Hovind needs to render unto Caesar what is Caesar's

Got this via PZ Myers, believe it or not, and I actually agree with it!

Park could face extinction

It may have been built with heavenly intentions, but a judge has ruled that the creationism theme park known as Dinosaur Adventure Land still must obey earthly laws.

Escambia County authorities this week locked up a museum building at the theme park on North Palafox Street in Pensacola after Circuit Judge Michael Allen ruled the owners were in contempt of court.

...

County commissioners showed no sympathy to members of the Creation Science Evangelism ministry who spoke out Thursday night at a commission meeting about the county's actions.

"Scripture also says 'Render unto Caesar what Caesar demands.' And right now, Caesar demands a building permit," County Commission Chairman Mike Whitehead said.

A building permit and inspection by county authorities is vital to ensuring the theme park is safe for the thousands of people who reportedly visit the park and museum every year, Whitehead said.

Church leader Kent Hovind vowed to appeal the case.

"We will continue our legal fight," Hovind said Thursday.

"This is pure religious persecution," said Glen Stoll, who works closely with Hovind on legal issues.

*sigh* You're not helping, guys. The judge is absolutely correct. Even if you were building an actual church (or temple, mosque, etc.), you STILL need to obtain a building permit! That is the law of the land and as Christians, we are commissioned by God to obey those laws as long as they don't supercede God's commands.

And this is not a case of religious persecution by any stretch of the imagination. Hiding behind that excuse when there is no persecution is ridiculously foolish and only hurts people who actually do become victims of true religious persecution.