Why would Nye make the supposed terrible mistake of sharing a stage with someone who believes the earth is only 6000 years old? What does he have to gain from debating Ham? Renown atheist and evolutionist Richard Dawkins refuses to debate creationists on the grounds that it gives the public the idea that there still is an origins debate and and that it puts creationism on the same scientific platform as "real science". Atheists around the world and many evolutionists believe Nye is making a horrible blunder. But why is Nye doing this?
Bill Nye the Science Guy was a show geared towards teens and preteens in the 1990s that had a very catchy theme song, interesting facts, experiments, and plenty of evolutionary thinking. Nye has also come out more recently with a viral video titled, "Creationism is not Appropriate for Children", that reveals a lot about what motivates him. He suggests that "denial of evolution is unique to the United States" And he points out that “We are the world’s most advanced technological… I mean you could say Japan, but generally the United States is where most of the innovation still happens.” He then appeals to parents:“And I say to the grownups, if you want to deny evolution, and live in your [waves hands around] world that is inconsistent with everything we observe in the universe, that’s fine. But don’t make your kids do it, because we need them. We need scientifically literate voters and taxpayers for the future. We need people that, uh– we need engineers! People who can build stuff, solve problems.”
Nye's agenda is obviously to convince people, especially young people, to become "believers" in evolution for the betterment of our society. He certainly did not use sound logic in his video which probably has some anti-creationists a little worried. Certainly the US has significant numbers of creationists, with over a third of our population believing in creation. If we are the global leaders in innovation and science, perhaps this isn't the crippling situation Nye suggests. Origins science has nothing to do with engineering. Besides, science thrives when people with differing views examine the same evidence and falsify one another's hypothesises. Good scientists should welcome other views, not silence them.
Ham has always focused on the young people in his ministry efforts. Answers in Genesis has a curriculum for homeschoolers and private schools that re-enforce the Christian worldview. He wrote the book "Already Gone" which appeals to parents to instill this worldview and biblical thinking in their kids so they don't stray from their faith when they are exposed to secular thinking. Although Ham is not the most scientifically qualified AIG representative, he is very persuasive and has a strong supporting cast of PhD representatives from various fields in his corner.
There are sure to be plenty of entertaining moments, good one-liners, and substantive debate to be seen on Tuesday. So gather your kids around, watch the live streaming event and listen to what these men have to say in defense of what they believe.
I had hoped to be in attendance for the debate, but the 800 tickets were sold within the first 2 minutes of availability. Instead, my wife and I plan to watch the debate at home with some friends. I will write all about it here on my blog.
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