1981 Debate Ken Miller Vs Henry Morris
Kenneth Raymond Miller (born July 14, 1948) is an American
cell biologist and
molecular biologist who is currently Professor of Biology and Royce Family Professor for Teaching Excellence at
Brown University.
[1] Miller's primary research focus is the structure and function of
cell membranes, especially
chloroplast thylakoid membranes.
[2][3] Miller is noted as a co-author of a major introductory college and high school biology textbook published by
Prentice Hall since 1990.
[4] Miller, who is
Roman Catholic, is particularly known for his opposition to
creationism, including the
intelligent design (ID) movement. He has written two books on the subject:
Finding Darwin's God, which argues that a belief in
evolution is compatible with a belief in
God; and
Only a Theory, which explores ID and the
Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District case as well as its implications in science across America.
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]
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 1918
1.
His education was varied and extensive beginning with a bachelor’s
degree in civil engineering from Rice University – Houston in 1939
2.
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 Minnesota
3. The following year he became professor and chair of civil engineering at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette
4.
He later served as professor of applied science at Southern Illinois
and still later as the department chair of civil engineering at Virginia
Tech University
5.
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, 2006
8 in Santee, California. But, being dead he still speaks
9 – 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 program
12, as well as countless resources available through their live venues, books and written materials and website
13.
When I think of Henry Morris, these three phrases come to mind:
Scientist – he studied
God’s creation and through his changed worldview
14 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 on
15.
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 G
http://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.
Back to Scientists alive today who accept the biblical account for creation
