Bill Nye evolution debate streamed at Tomoka Christian

Ormond Beach Observer
Neighbors

Tomoka Christian Church live-streamed the debate between Bill Nye and Ken Ham Tuesday night.

BY EMILY BLACKWOOD | STAFF WRITER

Light conversation was not present at Tomoka Christian Church Tuesday, as people gathered to watch a debate focused on the origins of life on this planet.

Bill Nye The Science Guy defended evolution against founder of the Creation Museum, Ken Ham. The 2.5-hour debate was held at the museum, in Kentucky. Tomoka Christian Church live-streamed the event.

Each speaker was allowed 30 minutes to make their case.

"If we accept Mr. Ham's point of view," said Nye, wearing his trademark bow-tie, "that the Bible serves as a science text, and he and his followers will interpret that for you, I want you to consider what that means. It means that Mr. Ham's word is to be more respected than what you can observe in nature, what you can find in your backyard in Kentucky."

Ham argued there was a misrepresentation in our culture that creationists can't be scientists.

"We need to define terms correctly," Ham said. "The word 'science' has been hijacked by secularists. Creation is the only viable model of historical science confirmed by observational science in today’s modern scientific era."

The debate sparked many different reactions from the crowd that gathered throughout Tomoka Christian Church. Boos, cheers and rounds of applause echoed throughout the building.

"I thought it was interesting," said Mike Marois. "I didn't like the structure of it that much. There wasn't enough back and forth. They had a 30-minute presentation, and that seemed a little out of sorts. The responding to questions at the end was more informative, but I thought they both had their points."