March 2006 Archives

For his courageous committment to Jesus Christ and constitutional integrity in the office of a civil magistrate, Vision Forum presented Alabama Supreme Court Justice Tom Parker with our George Washington Man of the Year Award. But the very principled leadership which has become the hallmark of Justice Parker’s tenure as a Supreme Court justice, has placed him under the scrutiny of both the ACLU and some of the co-justices who were involved in the removal of the Ten Commandments monument placed by former Chief Justice Roy Moore. Yesterday’s Human Events magazine features an excellent article in defense of Justice Parker, by noted economist Walter Williams.

Are federal, state and local justices appointed to office to impose their personal views on society or to interpret law? Is it a judge’s duty to uphold the U.S. Constitution, and state constitutions in the cases of state and local judges, or is it their duty to uphold foreign law and United Nations treaties? Should what a judge sees as “evolving standards of decency that mark the progress of a maturing society” and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights govern court decisions, or the U.S. Constitution?....

Joel Sogol, former chairman of the American Civil Liberties Union’s (ACLU) litigation committee, filed a complaint against Judge Parker with Alabama’s Judicial Inquiry Commission. The complaint charges Parker with violating Alabama’s judicial ethics standards when he publicly criticized his eight Supreme Court colleagues and the Roper v. Simmons U.S. Supreme Court decision. Sogol says that Judge Parker’s criticism breeds contempt for the law. Sogol has it wrong. It’s the court’s failure to meet its constitutional duties that breeds contempt for the law. The Judicial Inquiry Commission can send the complaint to Alabama’s Court of the Judiciary for trial. If the court finds the complaint is justified, it can reprimand Judge Parker or remove him from office. The ACLU would love the chilling effect of reprimand or removal.

Too many of us accept the notion that judges have a monopoly on the Constitution’s interpretation. In an 1820 letter to William C. Jarvis, Thomas Jefferson warned: “To consider the judges as the ultimate arbiters of all constitutional questions [is] a very dangerous doctrine indeed, and one which would place us under the despotism of an oligarchy.” Judge Tom Parker, and other justices who exhibit true faith and allegiance to their oaths of office, are a rare and disappearing breed. It’s men like Judge Parker we should support in our struggle against constitutional contempt by government officials.

Please read the entire article: http://www.humaneventsonline.com/article.php?print=yes&id=13586

Posted by Doug Phillips on March 29, 2006 | Permalink

This year’s History of the World Mega-Conference in the beautiful Williamsburg/Yorktown/Hampton area, July 11-15th, features more than 70 remarkable messages, each which chronicle and interpret great events in history from a distinctively providential perspective.

We are deeply grateful for the contribution of Christian scholarship which Dr. George Grant has provided our present generation. Dr. Grant’s inspiration and motivational historical messages remain some of the most helpful I have ever heard. At the 2006 History of the World Mega Conference, Dr. Grant will present lectures on the following topics:

The Roman Republic
The Roman Empire
The Rise of Byzantium and the Fall of Rome
AD 1000: The World on the Brink of Apocalypse
The History of Christianity and Islam I: The Rise of Mohammad
The History of Christianity and Islam II: The Crusades
The History of Christianity and Islam III: Islam and the Modern World
The Fifteen Forgotten Presidents

Read more about the History of the World Mega-Conference.

Posted by Doug Phillips on March 27, 2006 | Permalink

”..there is a seminal vital virtue, which perishes if the seed is spilled; and by doing this to hinder the begetting of a living child, is the first degree of murder that can be committed, and the next unto it is the marring of conception, when it is made, and causing of abortion: now such acts are noted in the scripture as horrible crimes, because, otherwise many might commit them, and not know the evil of them.” (Westminster Annotations, 1657, by John Ley of the Westminster Assembly)

Posted by Doug Phillips on March 25, 2006 | Permalink

I will contend myself with briefly mentioning this, as far as the sense of shame allows to discuss it. It is a horrible thing to pour out seed besides the intercourse of man and woman. Deliberately avoiding the intercourse, so that the seed drops on the ground, is doubly horrible. For this means that one quenches the hope of his family, and kills the son, which could be expected, before he is born. This wickedness is now as severely as is possible condemned by the Spirit, through Moses, that Onan, as it were, through a violent and untimely birth, tore away the seed of his brother out the womb, and as cruel as shamefully has thrown on the earth. Moreover he thus has, as much as was in his power, tried to destroy a part of the human race. When a woman in some way drives away the seed out the womb, through aids, then this is rightly seen as an unforgivable crime. Onan was guilty of a similar crime, by defiling the earth with his seed, so that Tamar would not receive a future inheritor [Onan’s act] was even as much as if he had, in a manner, pulled forth the fruit out of the mother’s womb and destroyed it. (Synod of Dort, Dutch Annotations on the Whole Bible)

Posted by Doug Phillips on March 25, 2006 | Permalink

You [Manicheans] make your Auditors adulterers of their wives when they take care lest the women with whom they copulate conceive. They take wives according to the laws of matrimony by tablets announcing that the marriage is contracted to procreate children; and then, fearing because of your law [against childbearing] . . . they copulate in a shameful union only to satisfy lust for their wives. They are unwilling to have children, on whose account alone marriages are made. How is it, then, that you are not those prohibiting marriage, as the Apostle predicted of you so long ago [1 Tim. 4:1-4], when you try to take from marriage what marriage is? When this is taken away, husbands are shameful lovers, wives are harlots, bridal chambers are brothels, fathers-in-law are pimps. (St. Augustine [354-430], Against Faustus)

Posted by Doug Phillips on March 25, 2006 | Permalink

“As regards contraceptives, there is a paradoxical, negative sense in which all possible future generations are the patients or subjects of a power wielded by those already alive. By contraception simply, they are denied existence; by contraception used as a means of selective breeding, they are, without their concurring voice, made to be what one generation, for its own reasons, may choose to prefer. From this point of view, what we call Man’s power over Nature turns out to be a power exercised by some men over other men with Nature as its instrument.” (The Abolition of Man, 68-69)

Posted by Doug Phillips on March 25, 2006 | Permalink

Onan must have been a malicious and incorrigible scoundrel. This is a most disgraceful sin. It is far more atrocious than incest and adultery. We call it unchastity, yes, a Sodomitic sin. For Onan goes in to her; that is, he lies with her and copulates, and when it comes to the point of insemination, spills the semen, lest the woman conceive. Surely at such a time the order of nature established by God in procreation should be followed . . . He was inflamed with the basest spite and hatred . . . Consequently, he deserved to be killed by God. He committed an evil deed. Therefore God punished him . . . That worthless fellow . . . preferred polluting himself with a most disgraceful sin to raising up offspring for his brother. (Lectures on Genesis: Chapters 38-44; 1544; LW, 7, 20-21) Luther, Martin, Luther’s Works (LW), American edition, edited by Jaroslav Pelikan (volumes 1-30) and Helmut T. Lehmann (volumes 31-55), St. Louis: Concordia Pub. House (volumes 1-30); Philadelphia: Fortress Press (volumes 31-55), 1955.

