Robert Macdonald III

Profile Updated: February 18, 2018
Year Entered AC Pasadena: 1958
Residing In: Lebanon, MO USA
Spouse/Partner: Peggy Bramhall Macdonald
Occupation: Retired geophysicist
Children: Linda, 1962
Robert 1964
Kyle 1967
Tyson 1977
Military Service: Army  
Short Bio:

Received MS in Geology in 1977 from UCLA
Worked at the US Geological Survey from 1980 to 1994.
Retired in 1994.
Moved to Lebanon Missouri in 2005


Biographical Sketch: Robert Macdonald


My Ambassador experience was an adventure that included many things, from fascination to frustration, and challenging to controversial. Like most students, I started with a physical type job on the paint crew under Elmer Woodie and Warren Krieger. I became a very critical painter from then on, and saw to it that all my paint jobs be near perfect.

During my second year I took Ken Herrmann’s geology classes. Attempting to “reconcile” the long time periods of science and the biblical account, Historical geology as taught at Ambassador College was a combination of “flood geology” modified by Thomas Chalmers’ “gap theory” which was further modified by the Ken Herrmann’s “two flood” model. The resulting highly speculative model included two catastrophes (a speculated catastrophe at Lucifer’s Rebellion, and Noah’s Flood) which accounted for almost all of the geologic record, a Genesis 1:1 creation followed by a re-creation. After taking Ken Herrmann’s geology classes, I went to work for him, eventually teaching both his classes. Dick Burky, a fellow student and AC employee also took these geology classes. Ken Herrmann had encouraged both of us to take geology classes at Pasadena City College which included numerous field trips. After studying the real world as revealed on the field trips (supplementing what was learned in class) as opposed to what others said about it by many creationists, Dick and I concluded that much of what was said about geology in books that were used in AC classes such as “The Genesis Flood”, “The Deluge Story in Stone“ and “Evolutionary Geology and the New Catastrophism” was vastly different from the real world. Neither was the geologic model taught at AC aligned with reality. Though the “gap theory” left much to be desired, Dick and I held onto it as the only way we knew of, to “reconcile” the Bible and science. After Bernard Ramm demolished the “gap theory” in his “Christian View of Science and Scripture”, we decided that we needed to reconsider the “gap theory“ . Subsequently Dr. Hugh Ross with his organization “Reasons to Believe” proposed a model that I believe “reconciles” science and the Bible much better than the “gap theory”.

As we continued our studies, Dick wrote a series of very professional-looking papers showing the geological development of the real world as showcased in the strata of the Grand Canyon and other areas of the Southwest. His choice of the area of study demonstrated an observable sequence that was independent of any piecing together of widely separated sequences according to “evolutionary theory”. He proposed a concept of “developmentalism” or a series of “creative acts” or interventions by God which better explained the change in the fossil record over time better than Darwinian evolution. This concept is similar to today’s “Intelligent Design” or “ID“. His papers covered many facets of what can be learned from a study of the real world including analysis of seven “time indicators” preserved in the geologic record that could not be explained by “flood geology”.

I wrote up a multiage 3/8” thick memo cataloging many details demonstrating that the vast majority of the geologic record necessitates long time periods. Like Dick Burky’s papers I included a detailed study of “time indicators” in the geologic record that could not be explained by the rapid deposition of the geologic strata such as might be produced by Noah‘s Flood. However, unlike Dick, I did not keep a low profile and circulated my memo widely. Thus ensued the “memo wars“! Several memos (3/8 inches thick) were written against the idea that the geologic record representing long time periods were launched by a couple WCG staffers and one layman; however there was no opposition from any AC authority, faculty member, nor minister! I was reviled as an “apostate” by these unofficial sources for believing in a different geological model than the “accepted” one!

However at AC, cooler heads prevailed! Faculty members Herman Hoeh and Ken Herrmann, the perceived authorities on such matters, withheld comment, refusing to take sides. Both agreed that they had neither the knowledge nor the expertise to either affirm nor refute what Dick Burky and I had learned about the slow processes involved in geological history! I have to give Dick a lot of credit for his support. I don’t believe I could have held to my convictions alone. I also appreciated help, support and suggestions from staffer Gene Hughes. I continued teaching both geology courses and conducting field trips on which I pointed out features recorded in the geologic record that could not have been produced by catastrophism or “flood geology“. Not only that but Herman Hoeh gave me the go-ahead to pursue a Masters Degree in geology on “company time“! I took courses at Cal. State LA and started on my MS in geology at UCLA.

However other forces were at work. Budgetary and other considerations forced the closure of the Science Department. Though a diminished version of it later reopened, it was closed permanently after a couple years. By the time I had achieved the minimum educational requirements for my job as an instructor, my job was abolished. However thanks to my military service and the GI Bill, I continued my studies at UCLA, receiving my MS in geology in 1977. Then qualified to work at the United States Geological Survey, I worked there until I retired in 1994. Dick Burky, however went even further in his studies, receiving a PhD in geology. He continues teaching at Cal. Poly well into his 70‘s.

Bottom line: I had spent much time and effort during my AC days in an intellectual pursuit that proved to be, as far as salvation is concerned, a “tempest in a teapot”. During the last few years God showed me that the history of the earth is one of the many, many issues that He does not require us to get correct to be acceptable to Him! “Young earthers“, “not-so-young earthers” and “ancient earthers” like me can not all be correct. It is likely that none of us have it altogether correct! However by God’s grace and mercy, none of us have to be correct! Indeed, if we had to get everything correct, not a one of us could be saved! No, God allows us to get many things wrong and have salvation in Him! I thank God for His patience, grace, and mercy!

