This is when we got to the scary part of the museum. Well, intentionally scary – the whole place is accidentally horrifying. But this section was supposed to represent how horrible the world becomes when we don’t listen to the Bible. I mean, we all know how atheists are the reason that the moral fiber of society is being destroyed. Duuuuhhh. Just looks what happens when you start questioning things:
Yep. Satan questions things. You better all stop that thinking right away. (EDIT: Forgot to point out the Adam dying when eating the fruit part. See that? I wondered, but Adam didn’t die when he ate the fruit, he lived hundreds of years. Later another sign clarified that it was his soul that died, since apparently that’s what really matters. And I thought they didn’t interpret the Bible metaphorically.) Oh, but don’t think you liberal Christians are getting away scot free:
Those philosophers and scientists of the Enlightenment! Look at all the trouble they caused by interpreting the Bible metaphorically! Oh and they gave a shout out to my ancestors, the Greeks. This line makes me laugh: “But the common people were converted, the old ways rejected…” That’s something to be proud of? That the poor, impressionable, uneducated people were forceably converted to Christianity? If anything, that shows how vile Christianity can be when people try to force it on each other. And we all know Zeus was way cooler than God anyway.
Oh, and total win for Voltaire being called “the infidel philosopher.” Yeah, this is really unbiased writing here. But seriously, if I ever get famous enough to be put in a religious museum because people hate me, I want to be referred to as “the infidel blogger.” I guess Pastor Tom blocking me from his blog and calling me a “maniacly insane blogger” is close enough.
But again, I don’t want to make it seem like they were just pointing fingers at the scientists and philosophers. They really didn’t seem to like anyone who didn’t subscribe to their very literal brand of Christianity. Liberal Christians really miffed them, and man was there a lot of anti-Catholic stuff. They basically said the Pope has no idea what he’s talking about when it comes to God. Oh, and of course, you can’t forget Dan Brown. Writing a fiction novel is just as bad as being an atheist or a Catholic, apparently:
What a diss. Sorry Dan, can’t stay on top of those best seller lists forever, I guess.
They also touched on the Scopes trial, which had an epic amount of fact fail. They claimed that William Jennings Bryan took the case because he wanted to stand up against evolution, since it caused the evil eugenics that Nazi Germany used. Ignore the fact that a “museum” just invoked Godwin’s law: the Scopes trial took place in 1925, fourteen years before World War II began. What the hell? EDIT: Apparently Hitler started voicing his approval of eugenics right around when the Scopes trial took place, so I stand corrected.
This pretty much sums up how I feel at this point of the trip:
So what actually happens when you have philosophers, scientists, religious people, and writers all joining together to critique religion?
Woooooooooooooo!!! Oh, wait, I’m supposed to be upset about that. Er, boo hoo?
I think this whole section was reminiscent of a hell house. It doesn’t look so scary in photos because the flash lights everything up – it was actually quite dark and gloomy in this section. The first wall you see is covered in magazine covers talking about homosexuals gaining rights, evolution, and advances in stem cell research – horrible, horrible things of course. It’s main goal is to show how not following the Bible leads to moral decay and chaos. I know that’s hard to figure out, since their imagery is so subtle:
Oh, and for the commenter who wanted a photo of the Million of Years wrecking ball, here’s the best I could do:
This whole section was quite hilarious because I actually agreed with some of it. Scientific evidence (for example, the idea that we’ve been around for more than 6000 years) is slowly destroying religious beliefs. The modern world is abandoning the Bible. They had a little section where you could peak into the windows of random houses (wow, vouyers too) to see what horrible things were going on. One guy was playing videogames in a dorm room! A girl was talking to a friend about boys on the phone! A guy was falling asleep during church! How horrible! Next people will be ripping the tags off mattresses and kissing before marriage and – no, it’s too painful to even think of what nasty things people will do after that.
I hate to be a downer, but let me be serious for a moment. This isn’t just something we can giggle at, though that was fun. Remember that the majority of the people who come through this museum are impressionable children. They’re going through an exhibit that shows doubting the Bible leads to crazy sex (well…that may be true), destruction, and hopelessness. I didn’t take photos of some of the worse things they were showing, like death or suffering or Nazis (yes, again with the Nazis). But how willing are children going to be to even start thinking about the Bible if they’ve been told these awful things? Are they ever going to want to interract with people who don’t think like them?
I do have to thank the Creation Museum for putting a light at the end of the tunnel though. Figuratively speaking – the room was still dark. But these two signs definitely made me feel better:
I think the Creation Museum finally got something right!