Posted by Doug Phillips on March 25, 2006 | Permalink

A Warning from J.C. Ryle

How common is it to see young men with big heads, high-minded, and impatient of any counsel! How often they are rude and discourteous to all around them, thinking they are not valued and honored as they deserve! How often will they not stop to listen to a hint from an older person! They think that they know everything. They are full of conceit of their own wisdom. They think elderly people, and especially their relatives, are stupid, and dull, and slow. They want no teaching or instruction themselves: they understand all things. It almost makes them angry to be spoken to. Like young horses, they cannot bear the least control. They must be independent and have their own way. They seem to think, like those whom Job mentioned, “You are the people, and wisdom will die with you” (Job 12:2). And all this is pride.

Rehoboam was such a person, who despised the counsel of the old experienced men who stood before his father, and listened to the advice of the young men of his own generation. He lived to reap the consequences of his folly. There are many like him.

The prodigal son in the parable was also such a person, who needed to have his share of the inheritance so he could set himself up in the lifestyle that he desired. He could not submit to live quietly under his father’s roof, but would go into a far country and be his own master. Like the little child that will leave its mother’s hand and walk alone, he soon feels the sting for his folly. He became wiser when he had to eat husks with the swine. But there are many like him.

Young men, I beseech you earnestly, beware of pride. Two things are said to be very rare sights in the world: one is a young man that is humble, and the other is an old man that is content. I fear that this is only too true.

Do not be proud of your own abilities, your own strength, your own knowledge, your own appearance, your own cleverness. Do not be proud of yourself, and your endowments of any kind. It all comes from not knowing yourself and the world. The older you grow, and the more you see, the less reason you will find for being proud. Ignorance and inexperience are the pedestal of pride; once the pedestal is removed, pride will soon come down.

Remember how often Scripture sets before us the excellence of a humble spirit. How strongly we are warned “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought” (Romans 12:3). How plainly we are told, “The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know!” (1 Corinthians 8:2). How strict is the command, “Clothe yourselves with humility” (Colossians 3:12). And again, “Clothe yourselves with humility” (1 Peter 5:5). This is the garment of which many seem not to have so much as a rag.

Posted by Doug Phillips on March 24, 2006 | Permalink

The personal turtle of Robert Clive has died. What makes this special is that both Mr. Clive and his turtle were born before the American War of Independence. That is right...the turtle lived for a quarter of a millennia.

Fans of the wonderful G.A. Henty historical fiction may be familiar with the classic With Clive in India, which details the exploits of the famous British military officer Robert Clive and his daring adventures in India during the middle of the 18th century. Though Henty does not mention the turtle, zoo officials at the Kolkata zoo indicate that he was brought to the zoo 130 years ago. Additional evidence from original sources indicates that he is more than 250 years old.

The giant Aldabra tortoise died of liver failure. It is believed that Aldabra tortoises are the longest lived of all animals.

If turtles could talk.

Posted by Doug Phillips on March 24, 2006 | Permalink

OPC Pastor G.I. Williamson has provided some honest, insightful questions, and some friendly advice concerning the theonomy (“law of God”) conundrum. The following are exerpts from his article published in New Horizons in 1994:

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness” (2Tim. 3:16, NASB). By “all Scripture,” Paul meant the Old Testament, including the whole Law of Moses. It follows, therefore, that Old Testament laws have permanent value. It was for this reason that Calvin, in his commentary on the five books of Moses, showed how every “case law” taught an abiding principle. He did this by arranging all of these laws under one or another of the Ten Commandments. He showed how each of them helps us understand the intent and meaning — and proper application — of the ten central commandments.

I remain convinced that the Reformer was essentially right. I don’t think he was always right, or that he necessarily organized every case law under its proper heading (some could arguably be placed under a different commandment). But he has convinced me that there is an abiding principle in every Old Testament case law. In my opinion, the theonomists deserve credit here. They are trying to do in our generation what John Calvin did in his.

It may be well, however. to make one thing quite clear at this point. With the coming of Christ, the Mosaic system was set aside once and for all. If theonomy sought to put us under that system again, I would certainly oppose it. But does it? I have seen no convincing evidence that it does. Yes, I have heard opponents of theonomy allege this, but that is not what theonomists say for themselves. So we are really faced with one basic question: shall we still “use the testimonies taken out of the law ... to confirm us in the doctrine of the gospel, and to regulate our life in all honorableness to the glory of God, according to His will” (Belgian Confession, 25, emphasis added)? I believe the answer can only be yes, and that this applies to civil rulers.

Here is the rub. Theonomy poses for many today the specter of civil oppression. “If we go along with this,” they seem to be saying, “then we’ll end up persecuting — yes, even killing — people.” And it is true that the death penalty was required for some things, under these laws, that are not so punished today. But the reader should take time to reflect on two things.

The first is that the Law of Moses came from Jehovah. We must therefore beware of taking a negative view of these holy precepts. I may not understand why God required the punishment he did, but I have no right to set myself up as a judge of these laws. No, a thousand times no. There is nothing in these laws unworthy of the true God. If I have difficulty with them, the problem is in me — not in these laws.

The second is that under our present law, there is killing, too. And right here I see a problem not yet resolved in the position of those opposing theonomy. It is the basic ambiguity in their argument for a pluralistic civil order.

One writer defends a nontheonomic view of the state with these words: “The state is necessarily ‘pluralistic’ in the sense that it allows its citizens freedom of conscience to worship as they believe they must.” This sounds good. But now lay beside this his second principle: “The state must act when the basic and abiding moral principles (as contained in the second table of the Law) are being overridden or ignored.” Here there is, for example, a reference to the state’s task to execute justice against those who steal, murder, lie, etc. But I do not see how these two principles can coexist in any stable relationship. Indeed, our problem today is precisely that the first of these two principles is eating the second away...

What we need, then, is to get away from mere reaction to the word theonomy. Instead, we need to get down to specifics. If you say you’re a theonomist, fine but tell me (as Calvin did) what this particular case law means for today. What is the principle in it, and how does it apply? If you cannot do that, then it is neither here nor there to me that you are a theonomist.

Likewise, if you come to me and say you’re not a theonomist, I will say, “Fine! But now you show me the principle here, and its application.” If the best you can say is “Well, that’s Old Testament, and we’re New Testament Christians,” then I will not be able to buy your antitheonomic position. What we need, then, is an end to knee-jerk reactions and name-calling. We need, instead, to start treating one another with respect, and to discuss our differences patiently, carefully, and — above all — calmly, with constant reference to the text of the Bible.

