Answers in Genesis: Upholding the Authority of the Bible from the Very First Verse

Amidst all the goings on about the Cincinnati Zoo/Creation Museum controversy (see the last two blogs), was a reminder today of what this ministry is all about—and what we need to be focusing on.

Rick Storm, an AiG supporter, brought a special family to the Creation Museum today—Vitek & Victoria Sychov with their seven-year-old daughter Karina from the Ukraine. I was able to spend some time with Vitek and his family—and what a special time that was.

I found out they are church planters in the Ukraine. When they return to the Ukraine, they are going to start a church (they have already planted one church) in a city where they said there are virtually no Christians. Vitek explained to me that because of evolution, most people are atheists. That is why they were so excited to be at the Creation Museum. They have seen the sad fruits of evolutionary philosophy permeating a nation.

I also found out that their eight-year-old daughter Karina (it was her birthday) was a physically handicapped war orphan that they had adopted. Vitek explained to me that in this war-torn area, because of the evolutionary based atheistic philosophy, life had no value.

It was such a pleasure for me to give Karina one of my books as a birthday present. This remarkable young girl (who already speaks four languages—and is working on her fifth) suffers from a mild cerebral palsy.

I have included a photograph of Karina taken yesterday and also one of the whole family and their host Rick.

Please pray for the Sychov family as they go back to the Ukraine to work so sacrificially in such an atheistic environment to bring the creation/gospel  message to such a needy nation.

Pray for God’s Work in America

Not only do we hear of layoffs and severe cutbacks in the secular arena because of the economic woes in America, we are hearing of more and more Christian organizations that are suffering also. AiG is no exception. We just ask for your prayers that God’s work will not be hindered in America because of the economic crisis that has not only hit this nation, but is having a global effect.

If you have never signed up to be a prayer partner with AiG, could I ask you to do so and commit to praying specially for this ministry and other ministries throughout the nation? You can sign up to be a prayer partner at our special prayer website.

Also, let’s pray for those that launched the attack over the Cincinnati Zoo and Creation Museum business deal. We should not be angry at these people—they are not fighting against us. They are shaking their fists at a infinitely powerful God, who loved us so much that he sent his Son to suffer the judgment of our sin so that we can be saved for eternity.

Some of these atheists in their blogs were yelling at God—mocking Him—taunting Him—just like they did when they crucified our Savior. Oh, how long-suffering our God is, not willing that any should perish. Yes, let’s pray for these people who, despite their arrogant, defiant outbursts, are miserable people empty of purpose and meaning. They need a touch from the Lord. Pray that their eyes will be opened and their hearts humbled to receive the free gift of salvation.  And for any of them reading this blog (as many do), “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).

Emperor’s New Clothes

We have received many comments over the zoo/museum controversy. This one came from England:

In response to the furor over your partnership with the [Cincinnati] Zoo, I’d like to make the following comment. When I read Ken’s blog I was immediately reminded of the story of the King’s [Emperor’s] New clothes by Hans Christian Anderson. Everybody wished to be thought wise so they all praised the “invisible” suit of clothes.

It would appear that many evolutionists fall into the same category, with so much “invisible” evidence they still praise goo-to-you fairy tales and then complain that creationists are unreasonable. [The] Bible puts it very succinctly “Professing themselves to be wise they became fools.”

I am full of admiration for the tireless work that AiG puts into the cause of upholding the scriptures from the very first verse; long may your endeavours continue to be blessed of God. Our prayers for the speakers and all the staff are heartfelt and sincere.

We do have a tireless working staff. And the reason is because we know God has called us to this mission—to go into all the world and preach the gospel. We want to see people saved to be in Heaven with us—that is what it is all about.

Devotion

All

(1Ch 9:1)  So all Israel were reckoned by genealogies; and, behold, they were written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah, who were carried away to Babylon for their transgression.

Reading genealogies is walking through a graveyard & seeing that because of personal sin, “In Adam all die,” but thank God that “in Christ shall all be made alive.”

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,

Ken

For those who didn’t read yesterday’s blog, I encourage you to do so to get the background on a controversy surrounding the Cincinnati Zoo and the Creation Museum. AiG’s promotions director, Jason Goff, had worked out a combination discounted ticket for the Cincinnati Zoo and Creation Museum (about a 35-minute drive from each other) for people to attend the respective well-done Christmas programs at each place.

An atheist (a professor from the University of Minnesota–Morris) rallied his group of intolerant friends to blast the zoo with emails. The zoo decided to drop the combo ticket relationship after just over 48 hours. The secularists also contacted the media—and this thrust the situation into the news.

As a result of this:

1. The controversy was front-page news in both the two local major newspapers—the Cincinnati Enquirer and the Kentucky Enquirer.
2. An Associated Press article appeared in various newspapers across the nation.
3. I did an interview on the Associated Press news radio.
4. Various websites (Christian and secular) wrote articles on the controversy.
5. AiG sent out a news release across the nation as a result of a plethora of media inquiries we received.
6. Yesterday afternoon (at 2:00 p.m.), I was interviewed by Bill Cunningham on Cincinnati’s powerful news talk radio station WLW (which is heard across the nation–at night, 30 plus states can get its signal). WLW featured this story most of the afternoon and into the evening. Bill Cunningham was highly critical of those intolerant of the Christian position. Bill doesn’t agree with everything we teach at the Creation Museum, but he is adamant about being tolerant of others and their differing positions. He stands up for freedom of speech and freedom of religion. You can listen to Tuesday’s program on their website (site/program may contain some offensive material).
7. I have more interviews on radio etc. on this controversy lined up for tomorrow and the rest of the week.
8. The news website NKY.com (http://nky.cincinnati.com/) ran an online poll on the controversy. They gave the following options:

YES—The museum promotes a religious point of view that conflicts with the zoo’s scientific mission.

