When it opens Feb. 5, visitors will be able to enter a replica of Jesus' tomb, climb the stairs of a faux Herod's Temple and travel down a re-creation of the Via Dolorosa, the street that Jesus walked before he was crucified. If the purpose is to proselytize, then it's something I condemn. There is no hidden agenda other than to share the word of God and exalt the Bible, said the theme park's founder, Marvin Rosenthal, who was raised Jewish in Philadelphia, became a Christian as a teenager and was ordained a Baptist minister at age 33. He has dreamed of building the park for 20 years. But The Holy Land Experience, located near Orlando's tourist strip, is unmistakably a theme park.
Men dressed as Roman soldiers, with armor and helmets, stand guard at the entrance.
It was designed by ITEC Entertainment Corp., which created rides for the Walt Disney Co. and Universal Studios. The park blends Jewish ritual with Christian theology, in keeping with Hebrew Christian beliefs. That is what troubles the rabbis. Any study of Judaism shows their beliefs are incompatible with Judaism. Menorahs and other Jewish religious items are sold in the gift shop.