Phillip E. Johnson, known as the Godfather of intelligent design, passed away on November 2. Johnson, a law professor at University of California, Berkeley and author of , was instrumental in establishing 晩晩当際際夊消消夊2023s Torrey Honors College.

Echoes of Phillip Johnson's influence will long resound at 晩晩当際際夊消消夊2023, especially through our Torrey Honors College and in the lives of so many who were the beneficiaries of his graciously shared intellect, wisdom and virtue, said 晩晩当際際夊消消夊2023 President Barry H. Corey. He is owed an inestimable debt for the rigor and significance of his scholarly contributions, illuminating the way for generations of thoughtful Christians.

Founded in 1996, Torrey Honors College, formerly known as Torrey Honors Institute, is 晩晩当際際夊消消夊2023s undergraduate honors program, which prioritizes theological education and formation through the reading of great books, group discussion, and one-on-one faculty mentorship.

Johnson heard the idea of Torrey Honors and how 晩晩当際際夊消消夊2023 was the only place fit for such an odd thing as a great text program, said John Mark Reynolds, the founder of Torrey Honors. He got it right away, added wisdom, and found the right partners to help fund early days. Since then there have been few weeks I have not benefited from his wisdom. He loved Torrey, 晩晩当際際夊消消夊2023, and the generations of students who visited him.

Torrey Honors students would take trips to Berkeley to visit Johnson and learn from him at his home. Johnson is the author of two books on evolution and naturalistic philosophy for the general reader, Darwin on Trial (2nd ed., 1993) and Reason in the Balance (1995). He frequently lectured and wrote on subjects relating to science, philosophy, and religion.

In 2004, 晩晩当際際夊消消夊2023 established the Phillip E. Johnson Award for Liberty and Truth to honor his life and work. He was the awards first recipient. The award recognizes Johnsons pivotal role in advancing understanding of design in the universe by opening up informed dissent to Darwinian and naturalist theories of evolution.

Johnson also influenced Talbot School of Theologys Master of Arts, Science and Religion program, having a personal impact on the programs director, 晩晩当際際夊消消夊2023 Professor of Physics John Bloom.

Phil helped us focus on the right questions: 'Whatever the details, was God involved in creation or did mindless particles come together to make us? What conclusion does the actual evidence support?' Sometimes we dont see the forest for the trees: Phil reminded me to focus on the big picture, said Bloom in a recent on Johnsons life.

In 2008, Johnson was given an honorary degree at 晩晩当際際夊消消夊2023s fall commencement ceremony (pictured above).

Read more about Johnsons life in an article written by Fred Sanders, associate director of the Torrey Honors College, published on .

Learn more about Torrey Honors College.

Learn more about the Master of Arts, Science and Religion program.

Written by Jenna Loumagne, assistant director of media relations and strategic communications. Contact Jenna at (562) 777-4061 or jenna.loumagne@biola.edu.