I recently had lunch with the chief academic officer of a local Christian university. As we connected over our meal, I could see his excitement about ICR’s research and our Discovery Center. He was intrigued by the opportunity to bring his staff and faculty for a visit.
Our discussion continued into a conversation about “thousands versus millions” of years of Earth history. At this, his expression changed from enraptured to a blank stare. At first, I was confused by his sudden indifference. He wasn’t disagreeing with anything I said. He was familiar enough with all that ICR does, and all signs pointed to him being a proponent of biblically based creationism.
I wasn’t sure how to proceed. I wanted to “step on the gas” and directly ask, “Are you a creationist or an evolutionist?” A strong sense told me to tread wisely and graciously, so I calmly asked, “Do you believe Genesis 1’s account of creation, or do you subscribe to the idea of deep time?” His response left me perplexed: “I am still in my creation journey.”
Thankfully, we later welcomed the university’s staff and faculty to ICR. They heard from ICR researchers and left ecstatic about ICR’s research and how it glorifies Christ, our Lord and Creator. Still, I pondered the idea of a creation journey.
Before my time serving on ICR’s staff, I spent 10 years as a pastor for a large church. I taught, evangelized, and discipled. But if I am transparent with you, I spent an extremely small amount of time in Genesis 1, sometimes visiting once a year on January 1 in my generic yearly Bible devotion. For the occasional wedding ceremony I presided over, I might touch on the Genesis 2:18 statement “It is not good for man to be alone.” I took the Bible at its word without giving the Bible’s account of creation much attention. Thoughtless of me, I know.
I remember my first time seeing the ICR Discovery Center. I had visited countless ministries before, and the excellence is what first stood out to me. I thought, “Are these walls made from quarried stone?” “Their bathroom sink is a nod to the Grand Canyon that would shame any modern art exhibit.” “Wow, these ICR people sure are serious about God’s creation.”
After this visit and exposure to ICR’s creation evidence, I don’t believe I slept that night. I was completely reengaged in my Bible, not only in the Genesis account of creation but in who our Creator is—Jesus. I was zealous again. But at the same time, I was furious that I had ministered for so many years without this faith-affirming scientific account that the Bible says what it means and means what it says.
My creation journey continues every day. I find myself unlearning false scientific teachings and gaining daily faith-affirming insights into what, how, and why God engineered our world the way He did. I am so very grateful for the almost 55 years of ICR’s excellence in scientific representation for the truth of creation.
When Moses asked God if he could see His glory, God let Moses see where He had been (Exodus 33:18–23). In the same way, ICR research continues to glorify our Creator and His handiwork by showing believers God’s hand in creation, and it certainly is glorious.
Thank you for supporting ICR with your prayers and financial gifts. Not a precious penny goes to waste. Together, we are making a difference in the body of Christ.
* Mr. Gadberry is interim director of development and donor relations at the Institute for Creation Research.
