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| | [[File:KenHam.JPG|thumb|Ken Ham]] | | [[File:KenHam.JPG|thumb|Ken Ham]] |
| − | '''Kenneth Alfred (Ken) Ham''' (born 1951 in Australia) is a self-described Biblical apologist emphasizing [[Young Earth Creationism]] and the reliability of Scripture in all matters of which it speaks, including science. He is founder and president of [[Answers in Genesis]], an apologist organization founded in 1994 in the [[United States]] with the purpose of upholding the authority of the Bible from the very first verse.<ref name="answersingenesis.org">answersingenesis.org</ref> | + | '''Kenneth Alfred (Ken) Ham''' (born 32476 in Australia) is a stupid octopus moron emphasizing [[Young Earth Creationism]] |
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| − | Ham also speaks on a daily radio feature, "Answers with Ken Ham," and is a prolific public speaker and author and the brains behind the [[Creation Museum]] and the [[Ark Encounter]] in Cincinnati, OH. He also founded "Answers" magazine, which won the prestigious "Award of Excellence" for top Christian magazine in 2011 from the Evangelical Press Association.<ref name="answersingenesis.org"/>
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| − | ==Early Life and Education==
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| − | Ham was born and raised in [[Queensland]], [[Australia]].<ref name="Rogers">Rogers, Ben (August 8, 2016). [http://journeyonline.com.au/features/ken-ham-queenslander-answers/ Ken Ham: A Queenslander with all the Answers]. ''Journey'' - ''Uniting Church in Australia Queensland Synod''. Retrieved August 18, 2016.</ref> His career of defending Christianity and the Bible was partly inspired by his father, a school teacher who had the same passion as Ham.<ref name="Rogers"/>
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| − | Ham earned a Bachelor's degree in applied science from [[Queensland Institute of Technology]] and a Diploma of Education from the [[University of Queensland]]. In addition to this, he has also received five honorary degrees—DD in 1997 from Temple Baptist College in Cincinnati, OH, DLitt in 2004 from [[Liberty University]], DLitt in 2010 from Tennessee Temple University, DHL in 2012 from Mid-Continental University in KY, and a DS in 2017 from [[Bryan College]] in TN.<ref>[https://answersingenesis.org/bios/ken-ham/ Ken Ham]. ''Answers in Genesis''. Retrieved May 11, 2017.</ref>
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| − | In his last year of his university training to become a public school science teacher, Ham was strongly influenced by ''The Genesis Flood,'' a book co-authored by Dr. [[Henry Morris]], a hydraulic engineer, and Dr. John Whitcomb, a theologian, showing how scientific evidence supported the Great Flood as described in the Bible.<ref>Appeal letter from Ham for Answers in Genesis, Nov. 20, 2015</ref>
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| − | As an adult, Ham became a science teacher in Dalby State high school, and there he "was soon confronted with a need to defend his faith in the classroom".<ref name="Rogers"/> Ham started a creationist ministry that was based in his house in Sunnybank, and in 1987 he and his family moved to the United States to work at the [[Institute for Creation Research]] (ICR).<ref name="Rogers"/> After moving to America, Ham worked for seven years under Dr. Henry Morris at ICR.<ref>Appeal letter from Ham for Answers in Genesis, Nov. 20, 2015</ref> He began the Answers in Genesis ministry in late 1993 along with Mark Looy and Paul Palmon. The [[Creation Museum]] broke ground in 2000 and opened in 2007. The [[Ark Encounter]], featuring a full-size Noah's Ark according to Biblical dimensions, opened on July 7, 2016.<ref>Appeal letter from Ham for Answers in Genesis, Nov. 20, 2015</ref>
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| − | ==Publications==
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| − | Some of his many publications include, but are not limited to, ''How Could a Loving God...?'' 2006; ''Already Gone'', 2009; ''One Race, One Blood'', 2010; ''Already Compromised'', 2011; ''The Foundations'', 2011; ''The Lie/Millions of Years'', 2012; ''Science Confirms the Bible'', 2012; ''The Great Delusion'', 2013; ''Rescuing our Kids from the Lie'', 2013; ''Inside the Nye-Ham Debate'', 2014; and ''Ready to Return'', 2015. He has also authored or co-authored many books for children, such as ''Did Adam Have a Belly Button?'' 2000; ''My Creation Bible'', 2006; ''Did Eve Really Have an Extra Rib?'' 2007; ''Dinosaurs for Kids'', 2009; ''N is for Noah'', 2013, and the ''Answers Book for Kids 2013'', and books for teens, such as ''Answers for Teens'' (Vols 1&2), 2012.
