1981 Debate Ken Miller Vs Henry Morris
Miller has proudly voiced his support for what he calls "pro-science" candidates in politics. He has actively campaigned for school board and education candidates who support the teaching of evolution in Kansas and Ohio. In the science community, he has sought to elevate the understanding of scientists of the roots of the creationist movement, and to encourage the popularization of scientific concepts.
Miller has appeared in court as a witness, and on panels debating the teaching of intelligent design in schools. In 2002, the Ohio State Board of Education held a public debate between two scientists, including Miller, and two proponents of intelligent design.[9] He testified for the plaintiffs, but only as a fact witness (not as an expert), in Selman v. Cobb County, testing the legality of stickers calling evolution a "theory, not a fact" that were placed on the biology textbook Miller authored. In 2005, the judge ruled that the stickers violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.[10][11] This decision was vacated on appeal because of missing records of the previous trial. The case was remanded for additional evidentiary inquiry and new findings, and a list of factual issues that the court would probably want to address included as item 15 a reference to Miller's testimony regarding “the colloquial or popular understanding of the term [theory]” and the suggested question as to whether he has any qualifications to testify as an expert on the popular meaning of the word "theory".[12] The case was remanded back to the lower court and was eventually settled out of court. Miller was also the plaintiff's lead expert witness in the Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District, challenging the school board's mandate to incorporate intelligent design into the curriculum. The judge in that case also ruled decisively in favor of the plaintiffs.
In 2006 the American Society for Cell Biology gave him a Public Service Award.[13] The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) also recognized Miller for his contribution to the public education of evolution in the United States. Miller also appeared at the 2006 Dwight H. Terry Lectureship at Yale University, delivering his lecture "Darwin, God, and Dover: What the Collapse of 'Intelligent Design' Means for Science and for Faith in America." He won the 2008 AAAS Award for Public Understanding of Science and Technology.[14]
He also speaks at conferences, notably the Skeptics Society's Origins Conference in October 2008 with Nancey Murphy, Hugh Ross, Leonard Susskind, Sean Carroll, Paul Davies, Christof Koch, Donald Prothero, and Victor J. Stenger.[15]
Miller is known for his appearances on the Comedy Central television show The Colbert Report.[16][17] Dr. Miller has also made many appearances on C-SPAN debating proponents of creationism and intelligent design. He has debated several supporters of intelligent design including biochemist Michael J. Behe.
He gave a Faraday Institute lecture in April 2009 on "God, Darwin and Design"[18] and appeared on the Today Programme arguing, "The issue of God is an issue on which reasonable people may differ, but I certainly think that it's an over-statement of our scientific knowledge and understanding to argue that science in general, or evolutionary biology in particular, proves in any way that there is no God."[19]
In January 2010 Miller was elected as a Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry.[20]
Henry Morris
Creation Scientist Biography: HENRY MORRIS
by Abby Kautt
He
is known as the Father of Modern Creationism, since he hugely shaped
this worldwide movement into what it is today. He started his teaching
career as a professor of applied science at Southern Illinois
University. But it was through his teaching opportunities as a professor
at Virginia Tech that he began his public defense of Genesis and
creation.
Henry Madison Morris Jr., was born in Dallas, Texas in 19181.
His education was varied and extensive beginning with a bachelor’s
degree in civil engineering from Rice University – Houston in 19392.
He next obtained his master’s in hydraulics from the University of
Minnesota (1948), his Ph.D., in hydraulic engineering in 1950, also from
the University of Minnesota3. The following year he became professor and chair of civil engineering at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette4.
He later served as professor of applied science at Southern Illinois
and still later as the department chair of civil engineering at Virginia
Tech University5.In 1961 he co-authored the famed Genesis Flood6 with Dr. John C. Whitcomb. In this massive treatise the authors defended Flood Geology as recorded in Genesis chapters 6-9 and a literal creation by God. This book has tangible answers to pernicious questions. Through it, the faith of countless people has been strengthened.
1963 was a pivotal year in Dr. Morris’ life. Along with nine other young-earth creationists, he founded the Creation Research Society. Then in 1970, he began what is still one of the most influential scientific research hubs for creationism, the Institute for Creation Research (ICR). The stated goals of ICR are, research, communication and education in the areas of science that are connected with the study of origins.7
Dr. Morris passed from this life into Glory at the ripe old age of 87, February 25, 20068 in Santee, California. But, being dead he still speaks9 – through his books, articles and devotionals.
As the author of a multitude of books including The Genesis Flood (1961), Scientific Creationism (1974), The Genesis Record (1976), Science and the Bible (1986), Many Infallible Proofs (1974) and The New Defender’s Study Bible (1995)10 he addressed such topics as creation science, evolution, biblical apologetics and the defense of the Faith, “once for all delivered to the saints.”11
The work of ICR continues – the fruit of his hard labor, passed down to his sons Dr. Henry M. Morris III and Dr. John D. Morris. They now have a graduate school program12, as well as countless resources available through their live venues, books and written materials and website13.
When I think of Henry Morris, these three phrases come to mind: Scientist – he studied God’s creation and through his changed worldview14 he has helped proclaim the powerful message of Creation. Visionary – A man with a long-term goal of reaching this world for the Creator. His writings and influence live on15. Defender of the Faith – Through his clear and concise way of presenting the evidence for a literal reading of the Bible, he took the charge given to ALL Christians by Peter literally.
1 Peter 3:15:
“15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.6”
Henry Morris was an amazing man of faith, conviction and action. I pray that my generation will be full of visionaries, creation scientists and defender’s of the faith.
1 Article by Christine Dao “Man of Science, Man of Ghttp://www.icr.org/article/science-man-god-henry-m-morris/od”
2 http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/conlaw/morrish.html – University of Missouri – Kansas City school of Law, Doug Linder (2004)
3 http://www.icr.org/article/science-man-god-henry-m-morris/
4 http://www.icr.org/article/science-man-god-henry-m-morris/
5 http://www.icr.org/article/science-man-god-henry-m-morris/
6 Morris, H. M. and J. C. Whitcomb. 1961. The Genesis Flood: The Biblical Record and Its Scientific Implications. Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Company, 124. http://www.icr.org/article/science-man-god-henry-m-morris/
7 http://www.icr.org/discover/ Belief statement
8 http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20060301/news_1m1morris.htm l Jack Williams of the San Diego Union-Tribune writing about Henry Morris shortly after his death.
9Hebrews 4:11 – The writer in describing Abel, commends his righteousness and more excellent gift, a witness to all.
10 http://www.icr.org/article/science-man-god-henry-m-morris/ A list of only some of the books that Dr. Henry Morris wrote. He was the author of over 60 books that continue to shape the minds of many – worldwide. 1 Jude 1:3 Jude urges those to whom his epistle is addressed to “contend earnestly for the faith, which was once for all delivered to the saints.”
11 http://www.icr.edu/home/ – ICRGS currently offers a M.S., in Science Education through a majority online format.
12 http://www.icr.org/ – Institute for Creation Research home on the World Wide Web. 1http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/conlaw/morrish.html – He became a Christian shortly after completing his bachelor’s at Rice University.
13 http://www.visionforum.com/hottopics/blogs/dwp/2006/02/1409.aspx – Vision Forum Inc. President Doug Phillips talks about the influence Dr. Morris had on his life. 1www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1peter%203:15-16;&version=9; – 1 Peter 3:15-16 King James Version. Peter’s charge to believers to have an answer ready for those who ask us about our faith.