Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, teaches on Great and Holy Saturday in Eastern Orthodox Holy Week. Holy Saturday marks one of the most enigmatic of all mysteries—the mystery of Christ’s descent into Hades. Being “put to death in the body,” says the apostle Peter, He was “made alive by the Spirit through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also.” Peter here reminds us of two great and glorious truths—both of which are encapsulated in the Liturgy of St. Basil. First, we are saved through water. Second, the descent of Christ into Hades inaugurates resplendent triumph—a triumph by which Christ “tramples down death by death.” In the words of St. John Damascene, “through his descent into Hades, Christ opened the way to paradise for all and calls all to salvation. For some Christ’s preaching led to salvation while for others it only exposed their unbelief.” And adds St. John Chrysostom, “this call is not coercive or forcible. Everyone is called, but not all follow the call. For in the mercy of God there are no obstacles other than the free will of humankind.”

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, reflects on the meaning of Great and Holy Friday of Eastern Orthodox Holy Week. On this day, the Church is brought face to face with the fatal torment of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As the chill of death crept through His body, our Lord cried out, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?” These shocking, devastating words harken back to the words of Psalm 22. “I am poured out like water, all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted away within Me. My strength is dried up, My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth….a band of evil men have encircled Me; they have pierced My hands and My feet. I can count all my bones. People stare, they gloat over Me. They divide my garments among them and they cast lots for my clothing.” Christ’s emptying is our filling. As we emerge from a worldwide pandemic, a time of suffering, despair and death, we are reminded to think back to God’s past faithfulness in Christ—we are assured that He is faithful in the midst of our present circumstances. And that we will be, in the words of King David, “delivered and not disappointed.” The cry of Christ from the cross forever highlights the stark contrast between emotional despair and absolute trust in God’s eternal faithfulness. Today, we remember the Passion of the Christ upon the cross—the Lamb of God who takes away of the sin of the world.

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, reflects on Great and Holy Thursday of Eastern Orthodox Holy Week. On this day, we commemorate Christ’s final day on Earth. The vigil on the eve of Holy Thursday is dedicated to the Passover Supper that Christ celebrated with the Twelve—the Supper in which Christ commanded that the Passover of the New Covenant be eaten in remembrance of Himself as the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, which is the sacrament that gives us a foretaste of the time when we will forever enjoy intimate communion with the Lover of our souls in “a new heaven and a new earth.”

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, comments on a profound article by Carl Trueman, titled, “Gay Conservatism Is a Contradiction in Terms.” The article features a striking picture of conservative pundit Dave Rubin and his same-sex partner David Janet holding sonagrams on either side of a plaque reading, “Coming Soon—Baby 1, 8/22/22; Baby 2, 10/14/22.” The image is captivating. Trueman explains that the image “plays powerfully to the spirit of our age: Two attractive and charming young men smiling with delight as they display the sonograms of the children they will be welcoming into the world. The moral narrative is what we might term an aesthetic one: The visible happiness of the couple is the key thing, and that plays to the spirit of our age. There is no larger moral vision by which the picture is to be judged….The moral vision here is that whatever makes modern man or woman happy and which technology makes possible must be good.” Reproductive technologies “shatter all distinctions between the sexes….By using technology to conceive children, the burden (as they saw it) of motherhood would finally be lifted off the shoulders of women and the last great oppressive division of labor—that which naturally existed between men and women—would be abolished.” The image exonerates same-sex marriage, homosexuality, dispenses with the need for differentiated parenting, and puts pressure on conservative Christians to embrace the LGBTQ+ agenda (including the notion that transgender athlete Lia Thomas is in the same category as Jackie Robinson). The icon is the argument. Western Civilization was founded on Word; modernity is fixated on image. One takes work; the other can be mindlessly embraced, shaping our worldview. Carl Trueman, “Gay Conservatism Is a Contradiction in Terms,” World, March 21, 2022, https://wng.org/opinions/gay-conservatism-is-a-contradiction-in-terms-1647865045

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, comments on a horrendous Maryland state senate bill that would have condoned infanticide. Senator William Smith forwarded Senate Bill 669, dubbed “Pregnant Person’s Freedom Act of 2022,” which would have allowed “perinatal death related to a failure to act”—in other words, infanticide days after birth. This is believed to be progressive—forward thinking—but if you know your history, you will be well aware of just how regressive it is. Think back to Nero in the first century—when female babies were allowed to expire at the statue of Caesar. Why? They were considered to be expendable, just as we today are beginning to consider not just pre-born but born children to be expendable if you don’t want them. The West has turned in a very dark direction, and it is up to Christians to stand in the midst of evil. Life is the foundation of human civilization. Abraham Kuyper well said, “When principles that run against your deepest convictions begin to win the day, then battle is your calling, and peace has become sin; you must, at the price of dearest peace, lay your convictions bare before friend and enemy alike, with all the fire of your faith.” See Olivia Summers, “Maryland Legislature Considers Sick Bill That Could Legalize Infanticide Up to 28 Days AFTER Birth,” ACLJ, March 4, 2022, updated March 15, 2022, https://aclj.org/pro-life/maryland-legislature-considers-sick-bill-that-could-legalize-infanticide-up-to-28-days-after-birth

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, reflects on the story that “Dragevangelist” Ms. Penny Cost (Isaac Simmons) is the first drag queen to be a certified candidate for ordination in the United Methodist Church—one of the largest evangelical denominations in the world. The name “Penny Cost” comes from the biblical story of Pentecost, and Ms. Penny Cost frequently dons bright red wigs emblematic of “tongues of fire.” But what all this is actually emblematic of is the erosion of the foundation of life in western civilization. The pillars that stand on that foundation are crumbling. Marriage redefined. Gender decoupled from biological sex. Pagans will always exercise their job description—what else can they do? The question is will Christians exercise their job description to be salt and light in a lost and searching world? See Caroline Brew, “Ms. Penny Cost Discusses Being the First Drag Queen Certified Candidate for Ordination in the United Methodist Church,” Daily Northwestern, February 25, 2022, https://dailynorthwestern.com/2022/02/25/lateststories/ms-penny-cost-discusses-being-the-first-drag-queen-certified-candidate-for-ordination-in-the-united-methodist-church/. Emily McFarlan Miller, “First Drag Queen Certified as a Candidate for United Methodist Ministry ‘Speaking In a New Way to New People,” April 15, 2021, https://religionnews.com/2021/04/15/first-drag-queen-certified-as-a-candidate-for-united-methodist-ministry-speaking-in-a-new-way-to-new-people/.

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, reads from and comments on a recent article by Abigail Shrier titled, “How Activist Teachers Recruit Kids.” Shrier writes, “Leaked documents and audio from the California Teachers Association conference reveal efforts to subvert parents on gender identity and sexual orientation,” and include coaching “teachers in student-recruiting tactics.” Churches must equip parents to teach their children, and to model for their children, a biblical worldview.See Abigail Shrier, “How Activist Teachers Recruit Kids,” The Truth Fairy, November 18, 2021,https://abigailshrier.substack.com/p/how-activist-teachers-recruit-kids.

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, reflects on transgenderism in sports. Cheryl Cooky, Perdue University Professor of American and gender studies, writes, “[Lia] Thomas’ victories in NCAA swimming should be celebrated as an advancement in women’s sports.” Speaking from her NBC platform, Cooky goes on to decry the reality that sports at present are “organized based on the belief of natural differences between men and women, and they are sex-segregated as a result.” And this leads to discrimination. Thus, just as Jackie Robinson was celebrated for breaking the racial barrier as the first Black Major League Baseball player, Lia Thomas should be celebrated for breaking the gender barrier and should be embraced for the “trailblazer that she is.” So, in a nutshell: just as it is right and just not to discriminate on the basis of race, it is right and just not to discriminate on the basis of gender. Taking the argument to its logical conclusion, women should be allowed to play in the NFL, and men should be allowed to play in the LPGA — until we become enlightened enough to drop the “L” from LPGA. Dr. Rachael McKinnon, internationally recognized scholar in philosophy and transgender issues, an individual who transitioned from male to female and thereafter became a 2-time women’s cycling world champion, made the argument explicit in saying that “the gap in performance between elite men and women is closing in every sport. As the men are improving and new records are being set, the women’s records are being set faster. The gap is closing. Its misleading to take the current gap and say that will always be the case.” So, the point would be to become free-thinking enough to do away with gender in sports altogether — then people, whatever they are in mind or body, can compete together in the NFL, NBA, PGA, you name it. What a victory that would be for women, right? Is this supposed victory being won by robust debate or by robust censorship? Under the Bolsheviks, swimming against the tide was a prescription for getting your assets seized; today assigning the wrong pronoun to an NCAA Division I swimming champion is grounds for shutting down your Twitter account and submerging your voice so that truth is left to drown in the pool. Cheryl Cooky, “Lia Thomas' NCAA Championship Performance Gives Women Sports a Crucial Opportunity,” NBC News, March 21, 2022, https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/we-should-be-celebrating-lia-thomas-we-did-jackie-robinson-ncna1292521. “Q&A: Dr. Rachel McKinnon, Masters Track Champion and Transgender Athlete,” VeloNews, October 15, 2018, https://www.velonews.com/news/qa-dr-rachel-mckinnon-masters-track-champion-and-transgender-athlete/.

