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| {{Infobox Person | {{Infobox Person | ||
| | name = Kent Hovind | | name = Kent Hovind | ||
| | residence = ] |
| residence = ] | ||
| | other_names = | | other_names = | ||
| | image = Kent_Hovind.jpg | | image = Kent_Hovind.jpg | ||
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| Dr '''Kent Hovind''' (born in ]), the self-styled '''''Dr Dino''''', is an ] ] ] who is currently offering ] $250,000 to anyone who can prove ] "is the only possible way," although the offer is widely considered to be spurious. He is the founder of Creation Science Evangelism, his non-profit ]. | |||
| '''Kent E. Hovind''' (born ] ]) is an ] ] and a ]{{Proveit}}. He is most famous for ] seminars, which aim to convince listeners to believe in ] and to reject ], the ], and the 4.5 billion year ]. Hovind's views are criticized by the scientific community, and even some fellow Young Earth creationist (YEC) organizations like ] (AIG).<ref name="AIGCriticism">{{cite news | url=http://web.archive.org/web/20050313064211/http://www.answersingenesis.org/docs2002/1011hovind.asp | title=Maintaining Creationist Integrity: A response to Kent Hovind| publisher=] |date= 11 October 2002 | first=], ] and ] | last= | accessdate =2007-05-17}}</ref> | |||
| Hovind was formerly a ] science teacher in private American ] schools for 15 years. | |||
| Hovind established the Creation Science Evangelism ministry in 1989<ref>{{cite news | url= | title=Evangelist's trial begins: Dinosaur Adventure Land owner, wife face 58 counts of tax fraud| publisher=] |date=October 18, 2006 | first=Angela | last=Fail | accessdate = }}</ref> and, before his incarceration, frequently argued for Young Earth creationism in his talks at private schools and churches, at debates, and on radio and television broadcasts. | |||
| While he uses the title "Doctor," many of his critics do not take this seriously, as he has a Ph.D. in "Christian Education" from the unaccredited ] Patriot University (a known ]). Hovind often defends his college education, though, claiming that his critics are more out to attack him instead of his arguments against evolution. | |||
| Hovind is currently serving a ten-year term in ] in ], ], for 58 tax offenses, obstructing federal agents and related charges.<ref name="inmatefinder">{{cite news | url=http://www.bop.gov/iloc2/InmateFinderServlet?Transaction=NameSearch&needingMoreList=false&LastName=Hovind&Middle=&FirstName=Kent&Race=U&Sex=U&Age=&x=19&y=12 | title=Locate a Federal Inmate: Kent Hovind| publisher=] |date= 2007 | first= | last= | accessdate =2007-05-17}}</ref> | |||
| Critics charge that Kent Hovind's creation/evolution sermons are a mix of ], ] and ]. Hovind considers the ] the inerrant word of ] and must be taken literally to its word, and because of this, all findings of science must be adapted so as to agree with scripture — which he claims is '']'' known to be truth. But, he claims that evolutionists also have ''a priori'' assumptions as well, namely that God does not exist (or at least not one that performed special Creation) thereby distorting their own application of science. He does not, however, take Biblical literalism as far as do the ], who believe the ] is (or at least was) flat because of their particular interpretation of the Bible. The reason for this, he says, is because the Bible talks about the "circle of earth" in ] chapter 22. This, he says, is evidence that the Bible describes a circular earth rather than a four-cornered flat earth. The references to the "four corners of the earth" are clearly parabolic, according to Hovind. | |||
| == Biography == | |||
| Hovind is mostly known for his debates with evolutionists. The best-known contemporary evolutionists, ] and the late ], have in the past refused to debate Hovind by claiming that debate is not how science works and gives charlatans more of an advantage than systematic inquiry (see: ]). Hovind disagrees, and feels that they avoid debate simply because the audience will perceive that evolution is not as factual as evolutionists claim it is. | |||
| On ], ], at the age of 16, Hovind became a born again Christian. In ], he graduated from ]. He holds three degrees in Christian education (1974, 1988, 1991) from ]. He is married, and has three adult children and four grandchildren. His son, Eric Hovind, travels doing creationist presentations and debates using many of his father's arguments.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.drdino.com/readNews.php?id=31 | title=Trip to Canada and Debate|publisher=DrDino.com |date=April 02, 2007 | first=Eric | last=Hovind | accessdate = 2007-05-18}}</ref> | |||
| In Hovind's debates, he traditionally focuses on trying to discredit evolutionary theory rather than providing evidence for ]. However, he does occasionally present what he says is evidence for a flood, among other creationist theories such as the ]. He is regarded, even among many other Young Earth Creationists , as being crude in his argumentation. The vast majority of secular scientists, including many creationists, do not take Hovind's work very seriously or agree with his interpretation of the facts. | |||
| Starting in 1975 Hovind became an assistant pastor and teacher at three ].<ref name="affidavit1998"> A court affidavit Hovind presented containing his biography.</ref> Then in the 1980s he opened a Baptist school and church at which he taught and pastored.<ref name="affidavit1998" /> As these were private schools, Hovind did not require any teaching credentials or accredited qualifications<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos069.htm#training | title=Teachers—Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary|publisher=] | date=2007 | first= | last= | accessdate = 2007-02-24}}</ref> (which he lacks).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/credentials.html |title=Some Questionable Creationist Credentials |accessdate=2007-09-24 |author=Brett Vickers |date=May 31, 2002|Publisher =]}}</ref> In 1989, Hovind started his Creation Science Evangelism.<ref name="HovindFAQ">{{cite news | url=http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/hovind/ | title=Kent Hovind FAQs | publisher=] | date=2006 | first= | last= | accessdate = 2006-08-18}}</ref> | |||
| Hovind is also a staunch advocate of the ] movement of using only the ] of the Bible, claiming that it is the only true infallible word of God for the English-speaking peoples. According to him, all of the numerous other ] translations of the Bible are in some way corrupt. | |||
| In the late 1990s, Hovind created his Dr. Dino web site and began producing articles and information <!--from where?-->as well as selling related products — video tapes, books, fossil replicas, etc. — to a mass market. | |||
| Hovind formerly spoke at hundreds of churches, private schools, and other venues each year. In 2004, Hovind was interviewed on '']'', in an episode titled "Science" from the first season of the show's U.S. run on ]. "]", played by ] ], told Hovind that the fact that Hovind ate bananas proved that he was descended from monkeys.<ref>http://movies.msn.com/movies/movie.aspx?m=546391</ref> He also hosted a daily internet radio talk show and has established ] in ]. | |||
| === Controversy over education === | |||
| In 1971 he graduated from ] in ]. From 1972 until 1974, Hovind attended the ] ] and received a ] of Religious Education (B.R.E.).<ref name="affidavit1998" /> In 1988 and 1991 respectively, Hovind was awarded a master's degree and doctorate in Christian Education through ] from the unaccredited ] in ], ] (now Patriot Bible University in ], Colorado which no longer offers this program).<ref name="HovindWhereDidYou">{{cite news | url=http://web.archive.org/web/20010816220051/http:/www.drdino.com/FAQs/FAQmisc13.jsp | title=Where did you get your degree? |publisher=DrDino.com (archived) | date=Aug 16, 2001 | first=Kent | last=Hovind | accessdate = 2007-02-24}}</ref> | |||
| ] in ] taken on November 22, 2006.]] | |||
| Having a website called "Dr. Dino," has provoked some academics to closely look at how Hovind presents his education and credentials.<ref name="Bartelt"/> ] professor ] has said that it is "'''''very''''' unusual for a person with a Ph.D., even a real one," to list oneself in the phonebook as "Dr Hovind", as Hovind has done.<ref name="Bartelt"/> ], a professor of philosophy, expert on the history of creationism and activist in the ], wrote that Hovind's lack of academic training makes it impossible to engage him on a professional level.<ref name="Forrest">{{cite news | url=http://www.ncseweb.org/resources/articles/2148_unmasking_the_false_prophet_of_9_1_1999.asp | title=Unmasking the False Prophet of Creationism| publisher=] |date=September 1, 1999 | first=Forrest| last=Barbara | accessdate = 2007-02-19}}</ref> Other critics of Hovind have charged that Patriot Bible University is a ], as it has unreasonably low graduation requirements, lack of sufficient faculty or educational standards, and a suspicious tuition scheme.<ref name="HovindFAQ" /> The school's current policies allow students to attain bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and even "Doctor of Ministry" degrees in months, rather than years, for as little as $25 per month. Currently Patriot offers a monthly fee, unlike most universities, which only charge per-credit fees.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://patriotuniversity.org/index.php?mod=Articles&menuid=4| title= Finance & Payments |publisher=] | date=2007 | first= | last= | accessdate = 2007-05-04}}</ref> | |||
