My Review of the Ark Encounter

         Whenever I study the Word of God I always think, I wonder what it would have been like to see that. What would it be like to see the glories of Solomon's temple? What would it have been like to walk through the Red Sea? When I first heard about the Ark Encounter project, I was very excited. For the first time in my life I would get to see the size of Noah's ark. Last Saturday I saw it with my own eyes. It truly was an incredible sight.

         I would first like to state that I do not believe either Ken Ham or the individuals who work at Answers in Genesis to be infallible men. The work they did at the Ark Encounter was based off of years of research and planning. At the end of the day, it is their interpretation. There are aspects of the ark that may or may not be exactly like it was when Noah and his family entered into the ark. However, from what we are told from the Bible, it appears to be fairly accurate to the Scriptures. I was pleased with this aspect of the Ark.

         I will start with the actual size of the ark. In many ways it is hard to explain the actual size of the ark. The structure is huge. However, I am different from many people. Most people were in awe from looking at the outside. I was impressed, but I had read so much about the ark in my head I had imagined something even bigger. I was NOT disappointed, but years of study and imagination put an unrealistic idea in my head. Yet, when I stepped in side and looked up to the top, I was amazed. It was at this point that I saw how small I truly was to this creation. For everyone, I think that moment of the size of the ark will hit them at different points. When I looked up and saw how far I was from the top, I realized this boat was truly huge.

         If you go, and I do highly recommend it, be prepared to walk. We started our tour sometime around 9:30 and stopped around 1:00 to get something to eat. When we stopped, we did not go through the last display (we came back for that). We walked thousands of steps just going through the ark. If you go, plan on being there a while and walking a lot (there are plenty of places to stop and sit to take a break).

         Besides the size of the ark, the one thing that will catch people's attention is the professional displays. If you have been to the Creation Museum you know that the displays that Answers In Genesis make are not like some Christian attractions. The people at Answers In Genesis design their work to rival that of major attractions. Many of the displays look real. It is a first class attraction. Even if you do not like Answers In Genesis or the Ark Encounter's purpose, you will have to admit that they an amazing job on the people, animals, cages, living stations, and work stations. The videos in the Ark Encounter look as good as anything you will see at Disney.

         One of the things that really caught my eye throughout the Ark Encounter was the questions that Answers In Genesis were willing to answer. I talked to people that worked for Answers In Genesis. Before I arrived I knew that they expected more non-Christians to come to the ark than Christians. I believe this showed in what they addressed. Answers In Genesis addressed questions I never thought to ask such as what was the ventilation system, how did they get rid of the waste, and how did they make repairs in the ark (blacksmith and wood working rooms). I always believed the ark account in the Bible and the doubts never really entered my mind. However, for people who think that it is a "fairy tale" and doubt that the ark would have floated or sustained life, I could see how these questions would need to be answered. In my mind I always just thought of a boat with supplies and animals. I never thought about the technology of the ancient world. The possibilities of how they would have lived for that time were amazing to think about. One clear thing that Answers in Genesis highlighted, these people were not idiots. I left with a new vision and appreciation for what life was like in the ark.

         My favorite display of the entire ark had little to do with the ark. At the end of the tour, you enter into a display that showed how the Bible has traveled all over the world. They displayed ancient manuscripts, older copies of the Bible, and dozens of stories about the sacrifices men and women made to take the Bible to all the continents around the world. The Creation Museum has a much smaller display of the Bible. This one is more detailed and, in my opinion, much more interesting. In fact the entire upper floor was awesome. This is where Answers in Genesis attempted to deal with some skeptic issues on some of the stances that Answers in Genesis take. Again, it was well done with great presentations.

         We also went to the restaurant and the petting zoo. Both were nice. Petting zoos are not my thing, but for those who enjoy them I think you will like them. I did like the food that we ate and the restaurant is large so you should be able to find a place to eat if you attend there.

         I will also say that the people who work at the ark were helpful and easy to deal with. I do commend the efforts that Answers In Genesis made to find good workers who care about their job and care that you have the best possible experience.

         I knew that the day I went we had a large crowd. However, I had no idea how large it was until I came home and saw Ken Ham's facebook post. Apparently that day there was 6,000 people. There were certain stops and displays that were crowded and some isles that were crowded, but it never really felt like it was that large of a group. I think that speaks to the design of the ark and the workers who were there. Normally I hate being in large crowds (except during Christmas), but I did not mind it on that day. If you are worried about being in large crowds, I would tell you not to let that stop you. Visitors were friendly and there were no major issues that made me hate being in a large group of people.

         Some would want to know if a non-Christian will become a Christian from visiting the Ark Encounter. My simple answer would be it depends on why they are a non-believer. If they doubt that the events in the Bible actually happened as recorded, then this place will help. If they have a heart that is open to hearing and believing, then this is a good place to take them to have a biblical discussion. Otherwise, I do not know. I do not say that as an insult to the work done at the Ark Encounter, I believe they did an excellent job discussing the problem of sin and why we should repent. What I mean is it really depends on why a Christian is a non-believer or why they left the faith. People are not a "one-size fits all" category. Some people do not believe because they have never heard the Gospel preached. Others have had bad experiences with Christians/churches. Some have only been given reasons to doubt the Word of God instead of why they should believe the Word of God. I do not know how many people will be converted after visiting the Ark Encounter. What I do know is that this place will help. It will give churches the opportunity to have discussions with people about the Word of God. It will give people something else to think about instead of hearing just one side of the argument. If you are going to encourage a non-Christian to go, I encourage you to go with them in order to discuss what is said there and try to be a witness to them.