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, reflects on an article by Aaron Sibarium, “The Takeover of America’s Legal System.” Sibarium writes, “At Boston College Law School this semester, a constitutional law professor asked students: ‘Who does not think we should scrap the constitution?’ According to a student in the class, not a single person raised their hand.” Why? Because truth is no longer as important as virtue signaling. Sibarium goes on to report that “Last year, NASDAQ demanded that companies listing shares on its exchanges meet racial and gender quotas.” And “Lawyers at top law firms in New York, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles said they fret constantly about saying the wrong thing—or taking on the wrong client.” As such, “Religious liberty cases” are “totally off the table.” The reality is that “progressives have set about repurposing the law.” Even “the principle that one is innocent until proven guilty” seems to be in question. “At stake…is the American justice system itself.” Justice no longer being about the equal application of the law as much as about “the preferences of those in power. Aaron Sibarium, “The Takeover of America’s Legal System,” Common Sense, March 21, 2022, https://bariweiss.substack.com/p/the-takeover-of-americas-legal-system.

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, offers an update on his sister Jobje, who is battling pancreatic cancer. While undergoing her 27th cycle of chemotherapy, Jobje writes, “I continue to reflect on God’s immense blessings that He continually pours over me on this journey. O how merciful and gracious He is! It is with such gratitude that I thank Him for His compassion upon me, especially in this Lenten season. We so easily skip to a ‘Happy Easter,’ forgetting that ‘Jesus walked this lonesome valley. He had to walk it by Himself. Nobody else could walk it for Him. He did it—all by Himself,’ for me and you. Even for me, His oh so undeserving child. This song came to me in the wee morning hours. On that awful, ‘awe-full’ Good Friday, how would I have reacted? Would I have been one of those in that crowd to watch in horror or worship? Would I be crying, singing, and praying for Him, my Jesus? Or would I be as one of those curious bystanders, doubting, spitting, mocking, scoffing, rejecting? Oh, I am so ashamed for the pain I have personally in my life caused Him, to die such a horrific death. Yesterday, as we drove to the Cancer Center again, as always, I get a little anxious the last couple miles. You never know what will happen when all the labs are drawn, analyzed, and interpreted. But once again God’s grace poured down upon me; for as we neared the cancer center, the sun shone brightly, in such a way as I never noticed before. I saw all the crosses on the downtown churches, the Greek Orthodox Church, St. Andrews Cathedral, and many of the other churches, each with their crosses on the their tall spires surrounding the St. Mary’s Hospital complex. Symbolically they were all beckoning to me via their bright sun-lit crosses that I should be at peace, and to trust. But the best cross shining and beckoning to me, coaxing me into the doors of the Lack’s Cancer Center again, was the brightly sun-lit cross on the domed roof of the upstairs cancer center chapel. It was like a symbol of God’s care, like a canopy spreading to all who entered, including to me. Powerfully and vividly it was reminding me of all He has done for me. It was reminding me to trust, to walk this very lonely road myself, certainly not like He did, but to walk in this journey to His Cross, even through death, and then to Him….I was reminded to be more diligent in contemplating His Atonement these forty days of Lent, to hypothetically walk with Him in His sufferings, to pray more, and to be reminded of His great love for me. I have put on my custom-made spiritual shoes again and continue to walk one step at a time. Sometimes, though, I slog through deep sucking puddles of quicksand that spiritually bog me down in despair, and which give me the feeling of being so alone on this difficult journey. But then God sends His angels to walk with me, even for people like my dear loving husband, a supportive family, and friends. He encourages me with cards in the mail in His exact timing. He even grants me the assurances of people still willing to pray for me on this journey. Thank you!!! Oh, a ‘Forever Easter’ in Heaven! I look forward to that day! In His cross I glory, Jobje 🦋 🌷”

Hank Hanegraaff is joined by Dr. Casey Luskin, associate director of Discovery Institute’s Center for Science and Culture, and author of “Lessons Learned (and Not Learned) from the Evangelical Debate Over Adam and Eve” in the upcoming issue of the Christian Research Journal. Hank and Dr. Luskin discuss why so many Christians are so quick to abandon the belief of a historical Adam and Eve, theistic evolution, evolutionary creationism, the argument that human genetic diversity can’t be explained by an original Adam and Eve and more. Topics discussed include: The debate over Adam and Eve—Why are so many Christians today eager to abandon a historical Adam and Eve? (9:15); theistic evolution (12:40); evolutionary creationism (16:35); could Adam and Eve alone have produced the genetic diversity in our world? (18:05); why do so many Christians feel the need to conform their religious beliefs to the popular scientific consensus of the day? (25:05); different ways to view the relationship between religion and science (30:00); William Lane Craig and his book In Quest of the Historical Adam (33:45); the problem with consensus science (42:20); how can we discern how and when to question consensus science? (48:25); the sociology and politicization of science (52:45); is Intelligent Design just a “God of the gaps” argument? (57:45); eugenics as an example of the problem with consensus science (1:02:00); junk DNA and common descent (1:05:25); Darwin’s Tree of Life (1:12:45); punctuated equilibrium (1:16:05); convergent evolution or common design? (1:20:45); misinformation regarding icons of evolution (1:26:25); how to educate children about the scieAs mentioned, Casey’s article will be in a forthcoming issue of the print version of the Christian Research Journal, to subscribe now to receive this when it comes out please click here. https://www.equip.org/product/crj-subscription/​To read Hank’s From the President in the current issue (March 2022) of the Christian Research Journal, entitled, “Misreading the Book of Knowledge and the Book of Nature” please click here. https://www.equip.org/article/misreading-the-book-of-knowledge-and-the-book-of-nature/Click here for a Special limited preview of the article, “Who Was Adam? (Summary Critique of William Lane Craig’s In Quest of the Historical Adam)”. https://www.equip.org/article/who-was-adam-a-book-review-of-in-quest-of-the-historical-adam-by-william-lane-craig-special-limited-preview/To read the full article and others in this issue please subscribe to the print edition of the Journal (and receive as your first issue while this remains the most recent issue, to check what the current issue is please click here).A subscription to the print issues also includes early access to online-exclusive articles and select print articles before being made available to the public. You may also purchase this individual issue by clicking here.https://www.equip.org/product/he-descended-to-hell-an-investigation-of-the-harrowing-of-hell-in-the-apostles-creed/Also a great related resource is the Comprehensive Guide to Faith and Science, please click here for more information.https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resources-animal-algorithms-and-the-comprehensive-guide-to-science-and-faith-hup/Listen to Hank’s podcast and follow Hank off the grid where he is joined by some of the brightest minds discussing topics you care about. Get equipped to be a cultural change agent.Archived episodes are on our Website and available at the additional channels listed below.You can help spread the word about Hank Unplugged by giving us a rating and review from the other channels we are listed o