| Bartelt has stated Hovind's doctoral ] is evidence of the poor requirements at Patriot and that Hovind lacks knowledge of basic science.<ref name="Bartelt"/> Bartelt noted that Hovind's dissertaton is incomplete (contains four chapters totaling 101 pages, but Hovind's introduction claims the work is 250 pages with 16 chapters), of low academic quality, poor writing, poor spelling, poor grammatical style, pages are repeated, references are absent, and it is not original work with original ideas.<ref name="Bartelt"/><ref>, ''Daily Kos'', December 31, 2005</ref> In the past when questioned about his education and qualifications, Hovind has said his critics use ] arguments.<ref name="HovindWhereDidYou" /> Patriot Bible University has issued similar comments.<ref name="AccreditationQuestions">{{cite news | url=http://www.patriotuniversity.com/PriceOfTruth.htm | title= The Price of Truth|publisher=] | date=2007 | first= | last= | accessdate = 2007-02-04}}</ref> | |||
| Patriot will not send copies of Hovind's doctoral ] except with his permission.<ref name="Bartelt">{{cite news | url=http://www.noanswersingenesis.org.au/bartelt_dissertation_on_hovind_thesis.htm | title=The Dissertation Kent Hovind Doesn't Want You to Read: A Review of Kent Hovind's Thesis |publisher=] | date=2004 | first=Karen E. | last=Bartelt| accessdate = 2007-10-24}}</ref> As a general rule, most accredited doctoral dissertations are published by the associated university and made available to the public, so that other students conducting research in similar areas may use the information in the dissertation as a reference.<ref name="Bartelt" /> Although one copy of the dissertation is on file at the ] (NCSE) the organization is not able to provide it on request because of copyright and distribution restrictions.<ref name="Bartelt" /> | |||
| ===Creation Science Evangelism=== | |||
| After receiving his first ], Hovind started the Creation Science Evangelism ministry (CSE) in 1989. The ministry aims to evangelize people by teaching them a creationist perspective. This ministry does not have the proper licensing nor is it registered as a nonprofit, which resulted in legal troubles mentioned below. | |||
| As of January 2007, Eric Hovind, Kent's son, currently runs CSE due to his father's ten year prison term.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.cseblogs.com/?p=62 | title=New Mission Field for Dr. Hovind |publisher=Creation Science Evangelism/DrDino.com | date=Jan 20, 2007 | first=Eric | last=Hovind | accessdate = 2007-04-15}}</ref> Eric attended ]<ref name="EricJacksonHoleCollege">{{cite news | url=http://www.drdino.com/articles.php?spec=45| title=Created and Made |publisher=Creation Science Evangelism/DrDino.com | date=2005 | first=Kent | last=Hovind | accessdate = 2007-04-15}}</ref> a one-year<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.jhbc.edu/ | title=About Jackson Hole Bible College |publisher=Jackson Hole Bible College | date=2005 | first= | last= | accessdate = 2007-09-15}}</ref> ] institution.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.chea.org | title=Accreditation Database and Information | publisher=] | date= | first= | last= | accessdate = 2007-10-21}}</ref> | |||
| ===Dinosaur Adventure Land=== | |||
| In 2001 Hovind started Dinosaur Adventure Land, a young earth creationist ] located behind Hovind's home in ], ]. The park depicts humans and dinosaurs co-existing in the last 4,000-6,000 years and also contains a depiction of the ].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.momentmag.com/features/oct05/slifkin.html | title=The Heresy of Nosson Slifkin| publisher=] | date= | first=Jennie | last=Rothenberg | accessdate = 2007-01-10}}</ref> In 2004 the ] visited Hovind's dinosaur theme park and said that the park is deceptive and purposely misleads visitors.<ref name="CSICOP">{{cite news | url=http://www.csicop.org/si/2004-11/hovind.html | title=A Journey to Hovind's Dinosaur Adventure Land| publisher=] | date= November 2004 | first=Greg| last=Martinez | accessdate = 2006-10-19}}</ref> The ] noted the park also "claims that a few small dinosaurs still roam the planet."<ref name="SPLCenter2004">{{cite news | url=http://www.splcenter.org/intel/intelreport/article.jsp?aid=485 | title=When Giants Roamed: A Florida theme park sells creationism — with an antigovernment twist| publisher=] | date= Summer 2004 | first=Camille| last=Jackson | accessdate = 2006-10-19}}</ref> The venture has encountered legal issues, as the owners failed to acquire a ] for the park (see below). | |||
| ===Earnings and assets=== | |||
| Hovind reportedly earned $50,000 a year through speaking engagements and, in 2002 alone, the ministry sold more than $1.8 million in Christian merchandise.<ref>{{cite news | url= | title=IRS agent testifies in Hovind trial, Case could go to jury Thursday | publisher=] |date=October 31, 2006 | first=Nicole | last=Lozare | accessdate = }}</ref> According to the IRS, Hovind's theme park and merchandise sales earned more than $5 million ] from 1999 to March 2004.<ref name="begins">{{cite news | url= | title=Evangelist's trial begins: Dinosaur Adventure Land owner, wife face 58 counts of tax fraud| publisher=] |date=October 18, 2006 | first=Angela | last=Fail | accessdate = }}</ref> On average, they say, Hovind "has made deposits to bank accounts well in excess of $1 million per year."<ref name="investigated">{{cite news | url=http://www.sptimes.com/2004/04/18/State/Biblical_theme_park_s.shtml | title=Biblical theme park's finances investigated|publisher=] |date=April 18, 2004 | first= | last= | accessdate = 2006-08-18}}</ref> Eventually that grew to about $2 million a year.<ref>{{cite news | url= | title=Hard to believe a man with a Ph.D didn't know of a basic tax law | publisher=] | date= November 3, 2006 | first=Mark | last=O'Brien | accessdate = 2006-11-03}}</ref>. About half that income went to employees who were salaried or were paid hourly wages. However, Hovind derived "substantial revenue" from these activities that appeared to be "income to personally."<ref name="TCM2006-143">''Hovind v. Commissioner'', T.C. Memo 2006-143, CCH Dec. 56,562(M) (2006).</ref> | |||
| Hovind also owned at least 10 properties.<ref>Mark OBrien "She's 'Granny Jo' to her family, but a lawbreaker to the court". '']'', July 1, 2007 </ref> | |||
| ==Creationism== | |||
| ===The Hovind Theory=== | |||
| Hovind summarizes his widely disputed version of the ] story into the self-titled “Hovind Theory."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://shopping.drdino.com/view_item.php?id=445|date=2002|publisher=CSE Ministry|last=Hovind|first=Kent|title=Part 6, The Hovind Theory}}</ref>. | |||
| Hovind acknowledges many contributors to his model, but says that if it is proven false then he will personally take the blame. The model includes the following explanation of the Biblical account of ]: Noah's family and two of every "]" of animal (including young dinosaurs)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chick.com/information/authors/hovind.asp#testimony|accessdate=2006-10-06|title=Kent Hovind's testimony on Chick.com|publisher=Chick.com}}</ref> safely boarded the ] before a minus 300° ] (~-184°C) ice ] came flying toward the earth and broke up in ]. Some of the meteor fragments became ] and others caused the ]s on the moon and some of the planets. The remaining ice fragments fell to the north and south poles of the earth. | |||
| The resulting "super-cold snow" fell near the poles, burying the ]s standing up. Ice on the North and South pole cracked the ] releasing the ], which in turn caused certain ], namely the ] effects. This made the earth "wobble around" and collapsed the ] that protected it. | |||
| During the first few months of the ], the dead animals and plants were buried, and became ] and ], respectively. The last few months of the flood included geological instability, when the ] shifted. This period saw the formation of both ] and ]s and the resulting water run-off caused incredible ] — Hovind says that the ] was formed in a couple of weeks during this time.<ref name="Kent Hovind website">{{cite news | url=http://www.kent-hovind.com | title=Crazy Beliefs |publisher=kent-hovind.com | date=2007 | first=Carl | last=Marychurch | accessdate = 2007-09-24}}</ref> After a few hundred years, the ] slowly melted back retreating to their current size and the ocean levels increased, creating the ]. The deeper oceans absorbed much of the ] in ] and thus allowed greater amounts of ] to reach the earth's surface. As a result, human lifespans were shortened considerably in the days of ]. | |||