NO—The promotion does not mean that the zoo endorses the museum or that the museum endorses the zoo.

As of last night, 86% voted “NO—The promotion does not mean that the zoo endorses the museum or that the museum endorses the zoo.” I know this is not a statistically valid poll, but I think it does show, as we have seen many times before, that most people are not intolerant. Sadly, it is an intolerant minority that can intimidate people to give in on matters they should take a stand on.

Also, a medical doctor (Dr. Leach) wrote a scathing attack on the Creation Museum because of the zoo combo ticket deal—calling us “an international laughingstock.” One of our supporters wrote to him and sent us a copy of their well-written letter:

As I read your website this morning, I saw that your credentials are quite impressive. However, your facts are quite wrong. An “international laughingstock” in your community of friends maybe but in our community “a well respected representation of a biblical viewpoint.”

I do not want to argue biblical viewpoints with you. However, the thought of reducing an inexpensive family Christmas activity based on your opinion to a debate over creation vs. evolution is very sad. I “tolerate” evolution on tv, in museums, at the zoo and many other places I have taken my children. Your “intolerance” of a biblical-based attraction is a picture of what true intolerance is. It was a “choice” for people to purchase those tickets or not. Just like I have a choice to take my kids to attractions that promote evolution.

Maybe you have the money to take your kids to many things but not all of us do. Every decision we all make impacts someone. You have impacted people you will never know.

There are numerous other media responses. Certainly, this has thrust the Creation Museum and its Christmas program into the news. I believe, as a result, this has really taken our Christmas promotion to a much higher level. We can certainly thank the intolerant atheists for this! These people have been ranting and raving on their websites about the issue—but as usual, using emotive, blasphemous, and vulgar language as they denigrate God, AiG, my name, etc.

What is very obvious from this is that those who caused this controversy are not just against AiG’s straightforward reading of the Bible, they mock Christianity; they mock the Bible; in fact, they often mock anyone who believes in God regardless of what position they take on Genesis. It is an intense intolerance (in fact, hatred of) anything that is Christian in any way.

As a result of this, AiG has decided to offer the same generous discount off the Creation Museum admission price that was to be had from the combo zoo/museum ticket for December 2–11 (except for December 6). See the Creation Museum website for details.

Also, if you haven’t already planned to, I urge you to attend AiG’s live nativity and “Road to Bethlehem” spectacular Christmas events, starting December 12. The outdoor live nativity and Road to Bethlehem are free. Also, the Creation Museum gardens will glow each night with a spectacular Christmas light display—the outside dinosaurs look phenomenal. You can obtain more information from the Creation Museum website.

Well, this made for a busy day, and there will no doubt be a busy week ahead.

Devotion

I come

(Hebrews 10:7) Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.

The debt & debilitation of our sins made us helpless & hopeless; we desperately needed the Lord Jesus Christ to come, & now we worship Him because He came.

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,

Ken

Yesterday was another eventful day in the life of AiG and the Creation Museum—one that showed the increasing intolerance of evolutionary religious zealots! We sent out a press release to reply to the media making inquiries about the latest attack on the museum, and I ended up doing some media interviews—all unexpected. It’s another story of intolerance at its best (or should I say at its worst!) on the part of the very religious evolutionists who can’t tolerate people even having the opportunity to consider all the information about evolution. It was just one more situation that could have been featured in the Expelled movie. The Creation Museum was “expelled” this time!

It all started when the Creation Museum’s promotion manager, Jason Goff, worked many hours with the Cincinnati Zoo (a leading zoo in the U.S.) to offer a zoo/Creation Museum combo ticket to help each organization promote their Christmas programs. The zoo has its famous (and quite spectacular) “Festival of Lights,” and the Creation Museum is unveiling its likewise spectacular Live Nativity and Road to Bethlehem program. Such a combo ticket would benefit both organizations and the local economy by bringing in visitors.

Actually, AiG often promotes local attractions (hotels, restaurants, etc.) on our Creation Museum website and in printed material to help bring people to the area and for visitors to have a complete vacation experience. For instance, we promote attractions such as the Newport Aquarium, Kings Island amusement park, etc.

The Cincinnati Zoo and Creation Museum put the combo ticket information (a special promotion for the weeks surrounding Christmas) on their respective websites this past weekend to begin the promotion. Just over 48 hours later, the zoo canceled the business relationship because they were inundated with negative calls, emails, etc. Much of the opposition was organized through the anti-creationist, ardently evolutionist website The Panda’s Thumb. You will be interested to read some of the comments I excerpted from this website to see the total intolerance and outlandish—and many quite ridiculous—statements these emotional religious zealots have made.

While we are saddened that the business relationship has ended, as is usual, “you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20). The story has received much attention: an Associated Press news article is being circulated around the country—look in your paper today; here is what it says coming from a Cleveland, Ohio, outlet, and this was on the front page of our local papers, the Cincinnati Enquirer and the Kentucky Enquirer:

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20081202/NEWS01/812020317

There was also a story on the local television news programs during their prime time news hour, and local and national media contacted us for interviews! We expect more media attention concerning this. We didn’t get to see the results of the combo ticket promotion—but the media has promoted us far more than we could have imagined.