Posted by Doug Phillips on March 23, 2006 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on March 23, 2006 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on March 22, 2006 | Permalink

Dear Doug: Thank you so much for your beautiful tribute to Dr. Morris. As I read throught it, I thought back to the early 1980s when I bought Dr. Morris’s The Genesis Record and Dr. R.C. Sproul’s The Holiness of God. Both of those books impacted my life ... not only spiritually, but professionally as a Christian teacher. Over the years, I have read just about everything these two great leaders have written, and I am eternally grateful. As I work in my own teaching ministry today, Dr. Morris’s work continues to make the Bible come alive in ever-increasing beauty. I am priviledged to also be a member of Dr. Sproul’s church here in Orlando and reap the blessings of his life of faith and work. Thank you again for your tribute to Dr. Morris. —Barbara G

Posted by Doug Phillips on March 22, 2006 | Permalink

“They want to sentence me to death, and I accept it,” Rahman told reporters last week, “but I am not a deserter and not an infidel.” (“Afghan Christian convert could be executed,” CNN.com)

Posted by Doug Phillips on March 22, 2006 | Permalink

Sample partial listing of some topics of general interest at the History of the World Mega-Conference

• The Long War Against God; J. Whitcomb
• Technology and Civilization: The Relationship of Gadgets to Christendom
• The History of Books and Libraries; Potter
• Tomorrows Revisionist History 101: The Pilgrims Feasted on the Indians; Botkin
• How Families Have Changed The World; Foster
• The Death of Old Earth Dating Methods; Morris

• The First Millennium: A Providential Overview of the 25 Most Significant Events
• The Greatest Themes of the First Thousand Years of Earth History; Jehle
• A Defense of the Universality of the Genesis Flood; Whitcomb
• The Implications of the Genesis Flood On Earth History; Whitcomb
• The Search for Noah’s Ark; Morris
• The Babel Dispersion and the Table of Nations; Whitcomb
• The Greatest Themes of the Second Thousand Years of Earth History; Jehle
• One Blood: The Origins of the Races; Morris
• The History of the Ice Age; Morris
• The Greatest Themes of the Third Millennium of Earth History; Jehle
• A Survey of Ancient Legal Systems: Mesopotamia, Egypt, Persia; Eidesmoe
• The History of Hebrew Republic and Monarchy I, II; Eidesmoe
• Providence and the Hittites, Phoenician, Phrygian, and Amorite Nations
• The Greatest Themes of the Fourth Thousand Years of Earth History; Jehle
• Special Providences of God in the Advance of Christendom I, II; Botkin
• The Power and Perversion of the Assyrian Empire; Jehle
• What Every Christian Should Know About the Babylonian Empire
• The History of the Greek City States; Phillips
• Jerusalem and Athens: Antithesis Between Hebrew and Greek Culture; Phillips

Posted by Doug Phillips on March 21, 2006 | Permalink

Join Dr. John Whitcomb, founding father of the modern creation movement, for rich insights into the history of the pre-flood world, for a defense of the global Genesis Flood, and the history of the Babel Dispersion and the Table of Nations. At eighty-seven years of age, this hero of the faith (co-author of The Genesis Flood) is sharp, bold, and powerful in his teaching ministry. This is your opportunity to meet and learn from one of the great defenders of the Faith alive today. Dr. Whitcomb will present five dynamic lectures, including a special tribute to his friend Dr. Henry Morris entitled “The Long War Against God,” detailing the history of evolutionary theory and the rise of the modern Creation Movement. After this message, Dr. Whitcomb and I will present a special award to Dr. John Morris, president of the Institute for Creation Research, in honor of the life work and testimony of late father, Dr. Henry Morris. This is a never-to-be repeated, once-in-a-lifetime event at the History of the World Mega-Conference, to be held July 11-15 in the beautiful Williamsburg/Yorktown/ Jamestown/Hampton region of Virginia.

Posted by Doug Phillips on March 20, 2006 | Permalink

Small Sampling of the Topics from History of the World Conference:

In Defense of Biblical Chronology
Does the biblical record provide us with a good sense of the age of the earth? How accurate is the biblical chronology? Are there gaps? The purpose of this message is to address controversies in biblical chronology and to set forth the orthodox understanding of earth chronology in light of Scripture. Compromise theories of biblical chronology will be addressed and refuted. Our prayer is that students of history will walk away from this talk with a blessed confidence that God has given us a sufficient and accurate record.

The World That Perished: The Tragedy of the Pre-Flood World
Drawing from Scripture and science, Dr. John Whitcomb (author of The Early Earth, The Genesis Flood, and The World That Perished) presents a panoramic overview of the history and meaning of the pre-flood world; its beauty, tragedy, and ultimate destruction.

The Millennium of the Patriarchs: This is a survey of the approximately one thousand years from Noah to Abraham in terms of the development of nations, the key themes Christian students should understand, and the providential direction of the patriarchal line as part of God’s redemptive program in history.

A Providential Interpretation of Twenty Great Battles that Changed the World, I, II, III, and IV: Each of these four messages on great battles in earth history addresses five different military events which altered the course of history and served strategic roles in the unfolding plan of God in Earth history.

The History of the Ice Age
One of the world’s foremost creation geologists, Dr. John Morris provides a distinctively biblical and scientific perspective on the history and global impact of the great ice age. He will answer questions like: When was the ice age? How many ice ages were there? What was the scope and the extent of the ice age? How did the biblical Flood serve as the trigger for the ice age? Is the ice age mentioned in the Bible? How do creationists explain the appearance of the ice age? What can we learn about the post-flood world from the riddle of the frozen mammoth?

Solving the Puzzle of Ancient Man: ET vs. Nimrod
In many ways, modern man’s fascination with UFOs and alien life forms has become a replacement religion for Christianity. With strong roots in the evolutionary hypothesis, a growing number of scientists, laymen, and cultural leaders have embraced the notion that life on earth was established or supplemented by extraterrestrials or that human civilization was altered through contact with ancient astronauts. To support this thesis, they look to amazing examples of ancient technologies and unusual archaeological evidence that points to the advanced nature of ancient man. In this timely message, Doug Phillips provides some fresh insights into the remarkable development of ancient civilizations and trains Christians on how to deconstruct and rebut the “Alien Hypothesis.”

The Meaning of the Incarnation for Earth History
Can you defend the proposition that the incarnation of Jesus Christ is the single most defining event in earth history? In this inspiring message on the centrality of the incarnation to the history of men and nations, the student of history will learn about the universal impact of the incarnation and receive a powerful apologetic for interpreting all of history in the context of God becoming man and the thirty-three years He walked the earth.

How the Early Church Battled Heresy
The first four hundred years of Christianity were marked by constant battles to defend and define the truth against heresies numerous and divisive. This message provides an overview of the top heresies and how our church fathers and church councils waged war against the dilution and usurpation of the Gospel by heretics like Ebionites, Gnostics, Arians, Pelagians, Semi-Pelagians, as well as advocates of Marcionism, Montanism, Monarchianism, and so much more.