(Thanks to Vanessa and Josh for extra photos)
Part1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9
Thanks for the photos.
I really like the first one. "Eat this fruit, and you'll surely die … in a few hundred years."
Thanks for the photos.I really like the first one. “Eat this fruit, and you’ll surely die … in a few hundred years.”
Awesomesauce, I just got home. Was great meeting you Jen, I tried not to appear as a creepy stalker type. :P
Anyways if you want some more pictures I will get mine up tomorrow.
Awesomesauce, I just got home. Was great meeting you Jen, I tried not to appear as a creepy stalker type. :PAnyways if you want some more pictures I will get mine up tomorrow.
Nope, not stalkery at all, it was awesome to meet you! You're the first commenter I've met, so you hold a special honor. Just sorry I didn't get to talk to you more, it was kind of hectic running around looking at everything.
Nope, not stalkery at all, it was awesome to meet you! You’re the first commenter I’ve met, so you hold a special honor. Just sorry I didn’t get to talk to you more, it was kind of hectic running around looking at everything.
The more you post, the more I realize how brave the SSA was to roam these halls. Well done to all of you.
PS, I didn't realize "McCreight" was a Greek name. Must have been those rare Scottish Greeks.
The more you post, the more I realize how brave the SSA was to roam these halls. Well done to all of you.PS, I didn’t realize “McCreight” was a Greek name. Must have been those rare Scottish Greeks.
As for "false prophets" never winning a majority of the church, Latter Day Saints anyone? If anything they might be more numerous in the US than "regular" Christians soon.
As for “false prophets” never winning a majority of the church, Latter Day Saints anyone? If anything they might be more numerous in the US than “regular” Christians soon.
Those last two pics … they warm the heart, don't they?
Those last two pics … they warm the heart, don’t they?
Ahahaha, my dad is an Irish/Scottish/English/Dutch euromutt, but my mom is 100% Greek. I grew up in a lot of Greek cultural stuff, so I have a special place in my heart for them.
Ahahaha, my dad is an Irish/Scottish/English/Dutch euromutt, but my mom is 100% Greek. I grew up in a lot of Greek cultural stuff, so I have a special place in my heart for them.
Well, Joé, if we keep our fingers crossed, they might just come true.
Jen: Very cool, that's interesting to know. The Greeks have a fascinating and gorgeous culture.
Well, Joé, if we keep our fingers crossed, they might just come true.Jen: Very cool, that’s interesting to know. The Greeks have a fascinating and gorgeous culture.
I'm pretty sure the boys in the dorm were watching porn. I seem to remember one of them saying "I think I've seen that girl in my classes! I've never seen this much of her though…"
I’m pretty sure the boys in the dorm were watching porn. I seem to remember one of them saying “I think I’ve seen that girl in my classes! I’ve never seen this much of her though…”
i don't recall if i've made a comment here yet or not (i seem to feel like i might've once), so hi. i like to stalk people's blogs and occasionally comment.
this is really the part of it that gets to me though. it's one thing for people to have ridiculous beliefs, and all sorts of misrepresentations to back them up and so on. i believed a lot of this creationist stuff at one time, when i was young and stupid, and my parents still do.
the part that enrages me is when they show it as "human reason" vs. "god's word" and "don't question it, just believe." even as a christian i never believed that, and having recently informed my parents of my non-christian status, this is the brick wall i run into. i've been told that trying to be christian wasn't enough, i should've been believing. that i've always asked too many questions (though that comment made me kinda proud :p). that i should believe this because my parents said so. it's very frustrating, i deal with it personally, and it's set up as something that is impossible for me to counter.
it also upsets me that children are going to be brought up being told they should blindly accept the bible. with any thoughts to the contrary conditioned to bring them guilt and terror. not all christianity is like this, but that parts that are make me throw up my hands in exasperation.
that's my two cents worth of rant :p otherwise, i've enjoyed following all this about the "museum" as i learn just how gullible i was as a little kid.
