# Ken Ham blames "Ark Encounter" failure on atheists **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [June 21, 2017, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ken-ham-blames-ark-encounter-failure-on-atheists/789575 "2017-06-21T23:28:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![gytalf2000](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ac91a4/32.png) [@gytalf2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gytalf2000)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2017, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ken-ham-blames-ark-encounter-failure-on-atheists/789575/61 "2017-06-22T13:42:33Z")
> [@Projammer](#): > > When it goes bankrupt I’ll pick it up for a coupla grand and open an upscale seafood restaurant. Catfish King. Or maybe even a Long John Silvers. I just figured that it would eventually become a casino. But I like your ideas, as well. ---
**Author:** ![Mollie\_Magill](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mollie_magill/32/20882_2.png) [@Mollie\_Magill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mollie_Magill)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2017, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ken-ham-blames-ark-encounter-failure-on-atheists/789575/62 "2017-06-22T14:31:52Z")
> [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](#): > > Yeah. The whole world is centered around an amusement park in Kentucky. People are having secret meetings all to sabotage a theme park run by a guy who seems to have never run a theme park. Frankly, it is all Secular Humanists talk about. It is the center of the spiritual battle. Yeah, that’s it. Welp - the cat’s now out of the bag. Thanks, **Paul**. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2017, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ken-ham-blames-ark-encounter-failure-on-atheists/789575/63 "2017-06-22T14:56:44Z")
> [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](#): > > Well said. As happens so often, it’s the ‘little guys’ that get screwed by the big-talking hucksters who promise fortune. Ham’s next project for the area will be a monorail. ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2017, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ken-ham-blames-ark-encounter-failure-on-atheists/789575/64 "2017-06-22T15:09:33Z")
To be fair, it did put North Haverbrook on the map. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2017, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ken-ham-blames-ark-encounter-failure-on-atheists/789575/65 "2017-06-22T15:25:28Z")
It would be really cool if it shuts down and then there’s a huge flood in the area. I don’t really know anything about it other than news blurbs, did he built a big boat and put any animals in it? If he tried to put any collection of actual animals in the thing any believers who actually visited would probably lose their faith pretty quickly. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2017, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ken-ham-blames-ark-encounter-failure-on-atheists/789575/66 "2017-06-22T15:26:38Z")
But … [this clown in the Orlando paper](http://www.orlandosentinel.com/opinion/os-ed-disney-guests-down-orlando-too-gay-for-evangelical-christians-20170614-story.html) says Everything Is Awesome, thanks to evangelicals abandoning Disney in that non-gay-hating Orlando and going to see the Ark instead. Could he be, um, wrong? (gasp!) ---
**Author:** ![Machine\_Elf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/82dd89/32.png) [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2017, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ken-ham-blames-ark-encounter-failure-on-atheists/789575/67 "2017-06-22T15:33:12Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > It would be really cool if it shuts down and then there’s a huge flood in the area. I think it would be really cool if it shuts down _because_ of a huge flood in the area. ---
**Author:** ![Steve\_MB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steve_mb/32/5339_2.png) [@Steve\_MB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steve_MB)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2017, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ken-ham-blames-ark-encounter-failure-on-atheists/789575/68 "2017-06-22T15:36:45Z")
> [@BigT](#): > > The flood myths I do think are a good indication that there was a massive flood in our prehistory, one that may have almost wiped out humanity. A major flood (probably several in different regions) that left an indelible mark on myth and legend over a wide swath of time and space is plausible. (An example would be the [possible sudden flooding of the Black Sea basin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Sea_deluge_hypothesis).) A flood that “almost wiped out humanity” isn’t, given that human precursors had spread widely even before they were properly _H. sapiens sapiens_. > [@](#): > > We are remarkably genetically similar compared to many other species, suggesting some sort of bottleneck. There are suggestions of a genetic bottleneck around 75000 years ago caused by [the Toba supervolcano eruption](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toba_catastrophe_theory) (which, unlike a flood, could plausibly have global effects). That’s too far back to be a likely source of myths that endure to historical times, even if it were the right sort of event. ---
**Author:** ![Steve\_MB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steve_mb/32/5339_2.png) [@Steve\_MB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steve_MB)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2017, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ken-ham-blames-ark-encounter-failure-on-atheists/789575/69 "2017-06-22T15:43:51Z")
> [@Jackmannii](#): > > To be fair, the failure here seems to be that of the state and local officials who smelled a money bonanza in Ham’s project and/or thought it would be a good idea to soak taxpayers to support their religious beliefs. > > Until someone gets a good look at the theme parks’ accounts, it isn’t clear that “Ark Encounter” itself is a failure, just that it hasn’t helped the local economy. Ham and his cronies could be pocketing a decent piece of change. I can’t help wondering if those books show that [he sold 25000% of the project](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Producers_(1968_film))… ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Miskatonic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mr.miskatonic/32/310_2.png) [@Mr.Miskatonic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Miskatonic)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2017, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ken-ham-blames-ark-encounter-failure-on-atheists/789575/70 "2017-06-22T15:51:37Z")