I have listed below comments from The Panda’s Thumb website, then comments made in the local newspaper blog, and then AiG’s press release sent out yesterday afternoon.

The Panda’s Thumb Comments and a P.Z. Myers Rant

Is it any surprise that well-known evolutionist P.Z. Myers blasted the zoo and rallied the zealot secularists in what became a worldwide email campaign against the zoo and museum? After all, Myers is the ardent atheist who asked his supporters to call me names on his website (see his blog, but note that there is profanity)—this is what you do when you can’t deal logically with creationist arguments: you call them names. These people basically worship Darwin—they worship evolution and cannot tolerate anyone who doesn’t agree with them! Myers began:

Shame on the Cincinnati Zoo. . . . The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and the Creation Museum have made a joint marketing agreement and are selling “combo tickets” . . . . The Cincinnati Zoo is promoting an anti-science, anti-education con job run by ignorant creationists. . . . I believe the Cincinnati Zoo has betrayed its mission and its trust in a disgraceful way, by aligning themselves with a creationist institution that is a laughing stock to the rest of the world, and a mark of shame to the United States. I urge everyone to contact the zoo; write to their education and marketing and public relations departments in particular and point out the conflict between what they are doing and what their goal as an educational and research institution ought to be.

P.Z. Myers continued:

While you’re at it, it might be even more effective to contact the newsroom at the Cincinnati Enquirer and the Cincinnati weekly, City Beat. Let’s raise a stink and give these guys the bad PR they deserve.

We hope the zoo understands that an anti-Christian, anti-creationist, evolutionary religious zealot (who doesn’t even live in the Cincinnati area or pay any taxes here) helped organize this campaign against the zoo/Creation Museum combo ticket. Sad that someone with an atheistic agenda can cause a business relationship to be dissolved—from a different state, no less—but that’s a sign of where our culture is really at today!

We don’t know how many complaints the zoo received (we have heard that it has been hundreds), nor do we know much about from whom the complaints have come, but from what we have seen on the Internet, we are fairly certain that the majority of complaints have come from people who have nothing to do with the zoo and are not members (as other AiG staff and I are), but have responded to an Internet campaign from evolutionists set on trying to stop anyone they can from even knowing about what is exhibited at the Creation Museum. They cannot beat us with the facts, and they know it. So they resort to censorship and underhanded campaigns.

Selected other comments:

1. Also smells very strongly of the typical creationist “what can we do to make people think we’re mainstream science educators?” principle

2. More likely they’ll do the usual “look at how this zoo fully supports creation,” armed with the complete and utter [expletive deleted] they’ve just seen in the creation museum.

3. Yes, the Cininnati [sic] Zoo has betrayed science, and common sense. There are people who take a literal interpretation of a something that is over 2000 years old without questioning it. If these people want to keep their believes [sic] private that is their right. However, to pollute the public sphere is just wrong. [How is that for tolerance?]

4. Please do write to Cincinnati Zoo and let them know what you think of the zoo lending credibility and prestige by association to the creationist [expletive deleted].”

This next one is remarkable:

5. THIS MAY BE CREATION MUSEUM FRAUD Before everyone begins slamming the Cincinnati Zoo, let’s verify this.

6. Well I smell a lawsuit coming up. If the zoo really is part of the public school system and it really is promoting creationism, then they are in blatant violation of the constitution. This will be a good case to establish precedent and if persued [sic], should cause everyone to realize what a deceitful bunch of hypocrites the creationists really are. [A private zoo is part of the public school system?]

7. It’s amazing how “tolerant” all you liberals are of any viewpoints that contradict your own! There are millions and millions of well-educated Americans who believe in Creationism. . . . How often do you see these good people getting all upset because others disagree with them? I applaud the Cincinnati Zoo for showing more open-mindedness than all of the posters on this website. For one thing, they know that (probably) a majority of their paying customers believe in some form of Creationism.

8. Being an Animal Keeper at the San Francisco Zoo, it would seem pretty clear what my feelings are surrounding “evolutionary theory.” With that said, I think its a great idea for people to visit both a museum that focuses on Creationism and a zoological facility that doesn’t, then the people themselves can make a decision on what they believe. Also, in this challenging economic environment, zoo’s [sic] and other scientific organizations cannot afford to turn a cold shoulder to those that may have different belief systems, we actually need to stand up and welcome these people.

Here are selections from the Cincinnati Enquirer website:

Some complained that the zoo, which receives public support through a tax levy, should not become involved with a private museum dedicated to the teachings of the Bible’s book of Genesis. Others said a scientific institution shouldn’t link itself to a place that argues man once lived side by side with dinosaurs.

“They seem like diametrically opposed institutions,” said Dr. James Leach, a Cincinnati radiologist who e-mailed zoo officials about his concerns. “The Cincinnati Zoo is one of this city’s treasures. The Creation Museum is an international laughingstock.”

Zoo officials said they considered the promotion—dubbed “Two Great Attractions, One Great Deal”—a marketing deal no different than other cross-promotions they do with institutions like the Newport Aquarium or the Cincinnati Reds.

Instead, they found themselves mired in a heated debate between creationists and evolutionists over the origins of mankind. Thanks to the Internet, the opposition needed only a few days to organize a worldwide e-mail campaign and to set up a zoo boycott through blogs and a Facebook page.

And some of the comments on the Cincinnati Enquirer site:

1. I have joined the ranks of those that want the person who is/was responsible for this (ahem) unholy alliance fired. I have e-mailed the Zoo, as a long time season pass holder, and stated my position on this. I would encourage others who are as outraged at this as I am to do the same.

