The Ark Encounter Is Opening Tomorrow!

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Jan 24, 2009
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#41
Jesus's Disciples didn't have a degree and they helped changed the world.
If I was inspired enough by the Holy Spirit where I was able to write a book of the canon, I'd consider that higher in value than a PhD.

It's just interesting to me how Nye and Ham are considered intellectual heavy-weights although neither of them have an advanced degree.

I'm not suggesting they are stupid or that their opinions and studies are worthless or anything like that. Just a simple observation.
 
V

Voldemort

Guest
#42
Did I read correctly that tax payer money was used to help fund this $100 million dollar project?
 
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RachelBibleStudent

Guest
#43
Did I read correctly that tax payer money was used to help fund this $100 million dollar project?
taxpayer funds were -not- used for the ark encounter...the ark encounter does receive a -rebate- on taxes already paid by the park...
 
Dec 1, 2014
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#44
If I was inspired enough by the Holy Spirit where I was able to write a book of the canon, I'd consider that higher in value than a PhD.

It's just interesting to me how Nye and Ham are considered intellectual heavy-weights although neither of them have an advanced degree.

I'm not suggesting they are stupid or that their opinions and studies are worthless or anything like that. Just a simple observation.
I have three PhD's in beer drinking.
 
Jan 24, 2009
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#48
I have three PhD's in beer drinking.
I admittedly very much failed the test on that.

Make that Pepsi and I'd say I have at least a masters.
Buurrrrrp! Heck, maybe a PhD!
 
V

Voldemort

Guest
#49
taxpayer funds were -not- used for the ark encounter...the ark encounter does receive a -rebate- on taxes already paid by the park...
I just read it was funded using a TIF (Tax Increment financing). In the "rebate", the taxes they would have to pay for their development will go directly to the principle of the bond (interest free) they received from the TIF. Furthermore, if a TIF defaults, it's put on the tax payer, and not on the Ark Encounter.

If the source I'm reading is accurate, $62 million was loaned to the Ark Encounter via TIF. Rather than paying property taxes, the taxes go directly to the principle of the loan. If they default, taxpayers pay the tab.

I'm not trying to make a big deal about it, I just wish the public sector had no involvement in this so they can't complain about separation of church/state.

I definitely plan to visit sometime in the next year. It looks and sounds really cool.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Dec 1, 2014
9,701
252
0
#50
I just read it was funded using a TIF (Tax Increment financing). In the "rebate", the taxes they would have to pay for their development will go directly to the principle of the bond (interest free) they received from the TIF. Furthermore, if a TIF defaults, it's put on the tax payer, and not on the Ark Encounter.

If the source I'm reading is accurate, $62 million was loaned to the Ark Encounter via TIF. Rather than paying property taxes, the taxes go directly to the principle of the loan. If they default, taxpayers pay the tab.

I'm not trying to make a big deal about it, I just wish the public sector had no involvement in this so they can't complain about separation of church/state.

I definitely plan to visit sometime in the next year. It looks and sounds really cool.
If you find the phrase, "separation of church and state" in the U.S. Constitution, I'll pay off the loan myself.
 

notmyown

Senior Member
May 26, 2016
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#51
If you find the phrase, "separation of church and state" in the U.S. Constitution, I'll pay off the loan myself.
and no fair writing it in!

lol
 
V

Voldemort

Guest
#52
If you find the phrase, "separation of church and state" in the U.S. Constitution, I'll pay off the loan myself.
Good news for you, I think most everyone knows the phrase was not written in the constitution. It was first used by Thomas Jefferson and later used by the Supreme Court.

It doesn't need to be in the constitution to make it a legal precedent though. Be it explicit or implicit, when the Supreme Court makes a decision and explicitly states such a precedent, it's just as valid (to the law of the land) as if it was in the constitution. The Supreme Court is too powerful unfortunately.
 
T

Tintin

Guest
#53
What kind of weather should I be expecting in November in late November? Also, is there a good chance of seeing hummingbirds there? I've never seen them before.