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| − | ==Creation Museum==
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| − | According to AiG, Ken Ham had a vision for "a creation museum that teaches the truth" since 1979, when he began his ministry in [[Creation Science]].<ref name="History">[https://answersingenesis.org/about/history/ History]. ''Answers in Genesis''. Retrieved August 5, 2016.</ref> During the mid-1990s, after AiG was founded, the ministry began searching for land in Northern Kentucky to build the museum.<ref name="History"/> The Museum was opened on May 28, 2007<ref name="History"/> at the cost of $27 million.<ref name="Rothstein">Rothstein, Edward (May 24, 2007). [http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/24/arts/24crea.html?_r=0 Adam and Eve in the Land of the Dinosaurs]. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved August 10, 2016.</ref> $21 million of the cost was raised through private donations.<ref>Lovan, Dylan (July 31, 2006). [http://www.nbcnews.com/id/14122311/ High Tech Museum Brings Creationism to Life]. ''NBC News''. Retrieved August 10, 2016.</ref>
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| − | It was estimated that 250,000 people would visit the museum in the first year.<ref name="Rothstein"/> However, the 250,000th visitor visited the museum in early November, nearly seven months ahead of schedule.<ref name="History"/><ref>{{cite news |title=Creation Museum hits 250K visitors |newspaper=The Cincinnati Enquirer |date=November 3, 2007 |url=http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20071103/NEWS0103/711030409/ |accessdate=July 22, 2013}}</ref>
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| − | The aesthetics of the museum have been praised even by critics of the museum.<ref name="Rothstein"/>
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| − | ==Homeschool Conventions==
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| − | Ham has been uncompromising in his defense for young-earth creationism and has criticized schools and individuals that have failed to uphold it. In March 2011, AiG and Ham had an invitation to the two Great [[Homeschool]] Conventions revoked by the events' organizers. The organizers cited Ham's criticism of the group as the reason for the revoked invitation, but the board of AiG found no spiritual wrongdoing on Ham's part.<ref>[http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2011/03/22/kicked-out-homeschool-conferences Kicked Out of Two Homeschool Conferences]. ''Answers in Genesis''. March 22, 2011.</ref>
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| − | ==Debate with Bill Nye==
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| − | [[File:Creation Museum Legacy Hall.jpg|thumb|The Legacy Hall in the Creation Museum, where the debate between Ken Ham and Bill Nye took place.]]
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| − | On February 4, 2014, science educator and evolutionist [[Bill Nye]] debated Ham.<ref>[https://answersingenesis.org/countering-the-culture/bill-nye-debates-ken-ham/ Bill Nye Debates Ken Ham]. ''Answers in Genesis''. February 4, 2016. Retrieved August 5, 2016.</ref> The debate was the dominant trending topic on Twitter and Facebook and it was estimated that over 3 million people watched the debate live.<ref>[https://answersingenesis.org/creation-vs-evolution/over-3-million-tuned-in-live-for-historic-bill-nye-and-ken-ham-evolutioncreation-debate/ Over 3 Million Tuned In Live for Historic Bill Nye and Ken Ham Evolution/Creation Debate]. "'Answers in Genesis''. February 5, 2014. Retrieved August 5, 2016.</ref> It was reported in the [[mainstream media]] that because of the debate, interest and support for the Ark Encounter, which had been struggling for funds, returned, and AiG was able to raise enough money so construction could begin in 2014,<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/28/creation-museum-kentucky-noahs-ark-museum-ken-ham |title= Creation Museum's $73m Noah's Ark park to begin construction in Kentucky |department= World news |newspaper= [[The Guardian]] |agency= [[Associated Press]] |date= 28 February 2014 |accessdate= 13 April 2014}}</ref> even though AiG has stated that this was not the case, as it was not reasonably possible to purchase a bond after the debate.<ref>Ham, Ken & Looy, Mark (August 22, 2016). [https://answersingenesis.org/ministry-news/ark-encounter/media-misinformation-continues-ark/ Media Misinformation Continues with the Ark]. ''Answers in Genesis''. Retrieved August 22, 2016.</ref>