2. The Creation Museum will prosper just as they have been since they opened. The zoo is struggling- this could have helped them but of course haters want to bury the truth as much as they can to live more comfortably. You have my patronage, Mr. Hamm [sic] and my respect.

3. What idiot would believe the earth was 6000 years old? The zoo has shamed itself. It will next be promoting with witches, neo nazis, KKK members and other neanderthals like those running the creation museum…I guess the folks that go to the creationist museum had trouble giving up their beliefs in santa claus, the easter bunny, and the fairy tale too. let these morons believe what they want, but put them in their own state (seems like they are already living in a state of denial) or send them to guantanamo.

4. Apparently this whole protest against this combo ticket was orchestrated by just one blogger, “Sleazy” PZ Myers. The hypocritical Darwinists pretend to be concerned about science, but they have hurt the Cincinnati Zoo’s ability to get more visitors, revenue,…”

And one of the comments made by a reader of the paper and found under today’s Kentucky Enquirer on-line article states:

5. I wonder for those all in the uproar…does this mean the Zoo should get rid of THIER Nativity? Or Menorah? What about the Peace Walk they have as a permanent fixture? It all has religious connotations. Hmmm? When does it stop?

And in the Kentucky Enquirer article the reporter states:

The museum, which opened in May 2007, has been praised by supporters as a bulwark against evolutionary teachings. It also has been ridiculed by critics who say its displays, including a triceratops with a saddle on its back, are based on pseudoscience.

It is amazing the things reporters dredge up from evolutionists in an obvious attempt to ridicule the Creation Museum. One can search on the Internet to find an enormous number of items such as dinosaur swing sets, etc. The dinosaur with a saddle at the Creation Museum is not part of any of the teaching exhibits—it is simply a fun item for children to get on and get their photograph taken—no different to similar sorts of things one will find in shopping centers, museums, and other places. As I say over and over again—we are not surprised—we are used to such integrity bashing.

Thank you, P.Z. Myers, for thousands of dollars’ worth of media promotion for our Bible-upholding museum! Actually, this will benefit the Creation Museum much more in the long run. Maybe we should try to get combo tickets with all sorts of other groups—think of the publicity we could all receive! Even the zoo has received a lot of publicity! It turned out to be a great combo publicity event for both organizations (though different to what we thought it would be when the combo ticket was arranged). As P.T. Barnum is attributed with saying, “I don’t care what they say about me; just make sure they spell my name right!”

AiG’s Press Release

CREATION MUSEUM DISAPPOINTED BY CINCINNATI ZOO WITHDRAWAL:

Promotional Partnership in Aid of Local Tourism Canceled

PETERSBURG, KY., December 1, 2008 – After working for months with the Cincinnati Zoo on a special cross-promotion package to elevate local and regional tourism during the Christmas season, the Creation Museum learned today that the zoo – after a 2 ½ day business relationship – has pulled out of the arrangement because of a high volume of complaints.

“We are disappointed with the zoo’s decision and its impact on the families and visitors to the region who would have enjoyed taking advantage of this opportunity to make this a truly memorable Christmas,” said Answers in Genesis and Creation Museum founder and president Ken Ham. “Both the Creation Museum and the Cincinnati Zoo have put together spectacular Christmas displays, and we were excited to partner with them to promote these events in a combination package that would have been of great value to the community.”

“My family and I have been Cincinnati Zoo members for more than 10 years now, so I am also personally saddened that this organization I esteem so highly would find it necessary to back out of this relationship. At the same time, I have learned that the zoo received hundreds of complaints from what appear to be some very intolerant people, and so I understand the zoo’s perspective. Frankly, we are used to this kind of criticism from our opponents, and so being ‘expelled’ like this is not a huge surprise,” Ham continued.

The Cincinnati Zoo/Creation Museum short-term partnership allowed visitors to purchase one-day regular admission tickets to each attraction for a combined price of $25.95 (adult price), a savings of $9 over regular ticket price at each location. The tickets were available online only through the zoo’s website, with the Creation Museum helping to drive traffic to the zoo’s website and its promotion with the museum. The zoo already has promotional arrangements with other regional institutions, including the Cincinnati Reds.

“Our museum will continue to promote this excellent zoo on our website and also in the printed material we pass out inside the museum. We are committed to promoting regional tourism. It’s a pity that intolerant people have pushed for our expulsion simply because of our Christian faith. Some of their comments on blogs reveal great intolerance for anything having to do with Christianity,” Ham added.

Because this package will no longer be available, the museum has decided to continue to offer this savings on museum tickets Dec. 2-11 (except Dec. 6), offering $9 off adult tickets and $5 off children’s and seniors’ tickets. Thus the discounted rates would be $12.95 for adults, $11.95 for seniors and $6.95 for children 5-12.

The museum continues with plans for its Christmas display, “Bethlehem’s Blessings,” beginning Dec. 12, with much of the stunning lighting already in place. The centerpiece will be a live outdoor nativity scene, featuring human actors in each of the Christmas story roles, and of course sheep, donkeys, and camels – all the usual animals present during the birth of the Christ child – courtesy of the museum’s own petting zoo. Museum staff and volunteers will alternate as Joseph, Mary, the shepherds, and caravan traders. A special lighted trail, “The Road to Bethlehem,” will feature a glimpse of the first Christmas in Bethlehem 2,000 years ago.