| Karen Bartlet, a chemist, commented that Hovind's "message appeals to those who are unaware that his "evidence" is without merit."<ref name="HovindFairyTales?">{{cite news | url=http://www.noanswersingenesis.org.au/hovind_fractured_fairy_tales.htm| title=Dr. Dino's "Fractured Fairy Tales of Science" |publisher=] | date=August 2-3, 2000 | first=Karen E. | last=Bartelt| accessdate = 2007-10-24}}</ref> The ] rejects Young Earth Creationism.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.religioustolerance.org/ev_publi.htm| title=Public beliefs about evolution and creation |publisher=] | date=2007 | first= | last= | accessdate = 2007-09-24}} Citing a ] poll.</ref> Furthermore, the plausibility of the Hovind Theory has been criticized by both scientists and other young Earth creationists.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/hovind/howgood.html | title=How Good Are Those Young-Earth Arguments: A Look at Hovind's arguments |publisher=] | date=December 10, 2002 | first=Dave | last=Matson | accessdate = 2007-09-30}}</ref><ref name="Hovindtheory">{{cite web|url=http://www.kent-hovind.com/theory.htm|title=The Hovind Theory|date=2002|publisher=Kent Hovind.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.creationontheweb.com/content/view/2571/ | title=Maintaining Creationist Integrity |publisher=] | date=11 October 2002 | first=], ] and ] | last= | accessdate = 2007-09-24}}</ref> | |||
| Hovind's ideas on evolution, and science in general, have been published in the controversial ], comic strips intended to convert people to ].<ref>Chick Tracts: and </ref> | |||
| === Hovind's $250,000 offer === | |||
| According to Hovind's website, he has offered $10,000 since 1990 to those who can "prove the theory of evolution."<ref name="offer">{{cite news | url=http://www.drdino.com/articles.php?spec=67 | title=Hovind's $250,000 Offer | publisher=Dr. Dino.com | date= 2005 | first=Kent | last=Hovind | accessdate = 2006-10-18}}</ref> Since at least 1999 the offer has been for $250,000<ref> (see bottom)</ref> | |||
| Hovind has made the following offer: | |||
| <blockquote>I have a standing offer of $250,000 to anyone who can give any empirical evidence (scientific proof) for evolution.* My $250,000 offer demonstrates that the hypothesis of evolution is nothing more than a religious belief.<ref name="offer" /></blockquote> | |||
| Critics view this offer to be spurious because of the conditions which Hovind imposes. Hovind also insists that evolution equates to atheism<ref name="HovindFAQ" /> even though belief in a deity or deities is arguably unrelated to evolution and the two ]. The asterisk denotes the terms which he claims show significant gaps in the gradual progression predicted by the theory of evolution: | |||
| <blockquote>*NOTE: When I use the word evolution, I am not referring to the minor variations found in all of the various life forms (]). I am referring to the general theory of evolution which believes these five major events took place without God: | |||
| :''1. Time, space, and matter came into existence by themselves. | |||
| :''2. Planets and stars formed from space dust. | |||
| :''3. Matter created life by itself. | |||
| :''4. Early life-forms learned to reproduce themselves. | |||
| :''5. ] occurred between these diverse life forms (i.e., fish changed to amphibians, amphibians changed to reptiles, and reptiles changed to birds or mammals).</blockquote> | |||
| ====Responses==== | |||
| Critics argue that the offer is merely a publicity stunt, that it is deliberately designed to be impossible to win because it requires the claimant to disprove all possible theories for the origin of species, no matter how ridiculous, "Prove beyond reasonable doubt that the process of evolution ... is the only possible way the observed phenomena could have come into existence," states his FAQ.<ref name="offer" /> This, critics say, reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of both science and the ]. | |||
| Unlike Hovind, scientists in the field of evolutionary biology do not distinguish between so-called "micro" and "macro" evolution. They contend all evolution takes place on a "micro" level.<ref>Microevolution vs Macroevolution, Austin Cline, http://atheism.about.com/od/evolutionexplained/a/micro_macro.htm</ref> Creationists have invented this distinction between micro and macro evolution as a way of explaining observable genetic mutations such as flu viruses, while rationalizing that this process is somehow different from what modern scientists consider the basic process of genetic mutation and evolution as a result thereof. | |||
| Critics also say that his description of evolution does not match with the scientific definition and that he conflates evolution with other unrelated issues in the description of his challenge. The above definition of "evolution" which Hovind asks respondents to meet differs from the one used by scientists. By the generally accepted definition of "evolution", only item number 5 deals with the process of evolution. Items 1 and 2 fall under ] and ], while items 3 and 4 refer to ]. Furthermore, it would be impossible to prove gravity under the same conditions as Hovind requires.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://true.wxcs.com/hovind/flaw-impossible.htm|title=Hovind indirectly admits that his $250,000 Offer is impossible, and is flawed|publisher=Truth Radio|date=]|accessdate=2006-07-14}}</ref> | |||
| Some creationists also do not approve of Hovind's offer. ] said it "would prefer that creationists refrained from gimmicks like this."<ref name="AIGCriticism" /> | |||
| Hovind has said a panel of judges would decide if a claim had met his criteria, but he has refused to say who would be (or is) on that panel. He has even refused to say what their qualifications might be. Challengers who have submitted claims to Hovind have become convinced that he does not actually use a panel of judges, in spite of his promise to do so.<ref name="HovindLiar?">{{cite news | url=http://www.noanswersingenesis.org.au/kent_hovind's_lies.htm | title=Is Kent Hovind A Liar Too? |publisher=] | date=2006 | first=Ian | last=Wood | accessdate = 2007-10-24}}</ref> In one case, after twice stating that he would send a particular response to his judges (according to his website any responses he sent were considered "legitimate"<ref name="offer" />) Hovind then reneged stating, "Thanks for reminding me about not sending minor changes to the committee. This would be a waste of time for everyone involved. If you ever get any evidence that does support evolution please send it to me". The respondant was not amused and felt that this indicated dishonesty on Hovind's part and proved that he'd never intended to pay.<ref name="HovindChallengeAccepted">{{cite news | url=http://www.kent-hovind.com/250K/ron.htm | title=Ron Rayborne Accepts Hovind's Challenge | publisher=kent-hovind.com |date= September 2005 | first=Carl | last=Marychurch | accessdate =2007-09-27}}</ref> | |||
| The winter 2005 issue of '']'' included an article titled "Doubting Dr. Dino" by Adam Kisby.<ref name="DoubtDrDino">{{cite news | url=http://www.skeptic.com/the_magazine/archives/vol12n01.html | title=Doubting Dr. Dino | publisher=] |date= 2005 (Vol. 12, No. 1) | first=Adam | last=Kisby | accessdate =2007-09-17}}</ref> Kisby lays out Hovind's arguments in formal logic, and says that the assumptions "God is a necessary cause of the universe" and "The universe is eternal, i.e., un-caused" lead to contradictions. Kisby sent his proof to Hovind and reports that "many weeks later I received a terse reply from Hovind in which he dogmatically rejected my proof." Hovind's reason was "the ] is evidence of a Designer - not proof there is no Designer." Thus Kisby concluded "I contend that either my proof is technically correct or Hovind's $250,000 offer is fundamentally flawed. If my proof is correct, then Hovind is constrained by the terms of his offer to release the money. On the other hand if Hovind's offer is flawed then he is morally obligated to withdraw it or modify it."<ref name="DoubtDrDino" /> The Spring 2006 issue of '']'' contained criticisms of Kisby's proposed proof.<ref name="KisbyExamined">{{cite news | url=http://www.skeptic.com/the_magazine/archives/vol12n02.html | title=Doubting Dr. Dino's Doubter (Forum) | publisher=] |date= 2006 (Vol. 12, No. 2) | first=G.L. | last=Clark | accessdate =2007-09-17}}</ref> Others have approached Hovind in regard to the challenge, addressing it from perspectives ranging from "large-scale evolution" and the big bang<ref name="DoubtDrDino" /> to polar bears.<ref name="KisbyExamined" /> | |||
| == Criticism == | |||
| ===From creationists=== | |||
| Hovind has been criticized by other young earth creationists, who believe that many of his arguments are invalid and, consequently, undermine their cause. Disagreements over how to respond to Hovind's claims have themselves contributed to acrimony between creationist organizations. The Australian and U.S. arms of ] (AiG) were critical of Hovind (<ref name="AiGresponse">{{cite news | url=http://web.archive.org/web/20050313064211/http://www.answersingenesis.org/docs2002/1011hovind.asp | title=Maintaining Creationist Integrity: A response to Kent Hovind| publisher=] |date= 11 October 2002 | first=], ] and ] | last= | accessdate =2007-09-17}}</ref>), after Hovind had criticized<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.godrules.net/drdino/FAQcreationevolution1.htm|accessdate=2007-10-12|title=Bad Creation Arguments|publisher=Kent Hovind (site mirror)}}</ref> an AiG position document "Arguments we think creationists should NOT use".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.answersingenesis.org/home/area/faq/dont_use.asp|accessdate=2006-04-12|title=Arguments we think creationists should NOT use|publisher=Answers in Genesis}}</ref> In particular AIG criticized Hovind for "persistently us discredited or false arguments".<ref name="AIGCriticism">{{cite news | url=http://web.archive.org/web/20050313064211/http://www.answersingenesis.org/docs2002/1011hovind.asp | title=Maintaining Creationist Integrity: A response to Kent Hovind| publisher=] |date= 11 October 2002 | first=], ] and ] | last= | accessdate =2007-05-17}}</ref> | |||
