Jan 18 2008
I added a new poll in the sidebar that addresses creation, evolution, and origins of life. If you need to define terms, mouse over the following: Young Earth Creation, Old Earth Gap Theory, Old Earth Progressive/Day-Age Creation, Theistic Evolution, Non-Theistic Evolution.
(HT: Michael Patton at Reclaiming the Mind and Vance McAllister at Submerging Influence)
Nov 28 2007
“And the Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan against the Ephraimites. And when any of the fugitives of Ephraim said, “Let me go over,” the men of Gilead said to him, “Are you an Ephraimite?” When he said, “No,” they said to him, “Then say Shibboleth,” and he said, “Sibboleth,” for he could not pronounce it right. Then they seized him and slaughtered him at the fords of the Jordan. At that time 42,000 of the Ephraimites fell.” (Judges 12:5-6, ESV)
Way back in November 2006, I posted on the old site about the travails of Kent Hovind. To date, that single post has gotten over 5000 visits, with more than 140 comments. Hovind was/is a sometime preacher and advocate of a young-earth creation (YEC) model. He is currently spending time at a Federal Prison in South Carolina and blogs here. (The posts on his site are interesting, but reveal someone who seems to be trying desperately to keep it together.) The problem is that he also opposes the payment of any taxes, payroll or otherwise, by any of his ministries or employees. What’s in the man’s heart is between him and the Lord, but his approach brings great discredit on himself and on believers in general. Pray for him and his family - his wife Jo was also found guilty of many of the same charges.
I still get scathing comments to my original post (since moved here), and I’m not sure why. Is it that the man has become an icon and hero of the “faith vs science” debate? I don’t think so. Many, even among the YEC crowd, have rejected his more specious arguments. Is it his stance on not paying taxes? I don’t relish the idea of giving a large chunk of my income to the government, but I recognize the obligation under federal and state law.
His positions are a stumbling block and a modern day shibboleth that divides believers and holds them up to ridicule. Whatever the reason for his continuing popularity, I pray that God would soften his heart - and those of his followers - and help them to focus less on the arguments for or against his chosen positions, and more on the gospel of Christ.
