In my latest episode (#66) of “This Week in Creationism,” I report on recent developments in the young-Earth creationism community, with a particular focus on Answers in Genesis (AiG). The episode highlights AiG’s increased interest in commenting on climate change science, their plans for their upcoming dinosaur conference, their take on human degeneration and many other things.
AiG’s position on climate change is made clear in their newly released book, Climate Change for Kids (and Adults), authored by Ken Ham, Jessica Ford, and Avery Foley. The first thing you need to know before you run out and plunk down your $17.95 is that Ken Ham, Jessica Deford, and Avery Foley have no experience working with climate change data. The book is based on a narrow selection of sources, primarily other young-Earth creationists, rather than a comprehensive review of scientific literature. The book dismisses the human impact on climate change and frames natural climate shifts within a particular biblical context, suggesting these changes are part of God’s plan and not something humans can influence significantly or maybe not at all.
I’ve noticed that AiG’s stance has shifted to be more outspoken about their views on climate change. With Martin Niles being at the head position of Answers in Genesis now, he certainly isn’t afraid to take strong opinions on all kinds of issues. This boldness is evident in AiG’s promotion of their book, which argues that while climate change might be occurring, it is part of a natural cycle and not caused by human activities. They use a biblical framework to support this view, claiming that the Earth has undergone various climatic phases since its creation, from the “perfect climate” of Eden to the “groaning climate” post-Adam’s sin, and the “icy climate” after the Flood.
The episode also touches on AiG’s upcoming dinosaur conference, which promises to answer the big dinosaur questions within a biblical worldview. I critique the lineup of speakers, noting that most lack any experience in paleontology. Answers in Genesis really suffers from a lack of true expertise in areas in which they are most likely to want to talk about. The conference aims to address questions like whether dinosaurs and humans coexisted and the controversial topic of feathered dinosaurs, a subject AiG is adamant about. Answers in Genesis cannot let go of the feather thing. They’re never going to give up even if all other young-Earth creationists come out and say this is a ridiculous position.
I also explore AiG’s social media campaigns, particularly their claims about human degeneration. Ken Ham’s statement, “We are all degenerates,” ties into AiG’s belief in genetic entropy – the idea that human DNA has been deteriorating since the Fall. This view is used to justify the idea that early humans, including biblical figures like Cain, could marry close relatives without genetic issues. I critique this perspective, arguing that it oversimplifies and misrepresents genetic science.
Overall, this episode provides a critical overview of AiG’s latest activities and positions. I underscore the organization’s reliance on a narrow interpretation of scientific evidence filtered through a biblical lens while questioning the expertise and motives behind their public statements.
Thanks for reading and watching.
Blessings to all of you.
Naturalis Historia 