| The U.S arm of AiG, lead by ] had an acrimonious split with its Australian parent in 2005. The Australian organization then split itself entirely off, now styling themselves as ]. Material critical of Hovind was no longer available on the U.S Answers In Genesis website, whereas the Australian CMI website still chose to retain the critical material.<ref name="AiGSlipping">{{cite news | url=http://noanswersingenesis.org.au/aig_integrity_slipping.htm | title=Answers in Genesis' integrity seems to be missing |publisher=] | date=22 March 2006 | first=John | last=Stear | accessdate = 2007-10-24}}</ref> The CMI article written by ] and ] stated that the claims made by Hovind are "fraudulent" and contain "mistakes in facts and logic which do the creationist cause no good."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.creationontheweb.com/content/view/2571/|accessdate=2006-06-08|title=Maintaining Creationist Integrity|publisher=Creation Ministries International}}</ref><ref name="AiGresponse" /> CMI also criticized Hovind for using "fraudulent claims" made by ] in his claims.<ref name="AiGresponse" />. CMI and others have concluded that in dampening their criticism of Hovind, AiG have endorsed Hovind and his ministry. | |||
| Hovind has stated that ] -- a method used by scientists to estimate the age of various objects and events -- is unreliable. He has been criticized by ] of ] (an old Earth creationist group), who says that in Hovind's statements "Hovind goes on to show that he knows absolutely nothing about the science of Carbon Dating."<ref name="CarbonAiC">{{cite news | url=http://www.answersincreation.org/rebuttal/cse/cse_carbon_dating.htm | title=Creation Science Evangelism Rebuttal Carbon Dating|publisher=] | date=20 March 2006 | first=Greg | last=Neyman | accessdate = 2007-01-24}}</ref> Neyman says that Hovind's claim that "scientists assume the amount of carbon-14 is constant" is wrong, and Neyman writes "there are many periods of decreasing C-14, which disproves his theory that the earth is young based on C-14 equilibrium."<ref name="CarbonAiC" /> | |||
| ===From non-creationists=== | |||
| Hovind is known for his debates against atheists, skeptics and scientists. In May 2004 ] debated Hovind in front of a predominantly ] audience. In Shermer's online reflection while explaining he won the debate with intellectual and scientific evidence he felt it was "not an intellectual exercise," but rather it was "an ] drama."<ref name="ShermerHovind">{{cite news | url=http://www.skeptic.com/eskeptic/04-05-10.html#miracle | title=Then a Miracle Occurs: An Obstreperous Evening with the Insouciant Kent Hovind, Young Earth Creationist and Defender of the Faith | publisher=] | date=May 10, 2004 | first=Michael | last=Shermer | accessdate = 2007-02-11}}</ref> While receiving positive responses from creationist observers, Shermer concluded "Unless there is a subject that is truly debatable with a format that is fair, in a forum that is balanced, it only serves to belittle both the ] of ] and the magisterium of ]."<ref name="ShermerHovind" /> Others, like evolutionary biologist ], have debated Hovind, and have expressed surprise at what they view as Hovind's ignorance of ].<ref>]. ''].'' (Sinauer, 2002): ISBN 0878936599 page 102.</ref> Pigliucci indicated surprise at hearing Hovind try "to convince the audience that evolutionists believe humans came from rocks" and at Hovind's assertion that biologists believe humans "evolved from bananas."<ref>]. ''].'' (Sinauer, 2002): ISBN 0878936599 page 102.</ref> | |||
| In Hovind's debates, he traditionally focuses on points that he claims serve to discredit evolutionary theory, ], and ]. He also presents what he claims is evidence for a ], a young earth, and the ]. Conventional scientists working in the appropriate fields<ref name="independent">{{cite news | |||
| |url=http://news.independent.co.uk/world/science_technology/article1094699.ece | |||
| |title=World scientists unite to attack creationism|first=Sarah|last=Cassidy|publisher=]|date=2006-06-22|accessdate=2007-02-02}}</ref> as well as some young Earth creationists,<ref name="dontuse">{{cite web|url=http://www.answersingenesis.org/home/area/faq/dont_use.asp|title=Arguments we think creationists should NOT use|publisher=Answers in Genesis|accessdate=2007-02-02}}</ref> do not agree with Hovind's assertions. | |||
| Others criticize Hovind for his involvement with ] ]'s Anti-Evolution Bill in 2001 (House Bill 2548).<ref name="Hovindconnection">Don Michael, "The Hovind connection: Check your facts, legislators." ''Northwest Arkansas Times''. April 05, 2001 </ref> This bill "would have required that when public schools refer to evolution that it be identified as an unproven theory." Some politicians claimed this bill "would have made Arkansas a laughingstock."<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.nwanews.com/adg/News/159282/ | title=‘Extremist’ Holt? Well, depends on who’s asked| publisher=] | date= July 2, 2006 | first=Michael| last=Wickline | accessdate = 2006-10-19}}</ref> Holt called upon Hovind as an expert who "testified for Holt before the State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee, alleging much of the information pertaining to evolution in our science textbooks is false."<ref name="Hovindconnection" /> As for the legislation, "Holt admitted much of the information in his bill came from ]' '']''."<ref name="Hovindconnection" /> | |||
| Critics charge that Kent Hovind's creation/evolution presentations are a mix of ] and ].<ref name="ShermerHovind" /> The ] has criticized Hovind because of his selling of books such as ]'s '']'', and recommending '']'' (an established hoax that has been widely used as a justification for ]).<ref name="radicalreligion">{{cite web|url=http://www.splcenter.org/intel/intelreport/article.jsp?aid=205 |year=2001|publisher=Southern Poverty Law Center|title=Radical Religion: Creationism gets a dash of anti-Semitism|accessdate=2006-04-14}}</ref> The Center claimed that Hovind accuses Darwinism of having produced "], ], ], ], ] and the ]."<ref name="radicalreligion" /> The Center also quotes Hovind as claiming that "] is evil and contrary to God's law."<ref name="radicalreligion" /> Hovind has stated: "I love the Jews. But ''The Protocols of Zion'' was written to explain how to control the world, I mean, it lays it all out. But it’s really carefully done so that if it is ever discovered the Jews take the blame for it."<ref name="Kent Hovind website"/> | |||
| The SPLC also criticized Hovind for "point his followers to ], popular among ]; Media Bypass, an antigovernment magazine with strong ] leanings; and titles by America's leading authority on tax-dodging, ]"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.splcenter.org/intel/intelreport/article.jsp?aid=485 |year=Summer 2004 |publisher=Southern Poverty Law Center|title=When Giants Roamed: A Florida theme park sells creationism — with an antigovernment twist |accessdate=2007-10-14}}</ref> (Schiff has since been convicted and sentenced to 13 years in prison). | |||
| ==Controversial remarks== | |||
| {{wikiquote|Kent Hovind}} | |||
| Hovind has made controversial remarks regarding conspiracies{{Proveit}}, science, creation, equal rights, religion and government over the years. Hovind considers the ] of the ] to be the inerrant word of God that must be taken literally. Because of this, he believes all findings of science will eventually be found to agree with Scripture — which he says is '']'' known to be true{{Fact|date=November 2007}}. He says that evolutionists also have ''a priori'' assumptions, namely that God does not exist (or at least not one that performed special Creation), thereby distorting their own application of science.<ref> {{cite news | url=http://www.drdino.com/articles.php?spec=4 | title=Evolution and Christianity Mix like Oil and Water |publisher=DrDino.com | date=2005 | first= | last= | accessdate = 2006-11-04}}</ref><ref>"their position that the King James Bible contains errors and that God's Word can only be found in "originals" which no longer exist is both tragic and unacceptable to me."{{cite news | url=http://www.drdino.com/articles.php?spec=52 |title= Who was Cainan? |publisher=DrDino.com | date=2005 | first= | last= | accessdate =2007-03-03}}</ref><ref>"as in all cases, the King James Bible provides the best translation"{{cite news | url=http://www.drdino.com/articles.php?spec=52 |title= The Pitch of Noah's Ark |publisher=DrDino.com | date=| first=John | last=Hinton | accessdate =2007-03-03}}</ref> | |||
| Hovind maintains that biology textbooks are lying and that he considers evolution to be a religion.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.drdino.com/articles.php?spec=67&kws=250,000 | title=Hovind's $250,000 Offer| publisher=Drdino.com | date= 2006 | first=Kent| last=Hovind | accessdate = 2006-10-20}}</ref> He has said, "I'm not trying to get evolution out of the textbooks, nor am I trying to get creationism into the textbooks. What I'm trying to do is get the lies out of the textbooks."<ref>http://www.drdino.com/downloads.php video tape #3 "Lies in the Textbooks."</ref> | |||
