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.