i don’t recall if i’ve made a comment here yet or not (i seem to feel like i might’ve once), so hi. i like to stalk people’s blogs and occasionally comment.this is really the part of it that gets to me though. it’s one thing for people to have ridiculous beliefs, and all sorts of misrepresentations to back them up and so on. i believed a lot of this creationist stuff at one time, when i was young and stupid, and my parents still do. the part that enrages me is when they show it as “human reason” vs. “god’s word” and “don’t question it, just believe.” even as a christian i never believed that, and having recently informed my parents of my non-christian status, this is the brick wall i run into. i’ve been told that trying to be christian wasn’t enough, i should’ve been believing. that i’ve always asked too many questions (though that comment made me kinda proud :p). that i should believe this because my parents said so. it’s very frustrating, i deal with it personally, and it’s set up as something that is impossible for me to counter.it also upsets me that children are going to be brought up being told they should blindly accept the bible. with any thoughts to the contrary conditioned to bring them guilt and terror. not all christianity is like this, but that parts that are make me throw up my hands in exasperation.that’s my two cents worth of rant :p otherwise, i’ve enjoyed following all this about the “museum” as i learn just how gullible i was as a little kid.
What's wrong with watching porn in your dorm room with friends? Oh yeah, that's right, I'm a amoral heathen.
Seriously though, porn and ice cream parties = ultimate win
What’s wrong with watching porn in your dorm room with friends? Oh yeah, that’s right, I’m a amoral heathen.Seriously though, porn and ice cream parties = ultimate win
When some people tried to have porn and fried chicken party at my alma mater, there were huge complaints of sexism and the whole thing.
Which led to "and fried chicken" parties. Which wasn't so bad.
When some people tried to have porn and fried chicken party at my alma mater, there were huge complaints of sexism and the whole thing.Which led to “and fried chicken” parties. Which wasn’t so bad.
Since when does 30% equal 1/3? I know it's not a huge error, but it's an error that is committed way to often.
Since when does 30% equal 1/3? I know it’s not a huge error, but it’s an error that is committed way to often.
It was me who asked for a pic of the wrecking ball. I love that stupid little thing. Like I said, most ironic thing in the history of the modern world. If/when the Creation Museum finally goes out of business and they have an auction of their stuff I am willing to pay a pretty penny just so I can erect it in my front yard!
It was me who asked for a pic of the wrecking ball. I love that stupid little thing. Like I said, most ironic thing in the history of the modern world. If/when the Creation Museum finally goes out of business and they have an auction of their stuff I am willing to pay a pretty penny just so I can erect it in my front yard!
One in three is 30 percent now? Epic math fail.
The sad thing is that I dislike Brown's writing too, but only because it's terrible.
One in three is 30 percent now? Epic math fail. The sad thing is that I dislike Brown’s writing too, but only because it’s terrible.
Well, dinosaurs lived more than 4300 years ago, but they got that wrong too…I suppose they really weren't worried about fractions.
Well, dinosaurs lived more than 4300 years ago, but they got that wrong too…I suppose they really weren’t worried about fractions.
You know, I didn't even notice the math fail because the museum rotted my brain so much. It took a couple hours of philosophical discussion in the car before I regained the ability to form grammatically correct sentences and count. I wish I were kidding.
You know, I didn’t even notice the math fail because the museum rotted my brain so much. It took a couple hours of philosophical discussion in the car before I regained the ability to form grammatically correct sentences and count. I wish I were kidding.
I can imagine that convo on the way home.
"Garh…look, a…motorized…buggy….thing…"
"Do you mean a car?"
"….maybe?"
I can imagine that convo on the way home.”Garh…look, a…motorized…buggy….thing…””Do you mean a car?””….maybe?”
How hard would it have been for them to say "Less than 1 in 3" instead of "Only 1 in 3"? It would even have helped their shock value.
How hard would it have been for them to say “Less than 1 in 3” instead of “Only 1 in 3”? It would even have helped their shock value.
Doubt the bible! Crazy sex is the best sort of sex.
Unless you're doing it with an angry badger, cos that's just crazy.
Doubt the bible! Crazy sex is the best sort of sex.Unless you’re doing it with an angry badger, cos that’s just crazy.
The Nazi party formed in 1920. Bryan was indeed concerned about the rise of German nationalism and their continued quest for a pure German race. Their experiements with eugenics began LONG before WWII.
Did you really think the Nazis just suddenly appeared when WWII began?
The Nazi party formed in 1920. Bryan was indeed concerned about the rise of German nationalism and their continued quest for a pure German race. Their experiements with eugenics began LONG before WWII.Did you really think the Nazis just suddenly appeared when WWII began?
"By 1928, Hitler seems to have heard about the U.S.' massive industrial wealth, the Immigration Act of 1924, segregation, and the fact that several American states had eugenics boards to sterilize people who were considered mentally defective, and was favorably impressed. Hitler proclaimed his admiration for these sorts of policies and expressed his wish that Germany would do similar things, albeit on a much greater scale."
