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VOLUME 49 NUMBER 1
JANUARY 2020
Published by
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH
P. O. Box 59029
5
Dallas, TX 75229
214.615.8300 feature
ICR.org
5 50 Years of Creation Research and
Acts & Facts is a free publication.
For subscription information, Scholarship
call 800.337.0375,
visit ICR.org/subscriptions, research
or write to ICR at the above address.
9 ICR Research at GSA Convention
EXECUTIVE EDITOR 9 T I M C L A R E Y, P h . D .
Jayme Durant
EDITORS
Michael Stamp
Evolutionary Ape-Man
Truett Billups J E F F R E Y P. T O M K I N S , P h . D .
Christy Hardy
back to genesis
DESIGNER
Dennis Davidson 14 The Plan to Replace God
No articles may be reprinted in whole or in
10 BRIAN THOMAS, Ph.D.
part without obtaining permission from ICR.
creation q & a
20 Do Earth’s Rocks Look Old?
Front cover: Homo naledi skull
Johannesburg, South Africa.
20 J A K E H E B E R T, P h . D .
21 stewardship
22 50 Years of Blessing
H E N RY M . M O R R I S I V
50 Years of Ministry
T
his year the Institute for Cre- Morris said this about his father:
ation Research celebrates 50 “While fully experienced in and
years of ministry. ICR founder trained by several major universi-
Dr. Henry M. Morris’ ground- ties, he had long held a vision and
breaking book The Genesis Flood burden for a thoroughly Christian
sparked the modern creationism and creationist educational and sci-
movement and set the course entific research group comparable
for a ministry unlike any that had to a great university that would
come before it. As a scientist who teach from a literal, biblical perspec-
loved the Lord, Dr. Morris saw how tive. ICR was patterned after this
science supports the Bible and dream.”
dedicated his life to making Christ When I think of what I’ve wit-
known through creation research. nessed at ICR the past decade, I’m
Our feature article this month, amazed at the impact God has al-
“50 Years of Creation Research and lowed this ministry to have. We hear
Scholarship” (pages 5-7), highlights from Acts & Facts readers about life’s
noteworthy milestones in ICR’s his- changes and challenges, and many
tory. The timeline begins in 1970 say how ICR has helped them sort
when Henry Morris, Tim LaHaye, through the confusion stemming
Dr. Duane Gish and Dr. Henry M. Morris
and others, driven by a passion for from evolutionary thinking. On
science and the Bible, came together our social media page, Lyndon
and helped establish what would become with Dr. [John] Whitcomb [The Genesis said, “I love learning real science. Finding
ICR. Flood] hit the market in the ’60s, boy, it was creation-based info is like finding a precious
Over the following decades, ICR scien- like, whoosh—just a breath of fresh air. And needle in an enormous haystack.” And Sonja
tists conducted debates, seminars, and con- we grew from a two-man operation to a 50- said, “Thank you so much for providing this
ferences that drew tens of thousands. To ex- employee operation, reaching thousands on wonderful resource [Acts & Facts], for free!...
pand its reach, the ministry produced Acts & a regular basis….For all practical purposes, Always edifying, you all do so much for His
Facts magazines, Days of Praise devotionals, we became a new organization when we Kingdom and to encourage His saints.”
radio broadcasts and podcasts, educational moved [to Dallas in 2007]. It was an inter- ICR has equipped believers with bib-
programs, online news articles, and dozens esting challenge trying to find and hire and lical and scientific truth for a half-century
of creation-based books. Anchored in the rebuild the organization during those first now. Our vision is to continue, with God’s
timeless truths of God’s Word, the ministry half-dozen years or so.” help, to demonstrate how science confirms
continues to adopt new and innovative ways Mary Smith, our founder’s daugh- the Bible, encourage believers to have con-
to communicate how science points to our ter, said, “I started working at ICR in 1971, fidence in God’s Word, and glorify our Lord
Creator. Today, the ICR Discovery Center stepping in as the secretary for my dad, and by proclaiming His wonders in creation.
for Science & Earth History is reaching peo- later also for Dr. [Duane] Gish. It was truly Thank you for sharing this mission with
ple with technology and innovative exhibits a privilege to work with two such dedicated us. We invite you to celebrate with us as we
carry the vision in 2020!
our founder probably only dreamed about. servants of God and to learn from them....I
Some ICR staff members have ex- have counted my work at ICR as my minis-
perienced major milestones of this minis- try for my Savior. Thank you, Dad, for hav-
Jayme Durant
try from its earliest days. Current CEO Dr. ing the vision to serve God in this way.” Executive Editor
Henry Morris III said, “When Dad’s book ICR President Emeritus Dr. John
“The creation/evolution debate is, in a very real sense, the most fundamental issue of all.”