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Hank Unplugged podcast, reflects on an opinion piece in the Charlotte Observer, “Church Vandalism Is Soaring; Here’s Why We All Should Care.” The article begins with the words “Satan lives here”—these hateful words, along with graffiti and swastikas, spray-painted on a Cathedral in Denver. We are shocked, as we should be, when we read about such incidences. But as vandalism of this nature becomes increasingly commonplace, the shock wears off. The authors suggest that 2021 will set a record for hate crimes, as “religiously motivated attacks” increase. Why? The authors posit the Christian opposition to abortion as one motivation for such attacks. We shouldn’t be surprised. Karl Marx wrote, “The abolition of religion as the illusory happiness of the people is the demand for their real happiness. To call on them to give up their illusions about their condition is to call on them to give up a condition that requires illusions. The criticism of religion is, therefore, in embryo, the criticism of that vale of tears of which religion is the halo.” A rank materialist, Marx believed that “the physical facts fix all the facts” (as the atheist philosopher Alex Rosenberg pithily puts it). But Marx was wrong—Christianity is not an illusion. When you look at the heavens you see God’s “eternal power and divine nature,” and in seeing that, as Paul wrote, we are “without excuse” (Romans 1:20). Christians must become equipped to exercise truth and experience life. See Samuel J. Aquila and Tim Busch, “Church Vandalism Is Soaring; Here’s Why We All Should Care,” Charlotte Observer, November 21, 2021, https://www.pressreader.com/similar/281779927385288

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, reflects on an article titled “The Incredible Shrinking Planet.” From this article you get the sense that when we discovered that the Sun does not revolve around Earth, we likewise discovered that we are but an insignificant pale blue dot (as Carl Sagan put it). That we have little significance considering the vastness of the universe—with more than a trillion galaxies, each with hundreds of billions of stars (and presumably many times more planets). But the reality is that we are a privileged planet. We humans are of an inestimable value, created in the image of God, and we do inhabit an exalted place in this universe. In coming to grips with the size of the universe, neither we nor our planet have shrunk in significance. Indeed, the vastness intensifies our significance. We have been created for eternity—including incomprehensible growth and development. Philip Yancey, “The Incredible Shrinking Planet,” February 17, 2022, https://philipyancey.com/the-incredible-shrinking-planet. Hank Hanegraaff, “Is Earth a Privileged Planet?” (from The Creation Answer Book [Thomas Nelson, 2012], February 4, 2014, Christian Research Institute, https://www.equip.org/bible_answers/earth-privileged-planet/.

On this edition of Hank Unplugged Hank Hanegraaff is joined by Yelena Popovic, Metropolitan Cleopas and Christopher Tripoulas to discuss the film Man of God, written and directed by Yelena Popovic. Man of God was released internationally in 2021 and will have exclusive viewings in the United States on March 21st and 28th 2022. Exiled unjustly, convicted without a trial, slandered without cause. The life of St. Nektarios of Aegina was one of persecution and prosecution. A priest of the common people, his popularity provoked the jealousy of the clergy in Alexandria and as a result, he was defrocked and expelled from Egypt. In contrast to his religious “superiors”, Nektarios cared for the poor, taught peasant girls to read and write, and performed miracles. Even his last moment on earth was used to help another: upon his death, Nektarios’ undergarment was removed, and as it fell upon a paralyzed man in the hospital bed next to him, the lame man arose to walk. So, too, do we hope Man of God will awaken the paralyzed faith in audiences around the world. To view the trailer for Man of God: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwptmiAhu28 For showtimes near you: https://www.fathomevents.com/events/Man-of-God Topics discussed include: Hank Hanegraaff describes his personal relationship to St. Nektarios (0:30); the inspiration behind making a movie about a modern saint-St. Nektarios (7:00); it is easier to portray evil than good-the challenge of playing the goodness in St. Nektarios (12:50); the significance of St. Nektarios (14:30); how should we respond to slander and persecution? (18:55); experiencing spiritual warfare (23:15); the life and ministry of St. Nektarios (26:15); the reality of miracles and God’s presence in our daily lives (29:40); what is the significance of the relics of Saints? (34:40); healing and healthcare (40:55); the corruption of power, even in the Church (43:45); the exceptional education and intellectual sophistication of St. Nektarios (48:45); the importance of almsgiving and caring for the poor and suffering (53:00); living our lives with an eternal perspective as evidenced by the life and ministry of St. Nektarios (1:01:35); persecution and turning the other cheek (1:07:05); a powerful miracle associated with St. Nektarios (1:11:00); is there still a stigma associated with St. Nektarios as a result of the accusations against him during his life? (1:13:30); how to watch the film Man of God (1:23:20).

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, comments on sensationalistic end-time scenarios occasioned by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Let Ezekiel mention the word rosh, and the imaginations of end-time sensationalists go wild. The Hebrew word rosh sounds enough like “Russia” to implicate Russia as the villain in sensationalistic end-time scenarios. However, as documented by credible historians and linguists, the word “Russia” is an eleventh century Viking word and as such should not be semantically linked to the Hebrew word rosh. Moreover, if we fail to understand the history communicated in Scripture, we can come up with all kinds of sensationalistic scenarios. Take Pat Robertson ranting recently about Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, citing Ezekiel. The problem is Robertson’s failure to understand the historical context of Ezekiel’s prophecies, which have nothing to do with current events in Ukraine. The historical principle of biblical interpretation keeps one from supposing—as do modern day prophecy pundits—that Ezekiel longed for a third or fourth temple when the second had not yet arisen from the ashes of the first. For Pat Robertson’s statements, see Steve Warren, “‘God Is Getting Ready to Do Something Amazing’: CBN Founder Pat Robertson on Russia and Its Place in Prophecy,” CBN News, February 28, 2022, https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/2022/february/god-is-getting-ready-to-do-something-amazing-founder-pat-robertson-on-russia-and-its-place-in-prophecy. For further study, see Hank Hanegraaff, Has God Spoken?https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resource-has-god-spoken/.

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, discusses his “From the President” column in the current issue of the CHRISTIAN RESEARCH JOURNAL, 44, no. 04 (2021): 4–6. In a brilliant commentary on Genesis, the erudite Saint Ephrem the Syrian (c. 306 – c. 373) rightly depicted “the paradise narrative as a paradigm of deification, an interpretive framework for the history of redemption, and a spiritual geography for the conceptualization of deifying union with God as the goal of the Christian life.” Saint Ephrem, like the church fathers as a whole, set a high premium on the proper interpretation of Genesis in understanding what it means to be truly human. In the current issue of the JOURNAL, Fazale Rana provides a Summary Critique of William Lane Craig’s In Quest of the Historical Adam. Dr. Craig misreads both science and Scripture. Moreover, Craig invokes a novel interpretive framework clearly in conflict with “what has been believed everywhere, always, and by all.”To read Hank’s From the President in the current issue (March 2022) of the Christian Research Journal, entitled, “Misreading the Book of Knowledge and the Book of Nature” please click here.https://www.equip.org/article/misreading-the-book-of-knowledge-and-the-book-of-nature/Click here for a Special limited preview of the article, “Who Was Adam? (Summary Critique of William Lane Craig’s In Quest of the Historical Adam)”. https://www.equip.org/article/who-was-adam-a-book-review-of-in-quest-of-the-historical-adam-by-william-lane-craig-special-limited-preview/To read the full article and others in this issue please subscribe to the print edition of the Journal (and receive as your first issue while this remains the most recent issue, to check what the current issue is please click here). https://www.equip.org/product/crj-subscription/ There is also a Postmodern Realities episode discussing this book available by clicking here. https://www.equip.org/pmr-podcast/episode-277-who-was-adam-summary-critique-of-william-lane-craigs-in-quest-of-the-historical-adam/A subscription to the print issues also includes early access to online-exclusive articles and select print articles before being made available to the public. https://www.equip.org/early-access-to-online-exclusive-articles-faqs/You may also purchase this individual issue by clicking here. https://www.equip.org/product/he-descended-to-hell-an-investigation-of-the-harrowing-of-hell-in-the-apostles-creed/ Listen to Hank’s podcast and follow Hank off the grid where he is joined by some of the brightest minds discussing topics you care about. Get equipped to be a cultural change agent.Archived episodes are on our Website and available at the additional channels listed below.You can help spread the word about Hank Unplugged by giving us a rating and review from the other channels we are listed on.