| Hovind has several conspiracy theories{{Proveit}} about the U.S. government. He believes that ] actually works as a "] cure" and teaches that the US government is conspiring to suppress a cure for ].<ref name="CSICOP" />{{ReliableSource}} On his radio program he has said that the U.S. government was behind the ] attacks and that a "lot of folks were told not to come to work."<ref name="antisemitism">{{cite news | url=http://www.kent-hovind.com/articles/semite.htm | title=Kent Hovind: Semitic Semantics |publisher=Kent-Hovind.com | date=2006 | first= | last= | accessdate = 2006-12-14}}</ref>{{ReliableSource}} He also believes the ] was carried out by the government. "Did you know the Federal Government blew up their own building to blame it on the militias and to get rid of some people that weren't cooperating with the system?"<ref name="Hovindconspiracy">{{cite news | url=http://www.kent-hovind.com/quotes/conspiracy.htm | title=Kent Hovind: Quacky Quotes|publisher= | date=2006 | first= | last= | accessdate = 2006-11-04}}</ref> He also alleges that "] are apparitions of ]" and that the US government possesses UFOs.<ref name="Hovindconspiracy" /> Additionally, Hovind believes that the ], the ], the ], and various other groups are actively planning to create a ] and that the ] was staged by the US Government in order to pass "anti-terrorism" legislation that restricts ]. He says, "I love my country, but fear my government. And you should too."<ref> </ref> | |||
| As part of his "one world government" conspiracy theory{{Proveit}}, Hovind also believes that ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and collagen-vascular diseases such as ] and ] were all engineered by "the money masters and governments of the world" for the purpose of global economic domination.<ref>http://www.informedchristians.com/articles/ART-man-made-plauges.htm </ref>{{ReliableSource}} | |||
| Hovind disregards all ] evidence, saying that "no fossils can count as evidence for evolution," because "all we know about that animal is that it died," and we do not know that it "had any kids, much less different kids."<ref> </ref>{{ReliableSource}}. | |||
| During a debate with ], Hovind made the following statement about ]: " found the leg bones of ] a mile and a half away from the head bones. The leg bones were 200 feet deeper in a deeper layer of strata. I would like to know how fast the train was going that hit that chimpanzee."<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.reall.org/newsletter/v02/n03/ | title=On the Till-Hovind Debate |publisher=The Real News | date=March 1994 | first=Karen | last=Bartelt | accessdate = 2006-11-04}}</ref> According to Donald Johanson, this is false, and although Hovind has been informed of this, he continues to make the statement.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/knee-joint.html | title=A Case Study in Creationists' Willingness to Admit Their Errors |publisher=] | date=June 12, 2003 | first= | last= | accessdate = 2006-11-04}}</ref> | |||
| ==Youtube copyright controversy== | |||
| {{wikinews|Kent Hovind's ministry files DMCA complaints though the group released material into public domain|date=September 20, 2007}} | |||
| On ], ] '']'' reported that "] has banned a group called the ] (RRS) after it complained its videos were being taken down due to spurious ] requests from" someone working on behalf of Creation Science Evangelism Ministries.<ref name="WiredHovind">{{cite news | url=http://blog.wired.com/wiredscience/2007/09/youtube-support.html | title=YouTube Supports "Fraudulent" Creationist DMCA Claim | publisher=] |date= ], ] | first= | last= | accessdate =2007-09-17}}</ref> It further stated that while this highlights problems with DMCA, the ministry's own website said that "none of the materials ... are copyrighted, so feel free to copy these and distribute them freely."<ref name="WiredHovind" /> | |||
| In response to the copyright claims, the RRS has posted a message that it is ready to sue CSE and/or Eric Hovind.<ref name="RRS">{{cite news | url=http://www.rationalresponders.com/forum/rational_response_squad_alerts/rational_response_squad_alerts/9978 | title=We're Ready to Help Sue Creation Science Evangelism | publisher=] |date= ], ] | first= | last= | accessdate =2007-09-17}}</ref><ref name="Christian Post">{{cite news | url=http://www.christianpost.com/article/20070928/29487_Atheists_Blast_Creationists_in_Copyright_Battle.htm | title=Atheists Blast Creationists in Copyright Battle | publisher=] |date= ], ] | first=Nathan | last=Black | accessdate =2007-09-28}}</ref> Other users, apart from the Rational Response Squad, were also banned or had their videos taken down. | |||
| CSE later said that for some of the videos they may not have had copyright claims.<ref name="Ars Technica"> {{cite news | url=http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070919-dr-dino-uses-dmca-takedowns-on-critics-admits-to-mistakes.html | title=Creationists, atheists battle over copyrights, criticism, and the DMCA| publisher=] |date= ], ] | first=Nate | last=Anderson | accessdate =2007-09-21}}</ref> | |||
| ] | |||
| As of ], ], the CSE copyright page had been changed to say that their material may be copied but must be unedited.<ref name="Ars Technica"/> Previously, Hovind's website stated, "None of the materials produced by Creation Science Evangelism are ]ed".<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.drdino.com/articles.php?spec=68 | title=About Creation Science Evangelism|publisher=Creation Science Evangelism/DrDino.com | date=2006 | first=Kent | last=Hovind | accessdate = 2007-09-24}}</ref> According to a spokesperson for the ], a group dedicated to preserving free speech on the internet, CSE's claim was "clearly bogus".<ref name="WiredHovind Sept 25">{{cite news | url=http://www.wired.com/entertainment/theweb/news/2007/09/youtube_dmca | title=Creationist vs. Atheist YouTube War Marks New Breed of Copyright Claim | publisher=] |date= ], ] |accessdate =2007-09-25}}</ref> As of ], some of the videos had been put back up and the Rational Response Squad's accounts had been reinstated.<ref name="WiredHovind Sept 25"/> | |||
| == Legal problems == | |||
| ] ]] | |||
| Kent Hovind had been charged with falsely declaring bankruptcy, making threats against federal officials, filing false complaints, failing to get necessary building permits, and various tax-related charges. He was convicted of federal tax offenses and related charges, for which he is currently serving a 10-year sentence. | |||
| === Property taxes and zoning ordinance === | |||
| Hovind was charged on ], ], for failure to observe county zoning regulations with respect to Dinosaur Adventure Land.<ref name="CSICOP" /> Despite arguments that the owners did not need a permit due to the nature of the building, the park was found in violation of local regulations.<ref>{{cite news|url= |date=]|publisher=Pensacola News Journal|last=Rabb|first=William|title=Park could face extinction: Lack of building permits closes dinosaur museum}}</ref> | |||
| On ], ], Hovind pled '']'' as charged to three counts: constructing a building without a permit, refusing to sign a citation,<ref>(Case # 2001 MM 023489 A) Escambia County Florida Clerk of the Circuit Court Case #2001 MM 023489 A</ref> and violating the county building code.<ref> (Case # 2002 MM 026670 A) Escambia County Florida Clerk of the Circuit Court Case #2002 MM 026670 A</ref> Hovind was ordered to pay $225.00 per count. The plea brought to an end the 5-year criminal (misdemeanor) court battle over a $50.00 building permit. In June 2006 Hovind complied with the county law.<ref> (Case # 2001 MM 023489 A) Escambia County Florida Clerk of the Circuit Court 2001 MM 023489 A</ref> Hovind estimates he spent $40,000 in legal expenses on this case.<ref>Hovind provides this estimate in a ''Demand to Dismiss'' in the case, which was made available through the now defunct website www.richardsayshome.com.</ref> On ], ], the delinquent 2003-2005 property taxes/penalties for Dinosaur Adventure Land were paid in the amount of $10,402.64.<ref>The information was obtained from the Escambia County Tax Collector.</ref> | |||
| ===Federal civil tax matters, bankruptcy, and renouncing citizenship (1996 - 2006)=== | |||
| Hovind's Creation Science Evangelism ministry is not listed as a tax-exempt ] Section ] charitable, educational or religious organization by the Internal Revenue Service<ref>{{cite news | url=http://apps.irs.gov/app/pub78 | title=Search for Charities and Non-Profits Organizations | publisher=] |date= 2007 | first=| last= | accessdate = 2007-05-19}}</ref> nor is it considered a church by people who work there.<ref>{{cite news | url= | title=Workers testify in 'Dr. Dino' trial| publisher=] |date=October 19, 2006 | first=Amy| last=Sowder | accessdate = 2006-10-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url= | title=Evangelist's trial begins: Dinosaur Adventure Land owner, wife face 58 counts of tax fraud| publisher=] |date=October 18, 2006 | first=Angela | last=Fail | accessdate = 2006-10-18}}</ref> Instead, Hovind's various educational and religious activities are run through an organizational structure which, according to the ], appears to be "based on various questionable trust documents purchased from ], a known promoter of tax avoidance schemes."<ref name="TCM2006-143" /> The Tax Court has concluded that Hovind used these trust documents as well as other fraudulent means to conceal the ownership and control of his activities and properties.<ref name="TCM2006-143" /> | |||
