Bible vs. Science: Big Online 'Origins of the Universe' Debate Tomorrow Night

Bill Nye "the science guy", a childhood idol of many, will be participating in a creationism vs. evolution debate tomorrow night. His opponent is Ken Ham, who is one of the founders of a creationist ministry, Answers in Genesis, located in the Creation Museum in Petersburg, Kentucky.

It's estimated that over one million people will be watching the debate online, which will focus on the origins of humankind. Bill Nye has been a celebrity for years, dating back to his television show "Bill Nye the Science Guy" that aired from 1993-1998. His opponent, Ken Ham, is the president of the Answers in Genesis ministry in the Creation Museum that supports young Earth creationism and the literal interpretation of the Book of Genesis.

Since its inception seven years ago, "Answers in Genesis" has been subjected to widespread criticism for challenging the evolution of man with the interpretation of biblical story. But that hasn't prevented hundreds of thousands of people from visiting the museum. They are also planning to build a Noah's Ark theme park 40 miles from the museum, which is expected to cost $60 million.

Ham has expressed his nerves leading up to the debate, citing "a little fear, trepidation, and stress," in this USA Today article. Perhaps there is more fuel on the side of Bill Nye, since scientists such as himself are insulted by the views of creationism believers such as Ham.

"I say to the grown-ups, if you want to deny evolution and live in your world, in your world that's completely inconsistent with everything we observe in the universe, that's fine," Nye said in the same USA Today Article. "But don't make your kids do it, because we need them."

Related: Where is the Proof in Pseudoscience? -- How pseudoscience/anti-science movements like young-earth creationism disguise themselves

The debate at the Creation Museum is expected to draw 900 audience members and nearly 1 million online viewers; 800,000 were already registered for the debate's online stream (at https://debatelive.org 19:00 EST) two weeks ago. And although each speaker isn't likely to change anyone's mind, it should certainly be an entertaining debate.