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, is reminded of how Western governments, mandated by God to ennoble life, promote justice, and restrain sin, are instead leading a charge toward social chaos. This denigration of civilization is evidenced in the crushing of the foundation and quintessential building blocks of civil society: marriage, government, and church, all of which rest atop the foundation of human life. Consider marriage, once believed to be “the unique, permanent, and comprehensive union of body, mind, emotion, and soul, the proper end of which is the bearing and rearing of children.” But not only has the United States Supreme Court redefined marriage, it has opened Pandora’s grizzly box. How? If there is no special virtue in gender differentiated parenting, is there any magic in the number 2? And why arbitrarily assign 18 as the magical age of consent? Once Western civilization abandons the biblical definition of marriage, there is virtually no limit on where our unsanctified passions will inevitably lead—even to the eradication of gender distinctions ordained by God from the beginning. And today, the lives of children have become expendable. Moreover, the Church has become a microcosm of the culture rather than being a change agent in the culture—the Church has largely succumbed to the onslaught of illiberal liberalism. The Church must once again take the task of Christian education seriously. See Hank Hanegraaff, Truth Matters, Life Matters More: The Unexpected Beauty of an Authentic Christian Life https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resource-truth-matters-life-matters-more/

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, comments on an article in the Daily Wire by Hank Berrien about a mother “taking legal action against teachers who allegedly persuaded” her “eleven-year-old daughter that she was a boy.” The mother, Jessica Konen, is quoted as saying, “You wouldn’t expect a teacher to be predatorial toward a child.” Berrien explains that the sixth-grader “was allegedly recruited by teachers and encouraged to change her name to a boy’s name while being told not to tell her mother.” Teachers are alleged to have “‘planted the seed’ to convince Konen’s daughter to believe she was bisexual, then urged the girl to believe she was a transgender boy.” The increasing commonality of these kinds of stories potentially desensitizes us to the cultural shift occurring before our eyes. As Western Civilization attempts to decouple biological sex from gender, eradicating the very distinctives given to us by our Creator, we as followers of Christ must not sit by idly to watch it happen. In the words of Abraham Kuyper, “When principles that run against your deepest convictions begin to win the day, then battle is your calling, and peace has become sin; you must, at the price of dearest peace, lay your convictions bare before friend and enemy, with all the fire of your faith.” If we do not pray and stand for truth now, we will lose Western Civilization. See Hank Berrien, “CA Mom Takes Legal Action Against Teachers Who Allegedly Persuaded 11-Year-Old Daughter She Was A Boy,” Daily Wire, January 24, 2022, https://www.dailywire.com/news/ca-mom-takes-legal-action-against-teachers-who-allegedly-persuaded-11-year-old-daughter-she-was-a-boy. For further study, read Ryan T. Anderson’s book, When Harry Became Sally: Responding to the Transgender Moment https://www.equip.org/product/when-harry-became-sally-responding-to-the-transgender-moment/; and Rod Dreher’s essential book, Live Not by Lies: A Manuel for Christian Dissidents https://www.equip.org/product/live-not-by-lies-a-manual-for-christian-dissidents/.

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, ponders the Saints Valentine—in the plural because there were two! They had something in common. They were both imprisoned, tortured, and killed in the third century. They not only shared the same name, but in sharing the same fate, they became inspirational for Christians into the present day. One was a bishop. The other a presbyter. One was a healer. The other was a valiant defender of marriage. Our Lord Jesus Christ is the personification and paradigm of what is true love—and both saints stood for the truth of Christ no matter the cost. Two men who loved Truth enough to die to self, to live for God, to say that the institution of marriage was created, sustained, and given to us by God Himself. If you redefine marriage, you change the very essence of marriage. And so we remember both Valentines. Are we willing to stand for truth—particularly when it comes to marriage?

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, shares part of another missive from his sister Jobje, who is battling pancreatic cancer. Jobje writes, “During the last few weeks, I have been pondering a couple of precious verses. They convict me to deny myself. They coax me to willingly surrender to God’s sovereign will, no matter what. These verses come from Romans 5:2–5. ‘We rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance produces character, and character produces hope. And hope does not disappoint us. Because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the precious Holy Spirit who he has given to us.’” Jobje continues, “O how blessed I am to have a living Word that I can turn to in my suffering. It keeps producing in my character more hope and His desire for my life. Simultaneously, I am thrilled with the wonderful care that I have been privileged to receive. Yet this continual process is physically exhausting, emotionally draining. It feels like I am now traveling in an invisible wheelchair—a wheelchair of pancreatic cancer. I cannot skip along the path of life like a care-free child. I do not cruise on the highway of life like a strong young adult. My invisible mode of transportation—this infirmity wheelchair—has me hampered in. Yet I am still journeying onward. And even in this the Lord has given me huge blessings and the sacred privilege of being refined into His image.” In the midst of suffering, Jobje is an example of the authentic Christian life.

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the 𝘉𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘈𝘯𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘔𝘢𝘯 broadcast, comments on a sensationalistic headline in USA Today, “The Rapidly Cooling Core of Earth Is Cause for Concern” (print edition). Scott Gleeson writes, “Earth's interior is cooling faster than we previously estimated, according to a recent study (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2021.117329), prompting questions about how long people can live on the planet.” The lead author of the peer-reviewed study indicates that Earth may become what Mercury and Mars are like today—just another rocky and uninhabitable planet. Earth’s magnetic field, which would be lost in the cooling, protects life from lethal cosmic radiation—just one aspect of what makes Earth a privileged planet. Despite the “cause for concern,” the cooling process “should be hundreds of millions or even billions of years.” Sensationalism never seems to end. The reality is that Earth is a singularly privileged planet designed for discovery. The unique conditions necessary to support intelligent life turn out to provide the best overall conditions for scientific discovery.See Scott Gleeson, “Earth's Core Is Rapidly Cooling, Study Reveals. Is Our Planet Becoming ‘Inactive’”? USA Today, January 19, 2022, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2022/01/19/earth-interior-cooling-faster-study/6576214001/.For further study, see The Privileged Planet (DVD and book) https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resources-the-privileged-planet-dvd-and-book-ea/. And see the article, “Is Earth a Privileged Planet?” https://www.equip.org/bible_answers/earth-privileged-planet/.🔴 Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/CRInstitute?sub_confirmation=1--------------------------------------------------Connect with Hank Hanegraaff and the Christian Research Institute (CRI):🔴 Subscribe to the Bible Answer Man on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bible-answer-man-podcast-with-hank-hanegraaff/id569236334 ✔️ Subscribe to “Hank Unplugged” on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hank-unplugged-essential-christian-conversations/id1243088708✅ For a complete list of all platforms with our broadcast and podcast content:https://www.equip.org/connect/ 📒 For past Bible Answer Man episodes, hundreds of free articles (podcasts and video), and curated resources visit CRI’s website: http://www.equip.org/✔️ Subscribe to our print magazine the Cʜʀɪsᴛɪᴀɴ Rᴇsᴇᴀʀᴄʜ Jᴏᴜʀɴᴀʟ https://www.equip.org/product/crj-subscription/👥 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BibleAnswerManBroadcast/🐦Bible Answer Man on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CRIBAM📸 Bible Answer Man on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bibleanswerman/✅ Listen to the Bible Answer Man broadcast live streaming Monday through Friday from 6-6:30 PM ET online at http://www.equip.org/ #hankhanegraaff #bibleanswerman #creation

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, comments on a USA Today opinion piece, “Pornography Is Hurting the Children of America: Eilish’s Experience Is Much Too Common,” January 20, 2022 (print edition), by Theresa Olohan. Billie Eilish’s fans were shocked by her recent condemnation of pornography. She had been “exposed to sexually explicit acts online when she was only 11 years old.” The article goes on to note that a study by the Crimes Against Children Research Center at the University of New Hampshire reports that “93% of boys and 62% of girls are exposed to pornography before age 18.” Children are exposed at startlingly young ages in an era when pornography is becoming increasingly acceptable—the norm rather than the exception. But the dangers have not changed. Pornography “desensitizes viewers”—one requires more and more degrading representations of sexual activity to be stimulated by them. And it is a precursor to increasingly dangerous sexual practices. In adults, pornography is known “to cause developmental problems, body image issues as well as erectile dysfunction.” It “normalizes sexual objectification and distorts healthy views of sex.” Consequences for children are incomprehensibly worse. Yet the portal to porn is often in the palm of the hands of young children in the form of smartphones. As a follower of Christ, you must “be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8 NIV). Our Lord warned, “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea” (Matthew 18:6). For further study, see Joe Dallas, “Darkening Our Minds: The Problem of Pornography Among Christians” https://www.equip.org/article/darkening-our-minds-the-problem-of-pornography-among-christians/. And a book by Joe Dallas, The Game Plan : The Men’s 30-Day Strategy for Attaining Sexual Integrity https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resource-the-game-plan-the-mens-30-day-strategy-for-attaining-sexual-integrity-yt/.

