Thank you for the question on Bible based theme park, “Is the idea of a Bible-based theme park antithetical to the Bible’s teachings?”
As I thought about this question, the answer may be seen in the purpose of the Bible based theme park and the appropriate or accurate depiction of the Bible events.
As an overall view, I do not believe that depicting scenes of the Bible is heretical or antithetical to the the Bible. During Good Friday-Easter or the Birth of Jesus is enacted yearly in churches. The celebration of the Lord’s Supper weekly or monthly or paintings of the Bible are used as teaching tools and reminders.
A. The Purpose of the Bible Based theme park.
If the purpose of the Bible based theme park is financial gain, not the conveying or illustrating the Biblical event, then the motive for building is a worldly one. It is using the Bible as a money making machine to enrich its owners or corporation. If, however, the biblical theme park is used to enable Christians or even non-Christian visitors to have a greater understanding and appreciation of the Bible.
I went to an attraction that had a reconstruction of the Tabernacle or the Passion Event. I found it very enlightening and enable me to more fully visualize the biblical event. In may ways that is why so many Christians want to travel to the Holy Land to experience the land and to connect to the biblical events. Thus if the corporation who builds the theme park has that in mind, it is a notable act. I would also hope that the entrance fees would be reasonable to attract more people rather than to attract those who can afford it.
B. The accurate representation of the Bible events.
If Christians can combine their resources and have a biblical theme park that accurately reflects the Bible and makes it fun to attend, that would be wonderful. Imagine having a theme park that would include like The Garden, Noah’s Ark, Moses and the Burning Bush, the Tabernacle, Manna and Water in the Wilderness, Samson, perhaps shows from Branson like Samson, Ruth, David and Goliath, Daniel and his three friends, etc. Games like using a sling or sling shot, arrow shooting, sword fighting, spear throwing, costume of characters, mazes in finding Precious Pearl, Passover Meal with Participants, the Lamb’s Book of Life, etc. It may include lectures and display of Biblical artifacts, making papyrus or pottery, perhaps a typical village during the Old or New Testament, etc. It may even include special events with Christian artists and singers
I believe it will be a wonderful, fun, and yet biblical educating. Does anyone have that kind of vision or finances to do one? Why can’t Christians combine our resources and skills to create such a theme park to the glory of God. It can be used to share the Gospel with those who are seeking or wanting to know more about the Bible. Perhaps even a counseling center can be incorporated or spiritual assessment center be part of it.
SUMMARY: Christians already sees films and shows. Have a biblical theme park may not be that wild of an idea for who knows what God can do or use it in reaching more for Jesus Christ.
For more perspectives:
https://www.quora.com/Is-the-idea-of-a-Bible-based-theme-park-antithetical-to-the-Bibles-teachings