Jeremy Ham responds to a skeptic’s charge that we contribute “to the ignorance of humanity.”
Answers in Genesis receives much negative criticism, and we respond to such feedback to point out various things—for example, how to defend your faith in front of a skeptic, or giving an explanation about worldviews or starting points. This particular feedback is a sample of what many skeptics think about us, and we have received many similar criticisms in the past:
I just thought I'd make you aware of how much this site contributes to the ignorance of humanity. Is it any wonder that educated people the world over consider this the biggest joke on the internet?
We appreciate the feedback. Though we cannot respond to all of the emails we receive, we try to respond to as many as we can.
I just thought I'd make you aware of how much this site contributes to the ignorance of humanity.
You have not stated whether you are a secularist, theistic evolutionist, or something else. However, from your feedback it seems that you reject Christianity as a whole. Whatever the case, let us examine your statements from various aspects.
It is rather ironic that many secularists and the like feel the need to passionately and openly denigrate Christianity. Why spend so much time bashing Christians and God’s Word? The very fact that many secularists give us so much attention, even negatively, makes one wonder if there is something more to it—as if underneath it all, they know there really is a God who created the universe:
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. (Romans 1:18–19)
Secularists know there is a God, but they have “exchanged the truth of God for the lie
” (Romans 1:25). Despite what others say, there will never be a piece of evidence contrary to the God of the Bible because He is the truth, and mankind knows it. Sadly, there are many who still reject Him—they have a heart that rejects God in order to cling to their own sin. No matter what evidence we use to confirm Scripture, they will use their anti-God starting point to explain it away. When that fails, they will resort to emotive language and other empty statements.
There are professing believers who compromise the authority of God’s Word simply to accommodate the secular ideas of millions of years and evolution, which ultimately were developed to explain away God. Why would Christians give in to the lies of man by compromising with evolution or millions of years rather than believing the truth of Scripture? This compromise leaves the door open to doubting God’s Word as a whole, especially since it throws out God’s eternal truth for the changing opinions of man. If you question God on one thing, why not on another and another until you simply throw out His Word altogether? As we have stated many times before, a plain reading of Genesis 1–11—without any preconceived or worldly bias, knowing the Bible to be God’s inerrant Word—clearly indicates that evolution and millions of years are simply not true (see “The Enns Justifies the Means?” and “It’s an Attack on the Son”).
Is it any wonder that educated people the world over consider this the biggest joke on the internet?
Why is standing on the authority of God’s Word a joke?
People may call us ignorant, foolish, or uneducated for the stand that we take on the truth of God’s Word, but why is standing on the authority of God’s Word a joke? After all, the truth of God’s Word is apparent as we have already stated. Rather than laughing at the truth, I strongly urge you to make sure your heart is right with God. Consider Luke 6:25, where Jesus stated, “‘Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.’”
Remember what Paul said regarding those who reject God and exchange “the truth of God for the lie
”: "Professing to be wise, they became fools
” (Romans 1:22). Also, 2 Peter 3:5 states that they are willfully ignorant. Consider how God’s Word defines true wisdom: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction
” (Proverbs 1:7). The feedback above calls us ignorant and a joke, but God’s Word states that real knowledge and wisdom come from a fear of God and an understanding that the Creator sets the rules for right and wrong.
To easily disprove your statement that educated people consider us a joke, we refer you to many scientsts around the world who believe the biblical account of creation—as well as the ones we have on staff. We have mentioned these accomplished scientists numerous times and sadly we have been ignored many times.
If you are an unbeliever, we urge you to please learn the good news of Jesus Christ and how you can be saved from the penalty for your sins through His sacrificial death on the Cross. In addition, Answers in Genesis has many articles on the topics discussed, so please follow the links below for more information. If you are a believer but hold to evolution or millions of years, we also have some articles below that discuss the ways in which people compromise Scripture with evolution and millions of years.
Jeremy Ham, AiG–US
Answers in Genesis is an apologetics ministry, dedicated to helping Christians defend their faith and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.