The Christian Research Institute (CRI) is an evangelical Christian organization dedicated to apologetics, theological research, and the dissemination of information about Christian doctrine. Founded in 1960 by Dr. Walter Martin, a prominent Christian apologist, the institute is headquartered in Escondido, California, United States.
History
- 1960: Walter Martin established the Christian Research Institute in Glendale, California, initially operating as a small study ministry focused on providing answers to questions about Christianity.
- 1974: The institute moved to its current location in Escondido, California.
- 1994: Following Martin’s death, Dr. James R. White assumed the role of president and senior apologist, continuing the organization’s mission.
- Over subsequent decades, CRI expanded its outreach through print, radio, online media, and conferences.
Mission and Activities CRI’s stated purpose is to “research, investigate, and answer questions concerning the Christian faith.” Its primary activities include:
- Apologetics: Providing scholarly and accessible responses to objections against Christianity, covering topics such as the reliability of the New Testament, the existence of God, and the problem of evil.
- Publications: Producing books, articles, and newsletters, most notably the monthly Christianity Today‑style magazine “Christianity Today…? ” (Note: not to be confused with the separate publication Christianity Today). The institute also publishes the Christian Research Journal and a series of apologetics resources.
- Broadcasts: Operating radio programs and podcasts that feature interviews, debates, and instructional segments on theological issues.
- Online Resources: Maintaining a website that offers articles, videos, audio recordings, and a searchable database of theological questions and answers.
Notable Personnel
- Walter Martin (1906–1989): Founder, author of The Kingdom of the Cults and The New Testament in the Modern World, among other works.
- James R. White: Current president and senior apologist; author of numerous apologetic texts and frequent speaker at conferences and churches.
- Other scholars and contributors: The institute collaborates with various evangelical scholars and ministers in producing its content.
Publications and Influence CRI’s most recognized publication is The Kingdom of the Cults (originally titled The Kingdom of the Cults and Other World Religions), a reference work that evaluates and critiques non‑Christian religious movements from an evangelical perspective. The book has been widely circulated in evangelical circles and is often cited in discussions about religious pluralism.
Criticism and Controversy The institute’s approach to evaluating other religions and denominations has been critiqued by scholars and adherents of those faiths for employing a polemical style. Some critics argue that its classifications of certain groups as “cults” lack nuanced theological assessment. The institute acknowledges its evangelical doctrinal stance and positions its work within that framework.
Affiliations While operating independently, CRI maintains relationships with other evangelical and apologetics organizations, such as the Evangelical Ministries of America and the International Association of Apologetics. It is not formally affiliated with any particular denomination.
Current Status As of 2024, Christian Research Institute continues to publish new material, host webinars, and provide apologetic resources for individuals, churches, and academic institutions worldwide. The organization is funded through donations, sales of publications, and support from affiliated ministries.
