Hovind: guilty or not guilty?

[Mallon]

This just in:

Kent Hovind, creation scientist extraordinaire, was recently convicted of failing to take Matthew 22:21 literally.

http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061103/NEWS01/611030338/1006

If you were on the jury, how would you have voted?

 

[Deamiter]

Where's the choice for, "How the heck do I know, I didn't hear the evidence?"

I'm not a fan of the dishonest anti-evolutionist one bit, but I'm not going to vote that he was guilty of tax evasion based on my personal opinion of his 'ministry!'

 

[laptoppop]

Where's the choice for, "How the heck do I know, I didn't hear the evidence?

Amen, and thanks for your fairness.

 

[shernren]

It makes no difference to me frankly, Hovind's claims are scientifically refutable in and of themselves, whether or not he's a tax fraud. He's a bad scientist whether or not he's a bad person.

Sorry for sounding so standoff-ish but I personally think Hovind-bashing comes from the same sentiments as Piltdown-bashing: subtly extrapolating from one flawed specimen to taint the whole. Not that I am accusing you of it, but it can lead there for others.

 

[Jase]

Where's the choice for, "How the heck do I know, I didn't hear the evidence?"

I'm not a fan of the dishonest anti-evolutionist one bit, but I'm not going to vote that he was guilty of tax evasion based on my personal opinion of his 'ministry!'

Well, at least some of the evidence has been stated in the news. For example, his wife taking out numerous transactions of 9500 dollars, which is just below the level that sets off tracking alarms with the IRS. It was also mentioned that Hovind owes some 400,000 dollars in back taxes for his ministry (I think).

While you may not have been on the Jury, it's fairly obvious the Hovind's broke the law and tried to hide it. Of course we know full well Hovind won't get the 288 year prison sentence max he could get. He'll probably get a slap on the wrist and maybe a year and half to 2 years prison time.

 

[Mallon]

I respect everyone's reservations and attempts at remaining objective. But what sort of evidence remains to be seen? Hovind himself has admitted to not paying employee-related taxes.
Not that any of this reflects on creationism, per se. But it's yet another example of those hypocrites Jesus warned us about.

 

[laptoppop]

My impression of Hovind is that he has some concepts about american government that don't quite work out. I am of the impression that he is a "true believer" -- just that he is misguided. Throwing "shoulds" at the IRS doesn't do much. Just shut up, and do it by their rules and concentrate on the real issues.

I would also call him a "popularist", not a scientist. His lack of rigourousness, willingness to continue to use marginal arguments, and questionable educational credentials are prime examples. On the other hand, I would tend to agree with much of what he says - I would just do it in a radically different manner, with different evidences.

I don't know enough about him or his situation to judge him. Having seen firsthand just how distorted news reports can be, I'm not going to start now. I must admit - from the little I know, I wouldn't mind having some of the issues he's raised relative to the Government and the Church being raised up to the Supreme Court for comment. I'd love to see greater limits on the Government.

 

[Mallon]

Hovind's problem is that he claims to be doing the of God (thinking he can avoid taxes that way), but never claimed any religious affiliation when he filed the paperwork for Creation Science Ministries (claiming to be strictly science-oriented). Can't have it both ways, "Dr. Dino."

 

[chaoschristian]

Outside of the Cre/Vo debate, Hovind's actions hurt a lot of people. He basically took advantage of his employees, the trust of the folks who believe in him, and in the process managed the sully the reputation of the church writ large.

I'm no fan of Hovind, but recently certain families who live not all that far from me had the opportunity to demonstrate true Christian charity and forgiveness.

If they can do it, then who am I not to follow suit.

I wonder if its possible to get Hovind's jail address so that one can write a letter of encouragement?

 

[Mallon]

I'm all for that, chaoschritian. What a very Christ-like gesture. We would have to be careful about how and what we encourage him for, however. I'm sure most of us would be unhappy seeing him out of jail and continuing on as he did previously.

 

[chaoschristian]

I'm all for that, chaoschritian. What a very Christ-like gesture. We would have to be careful about how and what we encourage him for, however. I'm sure most of us would be unhappy seeing him out of jail and continuing on as he did previously.

well, my wife is an officer of the court, and i have my own experiences inside of jails (we even did an overnight incarceration together with a group we used to volunteer with when DC opened up its new jail back in the 90's) so I know something of the experience of being imprisoned

i don't want to encourage the behaviour that got him there, or earned him the reputation that he has

but i can at least offer some words of support for getting through sitting in jail

 

[chaoschristian]

well, according to Creation Science Evangelism all correspondence should be sent to the following address for the time being:

Creation Science Evangelism
29 Cummings Road
Pensacola, Florida USA
[32503]

 

[Ave Maria]

I believe that he is guilty and needs to pay the time in prison.

 

[Deamiter]

I respect everyone's reservations and attempts at remaining objective. But what sort of evidence remains to be seen? Hovind himself has admitted to not paying employee-related taxes.
Not that any of this reflects on creationism, per se. But it's yet another example of those hypocrites Jesus warned us about.

I certainly think he's guilty, but that's not what you asked. You asked whether I'd have convicted him if I sat on the jury. I guess I just hold a much higher standard for my judging of a peer in court than for my personal feelings based on media and blogs.

 

[Renton405]

I feel kinda bad for him.. The IRS are pigs..But I agree with what he said at the end as far as just dealing with them and not avoiding them.

 

[flaja]

As someone who has absolutely no respect for organized churches and sees every church pastor as self-centered and self-serving, I cannot conclude anything other than Hovind is guilty. The odds that he is innocent are miniscule.

 

[pgp_protector]

Where's the choice for, "How the heck do I know, I didn't hear the evidence?"

I'm not a fan of the dishonest anti-evolutionist one bit, but I'm not going to vote that he was guilty of tax evasion based on my personal opinion of his 'ministry!'

QFT

 

[Mick116]

This is not our business. This is between God, Kent and the IRS.

 

[Mick116]

I wonder if its possible to get Hovind's jail address so that one can write a letter of encouragement?

What a precious and gracious sentiment.

 

[horuhe00]

Maybe he converts Christians in jail?