Finally, it is summer. Your plans probably include visits to Disneyland and Universal Studios minus the agony of religion homework as a daily obligation. After reading “The Crucifixion and Ice Cream,” the idea of studying religion at a theme park seems to be only one plane ticket away to Orlando, Florida.

It is a living, biblical museum that takes you 7000 miles away and 2000 years back in time to the land of the Bible. Its combination of sights, sounds, and tastes will stimulate your senses and blend together to create a spectacular new experience.
-excerpt from the official website of the Holy Land Experience

Instead of Cinderella’s castle, the Holy Land Experience theme park is home to the reproduction of Herod’s Temple. This atypical vacation site exhibits replicas of some of the most famous places mentioned in the Bible, such as Jesus’ tomb. Tourists can also watch a simulation of the crucifixion as they enjoy their over-priced churros and ice creams.

Not surprisingly, the park has stirred some controversy. The park blends ideas from Christianity as well as Judaism. Despite the park’s effort to create a purely enjoyable environment, a spirit of Christian supersessionism is still prevalent.

I don’t know what is stranger: the irony that there is animosity brewing between people at a religious park or the entire actuality of the Holy Land Experience.