The Kent Hovind Interview | EP. 138

This interview features Kent Hovind, a controversial figure known for his outspoken rejection of evolutionary theory and his promotion of young Earth creationism. The conversation spans topics such as the scientific and theological critique of evolution, the age of the Earth, interpretations of biblical texts on creation and the flood, dinosaurs and their place in history, the nature of God and the Trinity, spiritual perspectives on salvation and judgment, the tribulation and end-times prophecy, and personal experiences including Hovind's imprisonment and his ministry work.

Critique of Evolution and Its Influence

Kent Hovind passionately argues that evolution is not a scientific fact but rather a religion that contradicts biblical truths. He describes evolution as a dangerous philosophy that promotes ideas such as racial superiority and has historically fueled atrocities, referencing Nazi ideology and the misuse of Darwin's work to justify genocide. Hovind sees the teaching of evolution in public schools as a form of indoctrination that harms children both intellectually and morally, teaching them they are just animals and thus fostering degenerative behavior.

He points out that many supposed evidences for evolution in textbooks are outright lies or misinterpretations dismissed even by some atheist scientists. In his view, natural selection exists but is a process of selection rather than creative evolution; no genuine transformation of one kind into another (macro-evolution) has been observed. He also criticizes similarity in DNA across species as evidence of a common designer rather than common ancestry.

Biblical Young Earth Creationism

Hovind asserts the Earth is approximately 6,000 years old, based on a literal reading of the Bible's genealogies and timelines, countering scientific claims of billions of years. He rejects various attempts by Christians to harmonize the Bible with evolutionary theory, such as the gap theory or day-age theory, labeling them heresies that compromise scripture.

He explains the creation narrative by emphasizing that when God created Adam and the world, everything was formed mature and functional, with "appearance of age," such as fruit-bearing trees and adult humans. This concept counters the idea of gradual development over millions of years. Hovind interprets the firmament mentioned in Genesis as a solid crystalline canopy that once surrounded the Earth and explains many historical and scientific phenomena such as the longevity of humans prior to the flood, the fall in life spans, and changes in the environment after the flood in this framework.

Dinosaurs and Their Place in Creation

Hovind affirms the existence of dinosaurs within a biblical timeline, maintaining they coexisted with humans before and were taken aboard Noah's Ark as small juveniles. He believes dinosaurs were originally herbivorous and all friendly before the flood and that climate and human hunting after the flood led to their extinction or decline. He also entertains reports of surviving dinosaurs, referencing cryptid sightings like the Loch Ness Monster and similar unexplored regions, suggesting some form of living dinosaurs may still exist.

Flood Geology and Catastrophism

He contends that many geological formations, including the Grand Canyon, can be explained by rapid, catastrophic processes associated with the global flood described in Genesis rather than slow geological evolution over millions of years. Hovind argues that the fossil record and rock strata are consistent with a worldwide flood event that buried plants and animals together, forming fossil fuel deposits. He also connects changes in Earth's atmosphere and climate, like the post-flood ice age, to the destruction of the firmament and floodwaters emerging from beneath the earth, refuting long geological timelines.

Nature and Character of God and the Trinity

The discussion moves into theology, where Hovind emphasizes that God is outside of time, space, and matter, and thus not limited by human conceptions. He explains the trinity as one God with three distinct persons and uses analogies from geometry and time dimensions to illustrate the necessity of plurality within unity. Prayer is described as addressing the Father, with flexibility to involve the Son or the Holy Spirit.

Hovind stresses God's omnipresence and omniscience, explaining that questions like "Where did God come from?" are invalid from a human perspective. He encourages worship and faith over attempting to fully comprehend God's infinite nature.

Views on Science, Education, and Textbooks

Hovind is a former math and science teacher and stresses his love of genuine science that observes and describes natural laws. He distinguishes this from "evolution," which he claims is a religious worldview falsely masquerading as science. He criticizes public school curriculums for perpetuating evolution and untruthful information such as false embryology examples and misleading fossil interpretations.

