Political Bullying and Intimidation Over Evolution

Put them in fear, O Lord! Let the nations know that they are but men! (Psalms 9:20)

The topic of evolution, especially regarding how politicians have responded when asked if they believe in evolution or not, has been in the news lately. The very liberal Huffington Post published an article on the topic stating the following:

The 2016 presidential campaign is already upon us and the debate is heating up over an unexpected issue—the theory of evolution. Of course, in an ideal world, evolution would never really become a campaign issue. But the anti-science wing of the Republican Party continues to voice skepticism. Apologists for this wing would dearly like to distract the media and the voting public from what is, frankly, a national if not a global embarrassment.

In truth, the President of the United States needs to be scientifically literate.1

The truth of the matter, however, is that such statements as those in this article, and the questions about belief in evolution being asked of politicians, actually portray their anti-God agenda.

Just as the pro-evolution Bill Nye “The Science Guy” has done (and continues to do), the author of the Huffington Post article attempts to equate rejection of evolution with the rejection of the whole of science and thus undermining studies in biology, genetics, diseases, and computing. Because of a commitment to the religion of naturalism, many evolutionists try to intimidate people through the use of terms like “anti-science” in their attempts to bully people into thinking that those who reject evolution are undermining technological advancement.

I have observed that in most instances when the secular media write articles about Answers in Genesis, the authors will state we are against science and will use terms like “anti-intellectual,” “anti-academic,” and so on, and claim we are undermining the whole of what they call science. And then, when using the word science, they will discuss technology and try to intimidate people into believing that organizations like Answers in Genesis will adversely affect America’s technological achievements for the future. This is the agenda of Bill Nye, as was seen in his debate with me last year, and as witnessed in his numerous interviews and lectures around the world.

That’s why during my debate with Bill Nye, I concentrated on explaining that the word science means “knowledge.” And then I explained the difference between historical science (beliefs about the past) and observational science (using our five senses, repeatable tests, and so on) that helps build our technology.

During the debate, I showed video clips of creation scientists who had developed some great technological achievements. I then asked Bill Nye a question (a question I have often asked publicly of all evolutionists—which secularists won’t and cannot answer):

Can you name one piece of technology that could only have been developed starting with a belief in molecules-to-man evolution?

There is no such example! In fact, the real reason Bill Nye—and reporters questioning politicians who are contemplating running for US President—are bullying and intimidating people about evolution is not because belief in molecules-to-man evolution is necessary for technological advancement. It’s due more to the secular humanistic, anti-God agenda they want implemented!

You see, if there is no God who created us—no God who is the absolute authority—then “every way of a man is right in his own eyes” (Proverbs 21:2).

When the Huffington Post author states, “In truth, the President of the United States needs to be scientifically literate,” the author really is saying, “In truth, the President of the United States needs to be committed to the religion of naturalism and reject the absolute authority of the Word of God.” Having abandoned the Bible as the authority, the President can then insist on supporting gay marriage, abortion, and whatever else such a President deems is “right in his own eyes” (which is what we see happening).

Over the decades, generations of our children have been indoctrinated through the secular schools and secular media to equate evolution (meaning molecules-to-man evolutionary beliefs) with the word science (and not distinguishing between observational and historical science). Linking these terms has led generations of students into thinking that anyone who disagrees with naturalistic evolution is anti-science, and thus also anti-technological advancement.

That’s why at the Nye-Ham debate I stated the following:

Public school textbooks are using the same word science for observational and historical science. They arbitrarily define science as naturalism and outlaw the supernatural. They present molecules-to-man evolution as fact. They are imposing the religion of naturalism/atheism on generations of students.

It’s about time Christians stood up to the secularist agenda! The secularists are not only aggressively imposing their religion of naturalism (atheism) on this current generation, but they are using intimidation techniques as a part of accomplishing their agenda.

I also said at the Nye debate, “The creation/evolution debate is really a conflict between two philosophical worldviews based on two different accounts of origins or historical science beliefs.”

When politicians are asked about their beliefs concerning evolution, we are observing a conflict that has been building for many years. Think about it: The topic of evolution has become a major headline issue only over the past few years. This is because the secularists can now assume that most people have been brainwashed concerning the word science and have accepted the contention that molecules-to-man evolution is fact. Sadly, much of the church has allowed this bullying to happen. In fact, by not teaching generations of kids how to defend the Christian faith, churches have contributed to the problem. Many of them have also told their young people that they could believe in evolution and/or millions of years.

Regardless of what the bullying secularists do, they can never thwart the outworking of history that God has ordained.

But in all this, we as Christians must remain faithful and true to God’s Word, and never be like the Pharisees:

For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. (John 12:43)

And as Jesus stated to the Jews, “How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?” (John 5:44).

Recently, Answers in Genesis scientist Dr. Georgia Purdom was interviewed about a politician (Governor Scott Walker of Wisconsin) who did not answer the question put to him concerning what he believed about evolution. Dr. Purdom’s comments appeared on the OneNewsNow website:

Dr. Georgia Purdom, a creation scientist with Answers in Genesis, admits she isn't surprised that Walker – like many candidates for public office – wanted to avoid the evolution question.

"They don't want to answer that question because they realize it is a very emotional topic, it's a very hot topic, and there's a lot of divided opinion about it no matter what your political association is," she explains. "So that's probably why he wanted to avoid the question and not answer it."

But Purdom says it is important for politicians to provide honest answers to questions that can potentially impact a voter's decision.

"It is important where he stands on that issue because it's relevant to a lot of other things," she continues. "If he believes in how God defines marriage in Genesis between one man and one woman – well, that has to do with the homosexual marriage issue. How does he define life? Is life created in the image of God? That's defined in Genesis and that has to do with the abortion issue."

Because the issue of creation is related to so many other issues, Purdom believes it is important for a candidate to answer such questions.2

In Hebrews 11 we read of believers who were prepared to stand for God and His Word:

Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented—of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. (Hebrews 11:35–38)

Yes, we will be mocked, scoffed at, and called names like “science-deniers” and “anti-intellectual” because we stand publicly for the truth of God’s Word in Genesis and reject the religion of evolution. But we must honor the Word of God regardless! Are you prepared to stand and be counted?

I will never forget my mother reminding me many times when I was a child that what’s done for Jesus is what will last. I can still hear her reciting a line from the poem by C. T. Studd, the famous missionary, who was reported to have said, “If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him.” Studd wrote a poem that included a line I remember my mother reciting to me: “Only one life, ‘twill soon be past, / Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

Yes, that thought really puts things in perspective for us and is a reminder of what’s most important. Should we be concerned with how others view us or how God sees us?