| Hovind was originally reported to the IRS by ] senior vice president Rebekah Horton in the mid 1990s, after she learned of Hovind's anti-tax stand. "'We know the Scriptures do not promote (tax evasion),'" Horton said in testimony against Hovind during his 2006 trial, "'It's against Scripture teaching'.... Horton believed it was the college's duty to report the misleading doctrine. 'I didn't want to see innocent people get led astray,' she said. Pensacola Christian College then decided its students no longer were permitted to work with Creation Science Evangelism".<ref>{{cite news | url= | title=Christian College leader says taxes are part of religion: Hovind argues God's workers are exempt| publisher=] |date=October 20, 2006 | first=Angela| last=Fail | accessdate =}}</ref> | |||
| {{wikisource|The Hovind Bankruptcy Decision}} | |||
| In 1996 Hovind unsuccessfully filed for ] to avoid paying federal ]es claiming he wasn't a citizen of the US and did not earn income.<ref> - A description of the 1996 seizure of property</ref> Hovind was found to have lied about his possessions and income.<ref> '']'' 1998</ref> He claimed that as a minister of God everything he owns belonged to ] and he is not subject to paying taxes to the United States on the money he received for doing God's work.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.digitaljournal.com/news/?articleID=4329 | title=Screw the Taxman: The Weird Ideas of Tax Cheaters | publisher=] | date= Dec 15, 2005 | first=Mike | last=Drach | accessdate = 2006-11-01}}</ref> The court ordered him to pay the money and upheld the IRS's determination that Hovind's claim "was filed in bad faith for the sole purpose of avoiding payment of federal income taxes." In the ruling, the judge called Hovind's arguments "patently absurd." The judge also noted that "the IRS has no record of the debtor ever having filed a federal income tax return," although this was not the court's reason for denying the bankruptcy claim. | |||
| {{wikisource|Kent Hovind 2005 Affidavit}} | |||
| On ], ], Hovind and his wife attempted to evade responsibility for any promises, debts, or legal agreements made prior to ], ], by filing a document called "Power of Attorney and Revocation of Signature"<ref name="PowerofAttorney">Escambia County, Florida Clerks Office May 5, 1998 </ref> with the ] Clerk of Courts. The document reads, in part: "I/we do hereby revoke and make void... all signatures on any instruments...". The Hovinds claimed they had signed government documents "due to the use of various elements of fraud and misrepresentations, duress, coercion, under perjury, mistake, 'bankruptcy'."<ref name="PowerofAttorney" /> | |||
| In the document, the Hovinds argue that ] is essentially a "]."<ref name="PowerofAttorney" /> The Hovinds referred to the ] as "the 'bankrupt' corporate government" and said they were renouncing their ] and ]s to become "a natural citizen of 'America' and a natural sojourner."<ref name="PowerofAttorney" /> In 2002 Hovind was again delinquent in paying his taxes, and unsuccessfully sued the IRS for harassment.<ref name="pleads">{{cite news | url= | title=Park owner pleads not guilty to tax fraud: Evangelist says he's owned by God| publisher=] | date= 18 July 2006| first=Michael | last=Stewart | accessdate = }}</ref> The Hovinds referred to their home state of Florida as "the State of Florida Body-Politic Corporation."<ref name="PowerofAttorney" /> Judges and the IRS did not appear to honor this as a legally relevant document in future decisions.<ref name="pleads" /> | |||
| {{wikisource|Kent Hovind v Scott Schneider}} | |||
| In 2004, IRS agents raided Hovind's home and business to confiscate financial records.<ref> ''Christianity Today'' April 19, 2004</ref> IRS agent Scott Schneider said Hovind's businesses had neither business licenses nor tax-exempt status. The ] quoted Schneider as saying "Since 1997, Hovind has engaged in financial transactions indicating sources of income and has made deposits to bank accounts well in excess of $1 million per year during some of these years, which would require the filing of federal income taxes."<ref> ''Associated Press'' April 18, 2004</ref> On ], ], the IRS filed notices of Federal ]s of $504,957.24 against Hovind and his son and their businesses due to previous legal maneuverings to evade taxation by moving property between himself, his son, and other legal entities.<ref name="taxliens">For a listing of liens search the by last name.</ref> | |||
| {{wikisource|Kent Hovind v Commissioner of Internal Revenue}} | |||
| On ], ], the ] (Docket number 011894-05L) found that Hovind was deficient in paying his federal income taxes in tax years 1995-97 in the amount of $504,957.24.<ref name="TCM2006-143" /> The Tax Court ruled that the IRS had a valid, perfected ] on Hovind's property in that amount. The IRS is currently ]ing against Hovind's property to satisfy his unpaid tax liabilities.<ref name="TCM2006-143" /> In the ] the judge noted that Hovind's defense was based on "bizarre arguments" and "some of which constitute ] involving excise taxes and the alleged '100% voluntary' nature of the income tax."<ref name="TCM2006-143" /> | |||
| ===Federal criminal tax-related trial and convictions in 2006=== | |||
| {{wikinews|Kent Hovind faces a 58-count federal indictment|date=July 21, 2006}} | |||
| On ], ], Hovind was charged in the ] in Pensacola with twelve counts of willful failure to collect, account for, and pay over Federal income taxes and ] taxes under {{usc|26|7202}}, forty-five counts of knowingly structuring transactions in Federally-insured financial institutions to evade the reporting requirements of {{uscsub|31|5313|a}}, in violation of {{usc|31|5324}}, {{usc|18|2}} and 31 C.F.R. sec. 103.11, and one count of corruptly endeavoring to obstruct and impede the administration of the internal revenue laws under {{usc|26|7212}}.<ref>Indictment, ''United States of America v. Kent E. Hovind and Jo D. Hovind'', U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida, Pensacola Division, case no. 3:06CR83/MCR (dated July 11, 2006; filed at 12:55 pm, July 11, 2006) (hereinafter "Indictment").</ref><ref name="arrested">{{cite news | url= | title=Evangelist arrested on federal charges | publisher=] | date= 14 July 2006| first=Michael | last=Stewart | accessdate = }}</ref> Twelve of the charges were for failing to pay employee-related taxes, totaling $473,818, and 45 of the charges were for evading reporting requirements by making multiple cash withdrawals just under the $10,000 reporting requirement (a technique known as "]"). The withdrawals, totaling $430,500, were made in 2001 and 2002.<ref name="arrested" /> Jo Delia Hovind, his co-defendant wife, faced 44 charges.<ref>{{cite news | url= | title=Evangelist's trial postponed| publisher=] | date= 1 September 2006| first=Michael | last=Stewart | accessdate = }}</ref> | |||
| The government charged that Hovind falsely listed the IRS as his only creditor in his bankruptcy, filed a false and frivolous lawsuit against the IRS in which he demanded damages for criminal trespass, made threats of harm to those investigating him and to those who might consider cooperating with the investigation, filed a false complaint against IRS agents investigating him, filed a false criminal complaint against IRS special agents (criminal investigators), and destroyed records.<ref>Indictment, page 8 (July 11, 2006).</ref> | |||
| {{wikisource|United States of America v Kent Hovind and Jo Hovind}} | |||
| After being indicted, Hovind maintained his innocence. "I still don't understand what I'm being charged for and who is charging me," he said.<ref name="arrested" /> Magistrate Miles Davis asked Hovind if he wrote and spoke English, to which Hovind responded "To some degree". Davis replied that the government adequately explained the allegations and the defendant understands the charges "whether you want to admit it or not."<ref>{{cite news | url= | title=Creationist's fight with Uncle Sam may evolve into painful defeat| publisher=] | date= 19 July 2006| first=Michael | last=Stewart | accessdate = }} </ref> Hovind stated that he did not recognize the government's right to try him on tax-fraud charges. At first he attempted to enter a plea of "subornation of false muster," but then entered a not guilty plea "under duress" when the judge offered to enter a plea for him.<ref name="pleads" /> | |||
| At the time of the arrest, Magistrate Davis, over Hovind's protests took away his passport and guns. However, Hovind argued that he needed his passport to continue his evangelism work. He said "thousands and thousands" were waiting to hear him preach in South Africa the following month. But Davis sided with Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Heldmyer, who argued that "like-minded people" might secret Hovind away if he left the country. In relation to the guns, Davis said "ownership was not the issue."<ref name="arrested" /> Because of reports of weapons on the Hovind property, the indictment was originally sealed for fear that "the arrest of the defendants in this case could pose some danger to agents."<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.ncseweb.org/resources/news/2006/FL/470_kent_hovind_arrested_on_federa_7_14_2006.asp | title=Kent Hovind arrested on federal charges | publisher=] | date= July 14, 2006 | first= | last= | accessdate = 2006-10-18}}</ref> More than a half-dozen guns were seized at the Hovind's home, including an ] semiautomatic rifle.<ref name="detailedactions">{{cite news|url= |title=Lawyer: Hovind detailed actions: Evangelist said he 'beat the system' |author=Michael Stewart |pub=Pensacola News Journal |date= 21 October 2006 |accessdate = 2006-10-26}}</ref> Also "During an IRS raid at the home, agents found cash stashed 'all over the place.' About $42,000 was seized."<ref name="detailedactions" /> | |||