— ICR founder D r . H e n r y M . M o rri s
W
hen the children of Israel first ute so that those of you who have helped Scriptures to resolve the obvious conflict
crossed the Jordan River to begin support this ministry might rejoice with us. between the science he was being taught
their occupational campaign, Josh- and the words of the Bible. His M.S. in 1948
ua instructed each of the 12 tribe In the Beginning and Ph.D. in 1950 from the University of
leaders to take a stone from the middle of Minnesota developed his expertise in hy-
ICR founder Dr. Henry M. Morris
the Jordan, draulics and provided the necessary cre-
didn’t start out with a plan to found a cre-
dentials to investigate how science confirms
“That this may be a sign among you ation research ministry. It was a vision that
the Genesis Flood.
when your children ask in time to developed over time. He realized that if the
come, saying, ‘What do these stones Bible is God’s Word, it must be trustworthy n 1961—Dr. Morris col-
mean to you?’ Then you shall answer laborated with Bible
from beginning to end. When the book of
them that the waters of the Jordan were
Genesis came under attack—even within scholar Dr. John Whit-
cut off before the ark of the covenant of
the Lord; when it crossed over the Jor- the church—he began researching how sci- comb to write The Gen-
dan, the waters of the Jordan were cut ence confirms the Bible. As a geologist, pro- esis Flood, which chal-
off. And these stones shall be for a me- fessor, and avid scholar, he saw profound lenged the most basic
morial to the children of Israel forever.” evidence for the Genesis accounts of the secular beliefs of evolu-
(Joshua 4:6-7) tion and deep time and
six-day creation, the global Flood, and the
That memorial practice has been Tower of Babel, and he sought to share those became the catalyst for the
mimicked over the centuries by Kingdom insights in order to reestablish the church’s modern creationism movement.
ministries wanting to mark the provision confidence in Scripture. n 1963—The Creation Research Society
of God as He has blessed, challenged, and Dr. Morris received his B.S. in 1939 was established by like-minded creation
provided for the work for which they were from Rice Institute in Houston, and his in- scientists, including Dr. Morris. This
called into existence. We at ICR would like volvement with the on-campus Intervarsity 57-year-old professional organization is
to do something similar with this short trib- ministry inspired his serious search of the still thriving today.
1980s
1990s
2000s
10 11 27
Dallas, TX
Santa Clarita, CA
Whittier, CA ICR Discovery Center for
Bible-Science Association of Science & Earth History
First Fundamental Bible Church
Southern California
Christian Leaders Dinner
(F. Sherwin) 562.695.3322
(F. Sherwin) jlewis5@att.net
(H. Morris III) 214.615.8325
JAN UARY
17-18
DALLAS, TX
214.615.8325
ICR.org/event/1965
For the latest ICR Discovery Center live science presentations, check our schedule at
ICRdiscoverycenter.org/Live-Presentations
For information on event opportunities, email the Events department at Events@ICR.org or call 800.337.0375.
R
ecently, the ICR Column Project team presented their research completed column study across Europe. Many conference attendees
at the Geological Society of America’s (GSA) annual meeting appreciated the continental-scale study of 499 columns since few ge-
in Phoenix, Arizona. Over 5,500 people representing 44 coun- ologists conduct such macro-scale research. Although we didn’t di-
tries attended the four-day event, which is the largest gathering rectly mention the global Flood described in Genesis, the evidence
of academic geologists in North America. was there and spoke for itself.
