Judge rules in Christian theme park's favor

In light of the unfortunate news that a Texas grand jury indicted the Center for Medical Progress’ David Daleiden and his colleague Sandra Merritt on charges related to the organization’s role in exposing Planned Parenthood’s aborted baby body parts operation, we could use some positive news.

One way unbelievers attempt to push the Christian faith to the sidelines is to call on the government to revoke an organization’s tax-exempt status. As a certain group with a powerful lobby gains special rights, our religious freedom weakens. But a Christian organization just beat a tax-related challenge. Answers in Genesis (AIG), a non-profit defender of the faith, is building a Christian-based, for-profit theme park in Kentucky. The park, scheduled to open in the summer, includes a replica of Noah’s Ark. The state was going to provide the group with tax incentives but withdrew the offer based on the park’s religious mission.

AIG sued the state, citing First and 14th Amendment violations, and a federal judge ruled in AIG’s favor on Monday. “Bringing non-residents into Kentucky who will spend money on food, lodging, gas, and tourist attractions will increase revenues and benefit the state’s economy through jobs and spending,” U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove wrote. “Such a purpose is plainly secular.”

“I rejoice in the court’s decision today,” AIG founder, president, and CEO Ken Ham said in a statement. “The state gave us no choice but to bring this legal action. We, along with our attorneys, tried for many months to show these officials why their actions were blatantly violating our rights under the federal and state constitutions, as well as the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Kentucky Civil Rights Act. The law is crystal clear that the state cannot discriminate against a Christian group simply because of its viewpoint, but that is precisely what happened here. The decision today is a victory for the free exercise of religion in this country, including in hiring.”

Kentucky’s new governor, Republican Matt Bevin, said he supports the park’s tax incentives and has no plans to challenge the ruling. Should we be surprised that state officials were willing to risk missing out on the money the park would bring to the area? Of course, not. The issue is larger than AIG. The court’s decision sends a message to unbelievers that Christian businesses should be allowed to benefit from the same state-sponsored financial benefits as secular businesses.

Fighting to protect fundamental constitutional rights against secular assault can make one weary and jaded—and angry. We continue to fight back, to resist. Future generations depend on it. We are blessed to live in a country that guarantees religious freedom in its founding document. But we must defend this freedom and the faith. The Holy Spirit convicts, and we pass on God’s truth, whether through one-on-one witnessing, preaching sermons, running bakeries, or operating theme parks.