I have not been called to preach; nor have I been called to “straighten out“ perceived errors in the theological views of other Christians. God has taught me that I should be ready to give an answer for the faith that He has given me. But beyond that I am just to stand aside and let Him work with each of His children individually. I am resolved to accept and love my brothers and sisters in Christ for where they are with the Lord and who they are in Him!

School Story:

When I entered Ambassador in 1958 even at the age of 26 I was not certain how to act and react. I looked to the more advanced students as examples. Three months after classes started in December, someone suggested going to the Christmas Eve mass at the a Catholic church in downtown Los Angeles. I had never been to anything like that. I had a car so I took 5 other students there. Though not a formal date, I sat next to a Sophomore coed. Earlier she had eaten an apple and put the core into her purse. The offering plates were passed and she took out her apple core, put it into an envelope and dropped it into the plate. I was aghast, but she was a Sophomore, and she seemed to know what to do! I reasoned that as we were in what we regarded as a "synogogue of Satan", this must be must be a way to show our disrespect! So I sat there and said nothing. I should have stopped her! Wherever you are, Bev, please forgive me for not being a man!

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Robert Macdonald III has been added to In Memory.
Feb 04, 2022 at 10:23 PM
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Feb 18, 2018 at 7:29 AM
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Feb 18, 2018 at 7:28 AM
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Feb 18, 2018 at 7:27 AM
Feb 16, 2018 at 1:19 PM

Hi Greg! Thank you for the offer of Monte Wolverton's books. I would like copies. My e-mail is robert_macdonald_iii@ yahoo.com. I will send my address by e-mail.

Robert Macdonald III added a comment on his Profile.
Jan 20, 2018 at 4:24 PM
Dec 31, 2017 at 8:03 PM
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Nov 25, 2017 at 1:35 PM
Nov 18, 2017 at 2:17 PM

Congratulations Carol and Dick! It must be almost 50 years you have been married! And still living in the same house! Thank you for being the moral support for Dick, encouraging him to stick to his convictions, get his Phd., his longtime job and earning a retirement. And Happy Birthday! (a day late)

Robert Macdonald III posted a message. New comment added.
Sep 05, 2016 at 9:10 PM

Posted on: Sep 01, 2016 at 8:11 PM

Hi Mary Ann! It's been a long time now. I'm not sure we ever dated, but I walked you to the Shakespeare Club one Sabbath. Maybe that was a date! Anyway I was pleased to be accompanied by such a pretty girl! Peggy and I have been married for 54 years, have 4 children and 4 grand children. We live in Missouri, and are doing all right for old folks!

Aug 27, 2016 at 2:37 PM

Hi



Hi Vici


Hi Vici! Haven't seen you since you were a child. And now you have children of your own! Your parents invited my wife and I to dinner. I remember discussing Serbian dancing with your mother. Are your parents still living? Our best to you and your family!

Robert Macdonald III posted a message. New comment added.
Aug 28, 2016 at 11:27 AM

Posted on: Aug 27, 2016 at 2:33 PM

Hi Vici! It is hard to believe that you are grown up and a parent now!

Your parents invited Peggy and me to dinner at their apartment. I remember discussing Serbian dancing with your mother. Are they still living? All the best to you and your family.

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Aug 06, 2016 at 9:38 AM

Posted on: Aug 06, 2016 at 9:38 AM

Jun 01, 2016 at 3:41 PM

Thanks, Bob, for the confirmation of what I remember of my first "miracle." Also, thank you for relating the compliment given on the work done.

Mar 27, 2016 at 10:58 AM
Feb 01, 2016 at 10:25 AM

Thanks much for your kind words . Much appreciated.

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Nov 05, 2015 at 8:45 AM
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Nov 03, 2015 at 3:29 PM

Posted on: Oct 30, 2015 at 8:02 PM

Hi Conray!
Peggy and I just celebrated our 56th wedding anniversary on Oct.24. We used the ministers’ dining room. As I recall it was a big day for you as well! Actually you and Doris were married the evening before. I believe we both shared the same candles and flowers. I overheard your answer the next day when someone asked you “How do you like married life?” You replied “I don’t know, I have not had any experience yet!”

I am glad you decided to join the Reunion Forum. It is good to hear from someone in my class year!

Living in Missouri now, we did not attend the reunion, but I enjoy reading about our classmates.

I ended up working for the US Geological Survey retiring in 1994. Peggy and I are in reasonably good health. Hope you are as well!

Robert Macdonald III added a comment on his Profile.
Oct 24, 2015 at 1:14 PM
Robert Macdonald III has left an In Memory comment for Loma Armstrong.
Aug 15, 2015 at 1:33 PM

 

My Memories of Loma Dillon Armstrong by Robert Macdonald

When I came to AC in 1959 Loma had an office in the then Administration Building which had been built into an outbuilding of the Fowler Estate (the then library/classroom building).  Her office was just inside the door on the right.  Her door was always open, and she was very accessible to students.  I talked to here there on several occasions, but wish I had asked her more questions.  I learned that she detested gossip and the practice of some in the ministry of prying into people’s private lives.  I once asked her if she missed her house at 345 North Hill after she had moved into the house at the corner of Grove St. and  South Orange Grove.  She preferred the Hill St. location by far!  Her countenance suggested that she bore the burdens of the world were on her shoulders.   I wish I had (tactfully) asked her about that! 

Her part in her husband’s ministry can not be underestimated.  She was the only one who could say “NO!” to him.  Several students told me that she intervened when HWA was council with them started an improper line of questioning.  Sitting in the background, she would exclaim “Herbert!”, and he would immediately back off.

I have wondered if she had lived longer perhaps that she could have prevented many of the bad decisions that led to the downfall (or at least delayed) of AC and the WCG.

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