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| − | ==Ark Encounter==
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| − | After the completion and success of the Creation Museum, Ham and AiG started focusing on building the [[Ark Encounter]], a life-sized replica of Noah's Ark.<ref name="History"/> The plans for constructing the Ark Encounter were announced by AiG, along with Kentucky Governor [[Steve Beshear]] on December 1, 2010.<ref name="History"/>
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| − | During the construction of the Ark Encounter, AiG sued the state of Kentucky after officials blocked AiG from receiving a sales tax tourism incentive worth up to $18 million because AiG would use the Ark Encounter to share the gospel. On January 25, 2016, Federal Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove ruled in AiG's favor, ruling that blocking the incentives from AiG was unconstitutional and violated their [[First Amendment]] protections.<ref>Lovan, Dylan (January 25, 2016). [http://www.wcpo.com/news/local-news/grant-county/ark-encounter-builder-wins-legal-battle-over-tax-incentives Ark Encounter builder wins legal battle over tax incentive]. ''WCPO.com'' Retrieved August 5, 2016.</ref><ref>Caproni, Erin (January 26, 2016). [http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/morning_call/2016/01/judge-rules-on-ark-encounter-incentives.html Judge rules on Ark Encounter incentives]. ''Cincinnati Business Courier''. Retrieved August 5, 2016.</ref><ref>[https://answersingenesis.org/religious-freedom/victory-ark-encounter-federal-court/ Victory for AiG/Ark Encounter in Federal Court]. ''Answers in Genesis''. January 25, 2016. Retrieved August 5, 2016.</ref>
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| − | On July 7, 2016, the Ark Encounter was opened to the public in Williamstown, Kentucky.<ref>Ham, Ken. [https://answersingenesis.org/blogs/ken-ham/2016/07/07/ark-encounter-opens-to-the-public/ Ark Encounter Opens to the Public!] ''Answers in Genesis''. July 7, 2016. Retrieved August 5, 2016.</ref> The ark cost $100 million and is 510 feet long, 85 feet wide, and 51 feet high, based on the dimensions given in the Bible.<ref>Weed, Alexis (July 8, 2016). [http://edition.cnn.com/2016/07/07/us/noahs-ark-kentucky/ Noah's Ark Opens at Kentucky Theme Park]. ''CNN''. Retrieved August 5, 2016.</ref> The opening date, 7/7, was intentionally chosen to coincide with Genesis 7:7. The next day, Bill Nye visited the Ark Encounter upon invitation from Ham.<ref>Ham, Ken. [https://answersingenesis.org/blogs/ken-ham/2016/07/08/bill-nye-visits-ark-encounter/ Bill Nye Visits the Ark Encounter]. ''Answers in Genesis''. July 8, 2016. Retrieved August 5, 2016.</ref> As they walked the Ark, they had an informal debate.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Nye|first1=Bill |last2=Ham |first2=Ken |lastauthoramp=yes|title=Nye/Ham: The Second Debate Premiere (video - 117:04)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPLRhVdNp5M |date=13 March 2017 |work=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>
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| − | ==Beliefs==
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| − | As a Christian, Ham believes that salvation is obtained through faith in [[Christ]] alone, regardless of their beliefs on creation.<ref name="Rogers"/><ref>Ham, Ken (May 15, 2008). [https://answersingenesis.org/gospel/salvation/do-all-creationists-go-to-heaven/ Do All Creationists Go to Heaven?]. ''Answers in Genesis''. Retrieved August 5, 2016.</ref><ref name="Depend">Ham, Ken (January 1, 2010). [https://answersingenesis.org/creationism/young-earth/does-the-gospel-depend-on-a-young-earth/ Does the Gospel Depend on a Young Earth?] ''Answers in Genesis''. Retrieved March 25, 2017.</ref> He does believe that the issue of evolution and the age of the Earth is important and an authority issue, however.<ref name="Depend"/> Ham denies any claim that he is any type of messiah, stating that only Jesus is the Messiah.<ref>Ham, Ken (May 18, 2016). [https://answersingenesis.org/blogs/ken-ham/2016/05/18/bill-nye-called-who-messiah/ Bill Nye Called Who “the Messiah”?]. ''Answers in Genesis''. Retrieved August 5, 2016.</ref> He has criticized those who attach his name to his beliefs, stating "What I say really doesn’t matter. What matters is what God’s infallible, perfect Word says."<ref>Ham, Ken (August 5, 2016). [https://answersingenesis.org/blogs/ken-ham/dr-andrew-fabich-quit-calling-hams-interpretation/ Dr. Andrew Fabich: “Quit Calling This ‘Ham’s Interpretation’”]. ''Answers in Genesis''. Retrieved August 5, 2016.</ref>
