December 2005 Issue

Heaven on Earth

When theme parks get religion


Heaven on Earth illustration by Mark Matcho

PARK

DESCRIPTION

ATTRACTIONS

Holy Land Experience
Orlando, Florida
Opened 2001

A “total immersion” version of Jerusalem during biblical times

– Re-creation of cave where Dead Sea Scrolls were found
– Arabian-themed Oasis Palms Cafe, home of the Goliath Burger

Dinosaur Adventure Land
Pensacola, Florida
Opened 2001

Creationist park “where dinosaurs and the Bible meet!”

– Rides that conclusively prove human-giant reptile coexistence, such as the Longneck Liftasaurus, the Pterodactyl Glide, and the Flingasaurus
 

Ganga-Dham
Haridwar, India
Scheduled to open in 2007

Hindu mythology theme park on the shores of the Ganges

– Star Tours-type ride starring monkey god Hanuman
– Petting zoo with “puppies, kittens, sheep, rabbits, tortoise, poultry”

City of Revelation
Central Florida
Opening date TBA

Giant biblical theme park with attractions “from Genesis to Revelation”

– Ezekiel’s “chariot of fire” ride
– “See an authentic Jewish wedding”
– Re-creation of destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah

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LET’S TALK ABOUT OPTIMISM FOR A CHANGE

Democracy and journalism are in crisis mode—and have been for a while. So how about doing something different?

Mother Jones did. We just merged with the Center for Investigative Reporting, bringing the radio show Reveal, the documentary film team CIR Studios, and Mother Jones together as one bigger, bolder investigative journalism nonprofit.

And this is the first time we’re asking you to support the new organization we’re building. In “Less Dreading, More Doing,” we lay it all out for you: why we merged, how we’re stronger together, why we’re optimistic about the work ahead, and why we need to raise the First $500,000 in online donations by June 22.

It won’t be easy. There are many exciting new things to share with you, but spoiler: Wiggle room in our budget is not among them. We can’t afford missing these goals. We need this to be a big one. Falling flat would be utterly devastating right now.

A First $500,000 donation of $500, $50, or $5 would mean the world to us—a signal that you believe in the power of independent investigative reporting like we do. And whether you can pitch in or not, we have a free Strengthen Journalism sticker for you so you can help us spread the word and make the most of this huge moment.

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