| {{wikinews|Evangelist Kent Hovind's tax trial begins|date=October 21, 2006}} | |||
| Evidence produced at the trial revealed that Jo Hovind had requested financial assistance from Baptist Healthcare claiming that the Hovinds had no income. "'Dr. and Mrs. Kent Hovind do not earn salaries,' wrote Martha Harris, the trust secretary of Creation Science Evangelism to Baptist Healthcare. 'As health insurance is not provided for this couple, we would appreciate (financial assistance).'"<ref>{{cite news | url=| title=Kent and Jo Hovind deny having income | publisher=] | date= Oct. 31, 2006 | first=Nicole | last=Lozare | accessdate = }}</ref> However, continues the article "Kent Hovind, a ], makes a substantial amount of money". "On the day the IRS searched the Hovind home, Kent Hovind withdrew $70,000 from the Creation Science Evangelism account. Half in a check; the other in cash.<ref>{{cite news | url=| title='Dr. Dino,' wife guilty | publisher=] | date= November 2, 2006 | first=Nicole | last=Lozare | accessdate = }}</ref> | |||
| At the time of the indictment, Hovind's defense appeared to be that although there were 30 people working for him, all of whom received remuneration in cash, none of them were employees. According to Hovind, "Nobody's an employee, and they all know that when they come. They come, they work ... The laborer is worthy of his hire -- we try to take the purely scriptural approach. We do the best we can with helping people with their family needs. There are no employees here."<ref name = "noemp">{{cite news | url=http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/7/212006b.asp | title=Tax-Evasion Charges Baseless, Says Ministry Leader | publisher=] | date= July 21, 2006 | first=Jim | last=Brown | accessdate = 2006-12-18}}</ref> Hovind had also claimed that he was not liable for taxes that he and his ministry did not have to "]" because his workers are "missionaries" not "employees".<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.wdcmedia.com/newsArticle.php?ID=1514 | title=Tax Evasion Charges Baseless Says Ministry Leader | publisher=WDC Media News | date= 7 July 2006 | first= | last= | accessdate = 2006-10-18}}</ref> | |||
| {{wikinews|Evangelist Hovind found guilty for tax fraud}} | |||
| On ], ], the trial began in which he hoped to convince a jury that his amusement park admission and merchandise sales belonged to God and cannot be taxed.<ref>{{cite news | url= | title=Evangelist's trial begins: Dinosaur Adventure Land owner, wife face 58 counts of tax fraud| publisher=] |date=October 18, 2006 | first=Angela | last=Fail | accessdate = }}</ref>. Former and current workers, IRS agents, a bank employee, and a lawyer of a non-profit Christian organization testified in the trial. Workers testified that they had to punch time cards, had vacation and sick days; while others testified Hovind claimed he had "beat" the tax system.<ref>{{cite news | url= | title=Lawyer: Hovind detailed actions: Evangelist said he 'beat the system' | publisher=] |date=October 21, 2006 | first=Michael | last=Stewart | accessdate = }}</ref> During the trial, the judge "admonished" Hovind's attorney for wasting time and asking irrelevant questions.<ref>{{cite news | url= | title=Judge admonishes Hovind attorney | publisher=] | date= November 1, 2006 | first=Nicole | last=Lozare | accessdate =}}</ref> | |||
| The trial concluded on November 1 with the defense deciding not to present a case.<ref>{{cite news | url= | title=Prosecutors rest case against Hovind | publisher=] | date= November 1, 2006 | first=Nicole | last=Lozare | accessdate = 2006-11-01}}</ref> After closing arguments were presented on ], the jury deliberated three hours before finding the Hovinds guilty on all counts, 58 for Hovind and 44 for his wife.<ref>{{cite news | url=| title='Dr. Dino,' wife guilty | publisher=] | date= November 2, 2006 | first=Nicole | last=Lozare | accessdate = }}</ref> The '']'' noted, "The saddest thing: Had they cooperated with the agents, they probably wouldn't be worrying about prison sentences now."<ref>{{cite news | url= | title=Hard to believe a man with a Ph.D didn't know of a basic tax law | publisher=] | date= November 3, 2006 | first=Mark | last=O'Brien | accessdate = }}</ref> | |||
| ===Sentencing, appeal, and prison life in 2007=== | |||
| {{wikinews|Dr Dino gets 10 years in prison}} | |||
| Hovind was sentenced on ], ] to ten years in prison and ordered to pay the federal government restitution of over $600,000. After his prison term finishes, he will have to serve another three years of probation. A tearful Hovind had hoped to avoid prison, telling the court, "If it's just money the IRS wants, there are thousands of people out there who will help pay the money they want so I can go back out there and preach."<ref name="sentencing">{{cite news | url=| title=10 years for 'Dr. Dino'| publisher=] | date= 19 January 2007| first=Michael | last=Stewart | accessdate = 2007-01-20}}</ref> | |||
| Hovind's court room behavior was in stark contrast to phone calls he made while in jail.<ref name="Decade">{{cite news | url= | title=A decade for 'Dr. Dino'| publisher=] | date= 20 January 2006| first=Michael | last=Stewart | accessdate = 2007-01-20}}</ref> One conversation with Eric Hovind, Kent Hovind's son, showed the two plotted to hide a motor vehicle title and property deeds to prevent the government from collecting the property to pay for owed debt.<ref name="jailcalls">{{cite news | url= | title=Kent Hovind Jail Calls|publisher=] | date=January 21, 2007 | first= | last= | accessdate =2007-01-21}}</ref> | |||
| {{wikinews|Kent Hovind's April 2007 appeal denied}} | |||
| At a ], ] hearing, Hovind claimed, among other things, that his convictions for structuring transactions (cash withdrawals from a bank) to evade currency reporting requirements should be thrown out. Hovind contended that under the rule in a case called ''United States v. Davenport'',<ref>929 F.2d 1169 (7th Cir. 1991).</ref> the crime is not the individual withdrawals, but is instead the total transaction, also known as the "unit of the crime." Hovind contended that in his case there was no "unit of the crime" "separate and distinct from the alleged act of withdrawing, and without such a separate amount to be structured there could be no crime alleged, and no conviction on any charge in Counts 13 through 57."<ref>Motion to Reconsider Order Denying Motion for Judgment of Acquittal, Jan. 26, 2007, docket entry 153, ''United States of America v. Kent E. Hovind'', case no. 3:06cr83-001/MCR, United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida, Pensacola Division.</ref> On April 18, 2007, the court rejected the defendants' "unit of the crime" arguments, and the motions for acquittal were denied.<ref>Order, April 18, 2007, docket entry 192, ''United States of America v. Kent E. Hovind'', case no. 3:06cr83-001/MCR, United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida, Pensacola Division.</ref><ref>{{cite news | url= | title=Attorneys for Hovinds seeks acquittal on bank structuring| publisher=] | date= March, 1, 2007 | first= | last= | accessdate = 2007-03-03}}</ref> | |||
| After the conviction Hovind was incarcerated in the ] as a "danger to the community" and flight risk.<ref>Nicole Lozare "'Dr. Dino' guilty on all counts: Couple could get more than 200 years". Pensacola News Journal, November 3, 2006</ref> After being sentenced, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, in January 2007 Hovind was originally incarcerated at the ] (minimum security) at Saufley Field, ], ], but was moved to the ] (medium security) at ].<ref name="inmatefinder"/> In May 2007 he was moved and placed in ] for a short period of time.<ref>See comments section of: {{cite news | url=http://www.cseblogs.com/?p=71#comments | title=Attorneys for Hovinds seeks acquittal on bank structuring| publisher=cseblogs.com (Kent Hovind's blog) | date= May 8, 2007 | first= | last= | accessdate = 2007-06-03}}</ref> He was then listed as being an "] level" inmate at ] in ], the ] (USP) in ] until being placed at his current location, FCI Edgefield in ].<ref name="inmatefinder"/> | |||
| {{wikinews|"Mrs. Dino" sentenced to one year in prison}} | |||
| On June 29, 2007 Jo Hovind was sentenced to one year imprisonment (out of a possible 225 years) , three years of supervision upon being released, and ordered to pay $8,000 in fines.<ref> Associated Press, ABC Action News 2007-06-29. Retrieved on 2007-06-29.</ref> In court Jo Hovind told the judge "I really did not have a leadership role in CSE" and finished "I would never knowingly do anything illegal."<ref name="JoLawBreaker">Mark OBrien "She's 'Granny Jo' to her family, but a lawbreaker to the court". '']'', July 1, 2007 </ref> The prosecutor said that Jo Hovind's statement contradicted the evidence. The prosecutor stated, "I do not believe she's being truthful to the court".<ref name="JoLawBreaker"/> The judge stated that "Mrs. Hovind was in charge of the payroll," and that while "Mr. Hovind was the decision-making authority" at CSE and Dinosaur Adventure Land, Jo Hovind had cashed some 200 checks, all under $10,000, for a total of $1.5 million during a four year period.<ref name="JoLawBreaker"/> In conclusion the judge explained that Jo Hovind's sentence was imposed to engender "respect for the law" and as a deterrence to others who might be tempted to break the law.<ref name="JoLawBreaker"/> | |||
