An Honorable Gentleman Has Died

During our college years at a well-known university 20-some years ago, we had the honor and privilege of hearing a guest speaker debate one time that has forever made an impression on us. He was not a professor of our universtiy - he wouldn't be allowed to teach what he tried to share there. But he sure did put some of our professors to shame.

A Christian group on campus invited this man to come and speak on Creationism one evening. It was an open meeting that was advertised throughout campus by the host group. A large number of professors showed up and they were hot under their collar. Dr. Henry Morris, renowned creationist who wrote volumes of science in defense of creationism (earth being created in six twenty four hour days) while exposing the loop holes in the evolutionary theory. The university faculty who showed up for a "show-down" were up in arms, for if what Dr. Morris shared was indeed true, then everything they've based their livelihood on was a lie. Needless to say, the air was hot and tension was high.

Up to the podium walks Dr. Henry Morris. I think the evolutionary prof's were expecting to see a fire-breathing dragon. We weren't sure what to expect either. We were just young, zealous Christians then, not even sure what the big deal was about. We didn't even know about Dr. Morris until that night. Imagine the surprise of all when we caught our first glimpses of Dr. Morris - a man in his sixties with white hair who possessed a calm, gentle spirit as he shared truth. The faculty, our very own professors, couldn't stand it. Many of them stood up in their seats interupting him, some shouting, some pointing accusing fingers, red-faced. Sometimes many stood all at once, a whole row of the biology department, chemistry department, etc. interupting one another as they shouted accusations. We sat with a small group of Christians, mouths gaping at the unprofessional folks who we were paying big money to to educate us.

What made the most lasting and deep impression was Dr. Morris' response to each of them as he diligently answered each of their accustaions/questions. He never interupted. His voice was ALWAYS calm and gentle. He was not put off by their outrageous, insulting behavior. We must admit, our blood pressure was near to boiling. We came to hear the man speak and were embarrassed at the rude behavior of these so-called professionals who kept interupting. However, what we walked away with that evening were not only scientific answers refuting evolution, but also a deep awe and respect for a very learned man who exhibited Christian character unlike any one we have ever met. Even when he was not treated with honor, he treated others with honor.

Regretfully, we chose to spend our remaining educational years being taught by some of the same folks who threw mud at truth and a great man instead of being mentored by this honorable gentleman.

For more about the legacy of Dr. Henry Morris see http://www.visionforum.com/hottopics/blogs/dwp/

Dear Lord, may we have the same demeanor as Dr. Morris when mud is being slung our way. May we speak truth firmly, yet gently, trusting in You the whole way. Amen

04:16 - 2006-Feb-28 - post comment