We Believe in Dinosaurs: The Conflict Between Science and Religion in Rural Kentucky

We Believe in Dinosaurs follows the design and construction of a massive $120 million Noah’s Ark replica in rural Kentucky, telling the story of the unsettling and uniquely American conflict between science and religion. This story gives a good introduction to what it is and the controversial elements of the Ark Encounter project.

The Ark Encounter and Ken Ham

Thils film documents creationist Ken Ham's manipulation of governments and religion to build a multimillion dollar profitable business for himself. Ham is building an entire empire dedicated to brainwashing religious fundamentalists into making him rich. As the film explains, Ken Ham, proprietor, doesn't like it because he wants to control all of the narrative, even as Kentucky taxpayers are supporting him.

Profiles of Science and Faith

To me the highlight was the hero of the story Dan Phelps a local geologist who seems to be fighting a one man battle to make sure the Ark Encounter and its various violations of church and state are elucidated. A University of Kentucky paleontologist and former protege of Ken Ham's do what they can to protect Kentucky taxpayers from being bilked out of more than $18 million dollars to support Ham's for-profit propaganda enterprise, but corrupt politicians foil their efforts.

Central to the story, Dan (a scientist) and David (former creationist) are hugely inspirational, but want to mention that Doug (a creationist) was also treated with respect and shown as a talented and likable artist. Around 12 minutes into the documentary appears David Macmillan. Macmillan used to be a young-earth creationist and a science denier; now he is a science advocate.

Documentary Perspective and Impact

The subject was handled in a very thoughtful, balanced way with respectful interviews from people on both sides of the issue. The folks that created this did a great job of explaining both sides of the situation. It was interesting to watch as we get to learn the personal experiences of people that are centered in the film on both sides from their time as kids to adults. I applaud the filmmakers for remaining as unbiased as possible, although it's too bad that we didn't get to watch interviews from Mr.Ken Ham, the person in charge of the Ark on this subject but the producers did a great job of filling in all of the footage from previous public appearances.

However, the narrative reveals a troubling reality. This documentary goes easy on AiG for all the problems they have, both internally as a company and externally toward the community. It made me sad both for the town in Kentucky that was sold a lot of promises (to get their buy-in and lucrative tax breaks) as well as all the kids who are being taught a warped version of science by the Ark and the Museum of Creation.

Key Documentary Facts

  • Location: Williamstown, Kentucky, USA
  • Project Cost: Massive $120 million Noah’s Ark replica
  • Taxpayer Concerns: More than $18 million dollars in support
  • Runtime: 1h 45m
  • Release Date: November 19, 2019 (United States)