Christian Image
Kent Hovind is a Christian from Florida (Click here for a full bio: http://www.drdino.com/articles.php?spec=71). Known as “Dr. Dino”, he travels the country giving seminars and talks on Creation Science, and showing the flaws in the so called “theory” of evolution. I’ve listened to many of them (on tape) and think he has done a great job spreading the word of God.
However, I recently learned that Mr. Hovind has been arrested on federal charges, including making threats against federal officials, filing false complaints and tax evasion (of approx. $500,000). He has been quoted in saying that “He is an employee of God, and that he doesn’t have to pay taxes.”
I had a lot of respect for him before this incident, but after hearing that statement I lost it all. What picture of “Christianity” does he think that’s projecting to the world?! Think of all the people who are now viewing Christian’s as people who believe it’s acceptable to commit Federal Offenses. It’s horrifying!
I think Mr. Hovind should take the time to read through the Book of Matthew again; specifically, Matthew 22:17-21:
Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, “Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
I think that sets the issue of paying taxes in stone.
Remember that being a Christian isn’t a “day job” that we can cast aside when we’re not at Church or among other Christians. As Christians we are God’s ambassadors, representing GOD in everything we do and to everyone we come in contact with.
Take some time to think about it. Are you displaying a “Christian” image to the World?