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Hank Unplugged podcast, exhorts followers of Christ to be able to demonstrate that Christianity is not an illusion. Karl Marx said, “Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless conditions. It is the opium of the people.” We should pay attention to that word “oppressed” because for Marx everything was a battle between the oppressed and the oppressor. In the evolution of civilization, religion must be destroyed. Why? According to Marx, “The abolition of religion as the illusory happiness of the people is the demand for their real happiness.” What’s the antidote to that? To demonstrate that true religion is not an illusion but is faith grounded in irrefutable fact. Marx was a devotee of Charles Darwin, and Darwin has won the day in our culture. Thus, Christians must demonstrate truth. There is an experience that we can have that transcends all philosophical speculation. The truth of Christianity is not about only this life, but it is about life as a continuum that goes on for all eternity. And as Vladimir Lossky so eloquently wrote, “After the Fall, human history is a long shipwreck awaiting rescue: but the port of salvation is not the goal; it is the possibility for the shipwrecked to resume his journey whose sole goal is union with God.”

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, shares a note from his dear sister Jobje—a note written in humility through tears, as she journeys through the travails of pancreatic cancer. She is most thankful for your prayers! “The prayers of God’s people” help her “to keep plodding along” what she describes as “an uncertain road.” Jobje explains, “I am truly overwhelmed, humbled, I’m so grateful that you still continue to pray even after fifteen months have gone by since my diagnosis.” She writes, “My nights have been plagued by long sleepless times as I try to relearn to rest in His promises anew, in those dark alone hours. It is amazing how the darkness of the night spawns so many doubts. So many fears, not to mention the Devil attacking my thoughts to reinforce those fears. Oh, to learn to trust during those dark restless nights in my mind and soul. Then I pray all the more in earnest, ‘Lord, help me to trust. Help me to be at peace’” She goes on to express, “I’m so glad I learned to trust in Him, my precious Savior, my friend. I know that He is with me and will be with me until the end. The thought of Jesus being with me to the end should be so comforting, and yet sometimes in those dark and deep valleys of dismay and despair, my trust seems to evaporate in the pervasive fog of that dark valley. And its surroundings make me again lose sight that He is still with me. Oh, ye of little faith.” And “Yes, it is so sweet to trust in Jesus / Just from sin and self to cease; / Just from Jesus simply taking / Life, and rest, and joy, and peace.” That shall be eternal life—rest, joy, and final peace. Ending her note with those six memorable words, “I look forward to that Day.” Please pray for Jobje.

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, comments on a news report by Mark A. Kellner in the Washington Times, “Evangelical Lutheran LGBTQ Ministry Group Suspends First Transgender Bishop” (December 21, 2021). The article states, “A group promoting LGBTQ clergy in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America [ELCA] has suspended its first transgender bishop over allegations of ‘racist words and actions.’” The Renaissance humanist scholar Desiderius Erasmus warned about loosing a floodgate of iniquity. Once you are loosed from the restraining fetters of apostolic tradition, the creeds, and the ecumenical councils, you can re-imagine the church in such a way that it is no longer the hope of civilization but rather becomes a destructive force in civilization. See https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2021/dec/21/evangelical-lutheran-lgbtq-ministry-group-suspends/

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Hank Unplugged podcast, exhorts us as followers of Christ to be difference-makers in the face of the devolution of western civilization. Like the ancient Roman Empire before its fall, we are poised for either ruin or revival. It is followers of Christ, not pagans, who are the deciding factors. Pagans exercise their job description—what else would they do? The question is are we as followers of Christ going to exercise our job description? What is that? We are called to be ambassadors for Jesus Christ—not just by what we say but the example we set through living in the light of Christ. The apostle Paul said that “we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, meditates on the birth of his new grandson, Pax Johannis Hanegraaff. Pax means peace. Consider what the Bible says about conception and birth. “You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand—when I awake, I am still with you” (Psalm 139:13–18 NIV). Pax is fearfully and wonderfully made!

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, reacts to an article in The College Fix, “Rutgers University Faculty Groups Support Prof Who Said White People ‘Gotta Be Taken Out.’” The article is about statements made by Dr. Brittany Cooper, a tenured associate professor in the Department of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and the Africana Studies Department at Rutgers University—a university with formative ties to the Dutch Reformed Church. In a video interview with The Root, Professor Cooper implies that white people invented slavery and conquest, and that white people are “committed to being villains.” She also states, “The thing I want to say to you is that we gotta take these [expletive deleted] out, but like, we can’t say that, right? I don’t believe in a project of violence. I truly don’t, because in the end, I think our souls suffer from that. And I do think some of this is spiritual condition.” Elsewhere, she calls herself “a practicing Christian” and writes, “The Jesus I know, love, talk about and choose to retain was a radical, freedom-loving, justice-seeking, potentially queer (because he was either asexual or a priest married to a prostitute), feminist healer, unimpressed by scripture-quoters and religious law-keepers, seduced neither by power nor evil.” This ought to remind us once again that we are not to come up with our own novel interpretations of the word of God or the faith once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3). See “Rutgers University Faculty Groups Support Prof Who Said White People ‘Gotta Be Taken Out,’” The College Fix, November 7, 2021, https://www.thecollegefix.com/rutgers-u-faculty-groups-support-prof-who-said-white-people-gotta-be-taken-out/. Becket Adams, “No, White People Didn’t Invent Slavery and Conquest,” Washington Examiner, October 28, 2021, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/no-white-people-didnt-invent-slavery-and-conquest. Brittany Cooper statements in “Unpacking the Attacks on Critical Race Theory,” The Root, YouTube, September 21, 2021, https://youtu.be/efjZqmVKm9Q. Brittany Cooper @ProfessorCrunk, Twitter post, April 28, 2020,https://twitter.com/ProfessorCrunk/status/1255116155599171589. Brittany Cooper, “The Right’s Made-up God: How Bigots Invented a White Supremacist Jesus,” Salon, April 1, 2015, https://www.salon.com/2015/04/01/the_rights_made_up_god_how_bigots_invented_a_white_supremacist_jesus/.

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, shares and celebrates the wonderful story of Elise, frozen embryo Snowflake #94, who is now 16 years of age. A couple named Eric and Kris heard Hank answering a question on the Bible Answer Man broadcast about the status of an embryo. Human life begins when one sperm cell from one human being fertilizes an egg in another human being. The forming embryo does not have a fully developed personality but does have full personhood from the moment of conception—and bears the imago Dei. Kris and Eric decided that they would adopt a frozen embryo! The frozen embryo arrived via Fed-Ex and was implanted in Kris’s uterus and was brought to full term. Hank had the privilege of meeting Elise when she was a baby—and now she is 16! A truly amazing story. Glory to God! Listen to Hank talk more about Elise’s story on the Bible Answer Man broadcast, https://www.equip.org/video/embryo-adoption/. For further study, see Hank Hanegraaff, “Should Christians Support a Ban on Embryonic Stem Cell Research?” https://www.equip.org/bible_answers/should-christians-support-a-ban-on-embryonic-stem-cell-research/; and Clinton Wilcox, “The Human Embryo: Potential Person or Person with Great Potential?,” https://www.equip.org/article/the-human-embryo-potential-person-or-person-with-great-potential/.

