This collection contains biographical information on Dr. Patterson and clippings and correspondence accumulated by Dr. Patterson in his efforts to dispute supernatural phenomena, creationism, religion, and even claims of perpetual motion. Included in the papers are correspondence and news clippings related to the controversy between him and David Weltha, a member of the Iowa State faculty who taught a seminar on reincarnation and other supernatural phenomena on the Iowa State campus. This led Dr. Patterson to teach a seminar on critical thinking which in turn led to a dispute with Dr. David Boylan, Dean of the College of Engineering. Dr. Patterson's papers also include regular correspondence with several friends and colleagues. His correspondences with Henry P. Zuidema and Frank Trumpy document his efforts in opposition to creationism. He became a regular correspondent with Erica Heftmann, author of Dark Side of the Moonies, about religious cults and even contemplated co-authoring a book together. Also included in the collection are letters between Dr. Patterson and William "Bill" Brouwers, a pastor from Indiana. Brouwers and Patterson developed a friendship despite their opposing views and co-taught a class for the Iowa State University College for Seniors on "The Conflicting Worldviews of Theism and Atheism." Correspondence and course materials for this class can also be found in the collection.
From the description of Papers, 1947-[ongoing] (Iowa State University). WorldCat record id: 76876486
