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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This is how change happens.

One story at a time.

This investigative reporting takes time too. Months of research. Weeks of writing, editing, and fact checking—and putting together the photography, art, video, and audio that tell the stories in a new way, illuminating new perspectives and voices.

We can afford to take our time because we don’t report to oligarchs or corporations. We report to you, and for you.

And the stakes are high. Democracy is on the defense. We’ve been exposing corruption and scandal for five decades, and this is a pivotal moment in our country’s history. Will democracy prevail? We won’t wait for time to tell—independent journalism is essential for democracy, and we’ll keep doing our part to amplify the free press.

So, we’re asking: Will you join the fight? Mother Jones has been here for 50 years, and we need your support to fuel the future of investigative journalism. Mark our 50th anniversary with a gift of any amount.

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