When Roe v. Wade was decided almost half a century ago, Frederica Mathewes-Green believed that the landmark decision didn’t go far enough to ensure adequate abortion access for women. However, everything changed after she read an article titled “What I Saw at the Abortion” in a 1976 edition of the magazine Esquire that detailed the violent act against both woman and child that takes place when an abortion is performed. Simply put, there was no way that a peace-loving feminist could support this violence against both woman and child and just like that she became a pro-life advocate. Frederica Mathewes-Green went on to become a pre-eminent voice for the lives of the unborn and—importantly—the mothers who carried these children. Almost everyone on both sides of the debate can agree on one thing—abortion is a miserable choice, as Frederica emphasized in Real Choices: Listening to Women, Looking for Alternatives to Abortion, “No woman wants an abortion as she wants an ice cream cone or a Porsche. She wants an abortion as an animal caught in a trap wants to gnaw off its own leg.” Frederica joins Hank Hanegraaff to discuss the state of abortion in America as well as what she has learned during the decades of her distinguished career encouraging dialogue between pro-choice and pro-life advocates. For further study, see Frederica Mathewes-Green, Real Choices: Listening to Women, Looking for Alternatives to Abortion. https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resource-real-choices-listening-to-women-looking-for-alternatives-to-abortion/ Topics discussed include: What changed your mind about abortion? (5:00); is abortion a violent act against women? (8:30); abortion fatigue—people just don’t want to talk about abortion (9:30); Roe v. Wade (11:00); snowflake children—when does life begin? (12:15); the importance of listening to the stories of women when discussing abortion (18:50); defending unborn children without making mothers the enemy (23:45); finding common ground—how can pro-choice and pro-life people better understand one another? (26:30); is public opinion changing on abortion? (30:25); most countries in the world have banned abortion after 12 weeks—making US abortion policy one of the most liberal globally (33:20); “in the land where women kill their unborn children, every lesser love grows frail” (34:30); the extreme individualism of our culture (38:35); what would America look like without abortion? (40:30); what about adoption instead of abortion? (45:15); misconceptions about contraception (48:25); cheap sex—the devaluation of sex in a culture of free love (50:00); the difficulties of being a single parent and the benefits of a two-parent home (59:00); the war on adoption—why is adoption disparaged by abortion advocates? (1:02:40); what actually happens during an abortion procedure? (1:05:45); victims of unisex sexuality (1:12:10); the paradoxical aims of feminism (1:13:30); the problem with government welfare programs (1:18:15); the importance of a support system for mothers and children (1:20:00); the importance of listening to women’s stories about abortion (1:21:30); the issue of abortion in the early church (1:27:15); how should we talk about abortion? (1:30:00); responding to common pro-choice claims about abortion (1:34:00); the impact of Frederica Mathewes-Green’s book Real Choices: Listening to Women, Looking for Alternatives to Abortion (1:42:25). https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resource-real-choices-listening-to-women-looking-for-alternatives-to-abortion/Listen to Hank’s podcast and follow Hank off the grid where he is joined by some of the brightest minds discussing topics you care about. Get equipped to be a cultural change agent.Archived episodes are on our Website and available at the additional channels listed below.You can help spread the word about Hank Unplugged by giving us a rating and review from the other channels we are listed on.

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, contemplates the power of one and the life of Martin Luther King Jr. He was stabbed, his home was bombed, and ultimately was murdered. Yet his legacy lives on because he was willing to contend for truth no matter the cost. Although Hank has significant theological differences with Dr. King, he greatly admires his life and legacy. Thinking of Dr. King’s last oration—the night of April 3, 1968—the night before his assassination. He fixed our eyes on an eternal prize and counseled his devotees to have tough minds, yet tender hearts. To speak truth boldly from a heart of love. He was a demonstration of the power of one—one smile, one word, one vote, one prayer, one journey, one life. The night before he died, he said, “I do not know what will happen now. We have some difficult days ahead. But it doesn’t matter with me because I have been to the mountain top. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life—longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will. And he’s allowed me to go to the mountain, and I’ve looked over and I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the Promised Land. And so I’m happy tonight; I’m not worried about anything; I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.”

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, reflects on the passing of our dear brother Rick Morgan. Absent the body, he is present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8). One day when Jesus returns a second time, Rick’s soul will return to his body and his body will be resurrected immortal, imperishable, incorruptible (1 Corinthians 15). Though he is no longer in flesh, he continues as one of that great cloud of witnesses. St. Paul said, because we are surrounded by those witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders the race marked out for us (Hebrews 12). Which is precisely what Rick did in his life, including substantial contribution to the work of the Christian Research Institute. As CRI’s webmaster, Rick constantly resolved to accomplish all to the glory of God. Rick contracted COVID-19, along with his wife Cindee, who is the daughter of Walter Martin, CRI’s founder. But Rick did not make it. Please pray for Cindee and their family through this profound heartbreak.

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, reflects on an article in USA Today by David Colton remembering numerous famous people who died in 2021. Colin Powell, Tommy Lasorda, Bob Dole, Hank Aaron, Prince Philip, Rush Limbaugh—in this article there is a long list of those who had an impact in this life and have now transitioned. They continue to live—have consciousness—apart from the body. Author Anne Rice, who had “embraced the crude myth of vampires.” Larry King, who famously said, “The key to interviewing is listening.” Marcus Lamb, founder of Daystar Network, a prosperity peddler, died of COVID-19. Archbishop Desmond Tutu and F. W. De Klerk, each having won a Nobel Prize for their roles in ending apartheid in South Africa. Willard Scott, Today show weatherman—one of the most recognizable influencers of our time. As we think about those who have passed from this life to eternity, consider “Only one life, twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last” (C.T. Studd). We all will one day stand before God and give an account for what we did in our lives. Let us live our lives for that which counts for all eternity. Our Lord said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19–21). See David Colton, “Hank Aaron, Bob Dole, Cicely Tyson, John Madden: Remembering Notables Who Died in 2021,” USA Today, December 19, 2021 (updated December 31, 2021), https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/12/19/famous-people-who-died-2021/6496794001/

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, continues to reflect on the passing of famous individuals—specifically, John Madden and Harry Reid (both died December 28, 2021). Madden might be called the high priest of football. NFL games are highly ritualized and liturgical, and for many people, the NFL has become an object of worship—their idol. Madden, who won a Superbowl in 1976 with the Oakland Raiders and became the face of a videogame empire based on the NFL, was a coaching phenomenon and football’s greatest evangelist. But he now has passed from this life into eternity. And then there is Harry Reid, who led the Senate from 2007–2015. The Democrats grumbled about his ban on partial-birth abortion and his opposition to Roe v. Wade—and he was a died-in-the-wool Mormon. Thus, Reid passed from this life believing that “God himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and sits enthroned in yonder heavens” (Joseph Smith). He believed that Jesus Christ is not the self-existent Creator of all things but is, rather, the spirit-brother of Lucifer, conceived in heaven by a celestial Mother and then came in flesh as a result of the Father having sex with the virgin Mary. He believed that “the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion” (Joseph Smith). He held to the four Mormon standard works—the Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price. It’s worth noting that Doctrine and Covenants is a compilation of divine revelations that includes the doctrine of polygamy. Not until the Mormons were threatened by the federal government did Mormon president Wilford Woodruff receive a revelation relegating polygamy to the afterlife. And Pearl of Great Price is notorious for having been used by Mormonism to prevent those of African heritage from entering the priesthood and from being exalted to godhood. Reid believed that Temple Mormons will make it to the Celestial Heaven, but only those who are sealed in secret Temple rituals will make it to the third level of the Celestial Kingdom and become gods of their own planets. Because of such teachings, and many others, Mormonism has little to do with true Christianity. What is vitally important for all of us to recognize is that there is a true faith—the true faith once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3). Everything else is a corruption of the true faith. Consider how important it is to be in the true faith, because no one gets out of this world alive. Let us glorify God in all that we think, say, and do. For further study, see Hank Hanegraaff, “Is Jesus Christ the Spirit Brother of Satan?” https://www.equip.org/article/is-jesus-christ-the-spirit-brother-of-satan/; Hank Hanegraaff, “Mormonism And Polygamy,” https://www.equip.org/hank_speaks_out/mormonism-and-polygamy/; Eric Johnson, “Plural Marriage and Joseph Smith: A PR Nightmare in Mormonism,” https://www.equip.org/article/plural-marriage-joseph-smith-pr-nightmare-mormonism/; Bill McKeever, “Unexplaining the Mormon Priesthood Ban on Blacks,” https://www.equip.org/article/unexplaining-mormon-priesthood-ban-blacks/; Eric Johnson, “Mormonism, Afterlife, and Striving after Godhood,” https://www.equip.org/article/mormonism-the-afterlife-and-striving-after-godhood/; Bill McKeever and Eric Johnson, “The Mormon View of Salvation: A Gospel That Is Truly Impossible,” https://www.equip.org/article/mormon-view-salvation-gospel-truly-impossible/. See David Colton, “Hank Aaron, Bob Dole, Cicely Tyson, John Madden: Remembering Notables Who Died in 2021,” USA Today, December 19, 2021 (updated December 31, 2021), https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/12/19/famous-people-who-died-2021/6496794001/.

