot installations as a response to labor and productivity pressures.
Marc Schewel's academic paper, "A Study in Tyranny," delves into the dictatorial rule of Rafael Trujillo over the Dominican Republic from 1930 to 1961, highlighting his rise to power, methods of maintaining control, and eventual downfall. Schewel outlines Trujillo's use of extreme centralization, terror, and manipulation to secure and exercise power, including significant events like the massacre of 20,000 Haitians and the lavish display of wealth at a World's Fair. Despite economic growth, Trujillo's reign devastated the Dominican spirit, leaving a legacy of fear and corruption. The paper is organized to trace Trujillo's life, policies, and the consequences of his tyranny on the Dominican Republic and its people.
George M. Snead, Jr.'s "Don't Depend on It" discusses the evolution and impact of electronic warfare on military operations, highlighting historical examples and modern developments. Snead emphasizes the importance of continued innovation and cautions against over-reliance on current capabilities. He underscores how rapidly changing technology affects military strategy, decision-making, and the importance of information warfare.
Peter Houck's lecture, "Doubled While Vulnerable," delivered on April 16, 1998, delves into the age-old debate of nature versus nurture, informed by his personal experience as a parent of twins and recent findings in behavioral genetics (BGs). Houck explores how genetic and environmental factors shape human behavior, drawing on studies involving adopted children and twins, including his own. The lecture highlights the evolving understanding of the roles played by heredity and upbringing, emphasizing the significance of early childhood environments on development. Houck discusses the implications of these insights for social policy, parenting, and societal attitudes towards genetic determinism, urging a balanced view that recognizes the complex interplay between genes and environment.
In "Dreaming America," Dr. John d'Entremont explores the concept of the American Dream by drawing parallels with Australian aboriginal beliefs about the Dreamtime. He argues that America, much like the Dreamtime, represents a continuous process of transformation and potential, full of both promise and pitfalls. Through his academic and curatorial work, d'Entremont delves into the complexities of American culture, history, and identity, examining issues of race, gender, capitalism, and democracy, and emphasizing the ongoing nature of the American Dream.
The academic paper titled "EAST WIND, RAIN": THE REAL CULPRIT OF PEARL HARBOR by Carey Brewer investigates the multiple factors and investigations surrounding the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Brewer meticulously details the series of official inquiries and the ongoing debates regarding accountability, emphasizing how both field commanders and higher military and governmental echelons failed to properly anticipate or respond to the attack. The paper underscores the complexities of intelligence failures, diplomatic maneuvers, and command oversights that contributed to the surprise attack's success.
Inspired by the work of Carl Sagan, the author discusses brain evolution and the environmental and evolutionary determinants of the rapid increase in brain size and complexity.
In "Fifty Days Out", Joe Burton Linker, Jr. recounts a challenging trek across California's deserts and mountains on a part of the Pacific Crest Trail. With a heavy pack and scarce water, Linker and his companion faced extreme temperatures, rattlesnakes, and tough terrain, including the ascent of Mt. Whitney and crossing Forester Pass. The experience led to a profound appreciation for life's simple pleasures, emphasizing the value of clean water, comfort, and family upon his return.
