The Creation Museum...The Final Chapter

So, I decided today to sit down and finally write, like I promised, my account on the experience that was the Creation Museum. However, as I started to outline my thoughts, I came to a realization.

There is no way I can discuss that day in the detail that is necessary without doing two things.
1. Seriously offending people with alternative beliefs than my own.
2. Firing myself up to the point that this blog is nothing more that a rant, and therefore will sound completely one sided, and I will become what I accuse extremists of being: Self Righteous.

Point #1 is a factor, but not really a huge concern. I am a big believer in the mantra that you can only be offended by something if you let yourself. It is not my fault if others are offended. If I was really worried about it, I would stick to blogs about movies, beaches, and bars, and never touch on politics, religion or the like.

But #2 affects me, and my personal internal struggle to stay open minded despite my overwhelming tendencies to judge and be very opinionated.

So....I have decided not to give the detailed account of the whole experience that I had planned. Instead, i will just list(I love lists) a couple of points that I really think need to be mentioned.

Here we go.....

1. I was very intrigued by the fact that the building itself was very "secure".

What I mean by that is there were 3 sheriff deputies on duty: one in the parking lot and two in the courtyard by the building. There was a gated entrance from the road. Plus, the windowed wall that spanned the entrance front doors of the building had those huge concrete round barriers that you often see in front of airport doors. Airports have them to stop the possibility of a truck or van plowing through the entrance with a bomb or something. I guess the Creation Museum could have the same concerns.

2. The museum was set up like it was ready for an argument.

Every possible example that scientists and scholars have ever posed to try to discredit the theory of Intelligent Design was very blatantly turned into an exhibit. There was one dedicated to why the modern method of dating fossils is incorrect, and that all fossils were created because of Noah's flood. One exhibit was only about the reasons why it is possible that dinosaurs and humans could coexist. My personal favorite was a presentation on the idea that since God created everything to be good originally (in Garden of Eden), there were no "bad" animals. It was not until man's original sin did some animals get evil traits. I.E. poisonous snakes; man eating sharks; evil insects like fire ants and scorpions.

3. The gift shop was the size of a department store.

It was huge, and I'm sure it had every piece of fundamental literature that had ever been written. There was an entire section of religious coloring books. There was a CD/DVD department where you could sample (with headphones) a CD before you purchased it...much like a Virgin Megastore. I also have to point out that there was an entire room dedicated to materials for home schooling....talk about reinforcing a stereotype. There was even a book signing the day I was there!

Also, I picked up a couple of little booklets that peaked my curiosity (though it make me a little ill to give that bookstore any money, even the $1.50 that together they cost) One of the booklet's was a biblical and religious explanation why gay marriage and homosexuality was dangerous, and how to talk to your non believing neighbors about the topic. A gripping read.




O.K. I am done on this topic, except for one thing. No opinion here or anything, just an observation. I noticed on the Creation Museum website that there was a "jobs" section. My curiosity about what kind of jobs they were advertising for won out, and I checked it. It wasn't the jobs available that struck me, it was the agreement you have to sign in order to be considered for a position. it's called the "AIG (Answers in Genesis) Statement of Faith" .

Here's a link to it....... Enjoy.

http://www.answersingenesis.org/about/faith


Overall, I was glad I went to the Creation Museum. It didn't change my mind on anything, but it was interesting to see some of the arguments on the topic.

And it reminded me just how many crazy people there are in this world. There, I said it!