“Fallen Angel” by Alexandre Cabanel (1847), Musee Fabre, Montpellier, France (Accession No. 889.2.1), (CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication)
The Daily Beast recently published a lengthy article exploring whether fundamentalist preacher Kent Hovind enabled convicted pedophile Chris Jones and alleged pedophile Brady Byron, ostensibly in the belief they had “reformed” [1][2].
Since The Daily Beast is a proudly left-leaning paper, much is made of the fact Hovind operated a creationist theme park. Presumably, this is intended as a swipe against Christians. The article, however, remains deeply troubling. At a minimum, the details reflect badly both on Hovind’s credibility and judgment.
Failure to Pay Income Tax
For those who may be unaware, Hovind was convicted in 2006 of failure to pay income tax, and ordered to pay $600,000 in restitution.
He was charged in 2015 with mail fraud [2]. Those charges were eventually withdrawn or dismissed. Hovind was though found guilty of contempt of court.
Domestic Abuse
Even more significant, Hovind was found guilty in 2021 of domestic violence for “body slamming” his estranged wife. Both Hovind’s ex-wives, Cindi Lincoln and Mary Tocco speak extensively on YouTube about their disturbing experiences with him [3].
Bad Fruit
Scripture warns us of false prophets who come in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves (Matt. 7: 15). We are told to identify such men by their actions. Good trees bear good fruit; bad trees bear bad fruit (Matt. 7: 16-17).
Satan, himself, was once an angel of light. He often assumes that guise to mislead us. Lies, after all, are his stock in trade (John 8: 44).
WE MUST NOT BE DECEIVED.
“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light” (2 Cor. 11: 13-14).
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[1] Wikipedia, “Kent Hovind”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kent_Hovind.
[2] The Daily Beast, “Preacher Accused of Enabling Pedophile at Creationist ‘Dino’ Theme Park” by Kelly Weill, 2/3/23, https://www.thedailybeast.com/preacher-kent-hovind-accused-of-enabling-a-pedophile-at-his-christian-dinosaur-adventure-land-theme-park.
[2] Pensacola News Journal, “The evolution of ‘Dr. Dino'” , 11/11/14, https://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/escambia-county/2014/11/11/evolution-dr-dino/18850377/.
[3] YouTube, “Kent Hovind’s Ex-Wives Tell All”, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBdXgbei7e4.
The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that those accused of domestic violence have a right to retain their firearms. The Dept. of Justice plans to request a rehearing.
A total of 16 women have now accused acclaimed modeling agent Gerald Marie of rape or sexual assault, attributing their victimization in the 1980s to the fashion industry’s “rape culture”. The women are asking that France extend its Statute of Limitations for rape.
See, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fashion-models-rape-sexual-assault-gerald-marie-fight-for-legal-change/.
FOR MORE OF MY ARTICLES ON POVERTY, POLITICS, AND MATTERS OF CONSCIENCE CHECK OUT MY BLOG A LAWYER’S PRAYERS AT: https://alawyersprayers.com
ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse 
Insightful and informative as always Anna. The fact that Satan transforms himself into an angel of light should give everyone cause to examine the fruits of all who claim to come in Christ’s name.
I am aware that many say that Christians are not called to be “fruit inspectors” , but neither are we to purposely allow the devil to destroy our lives. We must remain vigilant against the wiles of the devil, which means we should not be looking for a wild man in a red suit carrying a pitchfork. The enemy comes dressed in suits, dresses, shorts, and flip flops.
This is why John said we were to “try the spirits”. Not everything or everyone that says Jesus on the label is the real deal.
These self-interested charlatans not only delude Christians. They damage the Christian witness to non-believers.
How grievous that it is still true– that the Name of God continues to be blasphemed among the Gentiles because of those among His own people who give Satan room in their lives.
Well said, Allan.
Ich bin immer wieder überrascht, welch gründliches Studium der Bibeltexte du in deinen großartig recherchierten Beiträgen beweist. So wird mir vieles deutlicher. Vielen Dank dafür.
Liebe Grüße und bleib gesund, Marie
Das ist ein großes Kompliment. Vielen Dank, liebe Freundin. ❤ ❤ ❤
Das hast Du wirklich verdient, dass man deine Leistungen anerkennt. Alles Liebe, M.
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But tolerance without questioning for its own sake is fashionable and easier.
So right, Marilee.