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| − | Ham believes [[homosexuality]] is a sin, based on clear biblical teaching. To celebrate the [[Christmas]] season in 2016, AiG decorated the Ark with [[rainbow]] lights in order to "take the rainbow back" from the [[homosexual agenda]] and show the true and undefiled meaning of the rainbow as recorded in [[Genesis]] 9:12-16.<ref>Ham, Ken (December 20, 2016). [https://answersingenesis.org/blogs/ken-ham/2016/12/20/rainbow-lights-at-ark/ Rainbow Lights at the Ark]. ''Answers in Genesis''. Retrieved January 17, 2017.</ref><ref>Wartman, Scott (December 23, 2016). [http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2016/12/23/kentucky-ark-builder-wants-take-rainbow-back/95802416/ Kentucky ark builder wants to take rainbow back]. ''USA Today''. Retrieved January 17, 2017.</ref> Like usual, the media and supporters of the homosexual agenda have circulated blatant misrepresentations and even lies concerning this action as well as the true meaning of the rainbow.<ref>Ham, Ken (January 16, 2017). [https://answersingenesis.org/blogs/ken-ham/2017/01/16/christians-who-accept-millions-years-undermine-gods-word/ Christians Who Accept Millions of Years Undermine God’s Word]. ''Answers in Genesis''. Retrieved January 17, 2017.</ref> Ken Ham announced in February 2017 that AiG would permanently light the Ark in rainbow colors.<ref>Ham, Ken (February 3, 2017). [https://answersingenesis.org/ministry-news/ark-encounter/keeping-rainbow-at-ark-encounter/ We’re Keeping the Rainbow at the Ark Encounter]. ''Answers in Genesis''. Retrieved February 5, 2017.</ref>
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| − | ==Personal and Family Life==
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| − | Ham is married to his wife Mally, who trained as a bank teller. The couple has five children—four born in Australia and one in the U.S.<ref>Answers in Genesis appeal letter from Ham, Nov. 20, 2015</ref>
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| − | ==References==
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| − | {{reflist|2}}
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| − | == External links ==
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| − | *[https://answersingenesis.org/ AiG official website]
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| − | *[http://creationwiki.org/Ken_Ham Ken Ham - CreationWiki]
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| − | *[http://www.answersingenesis.org/events/state-of-the-nation State of the Nation with Ken Ham '09]
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| − | *{{cite web |last1=Nye|first1=Bill |last2=Ham |first2=Ken |lastauthoramp=yes|title=Bill Nye Debates Ken Ham (video - 165:32)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6kgvhG3AkI |date=4 February 2014 |work=[[YouTube]]}}
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| − | *{{cite web |last1=Nye|first1=Bill |last2=Ham |first2=Ken |lastauthoramp=yes|title=Nye/Ham: The Second Debate Premiere (video - 117:04)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPLRhVdNp5M |date=13 March 2017 |work=[[YouTube]]}}
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| − | {{DEFAULTSORT:Ham, Ken}}
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| − | [[Category:Young Earth Creationists]]
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| − | [[Category:Christian Apologists]]
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| − | [[Category:Christian Authors]]
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| − | [[Category:Educators]]
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