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, reflects on the tragic legacy of Sarah Weddington, the lawyer who argued the infamous abortion rights case Roe v. Wade before the United States Supreme Court in 1973—essentially legalizing abortion in the United States. Raised as a minister’s daughter, Weddington passionately advanced abortion in America. The ends justifying the means, abortion leaders at the time encouraged the telling of the fabricated story of the rape of Norma McCorvey—a.k.a. Jane Roe. This kind of deception is often justified by a “larger truth”—and that larger truth, from the standpoint of Weddington, is that the painful killing of innocent human beings is a human right. The legalization of abortion has caused the deaths of untold numbers of unborn babies.For further study, see Frederica Mathewes-Green, Real Choices: Listening to Women, Looking for Alternatives to Abortion https://amzn.to/3HOnb9M

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, reflects on an opinion piece in USA Today by Steven Petrow, titled, “Stop Gloating When Anti-vaxxers Die of COVID-19. It’s Tragic” (December 20, 2021, 7A). The piece centers on Marcus Lamb, head of Daystar Television Network, who died of COVID-19 on November 30. We are not to practice the uncivilized, unchristian ethic of dancing on someone’s grave. Unfortunately, Petrow also talks about “ineffective” means of combatting COVID-19, and one of those means that he cites is prayer. In reality, however, prayer is the most effective thing that we can do as Christians because there is no doubt that God exists—“the heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1)—and that Christ, the eternal Son of God, “became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). When we pray to Him, God responds. He answers prayer. As St. John wrote, “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him” (1 John 5:14–15 ESV). And St. James declared, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16 NIV). For further study, see Christianity in Crisis—21st Century by Hank Hanegraaff https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resource-christianity-in-crisis-21st-century/; and Truth Matters, Life Matters More by Hank Hanegraaff https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resource-truth-matters-life-matters-more/

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, reflects on the continuing word crisis that threatens to undo western civilization. The word “insurrection” is plastered in the headlines today. Writing in the Wall Street Journal, Jeffrey Scott Shapiro laments the application of the word “insurrection” to the events of January 6, 2021. But Shapiro notes, “The events of Jan. 6…fail to meet the dictionary definition of insurrection, which Merriam-Webster defines as ‘an act or instance of revolting against civil authority or an established government’….the word implies an ‘armed uprising.’” Shapiro contends that “a real insurrection would have required the armed forces to quell an armed resistance,” as in the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794. Shapiro concludes, “Those who violated the law inside the U.S. Capitol should be prosecuted and, if convicted, sentenced accordingly. But dramatizing a riot as an organized, racist, armed insurrection is false reporting and dangerous political gaslighting. The misuse of words, especially involving criminal accusations, can easily result in overreaching enforcement of the law and a chilling effect on free speech, all of which have already happened—and in this case, endanger the very system the rioters’ accusers purport to protect.” Consider also, the word “marriage.” As Sean McDowell and John Stonestreet note, marriage has always been defined as “a relationship between men and women” because of “the dual, gender-distinct nature of humanity.” As such, the relationship “between marriage and procreation is more than just incidental.” All of this has been up for grabs as a result of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, who not only redefined the word “marriage” but pontificated that the historical definition fosters ill will and animosity. What must surely have been self-evident to this supremely erudite arbiter of justice is that virtually every redefinition of marriage, including his own, excludes someone (siblings, the polygamous, those underage, etc.). But is this due to hate or to common sense? If marriage means everything, in the end it may well mean nothing at all. See Jeffrey Scott Shapiro, “Stop Calling Jan. 6 an ‘Insurrection,’” Wall Street Journal, January 5, 2022, https://www.wsj.com/articles/stop-calling-jan-6-an-insurrection-capitol-riot-civil-disorder-insurgency-protest-first-amendment-11641417543. Sean McDowell and John Stonestreet, Same-Sex Marriage: A Thoughtful Approach to God’s Design for Marriage (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2014). See Justice Anthony Kennedy, United States v. Windsor (2013). D. K. Matthews, “Seduced: The Crisis of Word and the Fragmentation of Civilization,” Christian Research Journal, vol. 43, no. 01 (2020), https://www.equip.org/article/seduced-the-crisis-of-word-and-the-fragmentation-of-civilization/.

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, ponders the demise of civilizations. This reflection was provoked by reading a recent post about “the European Union’s LGBTQ+ goodwill ambassador” who had “cross-dressed as a bearded Virgin Mary”—“a same-sex rendition of the Holy Family draped in the colors of the transgender flag.” Christians must not curse the darkness but build a lighthouse in the midst of the gathering storm. Christians took the lead in building a new order called Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire. Christians must again take the lead to transform today’s culture for Christ.

​How do some birds, turtles, and insects possess navigational abilities that rival the best manmade navigational technologies? Who or what taught the honey bee its dance, or its hive mates how to read the complex message of the dance? How do blind mound-building termites master passive heating and cooling strategies that dazzle skilled human architects? In The Origin of Species Charles Darwin conceded that such instincts are “so wonderful” that the mystery of their origin would strike many “as a difficulty sufficient to overthrow my whole theory.” Hank Hanegraaff is joined by Eric Cassell to discuss these mysteries and more as addressed in his book book Animal Algorithms and how the continued discoveries of incredible instincts in the animal world would lead one to believe that they are strong evidence that the origins of life are the product of Intelligent Design rather than a blind, purposeless evolutionary process. To learn more about receiving this book for your partnering gift please click here. https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resources-animal-algorithms-and-the-comprehensive-guide-to-science-and-faith-hup/Topics discussed include: The complex navigational systems and activities of ants (5:30); the waggle dance of the honeybee and other complex behaviors (11:00); the long-distance migration patterns and abilities of birds (13:00); what did Darwin know about genetics? (14:45); complex programmed behavior—animal algorithms (17:45); the mysterious metamorphosis of the butterfly (24:30); the unique navigational abilities of the Loggerhead sea turtle (26:15); the navigational processes and built-in compasses of animals (29:15); how can people believe that these complex processes evolved from a blind, purposeless evolutionary process? (34:35); is climate change less of an existential threat than the recent ice age? (43:00); studying animal algorithms from the top down perspective of an engineer (45:25); how evolution accounts for the coordinated development between the eyes and the brain (48:40); the wonder of the wasp sting (53:30); complex programmed societies in the animal kingdom (54:45); how could evolution explain altruism in the animal kingdom? (58:00); the sophisticated architectural abilities of animals (59:05); humans still can’t replicate the silk of spider webs (1:02:40); the challenges that complexity present for convergent evolution (1:06:00); does the word science mean the same thing to everyone? (1:13:05); survival of the fittest vs. arrival of the fittest (1:14:35); why won’t many scientists allow the explanations of Intelligent Design? (1:16:45); teleophobia in the sciences (1:20:25); addressing several of the most common objections to Intelligent Design (1:22:50). ________________________________________Listen to Hank’s podcast and follow Hank off the grid where he is joined by some of the brightest minds discussing topics you care about. Get equipped to be a cultural change agent.Archived episodes are on our Website and available at the additional channels listed below.You can help spread the word about Hank Unplugged by giving us a rating and review from the other channels we are listed on.

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the 𝘉𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘈𝘯𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘔𝘢𝘯 broadcast, distinguishes between ministry-centric giving and soul-centric giving. CRI is committed to that which is soul-centric—interested in the spiritual benefit that giving abounds to the account of the giver. Less focused on the needs of ministry—though important and significant—CRI focuses more on the nous (mind/soul—“the eye of the heart,” “the seat of our spiritual perceptions”) of the giver. Become conscious of the blessings inherent in giving—that giving changes the giver. Give because in giving you will be transformed. As we approach the end of 2021, thank you to all who have given to the life-changing work of the Christian Research Institute—the Bible Answer Man broadcast, Hank Unplugged podcast, Christian Research Journal, equip.org, and the other ministry work of CRI that your generosity enables. To partner with CRI, click here for more info: https://www.equip.org/donate/

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the 𝘉𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘈𝘯𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘔𝘢𝘯 broadcast, reflects on a scene from James Michener’s historical novel, The Covenant. Among the Xhosa people in South Africa, there was a shaman who looked into a dark pool of water and predicted that the great chiefs who once ruled the Xhosa people would miraculously return and regain control of the land, and the people would once again flourish—on the condition that Xhosa warriors first kill all of the Xhosa cattle and burn all of their grain. The shaman set a particular date on which the great miracle would happen. The warriors killed their cattle and burned their grain, and the people watched the sun rise and set on the day in which the prophecy was to be fulfilled. But there was no fulfillment, and soon tens of thousands of the Xhosa people horrifically perished from starvation. And we in the Christian world have our own shamans—people who are constantly predicting that the end is nigh, that a rapture would take us away while all hell breaks loose on earth. Multitudes make life decisions based on these predictions, concluding there is “no need to polish brass on a sinking ship.” But Christians must learn to discern what Scripture actually teaches—and develop immunity to errant apocalyptic fever.