Holly, I guess you're right. Seems Hitler started vocalizing his thoughts about eugenics right around the Scopes trial, and I wasn't aware of that. I apologize.
“By 1928, Hitler seems to have heard about the U.S.’ massive industrial wealth, the Immigration Act of 1924, segregation, and the fact that several American states had eugenics boards to sterilize people who were considered mentally defective, and was favorably impressed. Hitler proclaimed his admiration for these sorts of policies and expressed his wish that Germany would do similar things, albeit on a much greater scale.”Holly, I guess you’re right. Seems Hitler started vocalizing his thoughts about eugenics right around the Scopes trial, and I wasn’t aware of that. I apologize.
Psst… You forgot to put the "Creationism" tag on this one.
Psst… You forgot to put the “Creationism” tag on this one.
The Hitler thing is a stretch. If several American states had eugenics boards before Hitler even thought of it, why would Bryan worry about a relatively new foreign political party rather than domestic policies?
Of course, it's all irrelevant anyway since eugenics is the exact opposite of natural selection. I'd just be interested to see if there are any (credible) pre-trial quotes of Brian speaking about Hitler. It seems unlikely.
The Hitler thing is a stretch. If several American states had eugenics boards before Hitler even thought of it, why would Bryan worry about a relatively new foreign political party rather than domestic policies?Of course, it’s all irrelevant anyway since eugenics is the exact opposite of natural selection. I’d just be interested to see if there are any (credible) pre-trial quotes of Brian speaking about Hitler. It seems unlikely.
Thank you for the edit. That was very decent of you.
Alex, Hitler published Mein Kampf in 1925, the same year as the Scopes trial. A significant portion of Mein Kampf, as I'm sure you know, discussed the creation of a pure, Aryan German race. Before the infamous trial, Bryan had a long history in politics and a number of times spoke his concern about German aggression and nationalism. No doubt he was of course concerned about America's domestic policies; however, he did express fear of Hitler's admiration of U.S. scientific advancements.
I myself am not a fan of people invoking Godwin's law (except in the case of Office Space, when Peter informs his girlfriend that Hitler made the Jews wear pieces of flare)but the advancement of eugenics, Hitler's lunatic ideas, and the Scopes trial are all, in fact, historically connected.
Thank you for the edit. That was very decent of you.Alex, Hitler published Mein Kampf in 1925, the same year as the Scopes trial. A significant portion of Mein Kampf, as I’m sure you know, discussed the creation of a pure, Aryan German race. Before the infamous trial, Bryan had a long history in politics and a number of times spoke his concern about German aggression and nationalism. No doubt he was of course concerned about America’s domestic policies; however, he did express fear of Hitler’s admiration of U.S. scientific advancements.I myself am not a fan of people invoking Godwin’s law (except in the case of Office Space, when Peter informs his girlfriend that Hitler made the Jews wear pieces of flare)but the advancement of eugenics, Hitler’s lunatic ideas, and the Scopes trial are all, in fact, historically connected.
There's an odd sign of possible misogyny at work also in the first sign. It seems like they always mention Adam and never Eve, even when Eve eats first. The original story seems a bit sexist to start with, but it almost seems like they've managed to be even more sexist by removing Eve's part altogether.
There’s an odd sign of possible misogyny at work also in the first sign. It seems like they always mention Adam and never Eve, even when Eve eats first. The original story seems a bit sexist to start with, but it almost seems like they’ve managed to be even more sexist by removing Eve’s part altogether.
Great, now I'm tempted to read Dan Brown, and I hadn't been before. I blame you.
Great, now I’m tempted to read Dan Brown, and I hadn’t been before. I blame you.
Actually, that story about Voltaire's house being taken over by the Geneva Bible Society is not true. It's owned by the French Culture Ministry. Fail! I hate when they just keep telling those lame lying stories.
Actually, that story about Voltaire’s house being taken over by the Geneva Bible Society is not true. It’s owned by the French Culture Ministry. Fail! I hate when they just keep telling those lame lying stories.
Nah the bible wont die out and neither will Christianity :D When you stand in an auditoriam of 6000 teenagers jumping round and praising God you can see there is a new generation that God is raising up to speak the truth. The bible has been and still is the no 1 selling book for hundreds and hundreds of years…and through every generation it has still been as relevant and alive as it was for past generations. Its kinda sad that u guys put so much effort into denying God and trying to write him off ….for no believing in someone…ur sure spending alot of time and energy working on that non-belief.
