top of page
  • Writer's pictureBible Brian

The implications of the Cello Scrotum prank


If Creationism is true, why is it not published in secular peer reviewed journals? This common question is on the lips of many Evolutionists, who often use it as a "silver bullet". This argument is similar to the argument that 99% of scientists believe in Evolution, only it has a few more flaws.


First off, there are actually entire peer reviewed journals dedicated to Creation-related science. Of course, Evolutionists simply dismiss these simply because they are Creation-based, but this is just the No True Scotsman fallacy. It can also be flipped, as Creationists can just ask why Evolution isn't published in peer reviewed journals and dismiss peer reviewed journals with an Evolutionist bias.


But a bigger flaw was demonstrated in 1974, when Dr. Elaine Murphy wrote a letter to the peer reviewed publication, the British Medical Journal on the topic of a condition known as "cello scrotum". Cello scrotum is entirely fictitious. Murphy wrote the letter as a joke, not intending for it to be published. Unfortunately, it was published in the very next issue, despite protests from many doctors. In 2009, Murphy herself found reference to cello scrotum in other medical literature, prompting her to write to the British Medical Journal, confessing that the original 1974 article had been a joke.

You see, then, that even a joke can be passed off as solid science for a decade or three before the mistake is even corrected. Examples such as cello scrotum prove that not only is good science not a guaranteed ticket into peer reviewed journals, it's not even a requirement! Prank letters can be published as easily as well evidenced studies can be rejected.


Knowing this fact, which is rather well documented, it's a wonder Evolutionists treat "secular" peer reviewed publications as the closest thing mankind has to infallible scripture. In reality, the closest thing mankind has to infallible scripture is actual infallible Scripture. These Scriptures do contain a factual account of where we came from, but more importantly, they tell us where we're going. Specifically, they tell us that we have rebelled against our Creator, a crime for which there is only one justified penalty: Death, both physical and spiritual.


But there is good news. While we have all rebelled (called "sin") and are worthy of eternal punishment, we do not have to face the eternal consequences of sin. A little under 2,000 years ago, God Himself came to Earth as a man and died a sinner's death despite living a sinless life. Through faith in His death and resurrection, we too can be resurrected when this life is over, and granted eternal life. Far better to place your faith in the scriptures than to place it in the most insane religion mankind ever invented.

15 views
bottom of page