Answers in Genesis (AiG), led by Ken Ham, is building a life-sized ark. When it is completed, it will be the biggest timber frame structure in the world, built to the dimensions God gave to Noah in Genesis 6:15 (translating to modern-day measurements of 510 feet long, 85 feet wide, 51 feet high). The attraction is scheduled to open in July 2016.
In a video on the Ark Encounter website, Ken Ham claims the attraction will be “one of the greatest evangelistic outreaches of our era of history.”
It seems wherever AiG is concerned, though, controversy and lawsuits arise. In January 2016, the organization went to court with the state of Kentucky after the state announced The Ark Encounter could not participate in the Kentucky Tourism Development Program, an initiative that would give AiG an $18 million tax incentive after the attraction opened its doors.
It seems the state was excited about the jobs and revenue the attraction would create, but not thrilled when it learned of Answers in Genesis’ conviction to hire only Christians who adhere to a young earth creationism worldview. Calling their win in court a victory over religious discrimination, AiG posted the court’s favorable ruling on their website.
Despite the favorable court ruling, though, AiG is still fielding flack, even being questioned on whether or not they would consider hiring Christians who don’t agree with a young earth creationism worldview.
Whether you adhere to young earth creationism teaching or not (or AiG’s hiring procedures), the exhibit seeks to spread the gospel. According to their website, “The Ark Encounter project was born out of a desire to share the gospel of Jesus Christ to millions of people across America and the world.”
You can see videos documenting the project’s progress, read about the historical and biblical facts concerning the ark, and even read about God’s plan for salvation on the Ark Encounter website.
