Public pressure can be a good and a bad thing. Often pressure changes decisions, and people in positions of authority do act responsibly from the pressure that comes from people and groups who mount the effort to get steps taken. Then, pressure can make good people make wrong choices
On Monday, we learned that the Cincinnati Zoo in Cincinnati, Ohio, had gotten so many complaints that zoo leaders pulled out of a plan to continue a short-lived holiday event in partnership by the Creation Museum.
The museum, located at the Cincinnati Airport, is described as a “ministry of Answers in Genesis, a nonprofit Christian organization dedicated to confirming the validity of the Bible from the very first verse.” Leaders from the zoo and the museum had launched a special deal for the Christmas season that was intended to promote each other. The cross-promotion included a ticket for $25.95 for adults to see both the museum and the zoo. It was a $9 savings over going to both places in the short-term partnership.
Yet, the Zoo’s “Festival of Lights” and “Bethlehem’s Blessing” didn’t sit well with many who complained.
Called “Two Great Attractions, One Great Deal,” it was described by the Cincinnati Enquirer as no different that entities do all the time. It cited a joint effort by the Cincinnati Reds and Newport Aquarium. But according to Christianity Today’s Web site, “…zoo officials found themselves embroiled in a debate between creationists who support the museum and evolutionists who oppose it.”
Those who complained called it inappropriate for a private museum dedicated to the teachings of the Bible’s Book of Genesis to get public support.. The Enquirer quoted a radiologist, Dr. James Leach, who called the zoo “one of the city’s public treasures” and the Creation Museum “an international laughingstock.”
Aslee Manuel had this Enquirer reader comment following the article, “The Cincinnati Zoo has revealed itself as a bigoted, close-minded, intolerant organization. Bigoted against Christians, close-minded and intolerant of any belief system other than their own,” she said. “I am disgusted with their decision. I have been to the zoo several times ….. I vow to never visit again. Had this been any other religious group that the zoo broke an agreement with, it would be a big story with public outrage. But since it’s Christians, it’s okay. I’m sick of this double standard.”
Ken Ham, the museum’s founder who is widely seen in media and film related to creationism, said he understood the zoo staff’s action because of public comment. “Frankly, we are used to this kind of criticism from our opponents, and so ‘being expelled” like this is not a huge surprise,” he said. In a statement, he said, “It’s a pity that intolerant people have pushed for our expulsion simply because of our Christian faith. Some of their comments …. Reveal great intolerance for anything having to do with Christianity.”
The Enquirer said the Creation Museum, which opened in May 2007, “has been praised by supporters as a bulwark against evolutionary teachings. It also has been ridiculed by critics who say its displays, including a triceratops with a saddle on its back, are based on pseudo science.”
