Our History

How We Began

Hugh Ross couldn't keep his discoveries to himself. As a post-doctoral research scientist at Caltech in the 1970s, his enthusiasm for astronomical studies rubbed off on others. Christian friends urged him to speak and write about how the latest evidence supported belief in biblical creation. The spiritual climate at that time had been clouded by doubts over the Bible's inerrancy, due, in part, to a perception that science contradicted creation.

Hugh's wife, Kathy, a college English instructor, made a perfect fit for a science communications team. Together they founded Reasons To Believe in 1986. A small office at their church in Sierra Madre, California, served as headquarters of the fledgling ministry, where Hugh gradually developed rapport with people outside his circle of influence. At first he spoke at churches, schools, and community organizations locally, then nationally, and internationally, each time building people's confidence that the God of the Bible and his written revelation can be trusted.

Several early radio and television appearances helped give RTB some visibility, and in 1989 a book publisher launched Hugh's first book, Fingerprint of God. RTB gained a Web presence and Hugh churned out more books, but still relatively few people knew of Reasons To Believe.

An initial staff of three grew over the years to about a dozen until RTB garnered the resources to build a scholar team. Theologian Kenneth Samples brought his logic skills with him in 1997 and biochemist Fuz Rana made huge apologetics contributions in the biological sciences when he joined RTB in 1999.

RTB's desire to expand its reach led to forays into the print and broadcast media. The organization published resources such as Facts and Faith, Facts for Faith, Connections, Staying Connected, Reasons newsletter, and now, New Reasons To Believe. RTB radio, which took new form (in 2001) as a weekly live Webcast, Creation Update, helped others discover RTB's message that science and faith remain fully compatible. RTB's media team produced quality videos—Journey Toward Creation and Dual Revelation, among others—to help communicate the message visually. RTB had also begun to form networks of volunteer apologists who increased RTB's influence manifold.

Hugh, Fuz, and Ken have continued to write (books and articles), speak, and debate. The hunger for RTB's message has led to scholar team additions: first, physicist Dave Rogstad in 2000 and then astrophysicist Jeff Zweerink in 2005. Gradually, the team has developed its testable creation model and begun inviting critique in front of secular university audiences.

In 2008 RTB introduced a podcast, Science News Flash, to highlight headline-grabbing discoveries. Another podcast, titled after Fuz's latest book, The Cell's Design, represents recent efforts to make use of cutting-edge technology to communicate cutting-edge research. More podcasts are on the way.

Skeptics and Christians alike have expressed appreciation for RTB's work. Churches, business groups, and Christian leaders recognize the need for, and wholeheartedly endorse, RTB's faith-affirming—often faith-igniting—ministry.

A support staff of about 25 people at RTB's office in Glendora, California, plus hundreds of faithful volunteers across the nation and around the world help fuel a passion for the pursuit of theological and scientific truth. Reasons To Believe exists to impact current and future leaders and influencers with new reasons from science for faith in the God of the Bible.