Dear SOBA students and applicants,
Dr. Johnson was the heart and soul of SOBA, Creationist Worldview, and Origins Matter and his passing abruptly placed us at an extremely hard decision point as to how SOBA would continue on and what that should look like—or if it should not. Considering Dr. Jim Johnson’s promotion to glory and after careful thought and much prayer, we have found no reasonably achievable way to continue ICR’s School of Biblical Apologetics in the ways needed for its proper development and fit with other necessary ICR resource allocations. I had to make the unhappy decision for SOBA, but beneficial to ICR overall, that we have reached SOBA’s necessary ending time for accepting new applicants.
SOBA, Creationist Worldview, and Origins Matter will continue to operate normally until June of 2027. This will allow all enrolled students the opportunity to complete their programs of study. At the end of June, however, these programs will cease. I urge all students who desire to finish their programs to apply themselves diligently to complete their required courses. On our part, we will dedicate ourselves to reviewing or grading submissions expeditiously so that we do not delay your progress.
Mrs. Mary Smith has graciously agreed to come out of retirement and soldier on as SOBA registrar. Mary will continue to be your primary point of contact for all things related to SOBA. We are very grateful for her dedication to SOBA and its students. Dr. Jeff Tomkins will continue as the Chief Academic Officer and will oversee all academic affairs. There are essentially no changes to SOBA’s operation and policies.
Our founder, Dr. Henry M. Morris, Jr., had the vision of ICR operating a graduate school that is thoroughly grounded in biblical and scientific creationism. That goal is not dead by any means. We are definitely adding to our science department and our research capabilities in ways that we’ve never enjoyed before. These are foundational elements. Perhaps the Lord Jesus will provide the rest of the infrastructure for such a school. If so, then a new SOBA would be a natural fit and could be more fully supported.
I’m saddened to have to deliver this news. Please press toward the goal of completing your programs!
The continued good blessings of the Lord Jesus to you,
Randy J. Guliuzza, M.D.
President, Institute for Creation Research