The ICR team participated in both the oral and poster presen- The research also offers implications that have great bearing on
tations. Our oral presentation, which had 60 to 70 in attendance, fo- the Flood/post-Flood boundary issue for creation geologists.3 Our
cused primarily on the Sauk and Tippecanoe Megasequences. The basal Tejas rock-type map across Europe shows that marine lime-
traditional secular sea level curve shows a pronounced rise in sea level stone comprises the majority of the deposition around Turkey, Syria,
then of about 300 meters—almost 1,000 feet (Figure 1).1 and Iraq. Recall, the Tejas represents the Tertiary strata.4
Using our new findings, we argued that this part of the curve Assuming the Ark landed in eastern Turkey (the mountains of
fails to reflect the true nature of the stratigraphic data across the con- Ararat) as the Bible says, it’s clear from our mapping that the Flood
tinents.2 We pointed out that contrary to what has been taught in couldn’t have been over during the early Tejas, the sixth megase-
geology classes for many decades, the Sauk and Tippecanoe have the quence. The rocks from the basal beds upward are mostly limestones,
salt beds, and other marine rocks. These data show the floodwaters
were still present during the deposition of the Tejas through at least
the Miocene around Turkey, North Africa, the Middle East, and much
of Europe. Rock data clearly show the Flood hadn’t fully drained off
the land around Turkey until after most, if not all, of the Tejas strata
were deposited.
Our research offers significant evidence for a single rise in glob-
al sea level, not the multiple rises and falls taught for decades. We look
forward to more opportunities like this to showcase our research.
References
1. Vail, P. R. and R. M. Mitchum, Jr. 1979. Global Cycles of Relative Changes of Sea Level from
Seismic Stratigraphy. American Association of Petroleum Geologists Memoir. 29: 469-472.
2. Clarey, T. 2019. A Rock-Based Global Sea Level Curve. Acts & Facts. 48 (2): 9-10.
3. Clarey, T. L. 2017. Local Catastrophes or Receding Floodwater? Global Geologic Data that Re-
fute a K-Pg (K-T) Flood/post-Flood Boundary. Creation Research Society Quarterly. 54 (2): 100-
120.
4. The Tertiary System, which coincides with the Tejas Megasequence, is the bulk of the Ceno-
zoic Erathum, minus the Quaternary System at the top that includes the post-Flood Ice Age.
Recently, the Tertiary was subdivided into the Paleogene (Paleocene,
Eocene, and Oligocene) and Neogene (Miocene and Pliocene) Systems.
Figure 1. The secular global sea level curve on the left is modified from
Dr. Clarey is Research Associate at the Institute for Creation Research and
Vail and Mitchum.1 The new conceptualized sea level curve on the right earned his Ph.D. in geology from Western Michigan University.
is based on the volume and extent of Phanerozoic sedimentation across
four continents.
Homo naledi
A
highlights
fter reviewing the writings of some long-age view still strangles minds today. It
18th- and 19th-century thinkers, I’m It appears a handful of 18th- keeps many would-be believers from trust-
convinced that the popularity of ideas and 19th-century European ing the Bible, including its good news.2
like “millions of years” and “organic philosophers strategized ways
evolution” prevalent today didn’t come from to downplay the Genesis ac- Gatekeepers in France
count of Earth’s history.
scientific data but from clever strategies and
They aimed to replace the Cre- Another strategy that early naturalists
crafted stories. ator God with nature. used involved leveraging their professional
Rather than overtly assaulting platforms to emphasize cherry-picked talk-
Straw Man Arguments the Bible, they found success
ing points. Even before Buffon used his po-
“from slow and silent side at-
One early strategy used straw man tacks.” sition, Bernard Le Bouyer de Fontenelle did
arguments to demote the biblical Flood. In Their strategies—not science— the same. He became secretary of the Acad-
this all-too-common break with logic, op- gave birth to the long ages emy of Sciences in Paris in 1697. For over
ponents of a view attack an imagined ver- and naturalistic theories that 40 years Fontenelle was the gatekeeper of
pervade culture to this day. academy publications. He was tasked with
sion of that view instead of the real one.
Combatants claim victory over their oppo- summarizing the most noteworthy scientific
nents when all they really did was beat up a research. He selected those that matched his
flimsy conception of their own making. own view of an old earth.
