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Answers in Genesis (AiG) is a ministry committed to providing solutions to inquiries about the book of Genesis, countering evolutionary concepts, and advocating a biblical perspective. In their own words, “Answers in Genesis is an apologetics ministry, devoted to assisting Christians in defending their faith and effectively proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. We concentrate on offering responses to inquiries about the Bible—specifically the book of Genesis—regarding crucial topics such as creation, evolution, science, and the age of the earth” (from their official website, accessed 8/11/21).
Answers in Genesis manages various associated ministries and outreach efforts, including the Ark Encounter in northern Kentucky and the Creation Museum. Answers in Genesis releases a monthly magazine, Answers, as well as VBS and Sunday school curricula. Ken Ham serves as the CEO.
Answers in Genesis regards the Bible as inspired, inerrant, and authoritative. They teach the biblical doctrine of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone. Their evaluation of morality, worldview issues, Scripture, and most other topics is entirely accurate. AiG offers a plethora of valuable resources for anyone seeking to defend the Christian faith or delve deeper into creationism and the trustworthiness of the Bible. We are appreciative of all this.
The only caveat we may have regarding Answers in Genesis is that they have a tendency to maintain such a firm stance on six-day creationism that it can lead to division within the church.
The crux of the matter is the age of the earth and the correct method of interpreting the initial eleven chapters of Genesis. Naturally, there are various perspectives on Genesis. Some approaches are entirely unscriptural; others are more preferable. The position adopted by Answers in Genesis is recognized as young earth creationism (YEC). There is absolutely nothing wrong with this approach—in fact, it is the official stance.
Of Got Questions Ministries, too. What can be a problem is the way Answers in Genesis integrates that teaching into all their discussions, and the almost political way they polarize others over it.
Published material from Answers in Genesis questions the sincerity or the motives of anyone who does not adhere to their perspective on the age of the earth. They view it as a matter of biblical authority: the Bible advocates for a young earth, so advocating for an old earth perspective is seen as an assault on biblical authority. Consequently, Christians who support old earth creationism are perceived as compromising or lacking in faith. Answers in Genesis even adopts a “secondary separation” approach: it’s not sufficient to uphold YEC views; one must also disassociate from anyone who does not share the same YEC stance.
Got Questions Ministries upholds the YEC position, and we affirm biblical authority, but we distinguish between the two. We do not consider the age of the earth as a fundamental issue of the faith. In one of our articles, we express, “We believe that Genesis chapters 1 and 2 are intended to be interpreted literally, and young earth creationism is the result of a literal interpretation of those chapters. However, we do not regard old earth creationism as heretical. We are not going to question the faith or motives of our fellow believers in Christ who hold a different view on this matter. Ultimately, one can maintain views other than young earth creationism and still possess a correct understanding of the essential doctrines of the Christian faith.” In other words, we believe that it is feasible for someone to uphold biblical authority and still interpret the word for “day” in Genesis 1 as something other than a literal twenty-four hours.
Answers in Genesis holds a different view from us on this matter. In fact, they have felt compelled to criticize us for not denouncing the error of those outside our circle. We believe that individuals can be mistaken about the age of the earth, yet still be devoted and sincere Christians. Answers in Genesis contends that individuals who are mistaken about the age of the earth are, at best, deceived, or at worst, heretical.
At worst.
Answers in Genesis serves as a valuable resource for numerous individuals, and both the Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum are fantastic places to visit. However, the organization’s exclusive emphasis on YEC can sometimes lead to increased discord and obstacles. While there is nothing unscriptural about the fundamental principles they present, it is important to be cautious of Answers in Genesis’s excessively biased stance.