         Whether you are a Christian or non-Christian, I do highly recommend the Ark Encounter. It was a great visit and I plan on returning with my church as soon as possible.

What the Church Can Learn From The Force Awakens and Creed

         Over the past couple of years, Hollywood has revisited many of the great movies and television shows of the past. Last year both the Star Wars and Rocky franchises saw spin offs and continuations. Television shows such as Full House and Boy Meets World have also been revisited with new television shows. These new movies and television shows have seen success where other reboots, spin offs, and sequels have not. What has made these shows and movies successful? I believe the answers to these questions can help the church today.

         Both the Star Wars and Rocky movies contain some iconic characters that have been immortalized in American pop culture. Many reboots have attempted to find new actors to fill these roles. This is often where these reboots fail. Sylvester Stallone is Rocky. The way he talks and walks is unique and is hard to duplicate. The same could be said for Harrison Ford as Hans Solo. It is hard to recapture that magic successful. So the franchises did not attempt to do it (at least not yet). Instead, they let these actors play these roles, not as the main heroes but as mentors and supporting characters.

         I believe this is key to both successful movies. The new heroes were allowed to step forward and attempt to win our hearts. Our old heroes did not simply disappear, they were their teaching lessons, guiding their lives, and being true mentors that took an active interest in the lives of these new characters. Because the old characters cared, we began to care.

         This is necessary. Sylvester Stallone is too old to be a believable fighter in the ring. Someone new had to step up and make us believe that the fight was achievable and winnable. The old generation did not roll over and disappear. The new generation did not push them aside. The younger generation sought the advice and counsel of the older generation. The old generation was willing to give it. This was not easy. If you watch the movies closely, there were some struggles. The older generation was reluctant to help and, at times, the younger generation was resistant to listening. When both sides gave in and listened to each other, encouraged each other, and worked together, they found the answers they needed.

         How does this apply to the church? The church is designed to encourage the younger and older generation to work together, to encourage one another, and to motivate each other. This is seen clearly in the book of Titus.

         Titus 2 You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. ² Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. ³ Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. ⁴ Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, ⁵ to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. ⁶ Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. ⁷ In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness ⁸ and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

         The old generation was designed to teach the younger. The faith was designed to be passed on from the older to the younger. The older generation has had more opportunities to study and practice God's Word. They have faced many of the same trails that the younger generation now faces. They know what worked and what did not work. The younger generation typically provides the energy and the hope for the future. They can be a motivation to the older generation to keep moving forward. They provide the chance for the older generation to over come their mistakes.

         I believe this is missing too much from our churches today. We have compartmentalized the church into groups instead of assimilating groups into the body. As a result, the older and younger generation rarely are together. Instead of motivating each other, they often view each other with suspension. Older and younger people often have different needs and the church has limited resources. Too often they view their needs in competition and see each other as hampering the needs of each other. The truth is each group has what the other needs and lacks. When we keep them separate, we are hurting more than we are helping.

         In our society today, many kids do not have a healthy relationship with a parent or grandparent. Also, many elderly people do not have the opportunity to see their children or grandchildren on a regular basis. There is something missing in their lives. The church has the opportunity to bring these groups together and allow them to minister to each other. This is a need in our society and the church needs to work at fulfilling this ministerial need.

         The other thing that these movies and television shows did well was keep the spirit of the franchises with an update. I grew up a huge Rocky fan, he was a hero of mine. I did not know what to expect with Creed. The movie is different from the original franchise. Creed is a different character, with different problems, and a different personality. Even though he was different from Rocky, he was the same. The movie still had that underdog feel, with a hero that would not give up even though he had reasons to. Even though I did not identify with Creed like I did with Rocky, I left the movie liking the direction of the franchise and feeling happy that Rocky would not just end but would have a chance to continue.

         The church faces some challenges today. It has been struggling with change for decades. In some ways, change is inevitable. There are aspects of the church that changes with our culture. That has been true since the beginning. Not all change is wrong or unhealthy. However, the mission, message, purpose, and atmosphere of the church should not change. We cannot change the message of the church because the church does not belong to us it belongs to Christ. When we come to worship service, there should be some changes that we see. Buildings will reflect the modern style. Music will reflect the modern style. Clothing will reflect our modern style. The message must reflect the teachings of the Word of God. The elements of worship must be the same as those found in the Word of God. The practice of the church needs to reflect the practice of the early church. If our church reflects a church that is totally unfamiliar then we must likely have gone too far.

         This is what often happens with the reboots that fail. They change so much we do not recognize the characters. The tone of the movie is completely different and it just does not feel the same. This was one of the mistakes of the Terminator reboot, the hero became a villain and it took away an element of hope. In Star Wars, hope remained because the original cast was there and provided hope. Change is necessary, but if change goes too far it can become destructive. When we make change in the church we should seriously pause and ask why. We should debate whether we are taking the heart out of Christ's body or if we helping the body of Christ to better minister to our society. Change is difficult to achieve.

         Our society is beginning to look to the past for something. Pop culture reflects what society is seeking. We want our heroes and fictional "friends" of the past to return. We want to go to familiar place for familiar lessons and familiar experiences. We want them to teach us the answers once again. The church should see this as an opportunity. The church can be that familiar place, with similar but new experiences for a generation that is returning and a generation that has not found what it is looking for. The church does not need a reboot; it needs a continuation. We can speak to a new generation if we learn how to do it.  The church needs to be wise in making changes. Change is a part of life and is often necessary. Change that goes too far can be destructive. Give people something familiar but something new that will minister to their hearts and win them to Christ again.