For example, in 1720 René Réaumur British meteorologist and creation re-
studied sedimentary layers near Tours, searcher Andrew Sibley summarized Fonte-
France. He noticed fossil leaves mixed with nelle’s endeavors in the Journal of Creation.
broken shells. He thought the leaves were He noted that Fontenelle “used the occasion
“laid too neatly to be attributable to such a to try and persuade French academic society
violent event as the Noahic cataclysm.”1 Ré- that an ancient history of the world could
aumur assumed a flood that could not, dur- be arrived at through studies of nature with
ing a whole year, present the mudflow rates very little regard for belief in Noah’s Flood.”1
Comte de Buffon (1707-1788) statue on Anti-Flood sentiment then migrated across
needed to deposit leaves. But the real Flood
the facade of the Louvre the English Channel.
may well have done it.
Similarly, from 1749 to 1788 Comte
Flood was too gentle to disturb Earth’s sup- Stories in England
de Buffon used his high position in Paris’
Royal Academy of Sciences to promote his posedly pre-existing rock layers—or even its Famed philosopher David Hume used
own ideas of vast ages for the earth in his trees and plants. Eastern religious beliefs like Hinduism to
36-volume work Histoire Naturelle. The very Since today’s local floods can rip up argue against the fad of deism—belief in
phrase natural history supplants biblical his- rock, a worldwide flood would devastate all a creator who is uninvolved with his cre-
tory with a view that’s supposedly based on landscapes. Claiming the Flood was either ation. Deism also denied God’s judgment
sedimentary layers. But layers convey no too gentle to leave any trace or too violent of global sin with a global flood, and it in-
history. Eyewitness accounts do. Thus, the to deposit leaves makes it easier to ignore. cluded replacing any scriptural implications
phrase leans on mere anti-biblical interpre- Straw man versions of Noah’s Flood paved for geological history with human guesses
tations of layers. Buffon mentioned Noah’s a path for imagined eons to deposit rock about which non-Flood processes may have
Flood, but his straw man version of the layers long before the Genesis events. This caused the geology of the present world.1
Hindus believe in vast time cycles in- physical signs on Earth such as vast rock lay- God created deny their own creation. One in
stead of the Bible’s record of a recent cre- ers studded with fossils.6 which people daily walk on, and sometimes
ation. Hume expressed his deep-time lean- How would Lyell and his co-conspira- dig through, thousands of feet of Flood-
ings nonconfrontationally through fictional tors achieve their goal of garnering Flood de- deposited sediments and yet deny that the
characters in dialogue. In one of Hume’s spisers? Not through outright confrontation Flood ever happened.
books, a character named Philo said, “The but by charming kindness. Lyell wrote in a Clever strategies brought us here. Straw
world, say I, resembles an animal; therefore letter to George Scrope, “I conceived the idea man caricatures of the Flood, cherry-picked
it is an animal, therefore it arose from gen- five or six years ago that if ever the mosaic talking points that ignore the Bible, lever-
eration.”3 geology could be set down without giving aged positions of influence, and a conspiracy
Hume knew Erasmus Darwin, Charles offence, it would be in an historic sketch.”5 of stories gained the name of “science.” All
Darwin’s grandfather. Erasmus wrote in his His plan came not from a desire to do good the while, creation best explains why we have
book Zoonomia: science but to “despise” and “set down” a world fit for life, and the Flood accounts for
Genesis history. “The strategy worked; the the billions of fossils buried inside countless
Hume…places the powers of genera-
tion much above those of our boasted church and the culture were blindsided.”7 tons of water-deposited rocks. Genesis re-
reason; and…he concludes the world Charles Darwin advanced Lyell’s goal when counts Earth’s true history.
itself might…have been gradually he wrote On the Origin of Species, an anti- References
1. Sibley, A. 2018. Deep time in 18th-century France—part
produced from very small beginnings, creation “historic sketch” that masqueraded 1: a developing belief. Journal of Creation. 32 (3): 85-92. To
increasing by the activity of its inher- as science. These men’s stories assumed deep review the European educators, clergy, and scientists who
promoted a deistic (i.e., Bible-ignoring/rejecting) approach
ent principles, rather than by a sudden to studying geological history, see Mortenson, T. 2004. The
time but never defended it.
evolution of the whole by the Almighty Great Turning Point: The Church’s Catastrophic Mistake on
fiat.4 In a letter to his son George, Darwin Geology—Before Darwin. Green Forest, AR: Master Books.
