Creation Museum To Open

[Stayed Too Long]

Event Sparks Creation/Evolution Debate

PETERSBURG, Ky. - Ken Ham has spent 11 years working on a museum that poses the big question — when and how did life begin? Ham hopes to soon offer an answer to that question in his still-unfinished Creation Museum in northern Kentucky.

The $25 million monument to creationism offers Ham's view that God created the world in six, 24-hour days on a planet just 6,000 years old. The largest museum of its kind in the world, it hopes to draw 600,000 people from the Midwest and beyond in its first year.

Ham, 53, isn't bothered that his literal interpretation of the Bible runs counter to accepted scientific theory, which says Earth and its life forms evolved over billions of years.

Ham said the museum is a way of reaching more people along with the Answers in Genesis Web site, which claims to get 10 million page views per month and his "Answers ... with Ken Ham" radio show, carried by more than 725 stations worldwide.

"People will get saved here," Ham said of the museum. "It's going to fire people up. If nothing else, it's going to get them to question their own position of what they believe."

Ham is ready for a fight over his beliefs — based on a literal interpretation of the book of Genesis, the first book of the Old Testament.

"It's a foundational battle," said Ham, a native of Australia who still speaks with an accent. "You've got to get people believing the right history - and believing that you can trust the Bible."

Among Ham's beliefs are that the Earth is about 6,000 years old, a figure arrived at by tracing the biblical genealogies, and not 4.5 billion years, as mainstream scientists say; the Grand Canyon was formed not by erosion over millions of years, but by floodwaters in a matter of days or weeks and that dinosaurs and man once coexisted, and dozens of the creatures — including Tyrannosaurus Rex — were passengers on the ark built by Noah, who was a real man, not a myth.

Although the Creation Museum's full opening is still two years away, already a buzz is building.

"When that museum is finished, it's going to be Cincinnati's No. 1 tourist attraction," says the Rev. Jerry Falwell, nationally known Baptist evangelist and chancellor of Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va. "It's going to be a mini-Disney World."

Respected groups such as the National Science Board, the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the National Science Teachers Association strongly support the theory of evolution. John Marburger, the Bush administration's science adviser, has said, "Evolution is a cornerstone of modern biology."

Many mainstream scientists worry that creationist theology masquerading as science will have an adverse effect on the public's science literacy.

"It's a giant step backward in science education," says Carolyn Chambers, chair of the biology department at Xavier University, which is operated by the Jesuit order of the Catholic church.

Glenn Storrs, curator of vertebrate paleontology for the Cincinnati Museum Center, leads dinosaur excavations in Montana each summer. He said the theory of dinosaurs and man coexisting is a "non-issue."

"And so, I believe, is the age of the Earth," Storrs said. "It's very clear the Earth is much older than 6,000 years."

The Rev. Mendle Adams, pastor of St. Peter's United Church of Christ in Pleasant Ridge, takes issue with Ham's views — and the man himself.

"He takes extraordinary liberties with Scripture and theology to prove his point," Adams said. "The bottom line is, he is anti-gay, and he uses that card all the time."

Ham says homosexual behavior is a sin. But he adds that he's careful to condemn the behavior, not the person.

Even detractors concede that Ham has appeal.

Ian Plimer, chair of geology at the University of Melbourne, became aware of Ham in the late 1980s, when Ham's creationist ministry in Australia was just a few years old.

"He is promoting the religion and science of 350 years ago," says Plimer. "He's a far better communicator than most mainstream scientists."

Despite his communication skills, Ham admits he doesn't always make a good first impression. But, that doesn't stop him from trying to spread his beliefs.

"He'd be speaking 20 hours a day if his body would let him," said Mike Zovath, vice president of museum operations.

Ham's wife of 32 years agrees. "He finds it difficult talking about things apart from the ministry," Mally Ham says. "He doesn't shut off."

Ham said he has no choice but to speak out about what he believes.

"The Lord gave me a fire in my bones," Ham says. "The Lord has put this burden in my heart: 'You've got to get this information out.'"

There are quite a few Christian's that do not agree with Ham's conclusions on the beginning of the earth. Most Christian's have a difficult time changing their views when science proves them wrong. Take the debate of the sun revolving around the earth. In 1543, Nicolaus Copernicus published a new theory stating the earth revolves around the sun. This theory was considered a serious challenge by the Roman Catholic Church, who believed the sun revolved around the earth. Today modern Christianity has no probem with this.

[George Aar]

Well, on a positive note,

the project must be keeping him off the streets and ties up his money where it can't do too much harm. But whatta f$%^ing loon.

A mind is a terrible thing...

[George Aar]

I'm reminded of another ersatz "amusement park" for the religiously demented, "Bibleland U.S.A."

It was located somewhere in the Northeast, Massachusetts I think. Yeah, it was a reeeeeall crowd pleaser, you bet...

[TheInvisibleDan]

Gee, maybe I can get a job at that museum building up the "Gnostic" wing. Then again in "northern Kentucky" - maybe not...

So what kind of rides do they have at "Bibleland USA", Geo?

A "Rollercoaster to Hell", perhaps?

A "Pharis(ee) Wheel"?

[def59]

Originally posted by Stayed Too Long:

Event Sparks Creation/Evolution Debate

The Rev. Mendle Adams, pastor of St. Peter's United Church of Christ in Pleasant Ridge, takes issue with Ham's views — and the man himself.

"He takes extraordinary liberties with Scripture and theology to prove his point," Adams said. "The bottom line is, he is anti-gay, and he uses that card all the time."

typical, just attack the man for something not associated with the topic.

