Dry Gulch USA Christmas Train - Gripe

[Kashmir]

I think maybe it should have been be like this on the tix/commercials: (forgive me if it already is)

(imagine the big FANCY writing)

The Christmas Train*

*As a courtesy we warn you that some content shown during our informative film may be frightening for very young children.  A separate room with children's music has been provided for this purpose. As always, thank you for your patronage.

Now on your GUTS/Nightmare experience, as the letters obviously drip with blood, you probably don't want to take your tot.  

[azbadpuppy]

quote:Originally posted by Kashmir

I think maybe it should have been be like this on the tix/commercials: (forgive me if it already is)

(imagine the big FANCY writing)

The Christmas Train*

*As a courtesy we warn you that some content shown during our informative film may be frightening for very young children.  A separate room with children's music has been provided for this purpose. As always, thank you for your patronage.

Now on your GUTS/Nightmare experience, as the letters obviously drip with blood, you probably don't want to take your tot.  

Exactly, and I think that was the OP's point. Nobody is 'bashing' Christianity. I went to their website, and NOWHERE on the site does it even mention this film being presented, nor what the contents are. Not under the 'What to Expect' section, not under the FAQ section- nowhere. As a matter of fact the only place that the 'Church On the Move' is even mentioned is a small footnote at the bottom of the 'Contact Us' page.

www.christmastrain.com

IMO, this is very misleading and deceptive. Obviously the organizers do not want it to be known that the operation is an attempt to evangelize, but clearly it is. According to a story in the Pryor Daily Times:

"That's why we do Dry Gulch USA," said George. "God loves you so much that he sent Jesus Christ to this world to die for your sins."

He invites the audience to pray before they leave the theater.

"Think of the number of people who may never get through the door of a church," said Kuerbitz. "We hope we've given them the experience of understanding the true Christmas story ... reach out to people, affect them on a number of levels, physical, emotional and spiritual."

Honestly I have no issue with that. It is a private park and they can do what they want, however:

If you are providing a family-focused Christmas experience period then fine, but if you are using this 'experience' to evangelize and promote your religion, then it needs to be clearly expressed- and certainly if some of the content is not suited for children- the targeted audience of such a show!

Personally I would have been beyond angry and would have demanded my money back- especially if I had kids with me. If I want to go to church, I will do so on my own time and at the church of MY choice, thank you.

[zstyles]

quote:Originally posted by azbadpuppy

quote:Originally posted by Kashmir

I think maybe it should have been be like this on the tix/commercials: (forgive me if it already is)

(imagine the big FANCY writing)

The Christmas Train*

*As a courtesy we warn you that some content shown during our informative film may be frightening for very young children.  A separate room with children's music has been provided for this purpose. As always, thank you for your patronage.

Now on your GUTS/Nightmare experience, as the letters obviously drip with blood, you probably don't want to take your tot.  

Exactly, and I think that was the OP's point. Nobody is 'bashing' Christianity. I went to their website, and NOWHERE on the site does it even mention this film being presented, nor what the contents are. Not under the 'What to Expect' section, not under the FAQ section- nowhere. As a matter of fact the only place that the 'Church On the Move' is even mentioned is a small footnote at the bottom of the 'Contact Us' page.

www.christmastrain.com

IMO, this is very misleading and deceptive. Obviously the organizers do not want it to be known that the operation is an attempt to evangelize, but clearly it is. According to a story in the Pryor Daily Times:

"That's why we do Dry Gulch USA," said George. "God loves you so much that he sent Jesus Christ to this world to die for your sins."

He invites the audience to pray before they leave the theater.

"Think of the number of people who may never get through the door of a church," said Kuerbitz. "We hope we've given them the experience of understanding the true Christmas story ... reach out to people, affect them on a number of levels, physical, emotional and spiritual."

Honestly I have no issue with that. It is a private park and they can do what they want, however:

If you are providing a family-focused Christmas experience period then fine, but if you are using this 'experience' to evangelize and promote your religion, then it needs to be clearly expressed- and certainly if some of the content is not suited for children- the targeted audience of such a show!

Personally I would have been beyond angry and would have demanded my money back- especially if I had kids with me. If I want to go to church, I will do so on my own time and at the church of MY choice, thank you.

Very good analagy and points..I wouldn't ask for a refund..to be honest the rest of the place was great..it was the movie that turned me off. I had a friend who went there last night..I advised him to skip the show and he did...I think that I got my money's worth and it was worth paying..but the entire commercial "train" is WAYYYY over -rated....the train was my least fav thing even before the movie..(waiting in line for 45 mins for a 3 min train ride with posters up of bible scenes? I can go to ORU and see that for free!

[dbacks fan]

quote:Originally posted by sgrizzle

quote:Originally posted by dbacks fan

Is this the same people that did or do the Halloween program that they claim will "Scare The Hell Out Of You"?

That's GUTS.

I was looking at GUTS site and saw that Jimmy Swaggart's son Matt Swaggart is thier art director. Is GUTS a part of the Swaggart Ministries?

[lms68]

I visited Dry Gulch and rode the Christmas Train last Sunday, December 7th.  Before going, I had already heard the complaints about the graphic content of Willie George's testimony.  But the film I saw had a very distinct cut in it right after he said that his mother committed suicide and there was absolutely no graphic content.  I later asked a friend who is a Church on the Move employee and she said that the film had been re-edited sometime the first week of December to remove the graphic material.  The Train is indeed sold out for this year, but I encourage anyone who has a ticket and might be considering not using it because of what they have heard about the film to reconsider.  It is still a great family experience with a very professional operation.  As for the proselytizing, this entire event is put on by a large evangelical church -- a little evangelism should not come as a surprise to anyone from the Bible Belt.  But for those who are turned off by that, it lasts precisely 5 minutes and then you can be on your way.

[zstyles]

quote:Originally posted by lms68

I visited Dry Gulch and rode the Christmas Train last Sunday, December 7th.  Before going, I had already heard the complaints about the graphic content of Willie George's testimony.  But the film I saw had a very distinct cut in it right after he said that his mother committed suicide and there was absolutely no graphic content.  I later asked a friend who is a Church on the Move employee and she said that the film had been re-edited sometime the first week of December to remove the graphic material.  The Train is indeed sold out for this year, but I encourage anyone who has a ticket and might be considering not using it because of what they have heard about the film to reconsider.  It is still a great family experience with a very professional operation.  As for the proselytizing, this entire event is put on by a large evangelical church -- a little evangelism should not come as a surprise to anyone from the Bible Belt.  But for those who are turned off by that, it lasts precisely 5 minutes and then you can be on your way.

Hey Look! Somone with one post! I guess the emails must be going around the church! Great welcome to Tulsa Now!

So it was edited? Well great! Thats all that I called and asked them..but really suicide, kids, christmas...isn't that what its about! I guess they still know whats best for our kids....I will have to call them and thank them on monday!

[dbacks fan]

***walking away shaking head****

[sgrizzle]

Glad to know that they edited the film.

Now if only we could get some people to understand that NO church, church activity, or locomotive is inerrant or above criticism and they should appreciate the feedback as opposed to jumping to the conclusion that it is nothing but an attack on their religion and/or church.

[Kashmir]

Our work here is done!!![]

[zstyles]

Merry Christmas