2. The good news, or gospel, is that God sent His son Jesus
divulged his role in the plot to overthrow the to live a perfect life, die to pay for our sins, and rise again
on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-5). He extends grace
There again, Erasmus simply cherry- Genesis Flood. He wrote: and eternal life to all who admit to their sins and to the just
picked a preferred story with no scientific penalty we deserve (Romans 3:23), believe in the Lord Jesus
Lyell is most firmly convinced that he Christ as their Savior (Acts 16:31), and confess Him as Lord
basis. His grandson would cooperate in an has shaken the faith in the Deluge &
(Romans 10:9-10).
3. Hume, D. 1779. Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion, 2nd
even more subtle strategy to dress that story etc. far more efficiently by never hav- ed. R. Popkin, ed. London: Hackett Publishing Company,
Inc., 141.
into a new history. ing said a word against the Bible, than 4. Darwin, E. 1794. Zoonomia: or the Laws of Organic Life, vol.
if he had acted otherwise….P.S. I have 1. London: Printed for J. Johnson in St. Paul’s Church-Yard,
509.
Conspiracy to Revise History lately read Morley’s Life of Voltaire & 5. Lyell, C. 1881. Life, Letters, and Journals of Sir Charles Lyell,
Bart. K. M. Lyell, ed. London: John Murray, 271.
he insists strongly that direct attacks 6. Genesis doesn’t present the Flood as theology but as history.
Scottish lawyer Charles Lyell wrote on Christianity…produce little perma- 7. Oard, M. 2019. The Deep Time Deception. Powder Springs,
GA: Creation Book Publishers.
a personal letter in which he suggested nent effect: real good seems only to fol- 8. Darwin, C. Letter to G. H. Darwin, 21 October 1873. Dar-
low from slow and silent side attacks.8 win Correspondence Project, DCP LETT 9105. University
ways that even religionists could “join us of Cambridge. Posted on darwin-
project.ac.uk, accessed October 24,
in despising both the ancient and modern 2019.
The Impact of Clever Strategies
physico-theologians.”5 Like today’s creation- Dr. Thomas is Research Associate at
believing scientists, physico-theologians be- What kind of world did these conspir- the Institute for Creation Research and
earned his Ph.D. in paleobiochemistry
lieved that Genesis events like the Flood left ators craft? A world in which the very people from the University of Liverpool.
Welcoming Groups
Dallas, TX 75229
ICRdiscoverycenter.org
S
ince opening in September 2019, the rates for groups of 12 to 60 people. Let us ancestry, fossils and rocks, dinosaurs, and
ICR Discovery Center for Science & know what you have in mind and we’ll help astronomy
Earth History has welcomed groups you plan a memorable, faith-building event. • Development and application of critical
both small and large. One recent group Go to ICRdiscoverycenter.org/groups or thinking skills while discovering the latest
was Josh McDowell and his ministry team. call 800.743.6374 for more information. scientific research
Located in Plano, Texas—just north of • A Bible-based journey through Earth’s
Dallas—the ministry “serves and equips What Will Your Group Discover? history, highlighting scientific discoveries
the Body of Christ in raising generations of along the way
• Planetarium shows, including 3-D options
purpose-driven Christians who know what • Special events including live presentations
• Engaging exhibits that teach the origin
they believe, why it is true, and how to live by scientists and scholars
of the universe and how science affirms
it out.”1 • A store full of creation-based science re-
the Bible
The group viewed a planetarium show sources and educational kits
• Animatronic creatures, special effects,
about God’s creation in the solar system, • An outdoor area featuring a 24-foot
and a chilly Ice Age theater
explored Earth’s history in the exhibit hall, DNA sculpture, sundial, and covered pic-
• Fascinating facts about DNA and human
and attended Dr. Brian Thomas’ live sci- nic tables
ence presentation on soft tissue discoveries
Yes, the Discovery Center
in dinosaur fossils. Dr. Thomas also shared
is open, but we still need funds
his Christian testimony and the evidences
to fully complete this incredible
that led him to embrace biblical creation.