A Brief History of Martyrdom, Persecution, and Inquisition
In the span of one hour, Dr. Joe Morecraft brings to life the maxim: “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” From the sacrifice of entire families in the coliseums of Rome, to the brutal auto de fe of the Spanish Inquisition, to the martyrdoms of the present era, you will journey through an epic presentation of the greatest sacrifices made by the most heroic saints in church history.

The Problem with Medieval Scholasticism
Nearly a thousand years after medievalism and the philosophy of the medieval scholastics transformed Western culture, professing Christians are still debating whether or not we should build our new millennium on the values and methodologies of Aquinas and Aristotle. Dr. Joe Morecraft explains why medieval scholasticism was a problem in 1200 and why it remains a problem in 2006.

What Every Christian Needs to Know about the Reformation
The Reformation transformed law and government, influenced science and civilizations, and restored theology to its biblical foundations. In opposition to medievalism and Renaissance and Enlightenment theologies, the presuppositionally biblical worldview emphasis implicit to Reformation thinking remains the necessary platform for a righteous cultural witness and blessing on the Church. To understand the impact of the Reformation, one must first grasp the men, movements, and theologies that made it great. The purpose of this message is to give the student of history a concise, powerful, and precise understanding of the most important events and themes of the Reformation.

The Meaning of Puritanism
The late Dr. John Gerstner correctly observed: “The American and English Puritans were the most godly movement the Church has known since the days of the Apostles themselves.” Yet, for many from the modern government school-educated evangelical culture, the very name “Puritan” evokes images of intolerance and legalism. Now, Dr. Joe Morecraft eviscerates the revisionist thesis about the Puritans and explains why we owe in substantial part our civil freedoms, our understanding of worship, and the very best elements of modern Christian culture, to these heroes of the Faith. He will answer the questions: Who were the Puritans? What did they believe? And why is their legacy still relevant to Christianity?

The Remarkable Life of Oliver Cromwell
Follow the providential story of how a humble farmer turned statesman, trained one of the most disciplined, steadfast, and undefeatable band of warriors the world has ever known, and ultimately led them to victory against the tyrannical reign of King Charles I, as well as a season in England’s history when the civil magistrate boldly extolled the virtue of government by biblical principles. Oliver Cromwell’s uncompromising commitment to Christian orthodoxy laid the foundation for a bright and far-reaching vision for limited civil government, the Lordship of Jesus Christ, and the Law of God as the only standard of justice, righteousness, and truth. Learn why Oliver Cromwell was arguably one of the most influential and controversial men in all of the history of Christendom.

The Global Influence of John Calvin
Who was the true founding father of America? The answer is John Calvin. More than any man in modern history, Calvin’s understanding of Scripture, law, and society laid the foundation for our Republican system of government and its relationship to the government of the family and the government of the Church. But his influence is not limited to the United States. From the Geneva of his day, to Huguenot France, to Knox’s Scotland, to Puritan England, Calvin’s vision transformed the modern world. Despite this fact, few Christians today know more about John Calvin than his name, a name which they associate with intolerance and legalism. Now the record is set straight. Learn how one man with a passionate love for Scripture and a commitment to systematic biblical thinking taught the world to rejoice in the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

The History of the English Church
One of the most thrilling episodes in the unfolding history of Christianity and the West is the story of the Protestant Reformation in England. Join us for an epic journey from the heroics of Wycliffe and Tyndale, to the tumultuous reign of Henry VIII and his split with Rome, to the terror of the butcher queen Bloody Mary, through the many faces of Anglicanism under the Stuart monarchs, to the glorious triumph of the Puritans in the seventeenth century.

The History of the Scottish Church
From “killing fields” to covenants, Scottish believers retained a rigorous commitment to biblical orthodoxy and faithfulness before the flames of persecution. The illustrious history of the Scottish church, replete with tragedy and triumph, is the story of larger-than-life heroes like the indomitable John Knox, and of common men, women, and children sold into slavery in the East India sugar plantations by tyrannical monarchs. The disproportionately high number of world-transforming Christian missionaries, teachers, leaders, scientists (in population percentage comparison with other nations) which emerged from the Scots, is testimony to the covenantal blessings bestowed by God on those who take Him and His Word seriously.

Posted by Doug Phillips on March 20, 2006 | Permalink

This and much more...

Posted by Doug Phillips on March 16, 2006 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on March 13, 2006 | Permalink

In his commentary on Ephesians, William Hendricksen explains:

“The apostle assumes that among those who will be listening when this letter is read to the various congregations the children will not be lacking. They are included in God’s Covenant..., and Jesus loves them.... Were Paul to be present with us today he would be shocked at the spectacle of children attending the Sunday School and then going home just before the regular worship service. He has a word addressed directly and specifically to the children.”(William Hendricksen, Galatians and Ephesians (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1979) pg. 258)

Posted by Doug Phillips on March 13, 2006 | Permalink

Guest Blog: By Scott Brown, Director NCFIC

“Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them, but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them, for such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it. And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them”. Mark 10:13-16

These are common feelings among modern church people. But, they are not new phenomena. We see the same feelings expressed in Judea in Jesus day - children will wreck worship if you keep them with you.

I have a friend who was visiting a large and prominent church in the Northwest. He brought his family down to the front, where they always go, to get settled down for worship. After they sat down someone came down the long aisle and whispered to the father: “we have childcare, could you please take your children to the back and down the hall....” My friend said, “no, we normally keep our children with us.” The usher left. A moment later another usher came down and whispered “We really would not like the diversion the little ones might make during the service, would you please take your children out?” The father repeated what he said before. Then, as everyone was now standing for the opening hymn, another usher came down the aisle and handed him a paper and said: “it is our church policy that children are not in this service,” and he handed him the written policy.

Here is the policy, verbatim:

“Name Witheld Baptist Church”

Policy regarding children in church

We are happy you and your children have chosen to worship with us. Small children have short attention spans, so in order to maintain a worshipful atmosphere for all, please do not be offended if an usher asks you to step outside for a few moments should your child begin to disturb others around you. For your convenience, we also provide excellent child care for all ages. If you would like to use this service, an usher will gladly assist you.Thank-you

People in our culture are used to very professional forms of communication. We like what we are used to being served: perfectly packaged, cosmetic experiences — not like real life at all. We long for these kind of experiences and when they are threatened, we feel out of sorts. People feel out of sorts with children and their worship disrupting lifestyles.

Children have always been a challenge to adult concentration and the answer is usually: “get them out of here so I can concentrate.”

In the American church, we have become a people who worship a worshipful atmosphere. We care more about our concentration, than we care about passing the precious promises of God to the next generation. We narcissistically care more for our comforts than we do about the difficult task of training a mighty army of saints who would be willing to go to their death for their Savior.

I believe that Jesus would be offended by the modern church and its treatment of children. Ours is one of the most blatantly anti-child societies on earth. Most internationals from “undeveloped” countries, are shocked when they come here and see adult only apartment complexes, scattered families and other expressions of individualism run amok.

