Evolution versus Creationism is a long fought dispute, and tonight two prominent figures from each side will meet to debate before members of science and faith circles to decide which is the more concrete model of origins.
Nye is set to debate Ken Ham at the Creation Museum in Kentucky Tuesday, February 4th. Bill Nye “The Science Guy” states that his personal mission is to “help people everywhere understand and appreciate the science that makes our world work”, according to his own website, billnye.com.
Ham invited Nye to debate last year after Nye criticized the belief held by Ham and other creationists that the earth is just a few thousand years old. In a video posted online, Nye is quoted as saying
"I say to the grown-ups, if you want to deny evolution and live in your world, in your world that's completely inconsistent with everything we observe in the universe, that's fine. But don't make your kids do it, because we need them."
CEO of Answers in Genesis, Ham is the founder of the Creation Museum. This is expected to be the biggest public event in Answers in Genesis’ short history. A center of controversy, they have been able to attract of thousands. According to USA Today, plans are in the works to build a $60 million Noah’s Ark theme park just 40 miles form the museum.
"We certainly believe students should be allowed to critically analyze evolution," says Ham, "you can't really believe both because it's not consistent with the Bible. You can't add millions of years to what the Bible teaches."
Many scientists and fans believe Nye is making a mistake in accepting the challenge. While Bill Nye is pro science, he’s not an expert on evolution. Nye also is not particularly experienced in debates. Other feel that there’s nothing to debate, and in doing so Nye is only accrediting the beliefs of Ham and creationists.
According to a study published last December by Pew Research Center, 33% of American’s still reject the idea of evolution, despite overwhelming evidence.
While only 900 will be attending the event, over a million are expected to be listening online.
The event will be streamed live @ 7:00 PM EST at billnye.com.
Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