He promotes educational materials produced through his ministry aimed at providing Christian families with a biblical and scientific worldview compatible with young Earth creationism. Hovind also encourages careful critical thinking when attending secular educational institutions, advising believers to learn the facts but not accept evolutionary dogma.

Moral and Spiritual Critique of Evolution

Hovind argues that evolution undermines absolute morality since if humans are mere animals evolving by chance, there is no objective standard of right and wrong. He illustrates this with ethical hypotheticals and links evolutionary ideology as a foundation for political evils such as communism, socialism, and Nazism by justifying superiority and extermination.

He emphasizes that biblical morality grounded in God's command is vital for understanding justice, sin, and salvation.

Personal Experiences and Legal Challenges

Kent Hovind shares details about his imprisonment, which he states was due not to tax evasion but to "structuring" financial transactions below reporting thresholds, a law he disagrees with and claims was used to silence his ministry. He describes the judicial misconduct and hardship he endured, including multiple transfers and threats to his life. Despite nine years incarcerated, Hovind continued his ministry, writing books and leading many to faith.

He addresses false accusations regarding domestic abuse, denying the allegations and citing evidence of wrongful claims.

Spiritual Reflections and Salvation

Hovind discusses his personal journey of faith beginning at age sixteen, wrestling with the apparent conflict between scientific teachings and Scripture. He affirms salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, emphasizing the role of confession and belief in receiving eternal life.

He likens believers to "dirt" in which God's Spirit grows a new creation, highlighting the importance of yielding to God rather than relying on works for salvation. He encourages believers to embrace humility and worship over intellectual pride.

The interview touches on the Christian life's moral struggles, the difference between sins of commission and omission, and the Christian's assured salvation balanced with warnings against willful disobedience, loss of rewards, or falling away.

End Times and the Tribulation

The discussion reviews biblical prophecy about the last days, focusing on the "seventieth week" of Daniel — a seven-year tribulation period divided by a midpoint when the Antichrist breaks a peace treaty and desecrates the temple, setting up an abomination of desolation.

Hovind rejects the pre-tribulation rapture and supports a post-tribulation perspective, believing Christians will endure the tribulation but be gathered at the second coming of Christ. He interprets signs such as cosmic disturbances—the darkening of sun and moon and falling stars—as markers prior to Christ's return.

The interview also explores themes of the millennium reign of Christ on Earth, the future conversion of Israel, and the ultimate judgment. Hovind encourages living faithfully without fear, emphasizing the work of evangelism amid persecution and trials.

The Nature of Heaven, Hell, and Eternal Judgment

Kent Hovind asserts the biblical view that hell is eternal and rightly deserved by those rejecting God, though he expresses personal discomfort with the concept. He distinguishes between temporary hell and the lake of fire as the final destination for death and sin.

Salvation is presented as a gift from God, with believers assured eternal life through faith in Christ's sacrificial atonement. He describes the judgment seat of Christ, where rewards are given based on one's deeds, separate from the final judgment at the great white throne.

Hovind encourages believers to trust God's grace, confess faith openly, and live lives producing spiritual fruit while understanding human imperfection and the necessity of grace.

Educational and Ministry Outreach

Throughout the interview, Hovind emphasizes his lifelong commitment to teaching creationism and biblical truths in an accessible and engaging way. He describes Dinosaur Adventure Land, a faith-based theme park and educational center in Alabama, designed to teach youth about biblical creation in a fun environment.

He shares simple scientific principles and lessons created for children, aiming to inspire curiosity and faith. His passion for ministering to others, especially in difficult circumstances, shines through, citing how witnessing to inmates helped shape his ministry.

Personal Spiritual Growth and Relationship with God

Hovind reflects on the challenges and blessings of walking closely with God, highlighting the deepening awareness of personal sinfulness as part of growing faith. He encourages worship and dependence on God rather than intellectual struggle alone.

The interview also touches on denominational distinctions, Hovind's independent Baptist identity, and his respect for differing Christian beliefs. He emphasizes unity in Christ and focuses on the core message of salvation rather than denominational disputes.

Kent closes expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share his message, underscoring his desire to reach souls for Christ until the end.