Evolutionist Bill Nye to Use New Netflix Show to 'Refute Anti-Scientific Claims Espoused by Religious Leaders'

Sep 02, 2016 09:07 AM EDT

Bill Nye "The Science Guy" has landed a new Netflix talk show set to launch in spring 2017, and plans to use his platform to "refute the anti-scientific claims espoused by religious leaders", among other things.

According to Variety, the show, titled "Bill Nye Saves the World", will explore science and its impact on politics, society and pop culture.

"Each episode of the series will tackle a topic from a scientific point of view, dispelling myths, and refuting anti-scientific claims that may be espoused by politicians, religious leaders or titans of industry," reads the show description.

In a statement, Nye explained his motive for returning to TV: "Since the start of the 'Science Guy' show, I've been on a mission to change the world by getting people everywhere excited about the fundamental ideas in science. Today, I'm excited to be working with Netflix on a new show, where we'll discuss the complex scientific issues facing us today, with episodes on vaccinations, genetically modified foods and climate change. With the right science and good writing, we'll do our best to enlighten and entertain our audience. And, perhaps we'll change the world a little."

Nye, an evolutionist, frequently spars with Ken Ham, the founder of the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter, and has publicly slammed his views of "Young Earth" creationism as "inane." Creationism interprets Genesis to say that God created the earth just a few thousand years ago.

The pair first debated at the Creation Museum back in 2014, and deliberated again last month during a tour of the Ark Encounter.

Following the two-hour debate, Ham revealed he asked Nye, "What would happen to you when you die?"

"He said when you die 'you're done.,'" he shared. "I then asked him why he was concerned about what we were teaching at the Ark if when we die we're 'done.'"

"When I mentioned AiG's PhD scientists, Bill said they were all incompetent -- so I encouraged him to speak with them," Ham said.

Ham said he also had the opportunity to share the gospel with Nye a number of times as they strolled through the Ark. "As we ended our walk through the first deck in front of life-size models of Noah and his family who were depicted praying, I asked Bill if he would mind if I prayed, and if I could I pray for him. He said I could do whatever I want as he couldn't stop me.

"So while a large group of people were gathered around, I publicly prayed for Bill. I did ask him if we could be friends, but he said we could be acquaintances with mutual respect, but not friends."

Ham encouraged believers to pray for Nye: "To me, it was so fitting that with the opening of the Ark Encounter, this massive ship is being used to witness to such a well known personality. We ended with a friendly handshake."