ministry outreach. Go to ICR.org/
ICR was pleased to host Josh McDowell and
donate/museum for more infor-
his guests, and we look forward to welcom-
mation. Partner with us in prayer
ing many more ministry, school, and family
and help us proclaim the truth
groups throughout the coming year.
of our Creator, the Lord Jesus
Christ!
Plan Your Group Visit
1. Quote from the Josh McDowell Ministry
Who would you like to impact with homepage, emphasis in original. Posted on
josh.org, accessed November 25, 2019.
the science that confirms creation? We en-
courage you to coordinate a visit to the Dis-
covery Center for your church group, family Josh McDowell autographs his book Evidence That
reunion, or staff fellowship. We offer special Demands a Verdict for Brian Thomas
R A N D Y J . G U L I U Z Z A , P . E . , M . D .
article
highlights
T
o effectively tackle a prob- lation theorist Thomas Malthus’ assertion that creatures counted as a hallmark of libera-
lem, one must know what compete for scarce resources for survival. tion and the “right to choose.”
caused it. A doctor must cor- Belief in survival of the fittest breeds a culture with a di- That they continue with
rectly diagnose a disease to minished reverence for life. such a high frequency reveals a so-
It was the specific concept of natural selection and not
help the sick person get better. If a ciety increasingly desensitized to
evolution in general that led to the policies that first ad-
building collapses, engineers will vanced eugenics and later embraced abortion. death. How can whole cultures of
use “root cause analysis” to probe Western civilization, which previ-
with ever-deepening questions ously embraced Christian teach-
what triggered the accident. Unless the true cause is identified, a pro- ings, get to this point? Is evolutionary humanism the direct cause of
fessional problem solver is left either treating symptoms or wasting the numbness in society toward death? Would probing deeper into
valuable time. Darwinian evolution reveal something about it that smooths the way
A similar approach could be taken with societal ills. What is the for people to see death as accomplishing good things?
root cause of so many of the problems that plague us?
Evolutionary Humanism’s Deadly Obsession
The Multi-Headed Dragon
Evolutionary humanism seems oddly ob-
In 1994, Dr. John Morris’ book The Young sessed with the idea that death is ultimately a
Earth included a diagram depicting societal dis- good thing. Possibly no one illuminated more
eases, including abortion, as a multi-headed clearly the heart of Darwinian thinking than
dragon sprouting from the body of evolutionary Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple Computer. Hav-
humanism. Abortion is the killing of unborn
1
ing been diagnosed with a fatal case of pancreatic
children, declared legal in the United States in cancer, he adopted the Darwinian meaning of
1973 in the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision. death and said in his 2005 commencement ad-
The other afflictions associated with each dragon dress at Stanford University, “Death is very likely
head could easily be replaced with diseases of a the single best invention of Life. It is Life’s change
more lethal nature: mass shootings, infanticide, agent. It clears out the old to make way for the
euthanasia, genocide, and eugenics. Some of these new.”2
behaviors leave us stunned. Others, however, are Our youth are bombarded with the idea
Image credit: Master Books. Used by permission.