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the 𝘉𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘈𝘯𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘔𝘢𝘯 broadcast, wishes all a glorious new year—a new year in which we are connected to the epicenter of the universe, which is the church. It is in the church that God dispenses the graces that transform us and prepare us for eternity. May God use us all this year for His glory and for the extension of His kingdom—“not by might, nor by power, but by His Spirit” (Zechariah 4:6).

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, reflects on the rage of the organization known as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). This time over the World Series because baseball pitchers warm up in what is called the “bullpen,” a term most insensitive to cattle. PETA suggests “Arm Barn.” As ridiculous as that may seem, it raises the question of what organizations like PETA are up to in the first place. Ultimately, they seek to elevate animals to the status of human beings—and ascribe to animals the personhood reserved for a child. Some, such as bioethicist Peter Singer, go so far as to elevate chimpanzees above disabled children. Wrongheaded, ridiculous, and utterly horrifying. In reality, humans beings are created in the image of God, which ensures that a Down Syndrome child is afforded the same dignity given to a professor like Singer. While we may eat lamb as our Lord did during Passover celebrations, we must never treat lambs in a way that dishonors their Creator. A primary precept of biblical theology is that animals occupy a special role in the hierarchy of creation. While we must never supplant human exceptionalism for animal equality, we are nonetheless called to the ethical treatment of animals.

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Hank Unplugged podcast, reads portions of the latest letter from his sister Jobje, who is battling pancreatic cancer. She writes, “First and foremost, I want to wish you all a very blessed Christmas in our adoration of our Savior and Lord, the King of all Kings, for His indescribable gift of a Savior!....My adoration for my Savior has increased during this year of ‘blessings and affliction’ for all His supplied grace. Let each of us come in quietness and humility this Christmas season, and let us adore Him with our whole heart and soul.” Jobje goes on to say, “The Christmas season has not always been my favorite holiday to celebrate.” Why? Because of “the commercialization of Christmas, frantic shoppers, insane traffic, and then hearing the precious carols and the name of Jesus dragged through the mud by the stores‘ merchandizing audio systems, which always make me squirm with discomfort. I just wanted to get the Christmas season over and get back to some kind of normalcy….I am sure that you all can relate to this very busy time of year where we forget to be still, forget to ponder in amazement, forget to adore Him and to thank Him for making our Christmas celebrations with church and families possible….For me in view of this past year, Christmas has taken on a new meaning. The Christmas season is here one more time. With me being more housebound, it has made me stop and ponder the joy of my Salvation — soon to be completed. And this all is made possible, because a holy God chose to send His holy only Son to a sinful foreign, war-torn soil. He left His Home in Glory, born as a helpless baby, laid in a manger, destined to live through an exhausting ministry, being admired by some, nevertheless despised, rejected, and then to be crucified on a cruel cross, all for our salvation. Stop and think of the magnitude of this indescribable gift! The capstone for me was when (just last night) the young people, their leaders and our pastor…came Christmas caroling in our home. What a joy it was to see them and hear them sing with joy those familiar carols, showing their love and kindness to just another ‘shut in.’ As I sat on the couch I heard those familiar songs, and my adoration for my Savior increased with new meaning! Let us come and adore Him in all His holiness in this Christmas season with a new awareness. The greatest Christmas gift for me will be when I, sinless!, can finally adore Him sinlessly in His holy presence and in the splendor of the heavens. I look forward to that day!”

The Christian Research Institute would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and hope you enjoy this special message from Hank Hanegraaff on the incarnation of Jesus Christ as an opportunity to celebrate the great exchange—Christ taking on our humanity so that we might become partakers of the divine nature.Listen to Hank’s podcast and follow Hank off the grid where he is joined by some of the brightest minds discussing topics you care about. Get equipped to be a cultural change agent.Archived episodes are on our Website and available at the additional channels listed below.You can help spread the word about Hank Unplugged by giving us a rating and review from the other channels we are listed on.

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, meditates on the amazing ant and the brilliance of creation. Hank’s wife, Kathy, was lightly attacked by ants while hanging up Christmas lights, reminding him of the proverb, “Go to the ant, observe its ways and be wise, which, having no chief, officer, or ruler, prepares its food in the summer and gathers its provision in the harvest” (Proverbs 6:6–8). Weaver ants build nests that are about the size of soccer balls—and they do it through team work. After trimming leaf edges smooth, they sew them together, gluing them with silk—all the while the leaves are still attached to the tree, permitting photosynthesis. And in the process, they not only utilize tools but they cooperate one with another. How could such extreme behavior have evolved by unguided, purposeless natural processes? If you consider the “specified complexity” involved, it is highly unlikely that blind evolutionary processes explain it all. Indeed, Neo-Darwinian random mutation and natural selection (and accompanying processes) cannot produce the “complex programmed behaviors” of the ant. We’re told over and over that we are to follow the science. Indeed, following the science where it leads in terms of the complex programmed behaviors of the ant culminates with an Intelligent Designer! See the remarkable new book by Eric Cassell, Animal Algorithms: Evolution and the Mysterious Origin of Ingenious Instincts (Discovery Institute Press, 2021).

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, exhorts us to pause for a moment in the midst of our busy-ness and ponder the majesty of the word Immanuel. It is simply incredible to consider that when Isaiah, the holiest man in ancient Israel, prophesied, “the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14), he was literally predicting that in the future the One who spoke and the limitless galaxies leapt into existence would tabernacle in flesh among us. Indeed, that is precisely what the word Immanuel means—“God with us.” O Come let us adore Him—Christ the Lord! Merry Christmas to all!

​There is no such thing as religious neutrality. Dr. Scott Hahn joins Hank Hanegraaff to discuss why Christians simply cannot compartmentalize our beliefs as if reality and religion are not intrinsically and existentially related. The privatization of faith has been perilous for the public square and as the world continues to become increasingly anti-Christian, it is imperative that Christians snap out of our “Spiritual Stockholm Syndrome” and claim the culture for Christ. The future of civilization depends on it. For more information on receiving the book, It Is Right and Just: Why the Future of Civilization Depends on True Religion, for your partnering gift, please click here. https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resource-it-is-right-and-just-why-the-future-of-civilization-depends-on-true-religion/Topics discussed include: Salvation and deification—too often we focus on what we are saved FROM and overlook what we are saved FOR (5:20); the context of the famous quote by Karl Marx that “religion is the opium of the people” and why religion is the roadblock to revolution (9:20); contrasting Marxism and materialism with true religion—Christianity and what the social duty of Christians is (18:30); the cross is a mystery and metaphor that defines our reality (27:50); how should we keep the Sabbath? (38:00); the importance of liturgy and recognizing forms of secular liturgy in our lives (44:10); the two wings of faith and reason (49:25); is there any such thing are religious neutrality? (56:20); the Eucharistic encounter of St. Thomas Aquinas that changed his life—and how the Eucharist can empower us to change the world (1:03:00); the real presence of Christ should be a uniting reality for all Christians (1:12:45); the relationship between justice and love (1:18:50); where have we gotten marriage wrong? (1:26:05); why the future of civilization depends on true religion (1:33:10). Listen to Hank’s podcast and follow Hank off the grid where he is joined by some of the brightest minds discussing topics you care about. Get equipped to be a cultural change agent.Archived episodes are on our Website and available at the additional channels listed below.You can help spread the word about Hank Unplugged by giving us a rating and review from the other channels we are listed on.