Perhaps silly comment from an other atheist. But your text (maybe because you wrote it quite soon after the visit) makes me think you’re quite against religion in general.”I do have to thank the Creation Museum for putting a light at the end of the tunnel though. Figuratively speaking – the room was still dark. But these two signs definitely made me feel better:”I’ve to admit, I wouldn’t mind seeing people abandoning the religions. But I also see people who really “need” religion to have a live as well. I’ve met a ex drugaddict who converted from atheist to cathlic and is quite happy about that. Has a normal live now a days.BTW; maybe I should get religious as well.. The Flying Spaghetti Monster still has some spots in his church :) Too bad there are not many practioners here in the Netherlands. We do have our share of Atheists though… 60% or something like that :D
Why are the 2 signs British? Any ideas? Not got enough loonie fundies of your own you are having to borrow ours? If so, keep them please. Wyoming and Montana have plenty of room!
This “Corruption” exhibit was the only part of the museum where I felt at home. Yep, it’s the crazy sex, night clubs, homosexuals, video games, boys and parties that make life worthwhile! No doubt that Corruption is definitely the best of all the 7 Cs of Christ. And thank Christ for that.
The anti-Catholic stuff is as old as Protestantism. These people hate Catholics with a passion.Also, as a general rule the Catholics believe in the scientific method and purport this kind of Creationism as whackaloon craziness. Church dogma sees the creation myth as an allegory for the scientific explanation. Not that I can back that personally, but at least they aren’t trying to make them believe in Raptor Jesus Horses. Don’t ask Mel Gibson-type Catholics though. They still go with the creationism myth.
When we consider that Christianity was founded upon lies, it’s not surprising it would continue to attract liars. These people have no respect for truth, the law, or even human decency.
Greek philosophers didn’t believe in an afterlife? Excuse me, Jews did not believe in any afterlife. Greek philosophers FUCKING INVENTED duality, the great grand rock which afterlife is built on. World of forms anyone? Gettin’ all Plato up in dis bitch…
Also, sorry to critiqu the photography but I can’t see part of the Greek philosophers mudraking… but did these Christian people actually try and imply that the Greek philosophers and the Roman Empire are historically linked in any meaningful way? It would be like saying American Indians didn’t believe in God, and so in 200 years the US will crash and burn for hat exact reason.
Your post is a lot of bullshit, though I suspect as a Christian you are so used to the smell you don’t even notice. First off, the Bible was the first book ever printed on the printing press, so this is about 70% of the reason why the Bible is the top *historical* bestseller. The Torah and the Hindu Vedas are much much older, and the Vedas at least are much much more voluminous, coherent, open-minded, and in agreement with modern science. I assure you, if the ancient Vedic cultures invented the printing press and violent bloody imperialism, you would not be a “Christian,” you’d be Hindu. By the way, the Diary of Anne Frank, as well as Gone With the Wind both broke the Bible’s “No. 1 BESTSELLER OMG” title for periods of time, so if you actually factor in how long the books have been around, the Bible would be proportionately getting its ass whooped by Ulysses, Anne Frank, GWtW, many many others.However, when you consider that the Gideon society buys mass produced bibles and “sells” them to hotel rooms worldwide, there is no wonder it’s the “bestselling book.” So many Christian groups buy them all up and end up giving them away to nonbelievers and sometimes drug addicts/prostitutes as part of outreach. Most of these end up in the dumpster.As to your vapid comment about a “new generation of Christians…” guess what buddy; I’ve been to rallies of over 250,000 (Rally to Restore Sanity And/Or Fear) and I can guarantee you at least 1 out of ever 10 attendees was an Atheist. So by your illogic, there will be at least twice as many Atheists as Christians in the “new generation.” In Europe, believers like you are in the minority, big time.***TL:DR: Stop being wrong, stop making things up, stop being illogical. Religion, not just your narrow white-male concept of “God” are both on the way out. If you have any arguments to make please make them real, not “I went to camp with other idiots so I know we will rule the world :D :D :D” nonsense***
the factoid about christianity es completely irrelevant. You people dont understand that it’s not Christians that a re a problem, it is religion itself. Now its christianity, tomorrow it will be islam or scientology or whatever. And may the FSM help us if Islam ever gets mainstream in western world: We can alreaady wittness what Sharia can do to our countries, as english people know very well by now.I was a catholic once, now im free and will never kneel before another imaginary friend, but I know that our fight is a lost fight, because to win, we would need to eradicate imbecility completely off our species, which will never happen