Montemorelos University Hosts the Ninth Annual Creation Congress

The campus of Montemorelos University turned into a hub of discovery and discussion February 14-16, as students, staff, church members, and members of the community gathered for the ninth congress on biblical creation and intelligent design. Organized by the Geoscience Research Institute’s branch of the Inter-American Division (IAD), this three-day event offered an engaging exploration of faith and science, bringing together experts to illuminate the wonders of God’s creation.

A Weekend of Insight and Exploration

The congress featured an accomplished lineup of speakers, including Arthur Chadwick, emeritus faculty in biology and geology at Southwestern Adventist University based in Keene, Texas; Benjamin Clausen, adjunct associate professor for earth and biological sciences at Loma Linda University based in Loma Linda, California; and Wilson Quiroga, from Bolivia Adventist University in Cochabamba, Bolivia. Each brought a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for creation studies.

Friday’s sessions set the stage for thought-provoking discussions. After a warm welcome from Luciano Gonzales Olivares, branch director of the IAD Geoscience Research Institute, Chadwick captivated attendees with his presentation, “What Happened to the Dinosaurs?” offering compelling insights into their existence and disappearance. How do we know that they once roamed the earth and represented a diverse group of organisms? He answered to say that whole dinosaurs have been found—unearthed with their skeletons fully articulated, and in some exceptional cases even with impressions of their skin. Other remarkable discoveries include fossil dinosaur eggs containing skeletons inside, and abundant dinosaur footprints and trackways. This paleontological evidence contributes to our understanding of dinosaurs and their history. Chadwick also reviewed fascinating evidence of dinosaur mass mortality under catastrophic conditions from the study of exceptional dinosaur bone beds. Clausen followed with “Radiometric Dating: Trusting the Creator’s Time Mystery,” unraveling the complexities of dating methods used in geology. Meanwhile, Pastor Quiroga transported the audience to Bolivia with “Torotoro: A Paleontological Paradise,” shedding light on the region’s rich fossil heritage.

A Sabbath of Reflection and Worship

On Sabbath, attendees gathered for two services. In the morning Chadwick addressed the pressing topic “Creation, Evolution, and the Seventh-day Adventist Church.” He invited the audience to analyze why origins remain a contested issue, the implications of accepting evolution within the church, and how to respond to difficult questions about creation. Drawing from Revelation 3:14-16, he emphasized Jesus as the Creator and warned against the adversary’s efforts to erode faith. His stirring conclusion resonated deeply: “God has given us the privilege of preaching to a lost world the truth of His creatorship. That is our message, that is our challenge, and He has also given us the power to do it.”

For the second service Clausen invited the audience to marvel at “God’s Other Book: The Wonders of Nature.” Sharing breathtaking experiences from places such as Tanzania, Vancouver Island, the Galápagos Islands, and Hawaii, he celebrated the intricate beauty of God’s design in nature. “What do we learn about God from His creation? That He is a good God, an exquisite designer, a lover of beauty. Does that lead you to praise the Creator for His handiwork and worship the Creator over the created?” he asked, leaving the audience to answer the question for themselves.

Afternoon Discourse and Dialogue

Later on in the day Chadwick and Clausen took the stage once more for afternoon discussions. Chadwick explored the fascinating topic “Can the Theory of Evolution Meet the Challenge of the Fossil Record?” while Clausen examined “Plate Tectonics: Researching Worldwide Rates, Genesis to Revelation.” Attendees eagerly engaged in a dynamic Q&A session, posing their questions and deepening their understanding of these crucial scientific concepts.

A Journey Through Time and Faith

The weekend culminated in a Sunday field trip to the Museum of the Desert in Saltillo, Coahuila. A diverse group of students, church members, and parents embarked on this immersive experience, observing fossils and geological formations through the lens of biblical history. As they wandered through the museum’s vast collections, the discussion continued—the geologic column, dinosaurs, rocks and minerals, and evidence of the Great Flood. With each exhibit the presence of God as the Creator became ever more tangible.

Our Origins . . . Revelations

Luciano Gonzales Olivares, IAD branch director of the Geoscience Research Institute, is deeply dedicated to promoting biblical creation. He also leads Nuestros Orígenes… Revelaciones, a program that airs every Saturday at 3:00 p.m. and is available on YouTube and such social media platforms as Facebook. This program brings together Adventist scientists from around the world, allowing them to share insights from their respective fields while providing audiences the opportunity to engage in dialogue with the speakers. Through these discussions, viewers are invited to deepen their understanding of God’s creation and strengthen their faith.

Strengthened Faith and Renewed Purpose

The weekend left a mark on attendees. Eliezer Guzmán Carballo, a former student of a public university, expressed his gratitude, noting how valuable it was to have knowledgeable individuals in the church with whom he could discuss these complex topics.

Gonzales Olivares reflected on the congress’s impact: “We hope this event has fulfilled its objective of strengthening our faith in God as our Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer.”

As the event came to a close, a shared sense of purpose lingered in the air. The ninth Creation Congress was not just an academic gathering—it was a celebration of faith, an affirmation of biblical truth, and an invitation to marvel at the divine handiwork that surrounds us.