Rutherford County Passes On Bible Park

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LEBANON, Tenn.- Developers of a controversial Bible theme park are moving on. Rutherford County said no. So, the next stop is Wilson County.

"I'm opposed to it. It's immoral and sacrilegious to use the bible simply to put money in people's pocket," said Wilson County resident, Stephen Wheeley.

Critics spoke out against the proposal saying it would mix profit and religion. While some opposed the park coming to Lebanon, others welcomed the project with open arms.

Mayor Don Fox estimates the park would bring Lebanon and Wilson County nearly $2 million a year. Local officials are so excited about bringing the project in, they've already suggested two different locations where the park would go.

"First you got to talk about the S with two lines in it... the dollar sign. We're struggling as every other county in the state are and we need the revenue," said Fox.

Developers dismissed criticisms of the project Friday saying the park would simply be a non-denominational look at the Bible and the Holy Land with no emphasis on imposing religion.

"It's done in a way that people can come see for themselves. They can enjoy it and take away from it what they want," said Armon Bar-Tur.

Officials have already proposed two different properties where the park could be built.

Local officials hope to have a decision on the bible park sometime within the next month. Developers say it would take about two years to complete the $180 million project.

According to developers, 18 counties in Tennessee and several others in Kentucky are interested in becoming the Bible Park's new home.