Visitors to the museum grounds will also enjoy hayrides, seasonal lights and decorations, holiday food, and fun events and activities for children. Special Christmas exhibits inside the museum (tickets are required) include the Planetarium presentation, “The Bethlehem Star.”

The “Bethlehem’s Blessings” festivities get under way on Dec. 12, with a chance for the media to get a preview that evening beginning at 5:45 p.m. The live nativity will run from 2 p.m. until close (except on the 24th and 25th) and the seasonal light displays will begin at dusk each day.

The Creation Museum, located near the Cincinnati Airport, is a ministry of Answers in Genesis, a nonprofit Christian organization dedicated to confirming the validity of the Bible from the very first verse. Since its opening in May 2007, the museum has seen over 600,000 visitors, way above anticipated crowds of 250,000 for the first year. The usual museum hours are 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday – Thursday; 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Fridays; 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Saturdays; and 12 p.m. (noon) – 6 p.m. on Sundays. For the special hours of the “Bethlehem’s Blessings” activities, go to www.CreationMuseum.org.

Devotion

Good to all

(Psalm 145:9) The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.

The Lord Jesus Christ is not only the Great Creator, but also the Great Provider in such unique ways for each person gaining Him the reputation of Good to All.

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,

Ken

If you subscribe to our weekly e-newsletter you probably already know about the “20% OFF EVERYTHING” sale that expires tonight (via the AiG–U.S. website). This includes books, DVDs, magazines, t-shirts, and science toys.

I had to ask our web team if it also includes items that are already on sale, and it does. So, 20% is the minimum you would save. Some items are as much as 80% off. If you don’t receive the e-newsletter, I want you to have an opportunity to get this extra 20% savings, too. We really do want to get these life-changing resources into your hands so you can reach as many friends and other loved ones as possible–perhaps as Christmas gifts.

In these dark times spiritually and economically, people need the creation/gospel/biblical authority message than ever before. This is an incredible opportunity for you to get resources into their hands for extraordinary prices. When you visit the online store, www.AnswersBookstore.com, just enter the coupon code “EVERYTHING” during checkout (no quotation marks). You’ll get an extra 20% off, but don’t forget that it expires tonight.

For more info, see the online offer. Out of the hundreds of resources we offer, there are only a couple of exceptions to this sale (museum tickets and quilts).

Another Museum Visit by a Major Christian Leader

Last Wednesday we were honored to have with us (once again) Wendy Wright, president of the large group Concerned Women for America (based in Washington, D.C.). She paid her third visit to our Creation Museum (we have only been open 18 months) while visiting her sister Terri up in Dayton, Ohio. Wendy was even here at the museum on its opening day (May 2007).

The group she leads, CWA, has over 500,000 members. CWA is recognized as America’s largest public policy women’s organization. Two years ago, Wendy was named among “The 100 Most Powerful Women of Washington” by the Washingtonian magazine.

Wendy is a staunch creationist and even features in a recent TV documentary hosted by famed evolutionist-atheist Dr. Richard Dawkins. Dr. Richard Dawkins conducted a lengthy interview with Wendy in her Washington, D.C., offices last year, and as a non-scientist, she acquitted herself quite well. What viewers weren’t told is that she was not informed by the TV producers  (from Channel 4 out of England) who her questioner would be, and so, after the cameras and lights had been set up, to her surprise in walked evolutionist Dawkins! He was, Wendy told us, quite antagonistic, but the few minutes of their exchange came out as not too hostile on the screen.

CWA had me as a guest many times on its former national radio program. That includes during the days when CWA’s founder/president, Beverly LaHaye, was the program’s host—in fact, I saw Mrs. LaHaye recently on the East Coast, and we enjoyed catching up on things.

AiG is an apolitical ministry and thus is not directly involved in legislative or legal efforts to change laws. But we are encouraged to know that there are Christian leaders like Wendy who are standing up for biblical truths in America, especially in pro-life areas (she is especially well-known as an anti-abortion activist).

Taxpayer Cash Given to Atheist Group

According to the London (U.K.) Telegraph:

£35,000 of taxpayers’ cash given to “atheist bus” group

An atheist group planning to put adverts on London buses declaring that “there’s probably no God” has been given £35,000 in taxpayers’ money.

The article reports that:

The British Humanist Association, which is running a campaign to get rid of faith schools and wants to end the Church of England’s position as the established religion, was given the grant by the Government’s equality watchdog and is using it to stage a series of debates about the place of religion in public life. . . . The BHA says it is dedicated to bringing about “a world without religious privilege or discrimination” and represents “people who seek to live good lives without religious or superstitious beliefs.”

So, how does an atheist group define good —other than its own subjective opinions?

Matthew 19:16,17:  Now behold, one came and said to Him [Jesus], “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God.”

You can read the entire Telegraph report at:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/religion/3521024/35000-of-taxpayers-cash-given-to-atheist-bus-group.html

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,

Ken

This past week, I read a sermon by the prince of preachers, Charles Haddon Spurgeon—a famous British preacher of the 1800s. It is a phenomenal sermon that explains so eloquently what happened at the fall in Genesis 3—and what the state of every human is as a result of the fall (as a result of sin). I thought on this Sunday, it would be good to start the day with an excerpt from Spurgeon’s sermon to remind us of who we really are and our desperate need of Christ:

THAT MEN BY NATURE ARE DEAD. No being needs to go after life if he has life in himself. The text speaks very strongly when it says, “You will not come unto me, that You might have life,” though it says it not in words, Yet it does in effect affirm that men need a life more than they have themselves. My hearers, we are all dead unless we have been begotten unto a lively hope.

