Though scientists have long dismissed the story of Noah’s Ark as little more than a myth, many creationists continue to consider it the literal historical truth. Now a 155 metre-long replica of the Ark, which cost over $100million to construct, has come on display in Kentucky, sparking a furious debate between believers and skeptics.
Australian creationist Ken Ham, President of the group Answers in Genesis, has claimed that the dimensions of the Ark were inspired by accounts given in the Old Testament. Mr. Ham and his followers believe the earth to be no more than 6,000 years old, and even maintain that dinosaurs once lived alongside humans. Inside the Ark, there are several displays of Noah’s family alongside rows of large cages containing various animal replicas, including dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals. Supporters of empirical science and proponents of evolution are expected to hold protests outside the park against the distortion of overwhelmingly accepted scientific and historical fact.
The Ark has been built due to the efforts of a group of devout Christians with a literalist interpretation of the Bible, who believe Noah’s Ark was actually built to save all the creatures on God’s Earth. They have recently cut the ribbon on the gigantic 510-foot-long “replica”, which cost an eye-watering $100 million to construct.
Mr. Ham has defended the exhibition, asserting that there is ample “scientific evidence” which supports the validity of the Biblical narrative of the Ark.
A large number of people from all over the world flocked to the site to have a first glimpse inside the Ark. The opening ceremony was attended by the Governor of Kentucky, Matt Bevin, along with the state’s Lieutenant Governor, Jenean Hampton. The organizers are expecting to receive more than a million visitors in the first year of exhibition and are determined that the exhibition could soon the biggest ticket attraction in the state.
The seemingly innocent yet controversial move has raised quite a few eyebrows, especially amongst those with a more scientific outlook. The opening ceremony of the Ark has triggered plans for protests by the Tri-State Freethinkers. The spokesman of the society, Jim Helton, has called the exhibition appalling, expressing grave concerns about the narrative promoted by the Ham group. He added that the endorsement of