Holy Land Experience, Orlando Florida,By John Allsopp
Christian theme parkAuthor: John Allsopp Trinity Broadcasting Network, a California-based Christian empire with 12,500 worldwide TV and cable affiliates, took over Holy Land and its estimated $8 million mortgage. Both are non-profit organizations, so Trinity describes the deal as a "marriage" rather than a purchase, saying little money changed hands. Already, ticket sales are up 25%, owing to mentions on the new parent's broadcasts, and an expansion is planned. It will include new shows, a general freshening and a new Trinity television studio, where movies and TV shows will be filmed and furnish even more publicity. It is believed that the way this came together, it was designed by God for us to continue the way we need to," park president Tom Powell said. "I don't think the end result is because of anything any person did. I think it's the end result of what everyone here was asking for." Holy Land previously had almost no advertising budget, relying on word-of-mouth testimonials and tourists who happened to drive by. The park has a "scriptorium," an opulent-looking building with an enormous collection of rare Bibles and artifacts. Powell said it is the largest of its kind outside the Vatican. Other stops include a scale model of Jerusalem, an exhibit on the Dead Sea Scrolls and a model of the garden tomb where Christ was supposedly buried. Vendors and actors wear head coverings and billowing cotton rags, and gift shops sell Bibles and other Christian items. Among them is a genealogical map linking Adam to Jesus, handbags, necklaces and T-shirts. It also sells yarmulkes and menorahs — a nod to its founder. The attraction opened in 2001, the vision of a New Jersey preacher who came south to expand his reach. It was controversial because the Rev. Marvin Rosenthal is a Baptist born Jewish, and now considers himself a "Hebrew Christian" or "Messianic Jew." That means he believes Jesus is the Messiah, contrary to traditional Jewish beliefs. Some local Jews were upset he was creating an attraction, and their conflict made international news when the park started!
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