Why Doesn’t Answers in Genesis Address Certain Issues?
Answers in Genesis (AiG) is a ministry dedicated to defending biblical authority. While many perceive AiG primarily as a creation vs. evolution ministry focused on scientific debates, others see it as a worldview ministry or an evangelical effort emphasizing the gospel (and all three are correct).
While AiG is a Christian organization, we aren’t part of a specific denomination. That’s because we want to equip Christians of all denominations to defend the foundational truths that all Christians believe. This means, for example, that we don’t defend a particular denominational view particular to Lutherans, Baptists, or Presbyterians. In this article, we’ll explain why this approach is so important.
Biblical Authority and the Age of the Earth
AiG unites Christians in defending the authority of the Bible against secular viewpoints. One significant issue is the age of the earth. While secular science promotes a timeline of billions of years, AiG upholds a young-earth view based on biblical genealogies and the interpretation of the Hebrew word yom (day) in Genesis 1. This debate ultimately centers on biblical authority: Should one trust an infallible God who created all things, has existed eternally, and cannot lie (Genesis 1:1; Revelation 22:13; Colossians 2:1–3; Hebrews 6:18), or should one rely on human theories based on limited observation and speculation?
Worldview and the Gospel
An easy way to understand the issues AiG covers vs. what we don’t is that we deal with issues regarding defending the gospel and Christian worldview from other worldviews like secular humanism. But we don’t deal with issues between Christians where everyone agrees that the Bible is authoritative. This table demonstrates the sort of issues we comment about and why.
| Topic | Why is this a biblical authority issue? | AiG’s stance |
|---|---|---|
| Millions of Years | The Bible does not teach millions of years, but that creation occurred in six literal days. This “deep time” idea comes from a source outside the Bible. | https://answersingenesis.org/theory-of-evolution/millions-of-years/where-did-the-idea-of-millions-of-years-come-from/ |
| Evolution | The Bible teaches man was specially created from dust, and the woman specially created from the man (Genesis 2). In an evolutionary worldview, humanity came from an apelike ancestor. | http://answersingenesis.org/natural-selection/is-natural-selection-the-same-thing-as-evolution/ |
| A Local Flood | Genesis 6–8 makes it clear that the flood was global with the water over the highest mountain by over 15 cubits (Genesis 7:20). Those appealing to a local flood trust secular authorities who say that the rock layers are evidence of millions of years instead of mostly sediment from Noah’s flood. | http://answersingenesis.org/noahs-ark/noahs-flood-covered-the-whole-earth/ |
| Abortion and Euthanasia | The Bible clearly teaches humans are made in the image of God and the taking of human life is murder. | http://answersingenesis.org/sanctity-of-life/is-human-life-valuable/ |
| Racism | The Bible teaches there is one race that began with Adam and Eve, whereas the world had been teaching that there are several races. | http://answersingenesis.org/racism/are-there-really-different-races/ |
Distinguishing Biblical Authority Issues
Not every debate is a challenge to the Bible’s authority. Some doctrinal debates, while significant, do not directly challenge biblical authority. For instance, people with different positions on baptism disagree with each other about how to interpret the relevant passages, but everyone agrees that the Bible is authoritative. This doesn’t mean we don’t think these are important issues, but they fall outside of AiG’s mission.
One such debate is Calvinism vs. Arminianism. While theological differences exist, both perspectives affirm the Bible as the authoritative Word of God and use Scripture to support their interpretations. Since neither side appeals to external sources (secular reasoning or different religions) this is not a debate over biblical authority.
Eschatology
Similarly, eschatology (the study of end times) involves different interpretations of biblical prophecy, particularly regarding the books of Isaiah, Daniel, Zechariah, and Revelation (others as well). Because all major positions uphold Scripture’s authority, AiG refrains from taking a stance on eschatological debates. However, all Christians agree that the Bible teaches that Jesus will return and will resurrect departed believers and take living ones to be with him, so a position that denies Jesus’ second coming would be something we take a stand against.
For additional examples of theological topics that do not fall under the category of biblical authority, see Table 2.
| Topic | Notable exceptions? |
|---|---|
| Calvinism vs. Arminianism | |
| Eschatology | Certain views deny Christ’s bodily return (like full preterism). |
| Modes of Baptism | |
| Church Government | |
| Saturday vs. Sunday Worship | |
| Covenant vs. Dispensational Theology |
Defining the Scope of AiG’s Focus
This is not an exhaustive explanation or list, but it offers insight into the topics AiG does not address and the reasons why. However, certain discussions may shift into biblical authority issues if an external authority or opinion is imposed over Scripture. For example, if someone were to claim that “no one ever spoke in tongues,” this would become a biblical authority matter, as Scripture clearly records instances of speaking in tongues (Acts 2:4).
Taking a Non-Stance Position
Sometimes people challenge our decision to not take an issue on a doctrine they feel strongly about. However, engaging in broader theological debates would divert the ministry from its primary mission and alienate Christians who would agree with our mission and biblical authority stance. And note that many of these causes have been taken up by other ministries as their focus. However, distinguishing between relevant and unrelated topics can sometimes be challenging since Christian doctrines are interconnected.
At times, AiG may find itself addressing issues that approach this boundary, particularly when working alongside other ministries. This is why AiG adheres to a Statement of Faith which defines our positions and helps us maintain focus on our core mission.
The Limits of Biblical Authority in AiG’s Work
There are some topics—such as counseling, recovery programs, or personal spiritual guidance—where AiG acknowledges a biblical authority perspective but does not engage in the specifics. Other ministries, better equipped to handle these issues, take the lead in providing direct support. AiG focuses on equipping the church with foundational worldview resources rather than offering personalized intervention.
For example, suppose a Christian man openly commits adultery. AiG affirms that his actions violate biblical teachings on marriage and undermine God’s Word. However, AiG does not provide counseling services for the family—this is best handled by specialized ministries.
Similarly, AiG addresses world religions by analyzing their theological deviations from the Bible. Other religions have altered or rejected the 66 books of Scripture as the ultimate authority. However, AiG does not counsel individuals transitioning out of Hinduism or Islam. Instead, we provide resources on world religions and defense of Christianity as the only true faith. Other ministries focus on helping people navigate the personal challenges of leaving various religions.
Equipping the Church
Ultimately, AiG’s mission is to help Christians understand worldview issues and to provide resources that defend the faith. We focus on four basic guidelines in this area:
- The Bible is infallible (it is truth itself and will not lead you astray).
- The Bible is inerrant (it contains no errors).
- The Bible is sufficient (it is all you need for salvation and sanctification).
- The Bible is authoritative (it is inspired, or breathed out, by God).
To learn more about the Answers in Genesis ministry and its mission, see
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