A creationist group called “Answers in Genesis” who describe themselves as “a fundamentalist Christian apologetics organization” has opened a new theme park in Williamstown, Kentucky, with a massive “replica” of the Biblical vessel, Noah’s Ark, built to exact dimension as specified in the Book of Genesis. The Ark is 510 feet long, 85 feet wide and 81 feet tall, or about one-and-half football field in length and seven stories in height. Inside are three decks filled with lifelike models of animals including dinosaurs and a pair of unicorns.
Since its announcement in 2010, the $100 million ark project has been wrapped in controversy. When the government announced tax incentives of worth $18 million, it outraged science advocates who said the attraction is detrimental to science education, and should not have been supported by the government.
"Basically, this boat is a church raising scientifically illiterate children and lying to them about science," said an opponent who lives about a half-hour from the ark.
Fresh controversy arose when during the hiring process all applicants were required to profess Christianity and sign a statement of faith attesting to their belief in Young Earth creationism and the idea that homosexuality is sinful.
Answers in Genesis estimates that the theme park, which debuted to the public last week, will draw about two million visitors a year.
Sources: BBC / Associated Press
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