Many refer to ICR’s founder, Henry Morris, as the Father of Modern Creationism. Those touched by his life’s work point to his writings and years of service in Christian ministry as evidence of the huge impact he’s had on countless lives. In fact, many of you over the years have shared stories of how Dr. Morris played a role in your coming to Christ or how his teaching strengthened your trust in God’s Word. He continues to be known for his scholarship, many books and articles, radio broadcasts, and unwavering commitment to teaching creation science truths, despite the opposition.
I’m thrilled to be able to give you a different peek at “the real Dr. Morris” in this issue of Acts & Facts as we talk about the legacy this father left behind.
In “ICR Founder Henry M. Morris: A Son’s Tribute” (written by Dr. Henry M. Morris III, referred to as Henry in this article for clarification), we see Dr. Morris at home with his family. Times around the table. Family councils. Countless yellow pads filled with scribbled notes. And always an open Bible nearby.
Henry tells us that his father “was keenly interested in how science confirmed the message of Scripture.” He also remembers Dr. Morris telling him that “he wanted to be as close to the words of God as he could be,” and much of his later work reflected his years of diligent study of the Bible itself. By example, Dr. Morris taught his children how to carefully study God’s Word. He pored over the Scriptures with numerous concordances and the ever-present yellow pad to record his findings.
When the family spent time together, they often read the Bible, prayed, and looked for answers to questions, with Dr. Morris reading and explaining. He welcomed his children’s questions, and “nothing was too dumb or silly to ask.” Henry says, “Our home was the place of answers. Answers from the Bible….Always calm, reasoned, Bible-related answers.”
Because Dr. Morris was a university professor, the family moved often. He approached the subject of moving as something exciting. He instilled a sense of adventure in the children, “always expecting the Lord to cover and provide.”
Henry tells us that as a headstrong young man, he tested the limits of his home, but his “earthly father exemplified the great grace and patience of our heavenly Father. Praying often and long for his children, the ‘real’ Dr. Morris interceded for each of us—especially the firstborn who bore his name.”
This Father’s Day, I hope you are encouraged by our founder’s example—someone who demonstrated commitment to the Lord in his home as well as in the workplace and in public. He understood the importance of being available to discuss questions with his children and to offer grace when they challenged him. And he knew that life is an adventure because God always leads and provides. Now, that’s a dad worthy of praise!
Dr. Morris went to be with the Lord 10 years ago, and ICR continues to celebrate his life’s work and carry on with his vision. We still feel the impact of his commitment to sharing truth. As Henry tells us today, “Now that I can look back over the decades of his leadership and godly example, I can draw on a lifetime of godly wisdom and expectant trust in the Lord’s provision and guidance. That legacy is priceless.”
* Jayme Durant is Director of Communications at the Institute for Creation Research.