First, we are all of us, by nature, legally dead:—“In the day that you eat thereof you shall die the death,” said God to Adam; and though Adam did not die in that moment naturally, he died legally; that is to say death was recorded against him. As soon as, at the Old Bailey, the judge puts on the black cap and pronounces the sentence, the man is reckoned to be dead at law. Though perhaps a month may intervene before he is brought on the scaffold to endure the sentence of the law, Yet the law looks upon him as a dead man. It is impossible for him to transact anything. He cannot inherit, he cannot bequeath; he is nothing—he is a dead man. The country considers him not as being alive in it at all. There is an election—he is not asked for his vote because he is considered as dead. He is shut up in his condemned cell, and he is dead. Ah! and You ungodly sinners who have never had life in Christ, You are alive this morning, by reprieve, but do You know that You are legally dead; that God considers you as such, that in the day when your father Adam touched the fruit, and when you yourselves did sin, God, the Eternal Judge, put on the black cap and condemned you? You talk mightily of your own standing, and goodness, and morality:—where is it? Scripture says, You are “condemned already.” You are not to wait to be condemned at the judgment day—that will be the execution of the sentence:—“You are condemned already.” In the moment You sinned; your names were all written in the black book of justice; every one was then sentenced by God to death, unless he found a substitute, in the person of Christ, for his sins.

What would you think if you were to go into the Old Bailey, and see the condemned culprit sitting in his cell, laughing and merry? You would say, “The man is a fool, for he is condemned, and is to be executed; Yet how merry he is.” Ah! and how foolish is the worldly man, who, while sentence is recorded against him, lives in merriment and mirth! Do you think the sentence of God is of no effect? Think you that thy sin which is written with an iron pen on the rocks for ever hath no horrors in it? God hath said you are condemned already. If you would but feel this, it would mingle bitters in your sweet cups of joy; your dances would be stopped, your laughter quenched in sighing, if you would recollect that you are condemned already. We ought all to weep, if we lay this to our souls: that by nature we have no life in God’s sight; we are actually, positively condemned, death is recorded against us, and we are considered in ourselves now, in God’s sight, as much dead as if we were actually cast into hell; we are condemned here by sin, we do not You suffer the penalty of it, but it is written against us, and we are legally dead, nor can we find life unless we find legal life in the person of Christ, of which more by-and-bye.

One doesn’t hear preaching like this much any more. I pray everyone reading this blog can say they have found “legal life in the person of Christ.”

Public Schoolteacher Using AiG Resources

Even though many public schools would intimidate or fire a teacher allowing students to hear both sides of the creation/evolution issue, we know of many teachers like this one who are doing just that:

I am a public high school science teacher. I love your website and have done much research using your search engine. So far I’m able to show both sides of the issues and give my students information that they wouldn’t normally receive from teachers who have bought into evolution. I believe my students greatly appreciate being able to see both sides of the controversies and appreciate being given the respect to choose for themselves.

Pray for these missionaries within the public school system who are doing their best to teach the students correctly concerning the origins issues.

We had great attendance at the Creation Museum Friday and Saturday—the two days after Thanksgiving. I met people from all across the USA, Canada, and countries like Ukraine, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and many other nations. We praise the Lord for the way the He is using the museum to take the message of the creation/gospel around the globe.

By the way, a great time to visit the museum would be December 12 – January 4, during our “Bethlehem’s Blessings” Christmas celebration. All kinds of things are planned, including a live outdoor Nativity, a special showing in our planetarium on the star of Bethlehem, thousands of lights, and so much more.

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,

Ken

Recently, I had a quiz on my blog about where a photograph with me in it was taken.

We had quite a number of responses. The first correct answer came from a man in Wyoming—he will receive free admission to the Creation Museum. Here is an email we received from him after one of our staff called to congratulate him. (By the way, the photo was taken on the Washington D.C. subway, called the Metro.)

Thank you for the phone call. . . . We were at the museum in 2007 when we attended the Family Camp with our son. It was a fantastic time for us and we got way more than we ever expected from the Family Camp and the Museum. At times I wished we lived closer so we could come more often. You have so many great programs you are now offering at the Museum.

I became a Christian in 1987 (at the age of 27). I had started out at the University of Wyoming as a Geology Major (in the late 1970s) and was a believer in evolution. Becoming a Christian challenged that view.

The first time I saw Ken Ham was in approximately 1992 when he did his conference in Denver, CO (where we lived at the time) at Riverside Baptist Church. I was amazed and loaded up on resources. These were the tools I needed to not only understand the biblical creation, but also to be able to share it.

We are planning to attend Creation College 3 in July, Lord willing. Our son graduates in May and still enjoys the family vacations. He is planning on attending a school of mines and technology next year, and all he has learned from AiG and others has helped him grow in his faith and belief in a 6-day creation about 6,000 years ago.

Your web page is fantastic and I am on it daily to see what is posted on the front page and to do research. You have so many resources I feel I have only tapped the surface of what is truly there. Whenever I need something dealing with Creation or worldviews, I check the Answers in Genesis site first. The videos on-line, the books, booklets, magazine articles, and so much more have helped me strengthen my walk with the Lord. They have also helped me in sharing my faith with others and to teach classes at church. I did a creation class for adults during our churches, and your AMAZON EXPEDITION VBS program last summer.

Just two weeks ago in our Sunday school class, we watched [AiG’s] Noah’s Ark video . . . .

