Ky. creationist museum aims at wider audience

I wondered whether to post this is the spirituality or science forums, but decided to post here in the debate forum since the majority of Republicans identify themselves as creationist who believe the Earth has only been here 6000 years.

PETERSBURG, Ky. (AP) — The Kentucky museum where dinosaurs and biblical characters coexist has rolled out new exhibits and attractions — some with no religious message — to try to bring in new visitors.

The Creation Museum has added a bug exhibit that would fit right in at a natural science center, an outdoor zip line course and a display examining whether the dragons of ancient tales were actually dinosaurs.

Since its opening six years ago, the museum — built with $27 million in private donations — has become an epicenter for the creationist message, which presents biblical stories from the chapter of Genesis as a literal telling of the world's origin. The museum, just south of Cincinnati, has long been criticized by scientists for dismissing evolution and asserting that Earth's age is in the thousands, not billions, of years.

Museum co-founder Ken Ham said he knew when it opened to big crowds in 2007 that new features would need to be added from time to time. Total attendance since the opening is approaching 1.9 million, he said.

"This was the end of our sixth year, and we really felt it was time to do some significant things, which we had been planning for quite some time," said Ham, who is president of the Answers in Genesis ministry, which owns and operates the museum. . . .

Inside, at the new Dr. Crawley's Insectorium, brightly lit displays showcase hundreds of beetles, butterflies and other bugs donated by a museum supporter. A life-sized animatronic professor who appears to be working in a research lab tells visitors the insects are too complex and varied to have evolved over millions of years.

"Isn't God's handiwork beautiful?" he says.

Near the entrance, a series of displays explores ancient dragon and monster myths from around the world and asks the visitor to consider whether the ancient people who told these tales had actually seen dinosaurs.

The new exhibits have gone in as the ministry's ambitious Noah's ark-themed park has stalled, with about $13 million raised out of a $24 million goal. The Ark Encounter project, which would include a massive replica of the vessel, was unveiled about two years ago, but its opening has been pushed back indefinitely. Ham said he hopes the big boat can open by 2016. . .

Brad King — who drove in with family from Spencer, Ind. — said he and his 5-year-old daughter were impressed by the insect display.

"She loves bugs," King said. He said the museum's exhibits validate the existence of God.

"It's always nice with faith to put it with facts," he said.

The Creation Museum, making America look stupid since 2007. I bet it would be hilarious, although I would have moral qualms financially supporting such an institution.

Originally posted by KazetNagorra
The Creation Museum, making America look stupid since 2007. I bet it would be hilarious, although I would have moral qualms financially supporting such an institution.

Originally posted by Sleepyguy
Moral qualms? That's interesting. Interpreting the Bible as historic fact is deluded, but do you think having a museum to showcase their delusion is immoral?

Originally posted by PsychoPawn
I would have moral issues with supporting an organization that is dedicated to spread their delusion to others and especially children.

This museum is essentially one big lie. I would definitely have a moral issue with supporting that.

Originally posted by Sleepyguy
OK, I get it. Since what they are peddling is untrue, you believe it would be immoral for you to support it.

But it's not a "lie" if they believe it, is it?

Originally posted by Sleepyguy

But it's not a "lie" if they believe it, is it?

Originally posted by Sleepyguy
Moral qualms? That's interesting. Interpreting the Bible as historic fact is deluded, but do you think having a museum to showcase their delusion is immoral?

Originally posted by PsychoPawn
I guess not. It's just such a shame to see such a waste of resources. Especially the tax breaks this sham is getting.