The Ark Encounter

Recently the Ark Encounter theme park opened in north central Kentucky. It is right along I-75 south of Cincinnati, Ohio.  It is a life size replica of what is believed to be Noah’s Ark as recorded in Genesis 6-8, but despite this architectural marvel, being the largest wooden structure in North American and possibly the world, there is plenty of criticism being leveled from Christian and non-Christian groups alike.
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For example:

• Complaint: The Park will cost $100 million. This money could have aided many homeless people.
  • Response: Yes, this is a lot of money, but how about Walt Disney spending $5.5 billion, yes billion, on a new park in China? Complaints?  Perhaps the Ark Encounter will help people to place greater faith in God and thus be more willing to help those in need. Not so sure about the Disney park in that regards.

 

• Complaint: This is a Christian for profit theme park.
  • Response: The Bible speaks of running a godly and fair business; in having honest scales, not dishonest. There is nothing against making a fair profit.

    

• Complaint: The Ark Encounter is not true to the Bible. Ark means box. This ark is not a box.
  • Response: Ok. So the length, height, and depth are accurate. The global flood idea is accurate. The housing of animals is good. But the actual final design of the Ark is not what some think it could have been, therefore it is to be rejected? I am speechless.    

 

• Complaint: The Ark Encounter is not Science.
  • Response: This is a smoke screen. Simply define science and the scientific method. Then go to the Ark Encounter and explain how science is ignored. Remember it’s all about presuppositions; the things one takes for granted to be true at the beginning of a line of research, testing, logic, etc.)

 
Basically, the Ark Encounter provides visual evidence that an ark made of wood with Gen 6 dimensions, could have had enough room for 8 people, the animals, birds, insects, along with food and waste storage. It could have been very stable, and floated over the surface of a global flood. This visual park will show that it is possible. I encourage all to go at least once, for it might challenge your thinking a little. 

And here lies the problem: It does challenge the preconceived notion that the first 11 chapters of Genesis are myth and fable. And that is why it is controversial. It will challenge the way people understand the world. And that is exactly why it was built in the first place. But I must ask, for those who oppose this, if you are secure in your understanding of the world, what then do you have to worry about? Besides, the more you criticize it, the more attention the Ark receives. And more attention means more people willing to go to see what the fuss is all about.

​So, fuss about! God may use it to draw people to Him!    

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