I have long been a fan of Answers in Genesis and hope to visit the Creation Museum sometime soon, especially since we are going to be living closer to Cincinnati again. Having said that, I read today that they are going to add a new, $24,500,000 scale model of Noah's Ark based on the Biblical dimensions, which should help people to understand that the ark was HUGE and not some dinky boat.
Answers In Genesis, which built and operates the religious-themed attraction, plans to build a full-scale wooden replica of Noah's Ark based on biblical descriptions.
The $24.5 million project will be constructed by the same team that built the Creation Museum.
The religious ministry is soliciting online donations to help construct the project, which they expect to draw an estimated 1.6 million visitors per year.
I have no doubt that it will be a popular attraction and draw at least the 1.6 million they are expecting. I have to ask for your opinion though. Is this a wise use of funds? Should Christians be donating nearly $25 million to build an ark as an attraction? I am not sure how I feel about this. On the one hand, that is tens of millions NOT going to feed the poor and care for the widow and the fatherless. On the other, I am betting that they will pull in plenty of revenue to cover the costs.
What do you think?
8 comments:
6 of one, 6 of the other?
Its really hard to make a call on that.
i don't have a problem with them building the ark at that cost. it seems like the same kind of business proposition amusement parks make when they build a new coaster.
but i'm not real excited about them building it on the backs of donors.
i wonder if they'd consider paying back their donors once the new exhibit became profitable?
If it was Glenn Beck building it and soliciting donations would you have as hard a time deciding if the stewardship was good?
What if AIG donated the money to Johan Huibers to help complete his full scale replica? (check out the progress photos - wow!) I know AIG has written about his scaled model before. They are aware of this one. Or, maybe consider the feasibility of towing Huibers' ark to the US for a time.
The creation museum has several very good scale models of the ark and a walking section through what would represent a small section of hull. I think they do a fine job representing the potential construction methods and scale. There is some great teaching there, but also a very retail feel (I really dislike the gift shop gauntlet at the end).
It's a poor use. God can use it anyway but not nearly the 100 fold or more if it was used in line with His mandate to reach all nations. It is FAR more important to fund sending the good news to the 10-40 window than for this. This effort leads people to walk by sight rather than faith. Huge difference. The written revelation is not sufficient. You have to see it to believe it.... What a lie.
Eric,
Actually I would have less of a problem if it were Glenn Beck. He is an unbeliever and an admitted showman. This is exactly the sort of thing I would expect him to do. He would probably paint it red, white and blue and show it setting sail from Missouri since Joseph Smith taught that the Garden of Eden was there!
David,
I actually know someone who donated close to half a million to the building of the museum. Half a million dollars.
I guess my concern is that not only is this expensive, it is taking on an amusement park feel.
No absolutly not! But more importently what does God think of it?
Arthur,
I think these kind of projects are a very poor use of money.
I'm sure Dave and Becky Black could put that kind of money to more profitable use for the kingdom of God.
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