It’s Friday The 13th! And… Skeptics Day International

A skeptic is a doubter or questioner of something that many believe to be factual or truthful, such as a piece of scientific, religious, or philosophical knowledge. Instead of taking something at face value, skeptics look for more evidence and consistency in logic. The word skepticism comes from the Greek word skeptomai, which means “to think or consider.” Skepticism is a method of inquiry, not a set of conclusions, beliefs, or faith. It posits that any belief is open to future revision, as it is based on whatever the evidence shows at a certain period of time. Throughout history, skepticism has been helpful in scientific inquiry and in the search for knowledge. Skeptics have helped debunk false theories and hoaxes, such as the belief that the earth was flat.

There are two theories why Friday the 13th has been tied to skepticism and superstition. The first pertains to the Last Supper, which was held on the night before Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, and was attended by 13 people: Jesus and his 12 disciples. The number 13 became associated with Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus. It is seen as an imperfect number, unlike 12, a number which also represents the number of months in a year.

The second theory why Friday the 13th has been associated with skepticism and superstition deals with the Knights Templar military order. Under pressure from Pope Clement V, King Philip IV of France arrested hundreds of these Catholic crusaders on Friday, October 13, 1307. Allegations were made that new recruits to the order were made to spit on the cross, deny Christ, and engage in homosexual acts during initiation. These claims were unproven, but the knights were charged with moral and financial corruption and with worshipping false idols, and were burned at the stake. According to legend, Jacques de Molay, the Grand Master of the Knights Templar, said before being killed, “God knows who is wrong and who has sinned. Soon a calamity will occur to those who have condemned us to death.” De Molay’s words have been viewed as a hex that continued throughout time, meaning that Friday the 13th would continue to bring bad luck.

Here are a few ideas on how to mark the day:

• Be skeptical or superstitious of everything. Find out if something is true for yourself instead of following what others have said about it. If someone makes a claim today, check to see if it checks out with logic and evidence.
• Watch MythBusters or other shows that debunk pseudoscience and myths.
• Check to see if some stories you’ve been skeptical about are true by exploring Snopes.
• Meet up with other skeptics.
• Join a skeptical organization.
• Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer, a magazine published by the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, or to Skeptic, a magazine published by The Skeptics Society. You could also listen to podcasts produced by The Skeptics Society.