The church has been deeply affected by our anti-child culture. We do not want to be stuck with snotty nosed children. We want to remove the hassle of children. We want to remove them from our presence. We want to live a life apart from our children. We want to have few enough so that our lives are not adversely affected. If we become pregnant, we may terminate the pregnancy because of its potential to divert us from our objectives. Ours is truly a child rejecting culture. The ultimate goal of many of our senior citizens is to retire to Florida in child free communities.

Expressions of our anti-child culture are everywhere to the point that we are numb to their recognition. Tragically, America is suffocating from the effects of day care raised children, latchkey children and fathers leaving their families in greater numbers than any time in history. We are experiencing the death of fatherhood as 40% of the children in America will go to sleep tonight without a father in the home. Parents will admit unashamedly that they would not have any more children because of the time required. Teenage pregnancy, divorce and abortion are some of the results of this “social experiment” with the family.

And so the church has taken on the spirit of the disciples and surrounding culture regarding children. Children do destroy worship, because they have not been led by their fathers and mothers in the meaning of worship. Parents in our churches simply care more about their own concentration than they do their children’s consecration.

Fortunately, Jesus is different. He says “let the children come to me.”

Posted by Doug Phillips on March 12, 2006 | Permalink

“The historical relation between patriarchy, population, and power has deep implications for our own time.”

Posted by Doug Phillips on March 11, 2006 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on March 11, 2006 | Permalink

These boys sat on the sidelines this week taking careful notes as Christian business leaders and pastors met to discuss and prepare for Vision Forum Ministry’s 2006 Entrepreneurial Bootcamp to be held from August 10-12, at the Gonzalez Convention Center, in San Antonio, Texas.

Posted by Doug Phillips on March 11, 2006 | Permalink

...with my beloved son.

Posted by Doug Phillips on March 11, 2006 | Permalink

Professor Providence is about to share his own view on the theology of orange. First, put on an orange shirt. Next, find orange bowling balls. Finally, smear orange pizza on your face.

Posted by Doug Phillips on March 11, 2006 | Permalink

Three grateful little girls playing with some special capes made by home schooling friends from North Carolina. It is fun to be a girl!

Posted by Doug Phillips on March 11, 2006 | Permalink

Dear Vision Forum: I appreciate the way you are speaking out against women in the military. Even in very “conservative” circles, and in homeschool groups, we are finding so much ignorance about this subject. My daughter, who is 14, has gone round and round with home educated young ladies on this subject, and we are astonished at how deep the feminist roots go in this country. It is rather frightening. Thank you for speaking out about this. I am sure that you receive much criticism for it. Blessings, Ken and Rose N.

The final response we have received has been gratefulness. Remarkably, we have received many letters from those within the military and those who have left the military, both men and women, affirming our scriptural concerns as well as the deleterious practical consequences for men, women, family and culture, when our daughters go to war.

Posted by Doug Phillips on March 10, 2006 | Permalink

This year’s Oscar presentation provided the American people with an homage to all that is vile and repugnant in modern culture. Winners included gangster rap artists and the perverse purveyers of the values of the militant homosexual culture. For an alternative perspective on the proper use of the medium of film, make sure to listen to these tapes dedicated to the promotion of epistemologically self-conscious, presuppositionally biblical film making.

Posted by Doug Phillips on March 8, 2006 | Permalink

If you have ever wondered whether Latin is a helpful language for the future Christian communicator you are raising, just consider the following test I gave to my children last week. How many English word parallels can you identify from their Latin roots found in the following quote on the divine attributes of God taken from Augustine’s Confession IV? (I will post the translation tomorow.)

Quid est ergo deus meus? Quid, rogo, nisi dominus deus? Quis enim dominus praeter dominum? aut quis deus praeter deum nostrum? Summe, optime, potentissime, omnipotentissime, misericordissime et iustissime, secretissime et praesentissime, pulcherrime et fortissime, stabilis et inconprehensibilis, inmutabilis, mutans omnia, numquam novus, numquam vetus, innovans omnia; in vetustatem perducens superbos et nesciunt; semper agens, semper quietus, colligens et non egens, portans et implens et protegens, creans et nutriens, perficiens, quaerens, cum nihil desit tibi. amas nec aestuas, zelas et securus es; paenitet te et non doles, irasceris et tranquillus es, opera mutas nec mutas consilium; recipis quod invenis et numquam amisisti; numquam inops et gaudes lucris, numquam avarus et usuras exigis. Supererogatur tibi, ut debeas, et quis habet quicquam non tuum? reddens debita nulli debens, donans debita nihil perdens. et quid diximus, deus meus, vita mea, dulcedo mea sancta, aut quid dicit aliquis, cum de te dicit? et vae tacentibus de te, quoniam loquaces muti sunt. (Augustine Confessions: Books I-VIII, Loeb Classic Library, Translated by William Watts)

Posted by Doug Phillips on March 6, 2006 | Permalink

The purpose of marriage is not pleasure and ease but the procreation and education of children and the support of a family.... People who do not like children are swine, dunces, and blockheads, not worthy to be called men and women, because they despise the blessing of God, the Creator and Author of marriage.” (Martin Luther, Christian History, Issue 39, p. 24)

Posted by Doug Phillips on March 6, 2006 | Permalink

God’s command to “be fruitful and multiply” still applies to married couples, and He “seeks godly offspring.” He is sovereign over the opening and closing of the womb. Children are a gift of God and it is a blessing to have many of them, if He so ordains. Christian parents are bound to look to Scripture as their authoritative guide concerning issues of procreation. They should welcome with thanksgiving the children God gives them. The failure of believers to reject the anti-life mindset of the age has resulted in the murder of possibly millions of unborn babies through the use of abortifacient birth control. (From the “Tenets of Biblical Patriarchy”; see also Gen. 1:28; 9:1; 29:31; 30:22; Ex. 20:13: 21:22-25; Ps. 127:3; 128:3-4; Is. 8:18; Mal. 2:15)

Posted by Doug Phillips on March 6, 2006 | Permalink

Brothers “in lunge” with the épée

San Antonio’s youngest fencer

Posted by Doug Phillips on March 4, 2006 | Permalink

Another testimony from a grateful Chinese brother:

Nov. 6th, 2005 was a different Lord’s Day than usual. My eldest daughter, Kathryn, wasn’t feeling well so my wife stayed home with her. My youngest daughter, Tara, and I headed out to Christ’s Church by ourselves. Our friends had just returned from the 2nd annual Christian Film Festival. They had brought along The League of Grateful Sons movie to share with everyone in the afternoon after the meal.

The movie was very moving to me, not only for the stories told, but also by the challenge of honoring our fathers and learning from them before it was too late. I had often thought that we needed to hear and record many of the stories of our parents as all of them had gone through World War II and escaped with their lives. I only knew shades of the stories from when I was young. But those good intentions to hear the stories had never been translated into any type of action. Deuteronomy 32:7 became the verse which would turn our conviction into action.