Museum “Groupies”

This is what determines a real Creation Museum “groupie”:

[We] just counted the number of times we have brought visitors to the Museum since it opened and we are at 15 and counting. We have two more visits planned for December. Every time we bring guests to the Museum our guests tell us they are really blessed . . . isn’t it fun to be a part of all this?

Peru Outreach

I have included two photos from the recent Peru outreach AiG conducted (see previous blog item). Dr. David Crandall, head of Answers Worldwide, kneels at the right.

Devotion

The mighty overshadowing of the Cross

(Hebrews 8:12) For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

In mercy God has a purposeful loss of memory of what we did as He says to our accusers, “I am so impressed with the Cross that I just don’t recall that.”

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,

Ken

God’s Word states that “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” The Bible also tells us to be “always read to give an answer” (1 Peter 3:15). It always amazes me how the infinite Creator God uses such weak, fallible humans such as ourselves to reach others through our speaking events, books, and other resources to give answers to skeptical questions—but in all we do to bring people the most vital message in the universe: the gospel of Jesus Christ. We give all glory to Him when we hear of salvation testimonies such as this one:

I had been reading Ken Ham’s little books Did Adam Have a Bellybutton? and Did Eve Have an Extra Rib? about five years ago - I’d read them on the treadmill. I’d read a Q/A and say to myself “that makes sense…” then another Q/A.. “that makes sense, too.” At some point, I decided that I would believe the Bible – as it was written. No more trying to figure out if I really thought this or that could have happened, and I firmly accepted Christ as my Savior. I had been going to a tremendous church for about a year, but I really believe that it was Ken Ham who reached me. When we were lucky enough to be in N Ky last year when he was at the museum, I had him sign a book. I wanted to tell him my story, but I just stood there like I was star-struck. My husband figured out that I was going to leave without speaking, so he told Mr Ham that he was instrumental in my being saved. He was nice enough to pose for a picture with me. I’ve met some big-time movie stars and famous athletes in my time, but I’ve never before stood before someone unable to tell him how he touched my life. This is why I’m so interested in providing AiG materials for my children. I’m really looking forward to putting that big box of ‘stuff’ that I bought at the museum to good use.

A Creation Museum Love Story

Congratulations to Creation Museum staff Adam and Jennifer who are getting married tomorrow (Saturday). They met at the Creation Museum—a great place to find your mate! It’s a Creation Museum love story! I have included a photograph of Adam and Jennifer with Jennifer’s parents, Mike and Debbie. Mike and Debbie are from Ottawa, Kansas, and are in town to enjoy Thanksgiving with Adam and Jen, and then to attend their wedding on Saturday.

Annual Staff Photograph

I have included a photograph taken last week of all the AiG staff (well—nearly all—some were already away on vacation). It was taken in our special effects theater inside the museum. I praise the Lord for those He has brought to this ministry to make it what it is.

Devotion

The hope and strength

(Joel 3:16) The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.

The basis for our security and expectation that all will be well is not found in a religion or a church or a group, but in one person alone, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,

Ken

In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 we read, “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

On this Thanksgiving Day in the U.S., despite the economic woes, personal problems, or whatever circumstances we are in, the Lord wants us to “in everything give thanks.” I know that can be hard for all of us to do—but as Christians, it is something we should commit ourselves to do before our Creator God.

John Gill in his commentary states:

That is, to God the Father, in the name of Christ; see Eph 5:20, thanks are to be given to him for all things … for all temporal good things; for our beings, the preservation of them; for food and raiment, and all the mercies of life; for the means of grace, the word and ordinances, and the ministers of the Gospel; for spiritual blessings, for electing, redeeming, regenerating, adopting, pardoning, justifying, and persevering grace: for a meetness for heaven, a right unto it, and a good hope of it; and especially for Jesus Christ, for such an husband, such an head, such a surety and Saviour, and advocate with the Father, as he is; and for life, peace, joy, comfort, righteousness, and salvation in him: and thanks should be given to God in every circumstance of life; in adversity, as Job did; when not in so comfortable and agreeable a frame of soul as to be wished for, since it might be worse, and is not black despair; even under the temptations of Satan, since they might be greater and heavier, and since the grace of God is sufficient to bear up under them, and deliver out of them, and since there is such a sympathizing high priest and Saviour; and in afflictions of every kind, since they are all for good, temporal, or spiritual, or eternal.

CHRISTMAS AT THE CREATION MUSEUM

The Creation Museum’s very talented designers are installing Christmas decorations at AiG. Not only will the thousands of lights through the gardens, the Live Nativity, and the Bethlehem Road be startling, but so will the decorations inside the building. Make sure you visit the Creation Museum website to find out the details of the various Christmas programs. It all starts December 12.

CHALLENGED TO HOLD ON TO THE AUTHORITY OF GOD’S WORD

A powerful testimony from a teacher who attended the AiG seminar in Miami, Florida, this past weekend:

Last weekend I attended three speaking events at Calvary Chapel Kendall in Miami, Florida where Ken Ham was the guest speaker. I cannot begin to express the impact that event had on my life and on my church famliy, not to mention the souls that came to know Jesus Christ as Savior. The talks were full of the power of the Word of God, and they brought conviction to believers and unbelievers alike. I was challenged to hold onto the authority of the Word of God, beginning with Genesis. As head of the science department at the school I work at I am tempted to want to defend my faith on the “turf” of unbelievers by not referring to the Word of God. Ken Ham challenged us not to throw away our sword before we enter the “battle.”