| {{wikinews|Hovind's 11th Circuit Court Appeal Denied}} | |||
| Hovind's appeal to the ] for the 2006 US Tax Court judgment (Kent E. Hovind v. Commissioner of IRS) was denied on July 2, 2007.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.ca11.uscourts.gov/unpub/ops/200615229.pdf | title=Kent E. Hovind v. Commissioner of IRS |publisher=] | date=July 2, 2007 | first= | last= | accessdate =2007-01-21}} Case #06-15229, Docket 11894-05L</ref> Hovind "filed an appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit claiming he was prevented from challenging the amount of his tax liability."<ref name="11thAppealDenied">"Appeals court upholds sentence in Hovind tax-evasion case". '']'', July 4, 2007</ref> But "a three-judge panel ruled that Hovind failed to raise the issue at the right time, so he waived his rights to contest his tax liability."<ref name="11thAppealDenied"/> | |||
| In addition "the government also has taken 10 properties from the Hovinds" for money owed.<ref name="JoLawBreaker"/> This stems from the June 27, 2007 judgment which ordered Hovind's property to be forfeited according to {{usc|18|3613}} for costs of $5,800, a fine of $2000, and restitution of $604,874.87.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://205.152.130.14/or_1b.asp?uinstr=2007061225 | title=Instrument 2007061225 ($604,874.87 lien) | publisher=Escambia County Florida Clerk of the Circuit Court |date= June 27, 2007 | first= | last= | accessdate =2007-07-17}}</ref> If payment should not be paid in full, the Hovinds will pay the principal at an additional 5.1% interest. | |||
| According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Kent Hovind is scheduled for release from prison in August 2015.<ref name="inmatefinder"/> His wife, Jo Hovind, is not currently in BOP custody.<ref name="inmateJoHovind">{{cite news | url=http://www.bop.gov/iloc2/InmateFinderServlet?Transaction=NameSearch&needingMoreList=false&LastName=hovind&Middle=&FirstName=jo&Race=W&Sex=F&Age=&x=22&y=26 | title=Locate a Federal Inmate: Jo Hovind| publisher=] |date= 2007 | first= | last= | accessdate =2007-12-27}}</ref> | |||
| ==References== | |||
| {{reflist|3}} | |||
| ==External links== | ==External links== | ||
| {{sisterlinks|Kent Hovind}} | |||
| === Official Hovind and pro-Hovind=== | |||
| * - Hovind's official website | |||
| * - Hovind's official blog | |||
| * - Hovind's YEC-theme park website | |||
| === Creationist but critical of Hovind === | |||
| * from ] (]) | |||
| * from ] | |||
| * by ] | |||
| * by ] of ]. | |||
| === Critical of creationism and Hovind === | |||
| * Includes a section on Hovind's relationship with Chick Publishing and responses to the $250,000 Challenge. | |||
| * by ]. September 1999. | |||
| * by ] | |||
| * from ] | |||
| * a detailed critique by Dave E. Matson | |||
| * by ] | |||
| * by the ] (2004) | |||
| * by ], Ph.D | |||
| *{{cite news | url=http://www.csicop.org/si/2004-11/hovind.html | title=A Journey to Hovind's Dinosaur Adventure Land| publisher=] | date= November 2004 | first=Greg| last=Martinez | accessdate = }} | |||
| *{{cite news | url=http://www.csicop.org/si/2005-03/hovind.html | title='Stupid Dino Tricks': A Reply to Hovind's Web Response| publisher=] | date= March 2005 | first=Greg| last=Martinez | accessdate = }} | |||
| * mp3s hosted by Dartmouth | |||
| === Court records === | |||
| {{wikinewshas|news coverage of ''Kent Hovind''| | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ]}} | |||
| * (1996) | |||
| * A court affidavit Hovind presented containing his biography. | |||
| * (2002) | |||
| *{{cite news | url=http://www.ustaxcourt.gov/InOpHistoric/Hovind.TCM.WPD.pdf | title=Hovind v. Commissioner Internal Revenue |publisher=] | date=July 6, 2006 | first= | last= | accessdate =}} (Memo Opinion) | |||
| *{{cite news | url=http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/61/HovindIndictment.pdf | title=United States of America v Kent Hovind and Jo Hovind |publisher=] | date=July 2006| first= | last= | accessdate =}} | |||
| *{{cite news | url=http://www.ca11.uscourts.gov/unpub/ops/200615229.pdf | title=Kent E. Hovind v. Commissioner of IRS |publisher=] | date=July 2, 2007 | first= | last= | accessdate =}} | |||
| * – Court database | |||
| === Media sources === | |||
| *{{cite news | url=http://www.sptimes.com/2004/04/18/State/Biblical_theme_park_s.shtml | title=Biblical theme park's finances investigated: Dr. Dino owes taxes dating back to 1997 | publisher=] |date=April 18, 2004 | first= | last= | accessdate = 2006-12-18}} | |||
| *{{cite news |url=http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070919-dr-dino-uses-dmca-takedowns-on-critics-admits-to-mistakes.html |title=Creationists, atheists battle over copyrights, criticism, and the DMCA | publisher=] |date=September 19, 2007 | accessdate =2007-09-21}} | |||
| * | |||
| {{DEFAULTSORT:Hovind, Kent}} | |||
| * | |||
| ] | |||
| * | |||
| ] | |||
| * | |||
| ] | |||
| * | |||
| ] <!--Any Reliable Sources?--> | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| ] <!--Prove it--> | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | ] | ||
| ] | |||
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| ] | |||
Revision as of 21:12, 4 March 2008
| Kent Hovind | |
|---|---|
| File:Kent Hovind.jpg | |
| Born | Kent E. Hovind (1953-01-15) January 15, 1953 (age 71)  |
| Occupation(s) | Evangelist, broadcaster, Christian theme park operator |
| Spouse | Jo Delia Hovind |
| Children | Kent Andrew Hovind Eric Hovind Marlissa Jewell |
| Website | Creation Science Evangelism |
Dr Kent Hovind (born in 1953), the self-styled Dr Dino, is an American Young Earth Creationist evangelist who is currently offering USD $250,000 to anyone who can prove evolution "is the only possible way," although the offer is widely considered to be spurious. He is the founder of Creation Science Evangelism, his non-profit ministry.
Hovind was formerly a high school science teacher in private American Baptist schools for 15 years.
While he uses the title "Doctor," many of his critics do not take this seriously, as he has a Ph.D. in "Christian Education" from the unaccredited correspondence school Patriot University (a known diploma mill). Hovind often defends his college education, though, claiming that his critics are more out to attack him instead of his arguments against evolution.
Critics charge that Kent Hovind's creation/evolution sermons are a mix of pseudoscience, Christian Fundamentalism and conspiracy theories. Hovind considers the Bible the inerrant word of God and must be taken literally to its word, and because of this, all findings of science must be adapted so as to agree with scripture — which he claims is a priori known to be truth. But, he claims that evolutionists also have a priori assumptions as well, namely that God does not exist (or at least not one that performed special Creation) thereby distorting their own application of science. He does not, however, take Biblical literalism as far as do the Flat Earth Creationists, who believe the Earth is (or at least was) flat because of their particular interpretation of the Bible. The reason for this, he says, is because the Bible talks about the "circle of earth" in Isaiah chapter 22. This, he says, is evidence that the Bible describes a circular earth rather than a four-cornered flat earth. The references to the "four corners of the earth" are clearly parabolic, according to Hovind.
Hovind is mostly known for his debates with evolutionists. The best-known contemporary evolutionists, Richard Dawkins and the late Stephen Jay Gould, have in the past refused to debate Hovind by claiming that debate is not how science works and gives charlatans more of an advantage than systematic inquiry (see: scientific method). Hovind disagrees, and feels that they avoid debate simply because the audience will perceive that evolution is not as factual as evolutionists claim it is.
In Hovind's debates, he traditionally focuses on trying to discredit evolutionary theory rather than providing evidence for Creationism. However, he does occasionally present what he says is evidence for a flood, among other creationist theories such as the canopy theory. He is regarded, even among many other Young Earth Creationists , as being crude in his argumentation. The vast majority of secular scientists, including many creationists, do not take Hovind's work very seriously or agree with his interpretation of the facts.
Hovind is also a staunch advocate of the King-James-Only Movement movement of using only the King James Version of the Bible, claiming that it is the only true infallible word of God for the English-speaking peoples. According to him, all of the numerous other English translations of the Bible are in some way corrupt.
External links
- Hovind's web site
- Talk.origins on Hovind
- Analysis of Kent Hovind
- Patriot University website
- A review of Hovind's Ph.D. dissertation
- "Creation Science Evangelism - Creation, Evolution, Dinosaurs, and the Bible". Retrieved 2007-08-03.