article
highlights
Some might argue that Earth’s “millions of years.” Later, when he is shown Many scientists claim radioisotope
rocks are obviously ancient even pictures of Grand Canyon, it seems obvious dating methods prove Earth’s rocks are mil-
apart from radioisotope dating its rocks are extremely ancient. lions of years old. However, these are calcu-
results. In response to creationist However, this conclusion is based on lated ages based on assumptions about the
claims, they might ask, “If the earth was cre- circular reasoning: “Grand Canyon is mil- past. Creation researchers have shown that
ated just 6,000 years ago, then why does it lions of years old. And because it’s millions many of these assumptions are flawed. Dif-
look so old?” But does Earth really look old? of years old, its rocks are also millions of ferent radioisotope dating methods give
Many people see rock layers like the years old. Therefore, Grand Canyon rocks different ages for the same rocks, and age
ones in Grand Canyon and immediately as- look that old because they are that old!” The estimates often contradict both eyewitness
sume they’re millions of years old. But does person thinks the rocks look old because testimony and common sense.6
anything about the rocks themselves indi- he’s been told they’re old. At no point did Creationists have long pointed out
cate vast ages? If you think the answer is yes, anyone make an argument for why millions- that Earth doesn’t really look old. It is cov-
take a moment and try to explain why you of-years-old rocks look like Grand Canyon ered by a relatively thin layer of water-depos-
think that’s the case. Saying “Well, everyone rocks—this was simply assumed. ited rocks over much of its land surface, and
knows the rocks are old” is not a good an- Creation scientists would argue that more than 70% of its surface is underwater.
swer because then you have to ask “How is it clues within these rocks strongly suggest Earth looks flooded, just as it should if the
that people ‘know’ this?” their water-deposited strata were laid down worldwide Flood described in Genesis was a
The answer is indoctrination, plain and quickly and catastrophically, not slowly over real, historical event. Earth’s rocks don’t look
simple. Growing up, we’re taught this repeat- millions of years. These clues include fos- old because they aren’t old.
References
edly through books, television shows, mov- sils embedded through multiple rock layers, 1. Morris, J. D. 2013. Soft-Sediment Deformation: Recent
Flood Evidence. Acts & Facts. 42 (10): 16-17.
ies, and the educational system. So, it’s hardly lack of erosion between flat rock strata, and 2. Morris, J. D. 2009. A Classic Polystrate Fossil. Acts & Facts.
surprising that many people reflexively think tightly folded layers.1-3 38 (10): 15.
3. Thomas, B. 2019. Does Palo Duro Canyon Show Deep
it’s obvious that rock layers are millions of The carving of Grand Canyon is also Time? Acts & Facts. 48 (9): 20.
4. Clarey, T. 2018. Grand Canyon Carved by Flood Run-
years old. But is that conclusion drawn from best explained as a rapid, catastrophic pro- off. Acts & Facts. 47 (12): 10-13.
5. Clarey, T. 2019. Observations Support Grand Canyon Flood
scientific data, or is it a conditioned response cess that didn’t take millions of years.4 Even Origin. Acts & Facts. 48 (11): 9.
6. Cupps, V. R. 2019. Rethinking Radiometric Dating: Evidence
to years of evolutionary claims? recent erosion of the freshly deposited sedi- for a Young Earth from a Nuclear
Physicist. Dallas, TX: Institute for
Think about it. If someone is told since ments in nearby Lake Mead resemble a min- Creation Research.
childhood that Grand Canyon rock layers iature Grand Canyon, with vertical cliffs and Dr. Jake Hebert is Research Associate at
are millions of years old, at some point this slopes. These cliffs formed just in the last few the Institute for Creation Research and
earned his Ph.D. in physics from the
person mentally associates those rocks with decades.5 University of Texas at Dallas.
article
highlights
50 Years of Blessing
T
his year marks the Institute for Creation ing them…all things” (Matthew 28:19-20). study, and judging by the thousands of tes-
Research’s 50th anniversary. Since 1970, As such, ICR is predominately a ministry timonies we’ve received, they’ve served that
God has blessed ICR tremendously and of discipleship and education, applying purpose well.
allowed us to reach untold multitudes the dominion mandate (Genesis 1:26-28) The most important distinctive of ICR
across the globe. Perhaps the strongest evi- in the context of the complete gospel from has been our commitment to the absolute
dence of God’s favor is the remarkable num- creation to consummation. This ministry authority and accuracy of Scripture. We
ber of creation ministries that have sprung was founded on our uniquely creationist place a strong emphasis on science, of course,
up due to ICR’s influence. Fifty years ago training programs, which have been supple- but the primary reason for our scientific de-
hardly any organizations focused on cre- mented over the years with conferences, de- fense of special and recent creation is our
ation science. Now there are many—at least bates, seminars, and now through the new conviction of the truth of biblical creation
one or more in every U.S. state and 20 other ICR Discovery Center for Science & Earth as recorded throughout God’s perfect Word.
