A few weeks ago, Answers in Genesis & the Creation Museum announced that they would be adding "The Ark Encounter" to the property. This will be a life sized reconstruction of Noah's ark along with animatronics, real animals, and plenty of information about the biblical account of the flood.
This announcement has brought about some serious criticism and inquiry. Ken Ham, President of AiG - USA, is no stranger to controversy. Many of his speaking engagements, public appearances, and publication bring heated debates, protests, and blogs. In the most recent publication of "answers update", Ken talks about the controversy that has swirled around the Ark announcement.
I think the most amazing thing to me is that there are people from the "evangelical" community who are coming against AiG and the Creation Museum. The following is an excerpt from a letter that was co-authored by a Baptist minister in the state where the Ark will be built:
"We represent lay and clergy leaders from the Christian, Jewish, Islamic, Baha'i, Quaker, Buddhist, Hindu and other faith groups practicing in Central Kentucky.
"As an organization that has been promoting and practicing interfaith engagement and understanding here in the Bluegrass [state] for over 10 years, we have serious concerns about the recent announcement of the proposed Ark Encounter them park sponsored by Answers in Genesis...
"We know many people still hold anti-scientific views. However, when Kentucky presents even the appearance of advancing or promoting on particular version of faith over other faiths, or over none, it does enormous damage to the future of interfaith understanding, respect and hope for peace that so many have worked hard to ensure."
CUE THE COLLECTIVE SIGH!!!
Give me a break! Answers in Genesis is an organization and ministry that hold to the foundational truths of Scripture. They are the ones who are building this Ark along with partners from around the world. This isn't being done by the state of Kentucky, however, the state will benefit from the tourism that this Ark will produce.
On another note: What do these people mean by "many people still hold anti-scientific views"? Creation and science are not at odds with one another. There may be some claims that scientists make that are at odds with creationism but to say that Creationists are anti-scientific in the beliefs is a falsehood. Those of us who hold to the Genesis creation account have simply said that we believe the Bible over any other claims.
Last of all, it really bothers me that a "Baptist minister" would help co-author such a letter. Answers in Genesis has done an incredible job over the years of being a solid witness to the account of creation. The Creation Museum has been a wonderful addition to the state's tourism. It's just unfortunate that someone who holds a label in an evangelical denomination (one that is supposed to hold to the authority of Scripture) has said that interfaith engagement means more than promoting Biblical understanding. Here's the facts buddy: Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." {John 14:6} While you may strive for interfaith engagement here on earth...in heaven, there will be only one faith. The faith that comes through Jesus Christ! There is "no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." {Acts 4:12}
With all that being said, I want to personally thank Ken Ham, AiG, and the Creation Museum for their efforts. I look forward to being able to visit the museum and the Ark attraction when it is finished. I'm appreciative of your stand for biblical authority and the foundation of Scripture. May the Lord bless your efforts and increase your vision. I also hope that believers in Jesus Christ will stand with you and help make this dream a reality.
If you are interested in donating to this wonderful dream - visit www.ArkEncounter.com
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