In Theory:Educational, or schlock and idolatry?

Bible Park USA, a theme park proposed for a 100-acre site in Tennessee, has sparked furious opposition.

Developers say the $200-million project is an undertaking that would provide and educational and recreational hub, with one side of the park dedicated to Old Testament stories and another side to New Testament stories, such as Jesus' birth. Parts of the park would be devoted to Bible study. A Galilean village would be the park's centerpiece.

The park would present scenes from the Bible but would not proselytize, its developer says. There would be no rollercoasters, but rather a place where people of all faiths would feel welcome, its developers say. Opponents reportedly say that the park is the wrong project for the site, while others say a hub dedicated to the Bible would cheapen the Bible's message. What do you think?

This sounds like a grand project — a great use of imagination. Bible Park USA would be an addition to the prolific dissemination of Christianity today in America through radio, TV, theater, bookstores, rock concerts and more. The use of media and marketing to promote religious tenets and spread the word is the strongest it has ever been.

Bible Park USA may be an excellent venue for conventions, gatherings and youth camps, but I don't see how it would attract people of all faiths or promote interfaith dialogue. What if an institute or convention center was created and built that honored all faith traditions?

There are many beautiful places of worship and libraries full of preserved sacred texts and scripture that offer one religious perspective supporting The One Great Truth. The way to peace, however, is the path of inclusiveness, tolerance and recognition of man's spiritual nature by all. It is possible that imagination and financial support similar to the commitment pledged for Bible Park USA be engaged to build a religious center that would promote fellowship among all churches and faith traditions.

Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard stated, "We are not engaged in a conquest or to achieve some planned utopia. All we are trying to do is lessen the turbulence and insecurity in the society, which is the basic role of a church."

True understanding of one another by acceptance of values and honoring the many diverse religious traditions and worship of God is the path for all to achieve salvation.

CATHERINE EMRANI

Volunteer Minister

Glendale Church of

Scientology