Creation Science Evangelism

Creation Science Evangelism (CSE) is a Young Earth Creationist ministry begun by evangelist Kent Hovind in 1989. Today, his son Eric Hovind runs the organization. CSE claims there is a perfect harmony between an ultraliteral reading of the Bible and factual science and history. It claims life originated over six literal 24-hour days approximately 6,000 years ago through the direct creative acts of God. According to their statement of faith, “Genesis provides a reliable framework for scientific research into the question of the origin and history of life, mankind, the Earth and the universe.” Like other Young Earth Creationist organizations, CSE rejects the theory of evolution as both false and wholly incompatible with Christian faith, as well as a source for many of society’s moral problems.

Creation Science Evangelism relies heavily on belief in the Genesis flood to disprove modern geological and fossil evidence supporting evolution. According to CSE, a literal worldwide flood as presented in Genesis 6–8 would produce the rock strata and fossils observed by modern scientists, as well as create geological phenomena such as the Grand Canyon and ocean shelves. Such a process could have happened over a relatively short period of time, not the millions of years modern scientists report. Thus, they argue, modern fossils and geological evidence don’t contradict a young Earth and an ultraliteral reading of Genesis, they actually support it. CSE also support a literal interpretation of the story of Noah’s ark, claiming the boat contained two of every animal, including dinosaurs, and that dinosaurs still exist today.

Creation Science Evangelism has been extremely critical of the validity of evolutionary theory. Kent Hovind has offered a $250,000 reward to anyone who can provide empirical, scientific proof of evolution. Hovind’s offer is an attempt to show that evolution is an unproven theory that relies on belief rather than fact. Though it has made sure to clarify the differences between its own beliefs and intelligent design theory, CSE has written in favor of recent ID challenges to Darwinism, claiming that both creationists and ID-proponents are merely trying to offer students a fair education by exposing scientific controversy surrounding evolution.

Creation Science Evangelism conducts seminars hosted by churches across the United States. Videos from some of these seminars, as well as other video resources, can be found on the organization’s CSEtv online video service. CSE also offers a DVD series of its seminars through its online store, which Homeschool Magazine has rated Best Homeschool Science DVDs.