Ten years later Ken Ham reflects on his debates with prominent atheist Bill Nye. The article is titled “What Was the Most Important Thing Said at the Nye Debate 10 Years Ago?” This is an extract from the article featured in Ken Ham’s blog on March 16th, 2024.
Our supporters know that Answers in Genesis has always been a ministry with an emphasis on biblical authority and the gospel. Now, we certainly deal with issues of the age of the earth, fossils, and so on, as they are used to attack biblical authority in our day. The emphasis is on apologetics, providing people with answers to the questions of the day that really attack and undermine God’s Word. But we never divorce what we present from the truth of God’s Word and the saving gospel message. And so many have told me this came through clearly at both debates with Bill Nye.
There was one time in particular during the second debate at the Ark—when I was presenting the gospel clearly to Bill Nye—it was as if he let his guard down and acknowledged our desire was to see him saved for eternity. But then the brick wall went right back up.
In a way, he reminded me of the account of the rich man coming to Jesus as recorded in Mark 10 and Luke 18. This man asked what he must do to inherit eternal life. At the end of the conversation,
He [Jesus] said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich. Jesus, seeing that he had become sad, said, “How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” Luke 18:22–24
He just couldn’t give up the things of this world. I’ve thought about this concerning Bill Nye. For him to turn from the world to Christ would mean he’d have to give up his TV fame, his secular friends who would no doubt scoff and scorn him for his conversion, and so much more. Humanly speaking, it would be so hard for him to do this. Yet, as Jesus stated for us all to be reminded of, “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” Mark 8:36
As I have said many times, issues like evolution, abortion, gay marriage, LGBTQ, and gender are all the same problem—the problem of building one’s worldview on man’s word. They are just different symptoms of this problem. And being the same problem, they all have the same solution—believing the truth of God’s Word and trusting Christ for salvation.
That’s why for me it’s always been vital for the Answers in Genesis ministry (including the Creation Museum and Ark Encounter) to be bold about the truth of God’s Word and the gospel.
Yes, we provide a lot of answers to scientific and biblical questions, but just like at the debate, there’s no point doing this if we are not pointing people to the most important message of all—the message of salvation.
Answers in Genesis will always be a biblical authority ministry, boldly and uncompromisingly standing on God’s Word, equipping with apologetics, and presenting the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Your prayers and financial support are vital to the ongoing ministry of AiG. They enable us to continue to proclaim the truth of God’s Word and the saving gospel message to countless people who desperately need to hear it, as well as to inspire and equip Christians to be bold in their faith.
Be assured your financial support will be used to “contend for the faith” so we can do all we can to see people saved for eternity. And please remember to pray especially for Bill Nye this month and for all the different aspects of the AiG ministry.
I’m so grateful for your prayers and support—they enable AiG to reach millions for Christ every year, just like my debate with Bill Nye did 10 years ago. Thank you for being a part of our family.
Since Martyn Isles joined AIG as CEO, and I saw the results of his recent tour of Australia with Ken Ham for the “Living in Babylon” series, I strongly recommend Australians to support this ministry. 10,000 attended the meetings in Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane and Melbourne and many connected online. Martyn announced at the meetings that he is committed to see 6 million John’s gospels delivered to homes in Australia. This is on top of the 1 million delivered to homes during his time with ACL. Please make sure you hear the messages delivered by both Ken and Martyn at these four Australian meetings you will then want to make sure others do as well. Go to answersingenesis.org › outreach › living-in-babylon






