Dear Bill,

Years ago, when you had your public debate with Ken Ham, I was a homeschooled, evangelical Christian and passionate Creationist.

I had visited the Creation Museum with other homeschoolers. I had written papers and given school presentations on the “Creation vs. Evolution” debate. As a teenager, I frequently argued the subject with adult strangers online, by way of my highly conservative blog. I had a thick book called “Science vs. Evolution” on my bookshelf.

I was confident in my intellect and knowledge… but I have to say, not too confident. And that’s partially what saved me. I was, and always have been, a skeptic by nature.

I watched your debate with Ken Ham on television with the rest of my conservative, homeschooled family. And it really impacted me. The arguments you made didn’t necessarily convince my mind about Evolution, not yet, but the way you talked about science planted the seeds for a new way of thinking. And that new way of thinking eventually led me away from Creationism, and even Christianity altogether.

During that debate, you inspired me, and re-awakened my childhood curiosity about the world. Or, to put it in other words, you introduced me to what it means to think scientifically.

Ken Ham, on the other hand, disappointed me. It was obvious he came to the debate with a set agenda, like a politician or a perpetual teacher, not at all with the openness and willingness to learn that you had.

It didn’t take much critical thinking to see the difference between you two.

“I hope I learn something today,” you said. In retrospect, that seems a generous statement to make, when engaging with Creationists. But hearing you say that really made a difference.

My full awakening was years later. As an adult, I realized I wasn’t quite straight (always a quick way to start questioning fundamentalist religion), and a series of questions led me to read The Universe in Your Hand (which made the age of the universe plainly obvious to me, even though that wasn’t its intention) and Why Evolution Is True (the final nail in the coffin).

Now, I can say I love science, Evolution is freaking awesome, and the universe gives me chills. I don’t need to believe in God to find that sense of awe.

I wanted to share all this because some people assert that debates with Creationists are a waste of time. “It legitimizes them,” they say.

Well, those people are wrong.

You never know who’s listening to a debate, and who may be hearing new ideas and certain, crucial facts for the first time. Sure, I’m one person, and this is purely anecdotal, but I highly doubt I’m the only one who was moved by that debate years ago. Who knows what the ripple effects will continue to be?

The anti-science culture in the U.S. right now is dangerous, and we need more people willing to engage with the opposition, and to speak the truth with respect and understanding. (Although, to be frank with you, I believe you could have done a better job with that on your recent Netflix show. But that’s another story.) To use your own words, it just may “change the world”.

Thanks for all you do.

Sincerely,
Brianna da Silva

Image credits: All Creative Commons.