Next time you shop at Hobby Lobby, realize that some of the money you spend is going toward the building of a National Bible Museum in Dallas.
With a goal of establishing a national Bible museum of great depth and size, the evangelical Christian family behind the Hobby Lobby chain of craft stores has been spending heavily to amass a collection that has set dealers buzzing in the staid world of rare books.
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The man leading the effort is Steve Green, president of Hobby Lobby, a private company based here that is a favorite of scrapbook makers, do-it-yourselfers and home decorators. The company, founded by his father, David, in 1972, now numbers 439 stores and has generated a family fortune that Forbes magazine estimates at $2.5 billion.
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“The goal is to create a museum around the story of the Bible,” Mr. Green explained. “No book has been persecuted as much or loved as much. Its incredible story needs to be told.”
Here’s David Green discussing the master plan:
Well, it’s not like I’m going to reroute any future road trips to go visit this place when it gets built. But it’s nowhere near as disturbing as the Creation Museum, which actively promotes falsehoods. Green is focusing on the physical, written versions of the Bible. He doesn’t seem as hell-bent on insisting that the words inside it are literally true, regardless of his personal beliefs.
I’m curious how much he will focus on the putting together of the Bible — how it was edited and rewritten over the years and how books were selectively removed from it.
Is it a good use of money? Well, it’s not what I would spend it on… and I’m sure a lot of people, Christians included, could argue that the money could be used in far better ways than this.
Still, it’s his money. He can do what he wants.
Anyone else think this museum will be home to the most boring gift shop *ever*?
(Thanks to Jennifer for the link!)