Disclaimer: This article will not deal with beliefs in religion or lack thereof. This article will not support or oppose anyone's religious beliefs.
If you've been following the news, you know about the Noah's Ark structure that opened in the Christian theme park, Ark Encounter, in Williamstown, Kentucky. According to Ken Hamm, founder of Ark Encounter, the park is an "evangelical tool aimed at teaching creationism, a literal interpretation of the Bible's Book of Genesis."
Since it's creation, the park has received praise as well as criticism. Proponents of the theme park say it "proclaims God's word and the gospel" and show "that the biblical flood account is historic and the Bible is true in regard to history and science." Critics of the theme park say that "the museum would steer the public inaccurately away from science education" and "children would be indoctrinated rather than educated."
My problem with this theme park has nothing to do with my beliefs on religion. The problem I have with the Noah's Ark theme park is a Christian group's use of money to build a theme park.
The new Noah's Ark structure cost about $100 million to complete with approximately $62 million raised from investors and $38 million coming from donors. With that much money, a lot of good could have been done in the world. One hundred million dollars could provide a lot of meals to families who are struggling, build shelters for those who are homeless or help advance cancer research. Instead, a theme park was created.
Supporters say this will educate people in the truth of God's word. There is no doubt that this theme park will educate people, but it will also divide people. There are many people who have different interpretations of Christianity such as believing in evolution coupled with creationism. There are also those who don't have religious beliefs, so they shouldn't even go to the theme park. However, that won't stop them from voicing their opinions.
People are always wondering why there is so much poverty, homelessness and strife in the world and what they can do help. One of easiest things they can do is donate. Instead they decided to create a theme park that may educate some, but will also create future problems as well.
