The Creation Museum includes a promotion for Answers in Genesis’s separate Ark Encounter theme park project in the museum’s existing Noah portion of a walk through biblical history. (Stephen Burnett, Oct. 24, 2014)

Some Christians still seem to be valuing alarmism, atheist-trolling, and even self-justifying “evangelism” perhaps a little more highly than the greatest commandment to love God above all and with our all (Mark 12:29-30).

Today at Christ and Pop Culture I ask this not only about Answers in Genesis but similar churches and groups:

Why, even when Christians have the ability and the chance to show truly creative cultural engagement with creative excellence and joy, do we keep ignoring these strengths in favor of appeals to two lesser goals: reductionistic evangelism efforts and fan service?

… Jesus has begun to restore humans in a Kingdom to our original purpose of loving God above all else so that we can enjoy Him — and only then we can start flourishing and enjoying His gifts, including nature and exploration and science.

… But AiG obscures this vision from the wider world. Instead, on regular billboards and social networks, AiG promotes incendiary culture-war rhetoric that seems designed to placate Christians who may believe a billboard’s rebuke or biting Facebook reply will get that atheist real good. The creation/gospel message becomes just another means to wallop atheists and save America — again, for its own sake, bypassing the greatest commandment.

“Intolerant Liberal Friends”: Ark Encounter’s Culture-War Confusions is effectively a sequel to 2013’s [Christian Ministries, Let’s Have] Less Screaming, More Swashbuckling here at SpecFaith.

… What brought you into a passion for whatever Christian cause or ministry you enjoy? Your local church (this comes first), a denomination, a relief organization, a group of cult-busters or apologetics artists, a website, or any other parachurch outfit? I’m guessing you were not drawn aboard primarily because the group hollered at you about Horrible Dangers. Rather, you were captivated by the call to missions work. A founder’s personality. Christ’s clear influence in that organization. Your own Spirit-given desire to glorify Him.

Read the rest of today’s article at Christ and Pop Culture.¹