Bill Nye 'The Science Guy' Sends Creationist Ken Ham a Surprising Christmas Gift

Jan 12, 2015 04:55 PM EST

Evolutionist Bill Nye recently gifted Creation Museum CEO and President Ken Ham with a surprising Christmas present: a copy of his book, "Undeniable: Evolution and the Science of Creation," inscribed with a message encouraging Ham to enter the "world of reason."

Last year, both Bill Nye and Ham's organization, Answers in Genesis, released books discussing the topics covered in the highly-publicized Nye/Ham debate in February 2014.

In the debate, Ham challenged Nye, known widely for his science exploration television show, "Bill Nye the Science Guy," after Nye had released a YouTube video pleading with parents not to teach their children about Creationism. In "Creationism is Not Appropriate for Children," Nye predicts that those who believe the Biblical account of creation will have no interest in scientific innovation, and will grow up to be scientifically illiterate voters who cause the United States to lose its status as a leading innovator of technology.

In a recent post on his AiG blog, Ham, who holds to a literal interpretation of the Biblical account of Creation found in Genesis, writes that the two books clearly "illustrate the worldview clash between Bill Nye and me-man's word versus God's Word." However, while he and Nye have opposing views regarding the origin of the earth, Ham clarified they have "great respect" for one another.

"I remember telling Dan Harris (ABC Television) in front of Bill Nye that I believed we could be friends," he writes, "I was brought up in Australia, which has a very small percentage of Christians, so most of my best friends at school and university were not Christians-but we had a great respect for each other. I believe the same can be true of Bill Nye and me. Yes, we will oppose what each other teaches-and speak very forthrightly about those beliefs publicly-but we can still have a mutual respect for one another."

Because Ham recently spent the holiday season in his native Australia along with his family, he explained that he is "just now" getting to his Christmas gifts.

"I was surprised but pleased that Bill Nye took time to send me a gift before Christmas," writes Ham. "So what did he send me before Christmas? Well, he sent me an autographed copy of his book with a special message in it for me."

The message, written in the inside of Nye's book, reads, "For Ken, Here's hoping you find your way someday. You would be welcomed in the world of reason-We could celebrate the science together! Bill Nye, 6 Dec. 2014."

Ham writes, "The message..[Nye sent me] illustrated the clash that began in Genesis 3 when Adam chose to decide truth for himself, instead of trusting God's Word.The clash is one that has been going on for 6,000 years-a battle between two worldviews: man's word versus God's Word."

Instead of responding defensively, Ham decided to send Nye a gift in return--including a very different message.

"As I read Bill's note to me, I thought the best way to respond was to send Bill a copy of our new book (Inside the Nye Ham Debate) with a special message to Bill from me," Ham write.

"For Bill, Here's earnestly hoping you find THE WAY someday. You would be welcomed in the world of the redeemed. We could celebrate the salvation together. John 14:6-Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life. Ken Ham, Jan 6, 2015."

The Creation Museum President then quotes the Bible verses 2nd Peter 3:9 and Romans 10:9, and continues: "I am going to be praying earnestly for Bill. God has brought him into my life, so even though I will publicly respond to his wrong beliefs when deemed necessary, I will pray and ask others to do the same."

"Thanks for the gift, Bill, and I trust you enjoy the gift I sent you. But the greatest gift in the universe is the one God offers us in the person of His Son."