Open letter to Escambia County Commissioner Whitehead,
Render to Caesar?
4-11-06
Dear Escambia County Commissioner Whitehead,
I watched the channel 10 news yesterday where you said that the Church ministry at Dinosaur Adventure Land must “render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and right now Caesar demands a building permit. If they don’t get one, we may have to tear the buildings down.”
It always amazes me how people like you quote half a verse out of context to prove their point. The rest of the verse is never quoted. Matthew 22:21 “They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.” The Church is not Caesars! Also Mark 12:17, Luke 20:25.
There are a few things you seem to forget:
- The Church ministry you are referring to is not a 501-c-3 corporation of the state.
- No churches in the county got permits of any kind for hundreds of years.
- They have invited you out many times to inspect for safety and health yet you don’t come.
- They have had licensed engineers and electricians inspect the buildings.
- They have been open for 5 years without problem
- They stood through three hurricanes with no damage while your own building was damaged badly.
- Dictators down through history have “won” battles with those who oppose them. Hitler “won” over the Jews. Stalin “won” over the Christians in Russia, the catholic church “won” over the millions of Christians they killed, OJ “won” his court battle. Don’t think because you “won” in court that proves you are right.
Have you prayed about what you are doing? Please do not hide behind a court order or directions from the attorney. Please don’t tell me you are just obeying orders, Hitler’s men said the same thing at their trial. You claim to be a Christian and I believe you are but please just answer these two questions, Have you prayed about what you are doing, and do you feel God has led you in your decision?
Richard of www.richardsayshome.com.
Clearly the city of Pensacola wants to shut down Dinosaur Adventure Land, and hurt Dr. Hovind’s ministry and reputation. Well, they are winning, regardless of who is right or wrong. The law of the land has spoken, and if enforced, at the end of the day the buildings will be demolished. The children and families will have no awesome amusement park, showing them God’s power and majesty.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]. Ephesians 6:12
The public will only remember the controversy, and not the unfairness to the church. And some where along the way the testimony and witness of gospel of Jesus Christ has been lost.
Further more, Christians should be very careful when they start to compare the levy of taxes on a building permit with Hitler’s victory over the Jews that lead to their vicious slaughter. Shouldn’t we refer to the persecution of Christ, His innocent conviction that led to cross, the ultimate injustice that saved the world?
Sometimes we have to look at what is to be gain, as opposed to what is to be lost.
Is it giving glory to God? Are we leaving the injustice in God’s hands? Will this further the Kingdom of God? Are we winning souls to Christ or embitter them?
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose. Romans 8:28
I prayerfully desire that Whitehead will strongly consider the biblical aspect to all of this. I pray also that CSE and DAL will, too. We are all subject to being wrong from time to time, no matter how passionately we feel about our position. I pray for the both of you and that God will give his direction to you clearly. “In all your ways, acknowledge God, and he will direct your steps.”
I am happy that CSE is considering having the September camps elsewhere, instead of postponing them due to Ceasar’s choice to turn against believers. Doing it on the road would be an even more immense task, but I support the continuation of the planned camps, in Florida or Timbuktu. Dr. Hovind simply has much to impart to our next creation educators, and wherever that takes place, it will be a blessing. Are the physical elements and teaching tools in the two locked buildings still accessible for out-of-building use, for such off-site camps?
It amazes me how many Christians think Bro. Hovind should just pay for the permit. How many of those same Christians would pay for a permit to attend church this (and every) Sunday? How many of them would pay for a permit to read their Bible tonight (or any time)? I wonder how many of the media who have written critically about DAL would pay for a permit to write those articles? How many of us would pay for a permit to speak on the phone? How many would pay for a permit to post an item on the internet critical of Bro. Hovind? Why don’t those who oppose him have to pay for permits to do that?
You say, “Those things are Constitutional rights! We shouldn’t have to pay for a permit to practice our Constitutional rights!”
Exactly. Bro. Hovind’s ministries are protected by Constitutional provisions on religious liberty, free speech, and private property. Not only that, they are in obedience to God and we are to obey God rather than men.
Dr. Hovind, I strongly recommend you contact the American Center for Law and Justice (or ACLJ). They SPECIALIZE in cases such as this and can probably have this issue resolved very quickly.
Dr. Hovind,
Christian Law Association may also be able to help in this matter. Not sure if you have heard of them or if you have a lawyer. Just thought I would let you know. Thanks for your hard work. Jonathan Cordell
What is saddest about this whole affair, is that Comm. Whitehead claims to be a christian. Could have fooled me! If he is one, I suggests that he starts serving the Lord, like Dr. Hovind is doing, instead of prosecuting the very Church he claims to belong to.
People totally are confused about Christ’s statement. Jesus never paid a dime to Caesar (nor was it lawful for him to do so)!
http://biblelaw101.com/Is%20it%20Lawful%20to%20Give%20Tribute%20unto%20Caesar,%20or%20Not.html
We love Dr. Hovind. God is taking you on a very special journey and you will glorify Him through it, I JUST KNOW YOU WILL. I’m so sorry that you have to go through this. Florida is a very corrupt state politically. The first state that I know of to sponsor a murder – Terri Schavio. I was there and it was awful. May God forgive them for THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO. May God give you and all believing Americans wisdom to stand together against the gates of hell that TRY to prevail against the expanding of God’s kingdom. May we share His love and the free gospel message of Christ with everyone we can and spread His light to dispell the cruel darkness that is so prevelant in our nation. Let us know what we can do for you besides praying if anything comes to mind.
In His Love and Grace,
Jim, Donna and Kelly Rodgers
Atlanta, GA
“The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you, the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26
Who is author of this letter?
I want to make a translation of this post into Russian (http://dino-vs.atheizm.com) that christians and others in Russia may know what’s going on… Whom shall I underwrite?
[EDITOR'S NOTE: Do you mean for: "Knee-Mail: 'Kent and Dr. Luke' "?
Dr. Kent E. Hovind is the author. If you make a translation, if possible, please also Email a copy of it (in Word 2000 format, or HTML) in Russian, to me please. paul@zzz.com Вы. P.A. ]
[EDITOR’S NOTE: Do you mean for: “Knee-Mail: ‘Kent and Dr. Luke’ “?
No, I don’t. I spoke of the letter we are commenting “Open letter- render to Caesar”
Is Hovind its author, or not?
Translated knee-mails are sent
God bless!
[EDITOR'S NOTE: Yes, actually almost all of the postings were written by: Dr. Kent E. Hovind. If possible, please do send me a copy of the translation, as you stated. Best Wishes, Paul Abramson ]
[EDITOR’S NOTE: Yes, actually almost all of the postings were written by: Dr. Kent E. Hovind. If possible, please do send me a copy of the translation, as you stated. Best Wishes, Paul Abramson ]
It’s strange to hear. I’m sorry, have you not recieved my e-mail with the three translated knee-mails? I’ve sent it today on this adress paul@zzz.com
Here they are published:
http://creation.xpictoc.com/?p=287
http://creation.xpictoc.com/?p=270
http://creation.xpictoc.com/?p=269
God bless!
[EDITOR'S NOTE: YES - I did get your Email!! Thank you. Paul Abramson ]
But who is author of this very letter?
[EDITOR'S NOTE: Which letter? ... Does it state: "From: Kent Hovind" near the top? P.A. ]
[EDITOR’S NOTE: Which letter? … Does it state: “From: Kent Hovind” near the top? P.A. ]
Oh, I’m sorry. I stared at the head of the letter, ignoring that right-sided information.
Thank you for patience.