With this first issue of Acts & Facts for the year 2009 comes a fresh round of thankfulness and optimism for ICR, as well as concern for the future. As has been often noted in these pages, we are locked in an ongoing battle with the Texas state education establishment, which is bound and determined to censor the ICR Graduate School (ICRGS) because we dare to claim we are teaching science and preparing science teachers from a creationist perspective. According to the self-serving definition of science in common use by the evolutionary elite, science must espouse a naturalistic (read "atheistic") slant.
This exclusive insistence on naturalism is the same as being anti-supernatural, which is a decidedly religious stance. Ironically, ICRGS' legal situation has nothing to do with trying to introduce religion into public schools or colleges; it is purely a matter of private sector freedom, something the First Amendment is supposed to protect. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that the ICRGS will be allowed to operate in Texas or that a new day of fairness is about to dawn.
Thankfully, we are buoyed along by the certain knowledge that God is still on the throne and we have access to Him. He has always worked strongly on our behalf, such as in the mighty victory He provided in the similar case against California's Department of Education. At that time, the ACLU was labeling ICR as Public Enemy #1, but with God’s help we won three lawsuits: in administrative court, in state court, and in federal court. Then and now, our ultimate resources are great, for we can "come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16). This work of exploring and extolling creation is His work, and we have the utmost confidence in Him and His plan. As the favorite old hymn "Day by Day" puts it:
The protection of His child and treasure,
Is a charge that on Himself He laid.
Our mandate is to stay in His will, be about His business and diligent in our efforts, and trust Him for the outcome.
On the home front, ICR is now firmly established here in Dallas, with the last contingent finally migrating from San Diego. Those who could move have done so, and some who couldn't have a new long-distance arrangement with ICR. The essential ministries of ICR will continue. Whether it is approved in Texas or remains in California, our Graduate School will continue to supply well-prepared teachers and scientists. Acts & Facts and Days of Praise will come as before (although now improved). There is every reason to expect ICR's next chapter to be even more productive than its early ones.
It's a new year, but our God is "the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever" (Hebrews 13:8). Together, let's march on to victory.
* Dr. Morris is President of the Institute for Creation Research.
Cite this article: Morris, J. 2009. A New Day, A New Year. Acts & Facts. 38 (1): 3.
