On May 28 Answers in Genesis opened the doors to a first-of-its-kind Creation Museum that explores the Bible’s account of the world’s origins.
By the days end an estimated 4,000 people representing 32 states and two Canadian provinces had toured this $27 million “apologetics museum.”
Ken Ham, president of the Kentucky-based ministry, says that the museum will help Christians defend their faith. “The purpose of the museum is to use observational science to show that the Bible is true, its history is true and therefore the gospel is true,” Ham said. “There are a lot of Ph.D. scientists who believe what the Bible teaches. Both creationists and evolutionists use the same science, and the same evidence – the difference is our pre-existing beliefs [about origins].”
Complete with animatronic human figures, high-quality video, two planetariums and life-size dinosaur replicas, the museum takes visitors through what Ham calls the seven Cs of history: creation, corruption, catastrophe, confusion, Christ, the cross and consummation. At the end of the tour, the gospel is presented through a theatrical presentation. “As they walk through biblical history, they experience it, read signs and watch videos that answer the skeptical questions of the age,” Ham says. “At the end they will understand the Bible’s history is true. It’s an evangelistic museum.”
A former public school teacher in Australia, Ham believes the museum will be an important teaching tool for those who have learned about evolution in school but aren’t sure how to counter its proponents’ arguments. He also hopes it will challenge Christians who embrace evolution. Located in northern Kentucky, just minutes from the Cincinnati airport, the museum will be open seven days a week until after Labor Day . —Adrienne S. Gaines
