Institute for Creation Research
From CreationWiki, the encyclopedia of creation science
The Institute for Creation Research (ICR) is one of the largest creationist groups in the United States.[1] To supporters and detractors alike, ICR stands out among young earth creationist groups for the prominence of its research activities.[2]
In addition to its research programs, ICR has numerous educational missions including seminars, conferences, debates, workshops, radio/tv, publications, guided tours, a creation museum, and a Graduate School.
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Institute for Creation Research Fax: (214) 615-8299 |
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History
Dr. Henry M. Morris II first established ICR in 19701970
5730 H
5973 AM as the research division of Christian Heritage College (now known as San Diego Christian College). ICR's initial focus was on research, communication, and education in the fields of origins science.[3] In 1981, ICR became an autonomous institution. (CHC had planned to seek accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and Dr. Morris did not wish to complicate his group's educational mission by being part of any institution seeking a secular accreditation.[3][1][4]
Also in 1981, ICR founded its own Graduate School and began its first course offerings.[3] ICR received formal State accreditation almost immediately upon becoming autonomous.[3][1][4] A propaganda campaign against the group and school ensued almost at once, and for a brief span, the school lost its accreditation and had to sue the State of California for reinstatement. Then in 1995, California recognized the Trans-national Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) as an accrediting agency, and the ICR Graduate School obtained its accreditation through TRACS.
In 2006, the Institute decided to relocate the bulk of its operations to Dallas, Texas. It opened its first distance-learning program in that city in the summer of 2006.[5] ICR's stated reasons for the move are threefold:
- High cost-of-living in California and especially the cost of housing. Living expenses in northern Texas are much less.
- Desire for a more-central location with respect to ICR's national and international donor base and speaking engagements.
- Likelihood of a higher level of community support in northern Texas than in southern California.
In 2006, Henry Morris II died. The new headquarters of ICR, the Henry M. Morris Center for Christian Leadership, is named in his honor. In January of 2007, Dr. Morris' eldest son, Henry Morris III, took over as chief executive officer of ICR. Dr. John D. Morris serves ICR as President.[3]
The relocation of the Graduate School in particular has necessitated a re-application for State accreditation from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, primarily because TRACS is not recognized in Texas. ICR Graduate School has already passed a preliminary review. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has scheduled a hearing on the ICR Graduate School application for April 24, 2008. ICR remains confident of winning accreditation and plans to relocate nearly all of its operations to Texas. The museum alone will remain in California for the foreseeable future.[6]
Creation Museum
- Main Page: Museum of Creation and Earth History
The Museum of Creation and Earth History has free admission Mondays - Saturdays, 9am - 4pm. Its 4,000 square feet exhibition floors offer a journey through time. Its provocative displays raise and answer various questions related to origins, for example: What is the meaning of life? Do religion and science clash? What is the origin of mankind?
People refer to the museum as a "Walk through history", as its displays allow the visitor to pass through the universe, the garden of Eden, and Noah's Ark, and then to tour fossil beds, volcanoes, and river canyons.
 Day 6 creation exhibit |
 Canyon wall |
ICR Graduate School
- Main Article: ICR Graduate School
The Institute for Creation Research Graduate school, originally located in El Cajon, California, was until recently accredited under TRACS through the Federal Department of Education. It is now located in Dallas, Texas, and is seeking formal accreditation from that State's Higher Education Coordinating Board. It offers M.S. degree programs in the fields of Astro/Geophysics, Biology, Geology, and Science Education.
This Graduate school, unlike most graduate schools, keeps high expectations not only in academics, but also in the subject of conduct; as stated in their overview. At the ICR Graduate school there are many courses offered for dedicated creationists online and in traditional classroom settings. Although ICR Graduate school does not provide or accept financial aid for tuition, they try to make attending this institution as affordable as possible. ICR Graduate school also provides a distance educational program which is considered appropriate for those who have families, jobs, or other such inevitable obligations, but still wish to benefit from this higher education.
Faculty
Administration Officers
The Institute for Creation Research includes a large variety of creationist administration and various faculty members. This faculty includes both resident and adjunct professors in many different subjects of science. The officers of Administration are as follows:
| Chief Executive Officer: Henry M. Morris III D.Min. | President: John D. Morris Ph.D |
| Chief Operating Officer: Eddy Miller Ph.D. | Chief Financial Officer: Donald H. Rohrer B.S. |
In addition to the above officers the ICR is administered by a board of trustees, a technical advisory board, a division of Education and Research, a division administrative structure, and their own chairs of academic department.
Speakers
| Dr. Russell Humphreys, Investigator for Cosmos. | Dr. Patricia Nason, principals architect and various science topics. | Dr. Henry Morris III, creation science, and biblical authority. |
| Dr. David Noebel, The decline of spirituality and morality in Western Civilization. | Col. Jeffrey Williams, NASA | Frank Sherwin |
Scientists
In addition to all the above faculty, ICR has many scientists in not only Physical science, but also in Biological science.
Radio
As a way to get their information out ICR has a radio broadcasts. These are just some examples of the radio programs offered in March. The broadcasts times, dates, and programs change; so to get the most updated schedule contact the broadcast station.
Space the Final Frontier- discusses the planets and space in general
Underwater World- compares the underwater life to life on land
Animal Invaders- discusses why animals behave the way that they do. Also why are some great for pet and others not.
Diamonds- talks about where diamonds come from and is there a sign from God through them
Quaking Earth- talks about why we have earthquakes
Research
ICR employs a number of research scientists. In addition, the graduates of the Institute for Creation Research Graduate School are actively involved in research. The studies performed by ICR are either published in ICR books or technical monographs. Some of the research projects include:
- Field- the measure of isotopic ratios for 67 elements in the Grand Canyon basalts
- The Earth's Magnetic Field is Young, The Field Is Decaying Rapidly
- Lab- analysis of mammalian hair
- Educational- analysis of the teaching and testing of creationist-based materials, Methodology for Analysis of Science Teaching Materials from a Creationist Worldview by Steve Deckard, Richard L. Overman, Bryan A. Schneck, Candace B. Dixon, and Robert E. Brook, CRSQ 32(1). June, 1995
- Exploration- research of archaeological artifacts
- Analytical- the study of the helium concentrations in the atmosphere the determine if the earth is young
- Literature- a critical study of Kettewell's studies.
Publications
On their website the Institute of Creation Research supplies many different articles on the various subjects of creation. Featured topics are as follows.
| Acts and facts, FREE SUBSCRIPTION ONLINE! | Impact | Back to Genesis |
| Dr. John's Q and A | President's Column | Days of Praise, FREE SUBSCRIPTION ONLINE! |
| Stewardship | Origins Issues |
For many of the above mentioned there are free e-subscriptions. At the ICR store they sell different soft wares, books, videos/DVDs, and audio cassettes that the ICR boldly supports.
Guided Tours
The ICR provides various tours throughout the year and across the USA. The topics of these tours allow a great deal of elasticity in their range. Some recent tours include Colorado Springs Back to Genesis Conference, April 2007, and Yellowstone and Teton National Parks Field Study Tour, September 2007.
References
News
- Texas official: Call it creationism degree The Texas commissioner of higher education suggested that the Institute for Creation Research change the name of its degree program. United Press International Jan. 10, 2008
- Texas to rule on creationist M.A. program A Texas panel has been advised to approve an on-line Master's degree program by the Institute for Creation Research. United Press International. Dec. 19, 2007
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