countries. All glory to Him! History. Along with books, videos, DVD se- We live in an age of evangelical com-
ICR’s work is unique in the world of ries (many of which are used as resources in promise, so ICR’s continuing commitment
Christian ministry. We’re not a church, but schools and colleges), and a thriving social to full biblical inerrancy and authority, to lit-
in a sense we’re an arm of the church. An media presence, ICR’s resources and activi- eral recent creationism and the global Flood,
understanding of creation is vital for teach- ties have been a major factor in the revival and to low-key fundraising may seem anti-
ing “all the counsel of God” (Acts 20:27), and growth of biblical creationism around quated to some. But God has undoubtedly
and ICR has brought its creation-oriented the world. blessed ICR because of this, and we believe
message to churches and schools of just God has indeed blessed the work of He’ll continue to do so as we remain faith-
about every denomination. ICR in marvelous ways, in spite of a low-key ful and obedient to Him. We are immensely
The special and recent creation record- fundraising approach that doesn’t employ grateful for the prayers and financial part-
ed in Genesis is the foundation on which all professional fundraisers, phone solicita- nership of our supporters, and we fervently
other biblical doctrines are based. Apart from tions, or other promotional methods that hope that the coming decades—if the Lord
Genesis 1, the rest of Scripture is meaning- many organizations use. Our ministry has does not return soon—will see an even
less. Thus, ICR has a vital evangelistic minis- mainly been supported through contribu- greater harvest from the seed sown these
try through its message of creation as an es- tions from concerned, praying Christian first 50 years.
sential element of the saving gospel of Christ believers who receive our Acts & Facts maga- Adapted from founder Henry M. Mor-
ris’ article “ICR and the Word of God”
(Colossians 1:13-23; Revelation 14:6-7). zine and Days of Praise devotional booklet. in the December 1995 edition of Acts
& Facts.
Christ’s commission to “go there- These free publications are a source of faith-
fore and make disciples” includes “teach- building information and encouraging Bible Mr. Morris is Director of Operations at the
Institute for Creation Research.
PRAYERFULLY
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presentation of scientific history and many lifelike members of
the animal kingdom. There’s a first-class bookstore that also sells
games, puzzles, hats, and numerous other attractive and reason-
ably priced items. Plenty of on-site parking and a nice park and
picnic area make the experience pleasant and worthwhile for both
children and adults.
— S. and J. C.
This place was really cool. It was nice to hear a geologist and
[paleobiochemist] back up the Bible with science. What we
were taught in school about evolution is just a theory but taught
as truth. What better truth than the Bible! Want to find out about
the Bible and dinosaurs? Go check out the ICR Discovery Center. ICR shored up my faith in ways I can’t possibly put into words.
The new findings will blow your mind. Thank you for all you do!
— A. A. — S. L.
Have a comment?
The ICR Discovery Center in Dallas, Texas, is
Email us at Editor@ICR.org
a great attraction at a very moderate price,
or write to Editor,
especially in light of all it offers. There’s a plan- P. O. Box 59029, Dallas, Texas 75229.
etarium that offers two different shows, one all about the oceans Note: Unfortunately, ICR is not able to respond to all
and the other about the sun, moon, stars, and planets. There’s correspondence.
$24.99 $29.99
The Genesis Record Scientific Creationism BRRD Hardcover
$42.99 $44.99 $14.99 BSC Many believe Earth to be around 4.6 billion years old and accept
BTGR Does the scientific evidence support it as a scientific fact. But are the dating methods that appear to
Dr. Henry Morris’ The Genesis Re- special creation or atheistic evolu- verify this age valid? With decades of experience in nuclear phys-
cord is probably the most widely tion? Authoritative and thoroughly ics laboratories, ICR’s Dr. Vernon Cupps examines the major ra-
used complete modern commen- documented, this book has changed diometric dating methods and the significant problems with the
tary on Genesis. the lives of people for Christ. dating methodology employed by many scientists.
Call 800.628.7640 or visit ICR.org/store | Please add shipping and handling to all orders. Offer good through January 31, 2020, while quantities last.