Why don't
all creation ministries get together to be more effective?
Answer:
Division
over various issues has been the long history of humanity saved and lost alike.
Some issues are worth dividing over and some are not. I can unite with some
people for some goals and then must separate from them over other issues. It
would be great if all creation ministries could pool their efforts but I doubt
it will ever happen. I have gleaned much good information from many sources over
the years. I invite everyone to use any of my material to enhance their
ministry. Nothing I produce is copyrighted.
Occasionally I get a call from
someone who tells me that some other creation ministry in the world told them
they do not recommend my ministry (CSE) for one reason or another. I know many
people in scores of fine creationist organizations around the world. While I do
not work for them or answer to them I certainly don't try to alienate fellow
creationists either if it can be avoided. There is too much to do for the Lord
and so little time that it is silly to let minor disagreements distract us from
the main goal. Over the last ten years we have helped spawn scores of new
creation ministries around the world. I tell those who don't like some part of
my seminar (jokes, stories, political sarcasm, recommending people they
disagree with, etc) to edit out what they don't like and use the good. I
learned years ago how to eat the meat and spit out the bones. That is a good
lesson for all to learn.
My teaching style of showing all
known theories on controversial topics seems to bother a few fellow
creationists greatly. If I am not certain of the truth on a topic I will say,
"Here are the theories..." Those who cherish one theory say I should
not even present the others. They think I should only show theirs. I'm willing
to listen to any advice or criticism but in the final analysis I do not care
what anyone thinks of me, or my ministry, except God. I know full well that I
will stand before Him to be judged one day soon for every thing I have done in
this life. Some people seem to live in fear of what other men think. I would
encourage all of God's children to not be snared in that trap. See Proverbs
29:25-26. I listen to what others say, compare it with scripture and act
accordingly. If you are sure you are right, go on.
If you disagree with me on some
topic, call me and let's talk about it. Please don't slander me without at
least doing this first. I'm willing to change anything I believe if I am given
good reason to do so. As children of God we should be able to disagree without
being disagreeable. I try to live peaceably with all men as the Bible commands
me in Romans 12:18. When a brother is overtaken in a fault it is scriptural for
one to try to fix it. Gal. 6:1.
I keep so busy with my own
ministry that I don't worry much about what others think. I learned years ago
to eat the meat and spit out the bones. I can learn something from just about
everyone I meet. I doubt any two people in the world agree on all points. I
work hard to please the Lord and expect to answer to Him alone one day.
However, when other good Christians have criticisms it is always wise to listen
to what they say and learn from it.
When I hear that someone is in
disagreement with me I do what I think the Bible teaches one should do. I
contact them directly if possible to try to sort it out. For example:
After many people called me to
say that Hank Hanegraaff, the "Bible answer man" of Christian
Research Institute, www.equip.org,
had made disparaging remarks about me on his national radio program, I called
to try to speak with Hank to see what the problem was. I was not allowed to
speak with Hank but his PR man talked with me for nearly an hour. Recently a
friend of mine contacted CRI to see what their complains were. He got a letter
back with the following complaints they have with my beliefs with my response
in []:
CRI writes: He [Dr. Hovind]
Believes in:
1.
Bibles
codes (to use the bible-encoded message to predict the future.)
[This is silly! I defy anyone show anywhere where I have taught this.]
2.
The
King James Version only is a Christian bible.
[Also not true. I do use KJV and discuss problems with other versions, but many
fine Christians use other versions. Someone using the very liberal RSV led me
to Christ. I would rather see someone read any version instead of
Playboy magazine.]
3.
Comes
close to say that young earth as an acid test to see if you are a Christian or
not.
[This is ridiculous! Many fine Christians believe the earth is billions of
years old. I don't think they have studied the subject well enough to see that
putting death before sin creates a serious theological problem, but I have
never said this was an acid test to be a Christian. Hank's PR man is a Hugh
Ross follower so this may be the source of the problem. We have a series of
videos with me debating Hugh Ross if you want more on this.]
4.
That
the ucp bar code contains 666.
[In my seminar I show that the guard bars used at the beginning, middle and end
of the UPC codes is the exact same pattern used for the number 6. I don't know
what the mark of the beast is or will be but it seems to me (and to many
others) that the UPC code is indeed a part of the prophecy in Rev. 13 and 14.]
5.
Some
people today are buying things by scanning their hands.
[I have said in my seminar that I have had 3 people tell me they have seen this
happen. I have never seen this nor claimed that I have.]
6.
Gospel
in the stars (i.e. The gospel in the stars theory attempts to disconnect or
redeem, the constellation and the stars from their pagan association to reveal
their original meaning.
[In response to a question asked of me after a seminar I present the
information about the zodiac as one option. Many have suggested this in the
past. Dr. D. James Kennedy of Coral Ridge Ministries has a great book on this
topic. I do not know if there is anything to it or not, nor do I teach it
dogmatically. It is an interesting field of research. That is all I think about
it. If Hank disagrees that is fine but he does not need to accuse me of doing
something wrong, or attempt to discredit my ministry, for even mentioning it.
Good students of scripture can study various topics and decide for themselves
without me or Hank telling them what they can or cannot study.]
7.
Pyramid
methodology (that the great pyramid was built by divine inspiration, and its
measurements and inner rooms can be used as a Prophetic time line, each inch
representing the foretelling biblical events past and future. The great pyramid
is called the bible in stone, revealing the divine plan of the ages.
[In response to a question asked of me after a seminar I present the
information about the pyramid as one option. Many fine Christians (and some
cults) have suggested this in the past. I do not know, nor do I teach
dogmatically, anything they accuse me of here.]
8.
Believes
in the Bermuda triangle. [same answer as #7]
9.
On web
site, He practices not filing federal and state income taxes.
[Read the answer on my web site for yourself. I love my country and believe
everyone should obey the law and pay all taxes they owe. I file every form and
pay every tax I am required to. If Hank is implying that I am breaking the law
he should show me where I am wrong not give me a back handed slap like this.]
Hank has spoken evil of me several times on his program, yet never once has
he called me to verify the truth or given me a chance to defend myself. He owes
me that much according to scripture. Hank has done much good for the cause of
Christ and I wish him well but he has handled this situation improperly in my
opinion. He needs to read the "E" in his own web site acrostic.
"CRI is committed to the maxim; "In essentials unity, in
nonessentials liberty, and in all things charity." The topics he blasts me
for are not "essentials" nor is he right in his thinking about me.
In Christ,
Kent Hovind