We discussed the film as a family and I revealed my conviction to finally make a trip expressly for our family to hear the life story of my parents. We decided by Tuesday, the 8th, to go to North Carolina over Christmas to accomplish this. Over the next month, we discussed several times about how to get YehYeh and NiNi (grandfather and grandmother on your father’s side) to tell their life stories. We decided we would videotape my daughters with their grandparents in an interview type format. We would also ask to view old photos and our family tree, which I had seen previously. From what I remembered, I was the 20th generation recorded in the family tree archive.

After arriving in Durham, NC and celebrating Christmas together as a family, we finally got to our main purpose for the trip. We learned of God’s protection over my parents through the war despite several dangerous and life-threatening events. It was very emotional to hear that my grandmothers were both heroines in leading their families to safety from the invading Japanese. We walked through both of my parents’ childhoods, through the Japanese occupation, and the eventual communist Chinese revolution which led to the fleeing of their families to Taiwan.

One of the highlights of our trip was discovering that the family tree of which I was the 20th generation was actually a second volume of the family archives. It had restarted numbering generations when the family moved from modern Shandong province to Jiangsu province. The first volume, I discovered, had an additional 50 generations prior to the second volume! So, including my daughters who were added in 2000, we had 71 generations recorded in our line of the family tree. That was rather mind-boggling to me. Then I learned from my father that the 1st ancestor named Yen-Hui was Confucius’ favorite student and was very famous in Chinese history. A quick google on his name and I was able to date our family line back to 514 BC!

The whole trip was just very memorable for our whole family. My parents were honored, and we all learned so much of our rich family history which my daughters will be able to share with their children and their children’s children.

Posted by Doug Phillips on March 4, 2006 | Permalink

This precious story was sent to us from a Chinese brother:

I remember receiving the Vision Forum email shortly before Father’s Day which had The Patriarch poem in it. Having just returned from a trip to visit my parents in Durham, North Carolina where I had tried to convey the essence of our multi-generation vision for our family to them and explain to them the basis for many of our family decisions and directions, I thought that The Patriarch was a good summary of what I wanted to accomplish. So I sent the following email with The Patriarch attached to my father.

Dear Dad —- This is a poem about being a Patriarch (a father) by Doug Phillips. It is a good description of what my vision is for me and my family. While you are still he Patriarch of our family, our season where you take care of us is passing and we now are in a position of taking care of you. However, this is God’s vision for fathers, to be a reflection of Him on this earth and being the Father, Priest, and King of the family, and this is seldom known and even less lived out by those fathers who are Christians. It is perhaps one of God’s most saddest realities that He sees, disobedience to His call. One thing you can do is to encourage those young fathers in your Church to first hear the truth and the call, and then to turn their hearts back to their wives and their children. Their families will respond and turn their hearts back to the fathers. Much love on this Father’s Day this weekend.

My father was touched by my email and thanked me for my kind heart. He was so challenged by it that he translated the poem into Chinese (since their Church is conducted only in Chinese) and asked for time during their Father’s Day service so he could share this. The following is from my journal entry on June 20th, 2005.

Perhaps the highlight of my Father’s Day was calling Dad late last night and hearing that he transcribed the email I sent him with The Patriarch poem and read it to his Church with tears in his eyes. He followed my urging to share the vision with the fathers in his Church. How proud I am of him. He was willing to give testimony for the benefit of others. He’s my father. And I thank you, Lord, for Him

Little did I know what kind of work God would do in his Church through this. I had no idea that there were families in their congregation who had come from mainland China but had chosen to leave their children behind with grandparents in order to find work and establish themselves here in the United States. While life in the U.S. represented their hope for a better life, they felt that they had to leave their children behind until they could be on firmer ground financially. My father’s words touched the hearts of 3 families in this situation. With tears from touched hearts, they committed to reuniting with their children as soon as they could.

When we recently visited my parents at Christmas in December 2005, 2 of the 3 families had already been reunited with their children. God even arranged for us to meet one of the families when we bumped into them while out at a restaurant. I’ll never forget the beaming smile of that little boy. His heart was turned back to his father.

Posted by Doug Phillips on March 4, 2006 | Permalink

Thank you for encouraging those of us who do not live in the sensible state of Alabama. It is interesting, isn’t it, that the people, when deprived unconstitutionally of a Justice that they elected (Justice Moore), chose to elect another Justice of the same beliefs. What hope that gives the rest of us!! —Janet B.

Posted by Doug Phillips on March 4, 2006 | Permalink

Dear Mr. Phillips, My husband and I so appreciated your tribute to Dr. Henry Morris. It brought back a very vivid memory to us. During our college years at the university we attended 20-some years ago, we had the honor and privilege of hearing a guest speaker one time that has forever made an impression upon us. He was not a professor of the university we attended — he wouldn’t have been allowed to teach what he lectured and wrote about there. But he sure did put some of our own professors to shame in the course of a couple of hours. A Christian group on campus invited this man to come and speak on Creationism one evening. It was an open meeting that was advertised throughout campus by the host group. A large number of campus professors showed up and they were hot under their collar. Some guy was going to talk about creation versus evolution and he came from the stance of “pro-creation”. The university faculty who showed up for a “show-down” were up in arms, for if what this Dr. Henry Morris shared was indeed true, then everything they’ve based their livelihood on was a lie. Needless to say, the air was hot and tension was high. Up to the podium walks Dr. Henry Morris. I think the evolutionary prof’s were expecting to see a fire-breathing dragon. We weren’t sure what to expect either. We were just young, zealous Christians then, not even sure what the big deal was about. We had never heard about Dr. Morris until that night. Imagine the surprise of all when we caught our first glimpses of Dr. Morris — a man in his sixties with white hair who possessed a calm, humble, gentle spirit. The faculty, our very own professors, couldn’t stand it as he calmly shared truth. Many of them stood up in their seats interrupting him, some shouting, some pointing accusing fingers, red-faced. Sometimes many stood all at once - a whole row of the biology department, chemistry department, etc. -interrupting one another as they shouted accusations. We sat with a small group of Christians, mouths gaping at the unprofessional folks who we were paying big money to to educate us. What made the most lasting and deep impression was Dr. Morris’ response to each of them as he diligently answered each of their accustaions/questions. He never interrupted. His voice was ALWAYS calm and gentle. He was not put off by their outrageous, insulting behavior. We must admit, our blood pressure was near the boiling point. We came to hear the man speak and were embarrassed at the rude behavior of these so-called professionals who kept interrupting. However, what we walked away with that evening were not only scientific answers refuting evolution, but also a deep awe and respect for a very learned man who exhibited Christian character unlike any one we have ever met. Even when he was not treated with honor, he treated others with honor. Thank you for giving honor to someone who is truly worthy of it. Sincerely,
Lisa for John Mesko