For our U.S. readers, have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving Day—and for you who might be reading this blog in another country, keep the verse of Psalm 147:7 above in your mind today and every day.

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying

Ken

This past weekend, I spoke in at Calvary Chapel, Kendall (Miami), Florida, to one of the most ethnically diverse congregations I have ever seen. I think there was every shade of skin “color” from light to dark. It was so thrilling and such a blessing to see people from so many different ethnic groups worshiping and fellowshipping together.

The audience really appreciated my talk on the origin of so called “races” on Sunday night, giving a standing ovation. To me it was so encouraging to see such a group of people respond so positively to this (and every) message. The pastor told me of a number of people who received the gift of salvation as a result of the five sessions we conducted from Saturday night through Sunday.

I have enclosed some photographs taken this past weekend. The first one is of me and the founding pastor of the church, Pedro.

“I Had the Answers I Needed”

This is a powerful testimony from a student in the public school system (shared with AiG speaker Carl Kerby), who as a result of the Answers in Genesis/Creation Museum in her life, was able to be a witness to her teacher and fellow students:

Answers in Genesis has been such a blessing for me with my experience in the public school system. Last year in my biology class I knew we were going to be studying evolution, so I read as many of your books as I could. My family and I also took a trip to the Creation Museum, and I was able to bring a friend with me, too. When the time came for that unit, I had the answers that I needed.

My teacher may have been an evolutionist, but since I worked hard in her class, we established a good teacher-student relationship. She had us write a bunch of essays in response to some PBS clips that she had us watch during class. We were allowed to write in accordance to our beliefs as long as they supported “science.” Those essays were a way for me to share my faith, and the AiG website was very helpful with that.

I also brought in one of the New Answers Books for her to look through, and she couldn’t believe how scientifically accurate it was. She actually encouraged other students to read it for a different viewpoint.

This year I’m not in biology, but I still talk to my former teacher sometimes. I’m letting her borrow some of my Dad’s DVDs from AiG. I’m just praying that God will work in her heart in ways that I can’t.

Being in the public school system hasn’t been easy for me, but I consider that my mission field right now. There are so many people that I’m able to talk to that I wouldn’t have come in contact with otherwise. It has also forced me to really know what I believe. Lots of Christians that I’ve noticed are afraid to let their beliefs be made known, but I’ve found that you gain people’s respect when you stand up for what you believe.

There are so many problems in today’s society, and there are so many ministries and organizations that seek to solve all these problems. Answers in Genesis goes to the root of these problems. The simple truth of going back to Genesis is so powerful. As a public high school student, I am very grateful that I have this tool in this generation of “Greeks.” I will keep all you guys at AiG in my prayers. May God continue to bless you and your ministry.

Over 600,000 in 18 Months

At the end of this month, the Creation Museum will have been open 18 months. We are now over 600,000 in the number of visitors who have come to the Creation Museum. Thousands more are expected over the next few weeks, particularly over Thanksgiving, and then for the incredible Live Nativity/Road to Bethlehem startling programs beginning December 12. For details, go to the Creation Museum website. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to bring your family to this unique world-class program.

Devotion

Left the door open

(Joel 2:32) And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.

In the midst of the greatest calamity of our lives the Lord left the door of salvation open for us–all we had to do was call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,

Ken

Well, people are noticing the exciting changes on the AiG website as it continues to “evolve.” As one very satisfied person wrote this week:

I LOVE the new Get Answers! I have to say at first I thought I didn’t like it and wanted the old back. But then I decided to take a second look. I spent a little time moving [the] cursor over each category and looking further. WOW!!! What a great job you’ve done. Now I understand what’s behind the new look and how to use it, and it’s truly AWESOME! You just keep getting better and better!

I so appreciate you web design folks and all who worked on this. The obvious thought and time and attention you put in to make it easier for us to find great information.

Are There Any “Ape-men”?

On Monday, Dr. David Menton of our staff was interviewed for the nationally syndicated radio program “Prime Time America,” heard throughout the Moody Radio Network. The segment, produced and hosted by Paul Butler of MBN, was on the so-called “ape-men” (it runs about seven minutes) and has been archived–it can now be heard by going to:

http://moodyradiopaulbutler.wordpress.com/2008/11/24/lucy-aka-australopithecus/

Hear Dr. Menton Live in California

Dr. Menton is a phenomenal communicator, not only for radio, but also as a speaker at our teaching seminars. He will be joining me next February for our unique “Answers for Darwin” conference in Costa Mesa, California (not too far from either Los Angeles or San Diego). Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa will be the host for this free seminar, February 6–7, which will take place just a few days before Charles Darwin’s 200th birthday and is designed to counter the Darwin celebrations that will be going on the following week. Dr. Andrew Snelling will also speak at this conference, and he will give layperson’s talks about the age of the earth and how Darwin had to have had long ages for his ideas to be accepted.

So, an AiG biologist–Dr. Menton–and an AiG geologist–Dr. Snelling–will be dismantling evolution, while I will be sharing some of the destructive fruits of evolutionary thinking at this conference.

Don’t miss “Answers for Darwin” – and bring along your friends. For details, go to:

http://www.answersingenesis.org/events/answers-for-darwin/west-coast

Our east coast counterpart of “Answers for Darwin” will be held the following week in Lynchburg, Virginia, Feb. 15–17. See:

http://www.answersingenesis.org/events/answers-for-darwin/east-coast

Devotion

Engage

(Joel 2:13) And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.

We engage with the Lord Jesus Christ when heart exercise surpasses ritualistic adherence.

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,

Ken