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'''Kenneth Alfred (Ken) Ham''' (born 1951 in Australia) is a self-described Biblical prominent Christian apologist emphasizing who emphasizes [[Young Earth Creationism]] and the reliability of Scripture in all matters of which it speaks, including science. He is the founder and president of [[Answers in Genesis]], an apologist apologetics 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>

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 four 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, and 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 August 5May 11, 20162017.</ref>

As an adult, Ham became a science teacher in at 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>

Ham has been uncompromising in his defense for of 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>

{{See also|Bill Nye / Ken Ham debate of February 4, 2014}}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>

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]. ''Cincinatti 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>

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 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''. Retreived 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> ==Free speech==In February 2018, the University of Central Oklahoma – a public university – disinvited Ham to speak after an "LGBT" group bullied – the words of the student body president – the university, due to Ham's beliefs on homosexual "marriage." While Ham had the option of signing a paper promising not to discuss homosexuality while speaking, he refused as it would restrict his free speech on a public university.<ref>Multiple references:*Byas, Steve (February 8, 2018). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/culture/item/28238-christian-speaker-denied-speaking-opportunity-in-oklahoma Christian Speaker Denied Speaking Opportunity in Oklahoma]. ''The New American''. Retrieved February 8, 2018.*[https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2018/february/creationist-speaker-barred-from-college-campus-as-tolerant-lgbt-group-complains Creationist Speaker Barred From College Campus as 'Tolerant' LGBT Group Complains]. ''CBN News''. Retrieved February 8, 2018.*Jordahl, Steve (February 9, 2018). [https://onenewsnow.com/culture/2018/02/09/ham-shines-light-on-truth-gets-bumped Ham shines light on truth, gets bumped]. ''OneNewsNow''. Retrieved February 10, 2018.</ref> This happened despite the fact that the university signed two contracts with Ham to speak,<ref>Ham, Ken (February 9, 2018). [https://answersingenesis.org/blogs/ken-ham/2018/02/09/uco-cancellation-story-grows/ The UCO Cancellation Story Grows]. ''Answers in Genesis''. Retrieved February 10, 2018.</ref> as well as the fact that the university hosted several perverse events, such as "sex carnivals" and drag queens, with no opposition.<ref>Starnes, Todd (February 7, 2018). [http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2018/02/07/sex-carnivals-drag-queens-are-welcome-ken-ham-and-other-creationists-are-not-university-says.html Sex carnivals, drag queens are welcome, Ken Ham and other creationists are not, university says]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved February 8, 2018.</ref> A few days later, under pressure, UCO invited Ham again to speak,<ref>Multiple references:*[http://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/02/15/creationists-speech-back-on-at-university-in-oklahoma.html Creationist's speech back on at university in Oklahoma]. ''Fox News'' (from the ''Associated Press''). February 15, 2018. Retrieved February 15, 2018.*Roach, David (February 15, 2018). [http://www.bpnews.net/50378/ken-ham-reinvited-to-university-despite-protest Ken Ham re-invited to university despite protest]. ''Baptist Press''. Retrieved February 15, 2018.*Hinton, Carla (February 15, 2018). [http://newsok.com/ken-ham-will-speak-on-uco-campus-after-all/article/5583535 Ken Ham will speak on UCO campus after all]. ''The Oklahoman''. Retrieved February 15, 2018.*Byas, Steve (February 17, 2018). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/culture/education/item/28302-university-of-central-oklahoma-reverses-itself-and-will-let-ken-ham-speak University of Central Oklahoma Reverses Itself and Will Let Ken Ham Speak]. ''The New American''. Retrieved February 18, 2018.*Starnes, Todd (February 18, 2018). [https://www.toddstarnes.com/faith/victory-university-re-invites-christian-speaker-triggered-lgbt-students/ Victory! University Re-Invites Christian Speaker Who Triggered LGBT Students]. ''Todd Starnes''. Retrieved February 18, 2018.</ref> and he ultimately did speak as scheduled.<ref>Multiple references:*Unruh, Bob (March 6, 2018). [http://www.wnd.com/2018/03/university-gets-real-life-test-on-following-constitution/ University gets real-life test on following Constitution]. ''WND''. Retrieved March 15, 2018.*Blair, Leonardo (March 6, 2018). [https://www.christianpost.com/news/ken-ham-celebrates-talk-university-of-central-oklahoma-win-for-freedom-of-speech-220455/ Ken Ham Celebrates Talk at University of Central Oklahoma as Win for Freedom of Speech]. ''The Christian Post''. Retrieved March 15, 2018.*Willert, Tim (March 6, 2018). [http://newsok.com/uco-speaker-draws-largely-friendly-crowd/article/5585846 UCO speaker draws largely friendly crowd]. ''The Oklahoman''. Retrieved March 15, 2018.*Ross, Bobby (March 6, 2018). [https://www.deseretnews.com/article/900012189/after-a-rescinded-invitation-ken-ham-talks-about-god-at-an-oklahoma-university.html After a rescinded invitation, Ken Ham talks about God at an Oklahoma university]. ''Deseret News''. Retrieved March 15, 2018.</ref>

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>

Ham believes [[homosexuality]] is a sin, based on the clear teachings of the Biblebiblical 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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