Posted by Doug Phillips on March 3, 2006 | Permalink

Creation is the initial doctrine we encounter in opening our Bibles, and it has been the point of initial attack of critics of the Faith. The attack is as old as Christianity, because the early church moved in a Greco-Roman culture deeply committed to an evolutionary perspective. Aristotle as a scientist was deeply interested, as Cornelius Van Til showed us in a telling essay, in freaks because they represented a possible next step in evolution. More than a few of the early church Fathers, being pagan in origin, compromised on Genesis 1.... All attempts to undermine strict six-day creationism have a deadly affect. First they require a different view of the Bible.... These novel kinds of exegesis deny the validity of the Reformation and the view of the Scripture as given to the believer, not the scholar. Second, a denial of six day creationism requires a different view of God.... The issues in six-day creationism are thus more basic than many are willing to admit. The life of the church is at stake. (Dr. R.J. Rushdoony, “The Importance of Six Day Creation,” Chalcedon Report, September 1988)

First, they both held to the orthodox view of the Book of Genesis. Both understood that much of the battle for the Church in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries would stand or fall on whether Christians compromised (thus undermining their worldview and theology) with theories like “local flood,” Gap, progressive creationism, the Framework Hypothesis, or any other attempt to harmonize Scripture with the religious presuppositions of evolutionary scientism. They recognized that, no matter how pretty the package of those who would deny the global flood, in the end, such teachers are “willingly ignorant” (2 Peter 3:5). They both knew that such compromise with the Book of Genesis was a real and present danger to the future of the Church.

Second, they were gracious men who deeply appreciated the other, notwithstanding significant theological differences on matters like eschatology. They held to the “antiquated” view that men of differing opinions could still retain a collegial and loving Christian attitude toward each other, free of posturing, inflammatory rhetoric, and intellectually dishonest characterizations. I personally spoke with both men about the other, and neither had anything but charitable and grateful comments to share. Dr. Rushdoony viewed Dr. Morris as a genuine hero, and Dr. Morris was grateful to Dr. Rushdoony for his early support of The Genesis Flood and unflinching stand on Genesis.

I grew up observing this very same equanimity in the life of my father. Dad (a man of strong opinions and unflinching commitment to principle) spoke honorably about other honorable men, regardless of sharp disagreements he may have had with them on different points. His example remains an inspiration. As to dishonorable men (unrepentant and habitual mockers, scoffers, gossips, slanderers, covenant-breakers, those who turn on their spiritual and blood fathers, etc.) — well, at some point it is best to make no comment at all.

Observations:

1. Prioritization: Both Dr. Morris and Dr. Rushdoony knew how to cut through the extraneous battles over theological esoterica to get to the heart of the battle of the day. They recognized that the departure from the historical, grammatical, normative interpretation of Genesis was not only inherently wrong, but would lead to ten thousand compromises. They were correct. Today we battle evolutionary compromise and its devastating effect on the Christian family. Christians would be well served to quit exerting tremendous energy dividing legitimate strategic friendships by bickering over their pet micro-issues. They would be well served to engage the battle where it is most hotly raging — on the issues which will determine the future of our Church, our nation, and our families. Dr. Morris and Dr. Rushdoony understood this when they stood unified in defense of Genesis.
2. Honorable Sons and Dishonorable Sons: Over the years, I have witnessed professing Christians justify some of the most atrocious and dishonorable behavior on the basis of “theological,” “hermeneutical,” or “strategic” differences. Having convinced themselves of the righteousness of their cause, such men no longer find themselves bound to principles of honor, civility, or academic integrity. Men like Dr. Morris and Dr. Rushdoony provide us with a refreshing alternative to the “league of dishonorable sons.” (As an aside, the sons of both of these men are simply wonderful, model examples of father-honoring men who have made it their life-mission to bring honor to the work of their fathers.)
3. Boundaries of Ecumenicity: The example of Dr. Morris and Dr. Rushdoony also points to the legitimate boundaries of ecumenicity within the camp of believers: Where men are honorable, and where they are Christian brothers that share important, timely areas of agreement, differences of eschatology and interpretive systems do not necessarily have to become an impediment to deep, abiding respect and admiration. Are there practical implications which stem from differences? Huge ones. Does it affect the terms and nature of our cooperative efforts? Of course. But none of these caveats is a justification for incivility or worse.
4. Conspiratorialists: The example of Dr. Morris and Dr. Rushdoony should dispel the simplistic categorizations of men and movements by conspiratorialist theologians of all stripes. The warm regard and cooperative effort on issues of the Doctrine of Creation between men like Dr. Morris and Dr. Rushdoony might lead the conspiratorialist to claim that Dr. Morris was a secret “reconstructionist,” or that Dr. Rushdoony was “a secret dispensationalist,” but neither could be further from the truth. They both shared a biblical, child-like (not childish) understanding of the Word of God and were gifted with the discernment to recognize just what was at stake when Genesis was compromised. What is a conspiratorialist? Conspiratorialists are the type that do Google searches for links between names and who read the bibliographies at the back of books to determine “the true theological agenda” of a man or ministry. While searches and bibliographies reveal helpful information, conspiratorialists, with their penchant for syllogistic reasoning, draw more from such searches than the facts merit. Over the years, we have seen some real whoppers leveled at this ministry by conspiratorialists of every stripe. A classic tact is to assume that our stated appreciation of a particular person is tantamount to carte blanche approval of their worldview and theology. Like the conspiratorialists that they are, these Web warriors wave the banner of their own pet parochial theological causes, then hurl accusations based not on what we say we believe, but what they think we really believe. To support their positions, they weave theological plots and attribute to us viewpoints that we have never stated. While avoiding the plain text of our articles (which do state our position), they seek to connect the dots of guilt by association. The problem is that the dots do not always connect. The real world is both more simple and more complex than the theological conspiratorialists would have us believe. The civility of Dr. Morris and Dr. Rushdoony reveal the beauty and complexity of Christian relationships, as well as the immature and imprecise thinking of the conspiratorialists.

God is calling a generation of patriarchs in the faith to their home in eternity. Their glorious gain is our temporary loss. Who will replace them?

Of course, they cannot be replaced. What can happen is that we can build on the very best legacies and lessons which they have bequeathed to us. They are part of God’s ever-growing great cloud of witnesses, and they call us to join their ranks.

But the life legacies of these men are far more than books written and ministries built. Their life legacies include the character lessons they gave to children and friends which have, in a thousand ways difficult to explain or define, touched hearts and transformed the way we view relationships. For this, I am thankful.

Posted by Doug Phillips on March 2, 2006 | Permalink

http://howardphillips.com

Posted by Doug Phillips on March 1, 2006 | Permalink

Al Mohler observes:

A culture of patriarchy directs men to their responsibilities as husbands and fathers. Men who fail in these responsibilities are seen as inferior to those who are both faithful and effective. Furthermore, a patriarchal structure holds men accountable for the care, protection, discipline, and nurture of children. In such a society, irresponsibility in the tasks of parenthood is seen as a fundamental threat to civilization itself.... In the biblical vision, patriarchs establish a trans-generational vision for their families, looking to generations beyond with the promise that the father will give himself to the task of fatherhood and leadership in order to perpetuate the promise and establish the line.... Beyond this, Christians should understand that the Bible reveals a form of patriarchy as the norm — with men called to lead within the marital union and the family, as well as the church.

