TruthNotes

Okay, I admit, the long-awaited “creation vs evolution” debate was nothing like I imagined it would be. Like many of you, I was looking forward to Ken Ham blowing holes in the theory of evolution, trumping such made-up nonsense with the truths of creationism. Turns out the debate actually centered far less than I expected on the fine points of creation or evolution. And after reflecting upon that, I came to realize that the debate was, in fact, better this way. Here’s why.

I rather suspect that the vast majority of those reading this post probably agree with my belief in creation. And I think most Christians, when hearing the news about this debate, automatically assumed Ken Ham and Bill Nye would get into the nitty-gritty of the fine points of creation and evolution. When they did not, many Christians were left confused, disappointed, and even a bit mad. I read comments on Facebook during and after the debate that bemoaned the entire debate. Some people were so disappointed they turned it off halfway through, others declared both sides had lost, some attacked Ken for not being a “true scientist,” others for not being a theologian, some said he wasn’t assertive enough, and some criticized him for freely speaking the Gospel instead of sticking to evolution and creation. The poor man could do no right, even among his supporters! Now, I’m no debater, and I don’t know the fine points of debate, but I did read up on the debate before it took place and read that both Ken Ham and Bill Nye were merely going into this to get discussion going. Were there questions left unanswered? Yes, on both sides. Could either opponent have answered more clearly, approached the topic differently? Sure. The same could be said for almost any debate. But this debate/discussion actually accomplished more than you might think.

First of all, what was the central debate question? I honestly didn’t even know until after the debate had started. I assumed it was simply a forum for each to defend their belief—Ken Ham in creation, Bill Nye in evolution. Turns out that wasn’t the point at all, and if you came into it thinking it was, you were bound to be disappointed. The actual theme of the debate was this: Is creation a viable model of origins in today’s modern scientific era? 

Now, to those of us who believe the creation account, that question itself is flawed. At the very best, it’s poorly phrased. Evolution is the theory that should be questioned, not creation. But like it or not, that’s where we are today. That’s the propaganda our society pushes. The “educated” community would have us believe that those who hold to the biblical account of creation are hopelessly ignorant, completely oblivious to the enlightened view of evolution. There are already articles out there asserting that “Bill Nye’s Evolution Crushed Ken Ham’s Creationism” (by Lauren Rapciak, “Geek Girl Chicago;” click here for link). The media at large would have us believe that creationists are “stupid” or at least “naive” to believe such rubbish as a God creating the world. So yes, the burden rests upon creationists to prove themselves “viable” in this scientific community.

On his website, Albert Mohler (who had front row seats at the debate) wrote an excellent synopsis of the debate titled, “Bill Nye’s Reasonable Man—The Central Worldview Clash of the Ham-Nye Debate.”  In this article, he brings up an interesting point. Prior to this debate, Mohler says that “Nye was criticized by many leading evolutionists, who argued publicly that nothing good could come of the debate.” But a century ago, debates over creation and evolution were far more common than they are today, and “Back then, it was the churchmen who were criticized by their peers for participation in the debate. Now, the table has turned, indicating something of the distance between the intellectual conditions then and now.” Interesting. And very telling. The views have shifted fundamentally since then, and now, unfortunately, creationists have become the minority (or at least are portrayed as a minority) and have to contend with the prevailing worldview that science and human reason trump all. It is with this in mind that Ham prepared his presentation for the debate.

If you watched the debate, or even if you’ve read any reviews of it, you know that Ken Ham didn’t come out swinging against the flimsy tenets upon which evolution rest. He stuck with the question on hand because he wanted to prove to the “scientific” community that creation is indeed “viable.” He cited numerous examples of brilliant scientists who believe staunchly in creation. They have made discoveries and conducted studies every bit as scientific as their evolution-believing counterparts, and they see no disconnect whatsoever between creation and science. Ham was there to assert a worldview. It wasn’t about science at all, people. It was about religion, and that’s why the debate was better this way. The lines have been drawn clearly in the sand, and on an international stage nonetheless. Ham made his stance very clear—he believes the true account of creation because of his Christian faith, and he witnessed that Christian faith clearly throughout the debate. Don’t be fooled. Those who believe evolution have made that their own religion. Honestly, it requires a lot more faith to believe evolution than it does to believe creation. They have a lot more “we don’t know yet” answers than we do. How did the matter for the Big Bang get there to begin with? Even Bill Nye had to admit they didn’t have that answer yet, although they’re confident in time they will have a satisfactory answer. Of course, we know the truth, but we cannot prove it. That’s why it’s called faith.

Many in the liberal media also criticized Ham for his “wishy washy” stance on literal interpretation of the Bible. In their minds, he was changing the data to suit his own interests (which is exactly what evolutionists do, ironically). You see, they don’t get that there are different parts of the Bible that need to be interpreted differently. Oh, sure, Genesis can be literal, but other parts you view as poetry? Um, yeah, actually. Ever hear of Psalm 23 before? Even in quasi-religious funerals they quote that sometimes, and it’s definitely poetry. We who are in the Christian faith know and understand that different parts of Scripture are written with different intentions. Look at the disastrous results from those who have interpreted Revelation literally, for example. But those whose religion and worldview is human reason and might cannot understand this. Most of them have never even opened the Bible, so they dismiss it out of hand. But Ken stuck to his worldview. Mohler’s final paragraph in his article sums it up more eloquently than I could:

The central issue last night was really not the age of the earth or the claims of modern science. The question was not really about the ark or sediment layers or fossils. It was about the central worldview clash of our times, and of any time: the clash between the worldview of the self-declared “reasonable man” and the worldview of the sinner saved by grace.

If the debate was really over worldviews and religion, Ken did his job well. No matter what you think of his theology as a whole, you have to admit that he was pretty gutsy and specific in his Christian witness. Think of the impact here, dear ones. On an international stage, he stood there and proclaimed the Law and Gospel message. I mean, think of that! He walked us through creation, the fall, the need for a Savior, and God’s answer in the life, death, and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ! Ken didn’t use euphemisms or glittering generalities so as not to offend non-Christians. No, he was quite specific about the fallen condition of mankind and the fact that Jesus’ sacrifice was made for the whole world. He even went so far as to state that Genesis is the reason we as Christians are against homosexuality, abortion, and euthanasia. I don’t know about you, but I don’t think I’d have the guts to stand in front of that kind of audience and assert such “politically incorrect” views. Of course he’s going to get flack from such brash statements. But he stood there calmly and spoke the truth. What’s more, he did it with gentleness and respect, as St. Peter urges us to do in 1 Peter 3:15. The truth is not popular, my friends. But we can’t let that stop us. We must stand for truth and proclaim it whenever we can.

The Ham/Nye debate has the potential to pave the way for future discussions about creation and evolution. I’d love to see that happen. I’d love to see a debate where Ken Ham rips the theory of evolution to shreds. (Respectfully, of course…) Who knows what will happen? But this debate has gotten a lot of attention from both creationists and evolutionists, and that’s a good thing. It really is. It has caused many people to examine their own views and maybe even forced some to dig deeper so they are equipped to defend their creation belief.  It has for me, at least. Will it change anyone’s mind? Will it sway anyone to the creation side? Maybe not. But then again, maybe it will. I’ve seen more articles and opinions about this debate than any other subject in a long time (and here I am adding yet one more article to the mix). But this debate is getting people talking and generating conversations. I’ve already had the opportunity to defend my beliefs to someone who believes in evolution. Maybe it will open doors for people to ask you your views on the subject. Perhaps it will draw people to visit the Creation Museum out of curiosity, and perhaps they will walk through the account of creation, sin, and Jesus, and come to faith. You just never know how or where the Holy Spirit will work. He can work through you. He can work through me. And yes, He can even work through a debate.

Image above is a free promotional postcard from the debate