Absolutely. The problem (friction) arises when those who challenge those views do so in a mocking or derogatory manner. I wonder if the kind of phraseology (a sodding pendulum) we saw this morning would be so readily directed at a Christian using the bible to swear an oath; or a Buddhist with his vajara, or a Jew with his shamash or even a spiritualist with an ouija board - probably not, so why use it in the context of dowsing? Could it be that the three religions above, and the objects associated with them, have gained a degree of ‘respectability’ over the centuries (even though the fundamental tenets of the beliefs they represent are no more ‘provable’ than those of dowsing). That being the case there seems to be a degree of hypocrisy at work – ie it’s OK to have a go at dowsers but better not apply the same standards to Christianity, Buddhism or Judaism lest it offend.

It seems (sadly more and more on TMA) that views are becoming extremely polarised. Of course if someone swings in claiming to be able to build a pyramid by crossing his eyes he should be asked to explain/prove it. Equally, the (ultra) sceptics here might want to give subjects like dowsing the benefit of the doubt and cut back a little on the mocking and the splitting of hairs to the nth degree :-)