Posted by Doug Phillips on March 1, 2006 | Permalink

Editor’s Note: Pat Roy is more than just a devoted father, remarkably talented radio producer for Vision Forum, and devout believer. Pat Roy is part of the League of Grateful Sons. He is a man who recognizes his debt to those spiritual fathers who came before him, and who has made it his mission to share their faithful example with the children of the next generation. In a world of dishonorable sons and ungrateful men, it is my prayer that God would raise up thosuands of grateful sons to live the principle of Psalm 78.

Testmonial to Dr. Henry Morris

By Pat Roy,
Producer of Jonathan Park Radio Show, Vision Forum
Former Director of Broadcast Media for ICR

Henry Morris could always be found with his hand on the Word of God. Jesus Christ and His precious Word was the passion of this man’s life.

This past Saturday marks a new chapter in history — a world without one of the greatest Christian leaders of our time — Dr. Henry Morris. Never have I met a man who has changed the world so much, and yet gave all glory to the Creator, keeping none of it for himself.

I had the incredible honor of serving Dr. Henry Morris at ICR for 12 years, and upon this glorious homecoming, although I do not feel worthy to do so, I would like to be able to share a few reflections on this man of God.

How often can we find men who God has used to change the entire course of history? I believe that Dr. Henry Morris was that kind of man. In a time when most Christian leaders — and even the Church for the most part — had chose the route of compromise with Darwinian thinking, and old ages, Dr. Henry Morris had the boldness to make a strong stand against popular thought — and to declare that the Word of God is true — regardless of men’s faulty scientific understanding. When he and Dr. John Whitcomb first released their book, The Genesis Flood, it began a movement — and modern “Young Earth Creation” was taken to the world. To this very day, there are now thousands of creation scientists, hundreds of creation organizations, and millions of people who are advancing Biblical and scientific Creation. The message has been that God’s word is completely reliable, and that true science is in harmony with God’s word. Dr. Morris was one of the first modern leaders to make this bold stand — even though it was not popular. To this very day, millions of lives have been changed because of his courageous stand.

Although there are many things that could be said about Dr. Morris, I just want to share five traits that I observed about him:

First, he was a visionary. I remember when I first began working for Dr. Morris. I would often come away from time with him feeling challenged — realizing that my own expectations of what the Lord could do were very limited by my lack of faith. That was not the case with Dr. Morris. He dreamed big dreams for the Lord, and the Creator honored those dreams. Just the Institute for Creation Research alone is testimony to that. However, the Creator also allowed Dr. Morris to be a catalyst in the founding of other organizations including Christian Heritage College, the TRACS accrediting association, and many others.

Secondly, he was a truly humble man. We often hear people describe leaders as humble, but with Dr. Henry Morris it was different. In all the years of working along side — never once did I hear him steal the glory for himself. He had an absolute dependence on his Lord — and knew that he was nothing apart from him. Often times when I would tell him that a radio network would want him as a guest, he would usually reply (with sincerity) “They want me? I’m not sure if I have much to say that would be of value”. At ICR, Dr. Morris had a totally open door policy. Anyone could walk into his office — and he loved to take time to discuss things of the Lord. Many a time I left his office feeling the sweet fellowship of a brother — and not like I had been with a man that lorded his knowledge over us.

Thirdly, he was a leader that loved God’s Word. The morning that Dr. Morris went home to be with the Lord, I was reading Psalm 119. The author of that Psalm writes in verses 97-104,

Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts. I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word. I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.

Fourthly, I was impacted by Dr. Morris’ desire to serve the Lord with all his heart. He was always contending for the faith. Even in his “retirement years”, he would still come to his office on a regular basis. In my last meeting with him a few months ago, he expressed his desire to do all that he could before he was called home. His goal was to “give it all” to the very end. And that in fact, is what he did. I’ve heard that even in these last weeks that visiting friends and family would catch him with his Bible, yellow pad, and pencil in hand. When most people would have stopped to rest, he did not. And these final works from this faithful servant will again (like 60 plus books before), be used by the Creator to change hearts and lives!

Pat Roy (left) with the No Death Before Adam/After Eden team. Henry Morris is second from the right.

Finally, Dr. Henry changed the world with his love and concern for others. Many times as I represented ICR at conferences and seminars, I would have people from all around the country give similar testimonies, saying, “I remember a few years back when Dr. Henry Morris came and stayed at our house. He took time to be with us, and encourage us in our faith”. All of them told about that special time during a dinner, or a visit in which Dr. Morris had invested into their lives. And all walked away from their time with him being built-up in their faith in Christ. He also had an extraordinary humor — and just when things would get tense during a meeting or other situation, Dr. Morris would say that one-liner that would get us all laughing and feeling okay about life again. Often times at ICR’s daily devotional, he would share the great truths of Scripture, while keeping us laughing and encouraged along the way. He was warm, compassionate, and cared for everyone that crossed his path — even those who opposed him. He truly cared about the hearts of those around him.

Today, I couldn’t help but wake up and wonder, “How will the world be different without Dr. Morris”? All of us will miss his insights on science and the Bible. We will no longer be able to wait for the next book from this Godly scientist. Evolutionists will no longer be confronted in love by this humble servant. His family, friends, and co-laborers will no longer sit at his feet to hear his excited conversations about what he is reading in God’s word. However, the work of the Lord through Dr. Morris will always be with us. The Creation movement is here to stay — and through his books, videos, radio presentations, and friendships he made, Dr. Morris’ impact on this world will continue on. And for Dr. Morris himself, he has received the reward in which he worked for over 87 years — an eternity with the Creator that he loves with all his heart!

Posted by Doug Phillips on March 1, 2006 | Permalink

Thank the Lord for Rosalie Slater. She was a woman whose life was defined by gratitude to God for His providence in our nation. Her textbooks adorn the shelves of untold home schools and Christian schools in our nation. They remain a standard for teaching children a Christian view of providence and history through the use of primary source materials. Mrs. Slater was not merely a treasure to the Body of Christ, she was one of the great warriors the Lord has used to give us hope. She died this last Friday. Please take time to read Dr. George Grant’s meaningful post on her life, as well as this tribute from Carole Adams.

Posted by Doug Phillips on March 1, 2006 | Permalink

Is the idea of a global flood a myth? Did God create proto-humans (who wrote on walls) before God created Adam? Is the Big Bang consistant with Genesis 1? Does the complexity of Genesis 1 neccesitate that “experts” interpret it? That is what Dr. Hugh Ross of Reasons to Believe is teaching children across the nation. Is he right? We say no. Learn more about it in our Back to Genesis and After Eden albums.

Posted by Doug Phillips on March 1, 2006 | Permalink