[def59]

quote:

Originally posted by George Aar:

Well, on a positive note,

the project must be keeping him off the streets and ties up his money where it can't do too much harm. But whatta f$%^ing loon.

A mind is a terrible thing...

Who Mr. Aar, you or him? Your post can leave one wondering.

[lindyhopper]

If I recall correctly, "The Mind is a Terrible Thing to Taste" was a great album by Ministry.

quote:

So what kind of rides do they have at "Bibleland USA", Geo?

A "Rollercoaster to Hell", perhaps?

A "Pharis(ee) Wheel"?

LMAO, Danny.

I think the cartoon Anamaniacs, had an episode that had a theme park with "The Bullet Train to Heck". lol

[lindyhopper]

Museum- A building, place, or institution devoted to the acquisition, conservation, study, exhibition, and educational interpretation of objects having scientific, historical, or artistic value.

Well, maybe artistic.

[George Aar]

Danny,

There used to be a video tour (a very tongue-in-cheek variety) of "Bibleland U.S.A." on the net, but damned if I can find it now. The place was basically just a bunch of miniature buildings, supposedly replicating 1st century Jerusalem and some other Bible hotspots - Golgotha, J.C.'s tomb, The Sea of Galilee and whatnot.

The buildings were made of pebbles and sticks and whatever crap the owner had in his garage at the time, I guess. The overall look of the place was somewhere between pathetic and morose.

I think the usual attendees were Boy Scout troops (no doubt trying to get their honor badge for religion) and youth groups from nearby churches.

I'm sure it's in your neck of the woods, maybe you could do some research and take a tour of the place and report back? Hey, it's the least you could do, no?

Then later we can all go to the grand opening

"Creation Science, U.S.A."! I'm sure it'll be quite an event...

[Trefor Heywood]

A "mini Disney World" Rev Falwell?

Can't wait for the "mini Gay days" then! :D-->

[TheInvisibleDan]

Geo,

"Bibleland USA" sounds an aweful lot like Holy Land USA which is indeed near my neck of the woods in Waterbury (I would spot the large cross and the sign on I-84 whenever passing through), though I've never been particularly motivated to visit that place, and by the looks of things, am even less so inclined (lol).The guy who put it all together passed away a few years ago, and the place has gone to pot.

Danny

[lindyhopper]

quote:

The guy who put it all together passed away a few years ago, and the place has gone to pot.

Yeah, it looks like in its youth it was a real gem. :D-->

[George Aar]

Danny,

THAT'S the place. Sorry, I got my "lands" wrong.

You think that "Creationland U.S.A." can measure up to those high standards? What could be more fun? Maybe they could offer Holy Water colonigues and Dead Sea baths for the health conscious?

(oh, BTW, I think the "Pharisee Wheel" is a sure winner)

[TheInvisibleDan]

Apparently there were one or two gang murders

there after it closed. Featuring violence just like the real "Holy Land". Now they can add to the apocalyptic-looking display fiery lasers and propane flame-throwers positioned around the minature buildings,and re-open

as "Apocalypse USA"-

and sell lots of marshmellows.

Danny

[def59]

Dan and George

You guys are becoming one-trick ponies, liven up your act or you'll end up being the George Goebel of GSC.

[George Aar]

quote:

you'll end up being the George Goebel of GSC.

Nah, never happen. I don't have enough hair for the "flattop"...

[def59]

But you could the brown shoes in the black tuxedo that is the cafe.

[Back Woods Bride]

Are you guys so bitter that you are opposed to anyone who attempts to make a stand for God to the best of their ability. David refused to raise his hand against "the Lord's annointed" and Lord knows Saul made some mistakes don't we all. What does a person's stand on creation vs. evolution have to do with gay rights anyway.

[TheInvisibleDan]

What the- what's so "bitter" about "Apocalypse Land"? That, my friend, is wholesome family entertainment.

-->

[Trefor Heywood]

quote:

What does a person's stand on creation vs. evolution have to do with gay rights anyway.

Maybe it because more creationists are likely to be more traditional in such matters also?

Gay creationists do exist though!

[lindyhopper]

Welcome, Shot Gun Wedding, and congrats on your first post. Can I get you some beer to go with the wedding cake? ;)-->

[Jbarrax]

Personally, I'm looking forward to visiting the Creation Museum. It's only about an hour's drive from here. I've seen Ken Lam speak and he makes a lot of good points. And, as we've already discussed ad nauseum on another thread, the theory of evolution is not the unamimously accepted bastion of Science it once was.

I may not agree with everything the Creationists say, but widening the spectrum of acceptable views on how we got here is a good thing. Imo, that's the net effect of the AIG ministry.

Peace

JerryB

[GarthP2000]

Gee Jerry, You make it sound as if the creation account in the Bible has only been recently been allowed the 1st Amendment right to *finally* be allowed to be aired in public, --- never mind that its been aired publically for the last, ohh say, 2-3,000 years or so. -->

Oh and it isn't just a matter of 'letting all sides have their say' either, despite protestations of 'censorship' to the contrary. It's a matter of portraying something as scientifically proven/theorized as opposed to making a POV based squarely upon the "it is written" model of authority, a POV which goes against the scientific model of letting the evidence/logic determine what is true/most likely factual.

I wonder if they'll have Dr. Kenneth 'light slows down over the years/there were dinosaurs in the Garden of Eden' Hovind as one of their guest entertain--err I mean sales pitch--ahhh I mean speakers.

:D-->