> [@ssgenius](#): > > 1. If it goes bankrupt, what do you do with it?. Repossess it?, Auction it off, Use it as a container ship to replace the Crystal ? 😃 Fill it full of wigs! WigArk! ---
**Author:** ![gytalf2000](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ac91a4/32.png) [@gytalf2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gytalf2000)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2017, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ken-ham-blames-ark-encounter-failure-on-atheists/789575/71 "2017-06-22T15:54:20Z")
> [@Machine\_Elf](#): > > I think it would be really cool if it shuts down _because_ of a huge flood in the area. I like the way you think! ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2017, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ken-ham-blames-ark-encounter-failure-on-atheists/789575/72 "2017-06-22T15:55:46Z")
> [@ssgenius](#): > > If it goes bankrupt, what do you do with it?. Repossess it?, Auction it off, Use it as a container ship to replace the Crystal ? 😃 Homeless shelter. Something Jesus would actually approve of. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2017, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ken-ham-blames-ark-encounter-failure-on-atheists/789575/73 "2017-06-22T16:15:16Z")
Carnival Cruise Lines could buy the ark and set up a Holy Land Cruise. Kosher food, animal rides and a petting zoo etc. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Miskatonic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mr.miskatonic/32/310_2.png) [@Mr.Miskatonic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Miskatonic)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2017, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ken-ham-blames-ark-encounter-failure-on-atheists/789575/74 "2017-06-22T16:16:23Z")
The Kentucky Naval National Guard can use it as target practice! ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2017, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ken-ham-blames-ark-encounter-failure-on-atheists/789575/75 "2017-06-22T16:19:21Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Carnival Cruise Lines could buy the ark and set up a Holy Land Cruise. Kosher food, animal rides and a petting zoo etc. Speaking of Orlando attractions, the Holy Land Experience is struggling badly. They might take it. Or move into it, away from all those Godless libruls. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2017, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ken-ham-blames-ark-encounter-failure-on-atheists/789575/76 "2017-06-22T16:26:19Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > I don’t really know anything about it other than news blurbs, did he built a big boat and put any animals in it? Read [this](https://thimblerigsark.wordpress.com/2016/07/19/my-review-of-ken-hams-ark-encounter-theme-park/) report I posted up-thread, plus [this](https://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2017/06/16/the-ark-encounter-wood-plus-animal-noises/#more-34927) one and [this](https://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2017/06/19/is-the-ark-encounter-economically-viable/) one and [this](http://www.gq.com/story/inside-ark-encounter-theme-park) one and especially [this](https://ncse.com/library-resource/kentucky-gets-ark-shaped-second-creation-museum) one. You can also look at reports on Ham’s other Hammy sermon [here](http://whatever.scalzi.com/2007/11/12/your-creation-museum-report/) and [here](http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2009/08/10/the-creation-museum-1/) and [here](https://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/things-i-learned-at-the-creation-museum?utm_term=.xpdeQq0yA#.gxRAM3Gkx) and [here](http://www.debunking-christianity.com/2013/08/an-atheist-visits-creation-museum-in.html). ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2017, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ken-ham-blames-ark-encounter-failure-on-atheists/789575/77 "2017-06-22T16:28:26Z")
> [@Projammer](#): > > When it goes bankrupt I’ll pick it up for a coupla grand and open an upscale seafood restaurant. Catfish King. Or maybe even a Long John Silvers. Are you looking for a business partner? 😃 ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2017, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ken-ham-blames-ark-encounter-failure-on-atheists/789575/78 "2017-06-22T16:32:10Z")
> [@Gatopescado](#): > > Are you looking for a business partner? 😃 Careful, you may be on the menu. ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2017, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ken-ham-blames-ark-encounter-failure-on-atheists/789575/79 "2017-06-22T17:57:11Z")
> [@Princhester](#): > > A single photo from a single Sunday half an hour before the place opened isn’t exactly wildly convincing. Ark Park draws the biggest crowds in the history of evah, period! Atheist communistic lefty-pinko Fake News media publish off-hour fotos to make crowds look puny! Losers! Sad! ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2017, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ken-ham-blames-ark-encounter-failure-on-atheists/789575/80 "2017-06-22T18:06:07Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > My atheist group has been praying hard on this matter (we even did a **prayer circle** )… Just to differentiate yourselves, I’d suggest a prayer _[prolate cyclogon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclogon)._ [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ken-ham-blames-ark-encounter-failure-on-atheists/789575.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ken-ham-blames-ark-encounter-failure-on-atheists/789575.md?page=5)