Kentucky

Officials in Kentucky awarded more than $40 million in tax incentives to a biblical theme park Thursday afternoon, inciting criticism from several organizations including Americans United.

The Kentucky Tourism Development Finance Authority approved the aid for the Ark Encounter after evaluating a three-month study conducted by the independent research group Hunden Strategic Partners. Officials determined that millions of dollars in potential revenue would go to another state if the park was not built.

A collaboration between Ark Encounter and Ken Ham’s Answers in Genesis, the Ark Encounter is advertised to be a one-of-a-kind historically themed attraction which will include a full-size, all-wood Noah’s Ark, the Tower of Babel, and a walk through aviary, among other things. more >>

“In God We Trust” is proving to be a popular motto for residents in Kentucky.

Ever since the state Transportation Cabinet gave the green light to sell standard-issue plates sporting the “In God We Trust” slogan in January, over 50,000 plates have been sold, according to The Associated Press.

Within the last four months, Kentucky motorists registering passenger vehicles have opted for the standard-issue license plate bearing the national motto, “In God We Trust,” a motto established by Congress in 1956, instead of the original “Unbridled Spirit” plate. more >>

In a passionate plea to seminary students, Reformed theologian C. J. Mahaney cautioned them against becoming "puffed up" believers in Christ.

The temptation of pride is there, especially as Christians grow in their knowledge of the truth, Mahaney warned on Thursday. But rather than being filled with pride, believers should be more and more humbled, knowing the grace of God.

President of Sovereign Grace Ministries in Gaithersburg, Md., Mahaney addressed students at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., with a message titled "Deflating the Puffed Up Church." more >>

The Kentucky Senate passed a bill Wednesday that would add Bible classes to the curriculum in public schools.

The Senate voted 34-1 to approve Senate Bill 56.

The measure would direct the Kentucky Board of Education to create guidelines on a curriculum around the Bible. According to the proposal, students would be able to take a Bible course as a social studies elective centered on the Hebrew Scriptures, Old Testament of the Bible, the New Testament, or a combination of the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament of the Bible. more >>

Plans to build a biblical theme park complete with Noah’s ark in northern Kentucky are being met with protest – at least from one group that claims a violation of the separation of church and state.

The Rev. Barry Lynn of Americans United for Separation of Church and State and Ken Ham, president and founder of Answers in Genesis, engaged in an informal debate on CNN Wednesday night with Lynn opposing support from the state for the park.

The question of the night, posed by CNN’s Anderson Cooper: “How close is too close for comfort when there’s a religious park being built and the government is helping at all?” more >>

Correction appended

Noah may have taken 100 years to build the ark but investors of a new biblical theme park in northern Kentucky plan to replicate a full-scale model in under 36 months.

The completely wooden ark, which would measure 500 ft. across, 75 ft. wide and 45 ft. high, is slated to be unveiled in spring 2014 as one of the attractions of the proposed $150 million Ark Encounter theme park. more >>