Tierra Santa, the holy land?

I recently visited a theme park here in Buenos Aires. It was not the usual Six Flags or Raging Waters kind of theme park that one would expect back in the states. It was a Jesus theme park. Now, I'm still not quite sure what to think of this so I am going to have a serious moment here. I really welcome your comments and would love for this to open up some serious discussion about how the Christian community reaches out to those who are not a part of the community.

The park, for starters, was entirely made of plastic. They had plastic buildings, camels, people even palm trees despite the fact that right outside the park there were living, lush, real palm trees. The focal point of the park was the resurrection, which we were not able to see because of the wind. But apparently, a giant Jesus emerges from this hilltop, with the crucifixion scene right in front. Inside this giant plastic hill were representations of some of the best known stories of the bible (Adam and Eve, Abraham, Moses) along with the nativity story all presented through plastic, life-size figures and scenes. Outside the hill, there was a pathway that took you through every step of Jesus' trial up to the resurrection. The park included a mosque, jewish temple and church, of course, all plastic. It also had, sporadically, other figures that are important to Christian history. Martin Luther, Mother Theresa and Pope John Paul II could all be found awkwardly positioned next to buildings and figures meant to represent Jerusalem. Looking over the walls that bordered Tierra Santa, a water park was in pain view next door.

The park is run by the city of Buenos Aires. It is meant to be informative.

I still have many questions about the park that were not answered in any of the brochures or signs. Where does the money collected as an entrance fee go? Is it used in general city funds? Are the workers believers? Or just people the city has hired? Does the park have any support or connection with the churches of the city?

And of course, I have some deeper questions. Is it possible to reach people through a theme park? Is the city sincerely trying to educate or using the park as a source of revenue? Will people be able to relate the plastic events to something real? Can newer forms of media and entertainment be used by the Christian community without losing the intimacy, life and reality that is key to our religion? Are any people sincerely brought to the religion through the park? How many people lose interest in Christianity because of all the fakeness?

As I mentioned I'm not sure what to think about Tierra Santa. I do know that I walked away from the park thinking that it was one of the most bizarre experiences I have ever had. Let me know what YOU think.