Bringing together nationally and internationally-known scholars, The Museum of the Bible: A Critical Introduction analyzes the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., from a variety of perspectives and disciplinary positions, including biblical studies, history, archaeology, Judaic studies, and religion and public life. The Museum of the Bible is poised to wield unparalleled influence on the national popular imagination of the Bible’s contents, history, and uses through time. This volume provides critical tools by which a broad public of scholars and students alike can assess the Museum of the Bible’s presentation of its vast collection and wrestle with the thorny interpretive issues and complex histories that are at risk of being obscured when private funds put a major museum near the National Mall.

Paul Thomas chronicles a multi-level reception study of the Bible at both the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter in Kentucky, USA. Thomas explores the commercial presentation of biblical narratives and the reception of those narratives by the patrons of each attraction, focusing upon three topics; what do young Creationists believe, how they interpret their beliefs from the Bible, and what is the user experience at the museums? The volume begins by explaining how Answers in Genesis (AiG) use Bible passages to support young-Earth creationist arguments, allowing for the chance to consider the Bible via physical means. Thomas then examines how the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter visitors receive the Bible (as presented by AiG) and how this presentation informs visitors' understanding of the text, exploring concepts such as the most prominent displays of the two attractions, the larger context of museums and theme parks and the case studies of the Methuselah display and The Noah Interview. He concludes with the summary of the user experience generated by the attractions, analyzing the degree to which patrons accept, negotiate, or resist the interpretation of the Bible offered by AiG.

Read the adventurous story of the creation and building of the world’s first museum dedicated solely to one book—the Bible. Drawing on detailed firsthand accounts, Lifting Up the Bible brings the Museum’s creation to life, retelling the full background of the Museum, including the colorful stories of the Museum’s characters, concept, collection, and construction. It may be hard to believe an old refrigeration warehouse built in 1923 could be transformed into a museum, let alone one that includes such priceless artifacts, amazing displays, incredible architecture, and state of the art technology. The mueseum began as a simple idea in the minds of a handful of people. Soon it was reaching out and capturing others—bringing more and more partners to the table. There was brainstorming followed by sketches. Innovation followed by clarification. Focus followed by concrete plans. And, finally, the moment to go for it. To take that first giant, collective step, trusting that everything would fall into place. The museum is for every single person who desires to learn more about the amazing document that is the Bible. The largest single museum under one roof in Washington D.C., and the first in the world to focus on honoring the Bible, the Museum of the Bible provides guests with an immersive and personalized experience as they see the Bible in a whole new light.

For anyone interested in Bible history, a visit to the British Museum will be a truly unforgettable experience. You will find historical evidence which both supports Bible record and confirms the existence of many Bible characters. You will become familiar with many of the peoples and the customs that influenced the Israelites in Bible times. This guide will help you to find these items.

This beautiful book highlights the exciting exhibitions, attractions, and architecture of Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC.