Hank Hanegraaff believes that as serious as the present pandemic is, we desperately need perspective. While trillions in government assistance may well be needed, what is needed far more acutely is to turn our hearts and our hopes toward God. Ultimately God, not the government, holds the answer to our futures in this life and in the life to come. Hank’s friend Elijah has exhorted Hank in the Holy Spirit to call the Body of Christ to “pray three times a day for 21 days in one accord” in response to the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus chronicled in John 17: “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.”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.

Can we trust the Bible? The Christian faith is firmly rooted in the teachings of the New Testament—but can we really trust the Bible? Skeptics will tell you that the authenticity of the Bible cannot be trusted, arguing that the Gospel manuscripts have been doctored to push a theological agenda. Dr. Craig Evans joins Hank to discuss his film Fragments of Truthhttps://www.equip.org/product/cri-resource-cri2003hup/ , which could be faith-saving for the many thousands of believers who have been caused to doubt their faith due to illegitimate and inaccurate claims concerning biblical authority and accuracy.Topics discussed include: Can we trust the Bible? (7:30); how archeology supports the authenticity of biblical narratives (8:50); how Misquoting Jesus inspired Dr. Craig Evans to correct Bart Ehrman’s misrepresentations of biblical manuscripts (13:30); is the claim by Bart Ehrman that the Bible has been altered true? (15:55); the problem of historical and biblical illiteracy (18:45); how did Jesus teach his disciples to communicate? (24:30); the two sides of Bart Ehrman (27:45); how long were the original manuscripts (autographs) of the Bible kept in circulation? (30:10); the difference between papyrus and parchment and how they were used for biblical manuscripts (35:05); the significance of the early fragments of the New Testament such as P52 (an early fragment from the Gospel of John) and the mistake of taking the Bible for granted (40:10); P45, the most ancient collection of all four Gospels (48:05); is the late dating of many New Testament biblical scholars arbitrary or biased? (55:30); the eyewitness testimony of biblical authors (57:45); viewing the life of Christ using extrabiblical historical accounts (1:01:10); the science of textual criticism and the process of dating ancient manuscripts (1:04:10); textual variants and their frequencies (1:07:25); the etymology of the term autograph, literally meaning written by himself (1:11:20); the discipline of textual criticism (1:16:00); how do we know that the four Gospels were actually written by Mathew, Mark, Luke and John? (1:16:50); what is a gloss? (1:19:50); addressing the long ending of Mark (1:22:35); the longer ending to the Lord’s Prayer (1:29:00); addressing examples of agraphons (1:30:25); the canon of Scripture (1:32:15); is it possible for a rogue scribe to have substantially changed the New Testament? (1:35:15); the myth that the Emperor Constantine picked the books of the biblical canon as pushed by popular authors like Dan Brown in The Da Vinci Code (1:36:30); the importance of The Dead Sea Scrolls (1:38:35).To learn more about the DVD Fragments of Truth–Can We Trust the Bible? for your partnering gift please click here. https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resource-cri2003hup/ 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.

Nathan Jacobs is a renaissance man. As an artist, author, philosopher, professor and filmmaker, Dr. Jacobs is truly an inspirational, informative and interesting individual. He joins Hank Hanegraaff for a series of podcasts seeking to better explain Eastern Orthodoxy and explain away many of the most common misconceptions people have about Eastern Orthodoxy. In this podcast they discuss Sola Scriptura and the dangers of Sola Scriptura becoming “Solo Scriptura.”Topics discussed include: Early New Testament manuscripts and how soon after the ascension of Christ we actually had a New Testament (3:25); Christianity and the Church was established and practiced before there was a compiled New Testament through the teachings of Christ to the Apostles (6:15); the importance of a proper interpretation of Scripture (9:00); Christian beliefs and practices that are not found in the Bible and whether Sola Scriptura is biblical (10:55); the problems with so many competing and contradictory interpretations of the Bible (15:50); closing thoughts on Sola Scriptura (24:20).Other podcasts in this series: Understanding Eastern Orthodoxy with Nathan JacobsA Historical and Biblical Defense of Icons with Nathan JacobsMisunderstanding Faith, Works and Mary, the Mother of God with Nathan JacobsListen 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.

Nathan Jacobs is a renaissance man. As an artist, author, philosopher, professor and filmmaker, Dr. Jacobs is truly an inspirational, informative and interesting individual. He joins Hank Hanegraaff for a series of podcasts seeking to better explain Eastern Orthodoxy and explain away many of the most common misconceptions people have about Eastern Orthodoxy. In this podcast they discuss why many Christians today have a misunderstanding of faith and works. Additionally, far too many Christians today misguidedly disregard the importance of Mary to the Christian faith and they discuss the role of Mary in the incarnation and the profound theological implications as the mother of God.Topics discussed include: Why do some Evangelicals believe that Hank Hanegraaff left the Christian faith when he became Eastern Orthodox? (0:20); discussing the differing framework of faith and works in the East and the West (4:20); we are not saved by good works, but for good works (17:30); discussing the Dormition of the Mother of God, Mary (20:25); the perpetual virginity of Mary (23:20); the role of Mary in the Incarnation and the profound theological implications (31:30); a preview of the next conversation in this podcast series with Nathan Jacobs on Sola Scriptura (35:00).To learn more about Hank’s journey to Eastern Orthodoxy please see Truth Matters, Life Matters More by clicking here. https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resource-truth-matters-life-matters-more/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.

Cindee Martin Morgan is the daughter of the late Dr. Walter Martin, who was the founder and former president of the Christian Research Institute, and the original Bible Answer Man. On this episode of Hank Unplugged she joins Hank for a conversation on her new book on the history of the Christian Research Institute, the Bible Answer Man broadcast and the man who founded both, her father Dr. Walter Martin.Topics discussed include: What inspired Cindee Martin Morgan to write a book on the history of the Christian Research Institute and her father Dr. Walter Martin (3:15); what it was like growing up as the daughter of Dr. Walter Martin, the original Bible Answer Man (9:35); the enduring influence and legacy of Dr. Walter Martin (16:05); how Dr. Walter Martin became a leader of the Christian countercult movement (18:15); the origins of the name of the Bible Answer Man broadcast (22:35); the visionary idea of a computerized apologetics database compiling apologetics answers at the Christian Research Institute (23:50); Dr. Walter Martin and his relationship with Jehovah’s Witnesses (25:25); Dr. Walter Martin’s conviction that controversy for the sake of controversy is sin, controversy for the sake of truth is a divine command (27:35); did Dr. Walter Martin believe that Catholics hold to the essentials of the Christian faith? (33:50); the Maze of Mormonism (40:10); the time that Dr. Walter Martin was a guest pastor on the CBS program Bride and Groom (42:15); a deep belief in God’s healing and a passion for praying for the sick (45:00); the reality of spiritual warfare (47:10); Dr. Walter Martin’s personal struggles with doubt (54:15); Cindee Martin Morgan reflects on the time Dr. Walter Martin introduced her to Hank Hanegraaff for the first time (58:05); Cindee Martin Morgan’s perspective on the differences between her father and Hank Hanegraaff as leaders of the Christian Research Institute (1:01:45); Walter Martin’s brave evangelistic encounters (1:03:35); following truth wherever it leads and the reconciliation between CRI and The Local Church (1:09:30); recollections of Dr. Walter Martin (1:22:35); Cindee Martin Morgan’s passionate defense for the life of the unborn (1:26:05); is the abortion debate changing for the next generation? (1:30:05).To learn more about Cindee Martin Morgan’s book, The Bible Answer Man: Walter Martin and Hank Hanegraaff: Dr. Martin’s Daughter Reflects on CRI’s Founder, Its History, and Its Current President, please click here. https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resourcethe-bible-answer-man-walter-martin-and-hank-hanegraaff-dr-martins-daughter-reflects-on-cris-founder-its-history-and-its-current-president/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.

Nathan Jacobs is a renaissance man. As an artist, author, philosopher, professor and filmmaker, Dr. Jacobs is truly an inspirational, informative and interesting individual. He joins Hank Hanegraaff for a series of podcasts seeking to better explain Eastern Orthodoxy and explain away many of the most common misconceptions people have about Eastern Orthodoxy. In this podcast they make a historical and biblical defense of icons and wonder whether those who are against iconography may actually have an inadequate understanding of the incarnation.Topics discussed include: John of Damascas and his defense of icons (2:35); do those who are against icons, iconoclasts, have an inadequate view of the incarnation? (6:00); explaining the veneration of icons (13:45); the historical role of icons in a world of illiteracy and oral traditions that didn’t have the biblical texts that we often take for granted today (26:35); the appeal and potential profundity of icons in our world today as evangelical examples (31:20); an article by Hank’s son David Hanegraaff, “Does the Bible Answer Man’s son believe he has left the Christian faith?” and a preview of the next podcast in the series (38:25). https://www.equip.org/article/does-the-bible-answer-mans-son-believe-that-he-has-left-the-christian-faith/Nathan Jacobs article, “John of Damascus and His Defense of Icons” is in the following issue of the Christian Research Journal. https://www.equip.org/christian-research-journal/dantes-inferno-explains-hell-to-modern-seekers/ Subscribe today (Feb 2020) and receive this as your first issue. https://www.equip.org/product/crj-subscription/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.

Nathan Jacobs is a renaissance man. As an artist, author, philosopher, professor and filmmaker, Dr. Jacobs is truly an inspirational, informative and interesting individual. He joins Hank Hanegraaff for a series of podcasts seeking to better explain Eastern Orthodoxy and explain away many of the most common misconceptions people have about Eastern Orthodoxy. They begin by discussing some differences between Catholicism, Protestantism and Eastern Orthodoxy.Topics discussed include: Becoming Truly Human, the documentary by Nathan Jacobs detailing the rise of the “nones,” those with no religious affiliation, in society today (2:55); comparing Catholicism, Protestantism and Eastern Orthodoxy (9:40); different conceptions of Christian anthropology (16:15); the difference between tradition and traditionalism (25:20).To learn about the documentary Becoming Truly Human please click here. https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resource-wa1708sp4-becoming-truly-human/

“How do you continue to find God as dementia pulls your loved one into the darkness?” Douglas Groothuis details the gradual loss of his wife to dementia and ultimately death in his book Walking Through Twilight: A Wife's Illness―A Philosopher's Lament (available at Equip.org). https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resource-walking-through-twilight-a-wifes-illness-a-philosophers-lament/ Groothuis joined Hank Hanegraaff to discuss what he learned from his season of suffering and how sharing his own vulnerable experiences can help lead other “siblings in suffering” closer to Christ. Douglas Groothuis is a longtime contributor to the Christian Research Journal and many of his articles can be found on the web at Equip.org. Topics discussed include: Dealing with the gradual loss of someone with dementia and the experience of ambiguous loss after they die (3:30); how apologetics can aid spiritual formation and helps Christians deal with moments of doubt (6:00); Douglas Groothuis discusses his temptation to hate God, comparing his experiences to the Psalms of lament in the Bible (11:10); why Groothuis decided to embrace vulnerability by writing the autobiographical account of his suffering in Walking Through Twilight: A Wife's Illness—A Philosopher's Lament https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resource-walking-through-twilight-a-wifes-illness-a-philosophers-lament/(15:05); finding solace in the wisdom of the Psalms (20:45); finding meaning in the midst of suffering (26:30); what lessons can we learn from dogs?? (29:35); the power of music (33:45); the value of memorizing scripture (37:20); how adversity can help us grow—you can become bitter or you can become better (43:45); wise ways to use social media (46:30); the value of reading and the difference between digital books and physical books (48:45); practical guidelines for helping those who are hurting (54:20); was Jesus a philosopher? (1:00:30); do we think enough about our own immortality? (1:04:45); should apologists embrace mystery more often? (1:06:45); embracing apologetics as a source of spiritual formation (1:09:45); a brief summary of Christian apologetics (1:11:40); the value of art and music in a Christian life (1:16:35).Please click here to learn about partnering with us and receiving the book Walking Through Twilight: A Wife’s Illness―A Philosopher’s Lament. https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resource-walking-through-twilight-a-wifes-illness-a-philosophers-lament/ 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.

Like millions of others concerned about their health, Hank Hanegraaff never knew which diet plan to trust, but he believes that he has found the secret to healing the whole of you–body, mind and spirit. Eat, Fast, Feast: Heal Your Body While Feeding Your Soul — A Christian Guide to Fasting is the latest book by Jay Richards, outlining a plan based on the ancient Christian practice of intermittent fasting that can help you experience deeper life in Christ while getting healthier physically. This podcast features a conversation between Hank and Jay in which they discuss the benefits of fasting and a six-week plan for a powerful paradigm shift that could make this the healthiest year of your life.Topics discussed include: The impact that reading Eat, Fast, Feast had on Hank’s cancer treatment and going into remission (1:30); why Jay Richards believes that it is no coincidence that a decrease in fasting has led to an increase in diseases of civilization such as heart disease, obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes and cancer (6:25); why our bodies are designed for fasting (12:05); why did Christians stop fasting? (17:25); did Jesus assume that His followers would fast? (20:45); why should we care about early Christian practice today? (24:20); examining the practice of intermittent fasting (29:45); is dietary fat bad for us? (37:20); are all calories equal? (40:45); the difference between dieting and fasting (43:25); the benefits of combining a ketogenic diet with fasting (46:25); the problem with carbohydrates (48:40); the importance of consuming water and salt (52:10); do our bodies have two brains? (55:25); the growing evidence that fasting can fight diseases such as Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, Parkinson’s, cancer, etc. (57:05); getting your body into recycle and repair mode (59:25); examples of fasting incorrectly (1:02:40); the physical and spiritual benefits of the Christian seasons of fasting (1:04:25); Darwinian associations with various diets (1:07:40); does feasting lose it’s significance without fasting? (1:11:05); how do our taste buds change? (1:13:15); are there health benefits of alcohol (1:15:30); the problem with “nutritionalism” and reducing food to its chemical composition (1:16:25); Eucharistic symbolism and understanding our body soul unity (1:18:05); the loss of fasting as an ordinary part of the Christian life for many modern Christians (1:20:35); what to expect if you follow Jay Richards’ 6 week fasting routine (1:22:35).For further information on Eat, Fast, Feast: Heal Your Body While Feeding Your Soul — A Christian Guide to Fasting please click here. https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resource-cri2001hup/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.You can help spread the word about Hank Unplugged by giving us a rating and review from the other channels we are listed on.

Hell can be hard to explain. Professor Louis Markos joins Hank to discuss how works of art can help us understand and explain complex topics like hell, which is the topic of Markos’ feature article in the Christian Research Journal titled How Dante’s Inferno Can Help Explain Hell to Modern Seekers. This is a high energy, passionate conversation covering a wide range of topics that we promise you won’t want to miss. Subscribe today and receive this as your first issue, please click here to learn more. https://www.equip.org/product/crj-subscription/Topics discussed include: Is cultural apologetics important? (4:05); the relationship between art and the incarnation (8:30); are icons idols or a window into another world? (10:30); the depth of Dante’s Inferno (20:30); the two meanings of the word comedy (23:40); evil is perverted goodness (26:30); the power of symbolism in the practice of sacraments in the church such as baptism (36:00); what is hell? (44:40); comparing The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis and Dante’s Divine Comedy (46:40); do we have free will? what is free will? (48:40); is white-collar crime worse than blue-collar crime? (54:10); the essence of sin is the perversion of good (56:25); should reading be considered a spiritual discipline? (1:01:40); Bart Ehrman and the importance of reading the Bible in the proper context (1:13:20); the importance of asking the question “is it true?” (1:17:45); what does Heaven mean? (1:21:00); is the Bible perfect? (1:28:25); the significance of tradition in relation to the Bible (1:31:05).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.

Award winning journalist John S. Dickerson joins Hank to discuss the credibility and impact of Christianity as detailed in Dickerson’s new book Jesus Skeptic. They discuss how Christianity has impacted and shaped our culture, including how followers of Jesus helped to abolish slavery, establish public education, found modern hospitals, support women’s rights, drive racial reconciliation, and fight for justice and progress in various other arenas. In a generation that wants to make the world a better place, this episode will display what humanity’s greatest champions had in common: a Christian faith.Topics discussed include: Is the great evangelical recession global? (1:30); what if Jesus Christ had never been born? (4:05); why are so many people skeptical of Jesus and Christianity? (11:15); the role of Christians in the foundation of colleges, universities and education as we know it (14:50); political correctness in universities today and the danger of losing freedom thought (19:00); does Western society take the impact of Christianity for granted? (21:25); is Christianity a keystone species in society? (25:15); the Christian foundations of modern hospitals and healthcare (29:00); Christians and the Scientific Revolution (31:45); Christianity and women’s rights (43:45); how the Christian ethic helped to abolish slavery (46:30); was Hitler a Christian? (52:10); the importance of the Bible (56:45); predictions that Jesus made (59:50); was Jesus the most influential person in history? (1:04:40); what is the history of Christianity? (1:07:15); the origins of literacy and how society is drifting towards post-literacy (1:13:20); the importance of reading (1:17:10); what does the book of nature tell us about God? (1:24:30).To learn more about the book Jesus Skeptic click here. https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resource-cri1912wa/

Robert Spencer has not only faced death threats for speaking the truth about Islam, people have actually attempted to kill him. In an era of political correctness gone crazy it is downright dangerous to have an honest conversation about Islamic history and the teachings of Muhammad that Muslims honor as their prophet. A willingness to follow truth wherever it leads, even if it is unpopular, is what makes Robert Spencer so special and why Hank has such a deep respect for his work. Their conversation details the role of Islam in the world today through a thorough understanding of Islam throughout world history. Topics discussed include: Robert Spencer once trained US military personnel on the mindset of an Islamic terrorist and why CAIR asked for him to be removed from that position (2:55); divine providence saving both Hank Hanegraaff and Robert Spencer’s lives and how facing death changes the way you live your life (5:25); the contributions that Christianity has made to Western Civilization and why an Islamic worldview could never have led to them (11:30); contrasting the history of Jesus Christ and Mohammed (14:00); addressing the state of affairs in Turkey today and the restoration of an Islamic Caliphate (16:45); why the history of jihad is not known or remembered by most Americans (19:20); the phenomena of Islamophobia and the lack of honest discourse on Islam (21:50); why Sharia makes Islam and democracy an impossible combination (27:35); Meccan and Medinan Suras and the contradictions in the Quran (29:45); the growing Muslim majority in the western world as an example of demographic jihad (33:35); Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar, anti-Semitism and the growing Islamic influence in the US government (35:30); did Ilhan Omar marry her own brother in a case of immigration fraud? (37:30); the impact of Islam in Michigan and the future of Islam in America (39:30); why does the radical left love Islam and hate Christianity? (41:55); the difference between the just war theory in Christianity and jihad in Islam(46:00); why it is critical to put the history of the Crusades into a proper perspective (47:35); the mass genocide of Christians in the Middle East today and how political correctness is helping it to happen (51:55); Pope Francis, Barack Obama and George W. Bush defending Islam as a religion of peace (54:25); the state of Islamic terrorism today (1:09:15); the Dome of the Rock, the Hagia Sophia and Muslims reappropriation of important religious sites of other religions into mosques (1:13:30); Robert Spencer’s return to Eastern Orthodoxy (1:21:40); why Robert Spencer is writing an apologetic for Orthodoxy focused on arguments against papal authority (1:23:15); why Islam is the biggest threat to Western Civilization (1:27:10); is Iran, Saudi Arabia or Turkey the biggest threat to the West in the Islamic world? (1:29:25); Robert Spencer receiving death threats (1:32:35); Robert Spencer’s upcoming book The Palestinian Delusion: The Catastrophic History of the Middle East Peace Process (1:35:55).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.

In a special edition of the Hank Unplugged podcast, Hank Hanegraaff offers an exclusive preview of his new book, Truth Matters, Life Matters More. https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resource-cri1909wa/ Essentially, Truth Matters, Life Matters More is two books in one. Because truth matters, part one memorably equips readers in the essential truth of the Christian faith. In part two Hank explains why life matters more and how we can experience the height of human existence—union with God. Simply put, the map is not the territory. The menu is not the meal. We cheat ourselves of authentic union with Christ when we elevate the message above the Messenger. Hanegraaff earnestly believes that Truth Matters, Life Matters More is his magnum opus and the crowning achievement of over 3 decades in ministry. To get your copy of Truth Matters, Life Matters More visit www.equip.org.https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resource-cri1909wa/Topics discussed include: Hank Hanegraaff begins by explaining why he felt the need to compose Truth Matters, Life Matters More as two books in one (0:00); an exclusive listen to the audiobook reading of the introduction to part two of the Truth Matters, Life Matters More, titled Life Matters More read by Hank Hanegraaff (18:40); Hanegraaff thanks the audience for listening and reminds listeners that Truth Matters, Life Matters more is available for your support of the Christian Research Institute at www.equip.org (36:30).https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resource-cri1909wa/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.

Rankin Wilbournes Union with Christ is one of Hanks favorite books, so when Wilbournes newest book The Cross Before Me The Way to the Good Life arrived in the mail he read it immediately. As soon as he finished reading the book he knew that he needed to promote it as much as possible and invite Rankin Wilbourne back on the Hank Unplugged podcast for another discussion on the most important aspect of our human existence union with God. Topics discussed include: Why did Rankin Wilbourne decide to write The Cross Before Me The Way to the Good Life with Brian Gregor (8:50); what did the cross mean in the ancient world? (10:10); how to find true happiness in the cross (12:50); the relationship between Union with Christ and The Cross Before Me and how both books truly show the way to live your best life now (16:55); the importance of doing all that we do for the Glory of God (20:30); why Rankin Wilbourne used Tom Brady, Brad Pitt and Andre Agassi as examples that all men seek to find true happiness (23:00); the problem with seeking a culture driven formula for happiness as opposed to a Christ driven formula for true happiness (26:40); the significance of suffering and why we should rejoice in our suffering (30:20); Ephrem the Syrian, Bernard of Clairvaux and Jesus Christ on the importance of humility (34:30); Hank recalls a time when he was critical of the prosperity gospel and how it taught him to focus on the opinion of God instead of the opinion of man (41:45); the importance of confession as a spiritual exercise (44:00); the problem with cultural Christianity and the idea that we can have union with Christ and union with the culture, making Jesus an accessory to our identity as opposed to the center of our reality (47:00); recovering the scandal of the cross in a culture that has domesticated the cross (50:35); the importance of crucifying our ambition and ego (54:00); recapturing a sense of history and the value of Christian tradition rightly understood in order to properly understand the Bible its Sola Scriptura not Solo Scriptura (57:00); misunderstanding freedom as the ability to do whatever we want and why cruciform freedom is the source of true freedom (1:01:05); the greatest failure in life is a failure to love, but the cross shows us what love looks like and how to live a life of cruciform love (1:04:00); the myth that the church needs to be more relevant to grow (1:09:20); examining the idea that you cannot have God as your Father without having the Church as your mother (1:13:00); who deserves a good life? (1:18:00); God wants us to be both happy and holy, because a life of holiness is a life of happiness (1:23:00); the importance of spiritual exercises to improve our spiritual health because grace is not opposed to effort, it is opposed to merit (1:24:30). For more information on Rankin Wilbourne s Union with Christ and The Cross Before Me The Way to the Good Life click here. https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resource-cri1910hup/ Listen to Hanks 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. You can help spread the word about Hank Unplugged by giving us a rating and review from all the channels we are listed on

Hank Hanegraaff and his son David continue their discussion with focus on Hanks magnum opus Truth Matters, Life Matters More: The Unexpected Beauty of an Authentic Christian Life.https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resource1909hup/ See Episode 79 Journey through Cancer and Eastern Orthodoxy Hanks Conversation with David Hanegraaff, Part One also. Topics discussed include: Salvation transcends transaction, pointing to transformation and union with God (0:35); Truth Matters, Life Matters More is Hanks most profoundly personal and surprising book (1:55); saved by a miracle (see HUP 079 Journey through Cancer and Eastern Orthodoxy Hanks Conversation with David Hanegraaff, Part One at 1:45) (6:10); following truth wherever it leads (7:30); writing and rewriting (8:00); physical facts do not fix all the facts (9:15); must learn to read literature properly (9:40); outlandish biblical interpretations within evangelicalism motivated search that led to Orthodoxy (10:00); should Christians ask and pray for forgiveness for sin? (10:40); ancient sacrament of confession (11:00); life matters more, but truth is necessary (11:45); why not just skip to part two of book? (12:45); facts are necessary but vulnerability attracts (14:00); issue of Sacred Tradition (15:30); Tradition vs traditionalism (16:45); Tradition is the Bible rightly interpreted (17:55); Bible passed down through people closely associated with the original writings therefore better able to translate and interpret Scripture (18:00); Irenaeus and Ignatius (20:00); solace in consulting early Church Fathers’ interpretation (21:00); no lone ranger Christians need the church, ground and pillar of truth, which dispensed the necessary graces of God (23:00); Fusion and the imperative for Christian unity, and the Lords High Priestly prayer (John 17) (23:50); fusion is difficult, fission is easy (24:30); in essentials unity (26:50); in nonessentials liberty thus God has His people everywhere (28:40); unity not uniformity (32:30); Hank learned much from David (33:10); David awaiting birth of firstborn baby (33:40) UPDATE: Smush is a boy!; grand parents are heroes (34:35); Kathy and oneness in marriage (38:05); reading and meeting Jean Claude Larchet, The Theology of Illness https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resource-the-theology-of-illness/ (39:25); Father Alex Karloutsos asks, What engendered the most fear, being ostracized for becoming Orthodox, or cancer diagnosis? (41:25); first thought at cancer diagnosis (42:50); ultimately not about living or dying but about living well to the glory of God (47:50); Hanks hope for Truth Matters, Life Matters Hope (48:25); paradigm shift from transaction to transformation (49:00); focus on larger arch from creation to redemption and experience now life that is life to the full union with God https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resource-cri1909wa/(see HUP 079 at 43:20) (49:15); catching on within body of Christ Wilbourne’s Union with Christ (51:15); that the church can become the church again (51:50); John Dickerson’s Great Evangelical Recession https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resource-cri1808wa/(52:15); church life is necessary receive the graces of God through the church (52:30); Romans 12 (53:20); paramount grace is the Eucharist, and there are other graces (53:50); sacrament of confession (54:10); that the church would worship God in spirit and in truth (54:50); the body of Christ may be one; fusion (55:35); closing thoughts (56:00). Listen to Hanks 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. You can help spread the word about Hank Unplugged by giving us a rating and review from all the channels we are listed on

Hank sits down with his eldest son David to reflect on his journey through Mantle Cell Lymphoma, his recent allogeneic stem cell transplant, and spiritual surgery. God is not interested in healing us physically; He is interested in healing the whole of us body, soul, and spirit. Gods providence and glory are clearly manifest in Hanks journey. Topics discussed include: Hanks son David wrote a remarkable personal reflection https://www.equip.org/article/does-the-bible-answer-mans-son-believe-that-he-has-left-the-christian-faith/ (0:30); David was used by the Lord to save his fathers life, and Hank recounts his recent experience with his allogeneic stem cell transplant (1:45); Hanks dear friend Donny: God’s got you (2:45); in the intensive care unit (4:10); a further miraculous word from the Lord through friend Ramsey: God’s got you (5:00); after the ICU, Hank could no longer take care of himself a transformational coming to the end of himself (7:15); Gods providential work (8:40); the Lords timing is perfect as Hank approaches 100 days post transplant (9:45); David asks Hank to speak to the coincidence of his cancer diagnosis and his formal entrance into Orthodoxy in April 2017 (10:15); doctrine of deification (10:50); Luther and deification (12:55); Hank increasingly troubled with his own spiritual condition (14:20); beginning to explore Eastern Orthodoxy (16:45); Orthodox liturgy is God centered (18:55); finding home at St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church (19:15); Hank says no to familys request to attend Orthodox church (20:15); Kathy loves it (22:20); the Eucharist is the medicine of immortality (Ignatius) (23:05); truth matters, life matters more motivates study of Orthodoxy (24:00); Chrismated April 9, 2017 Palm Sunday (24:20); finally able to partake of the Eucharist (25:00); next day headlines read, Hanegraaff leaves the Christian Faith (25:30); six days later, diagnosed with Mantle Cell Lymphoma (26:00); allogeneic stem cell transplant and E. coli infection (27:10); transformational book The Theology of Illness by Jean Claude Larchet (28:10); honestly thankful for cancer and spiritual surgery (29:10); God is not knowable in His essence, we know God by His energies (32:40); deification is a scary word with an even scarier definition (33:30); Hank selfreliant (34:10); I’ve never seen my father closer to Christ (35:55); Hank comes to an end of himself (36:10); dear friend Elijah and truth matters, life matters more (38:30); the menu is not the meal (41:15); meaning of the Eucharist (42:40); the larger arch from creation to deification, and the smaller arch from the fall to salvation (43:20); wrong sense of deification (44:40); the Tree of Life Christ (45:30); salvation transcends transaction, pointing to transformation and union with God (48:30). To find our more information on Truth Matters, Life Matters More click here https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resource1909hup/. For more information on Theology of Illness by Dr. Jean-Claude Larchet click here. https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resource-the-theology-of-illness/

Climate change is one of the most contentious issues of our time, leaving many Christians unsure of how they should view climate change. A key issue of concern at the Christian Research Institute is discernment, which is precisely why Hank wanted to have a conversation with Dr. Patrick Michaels to encourage Christians to critically consider how they view climate change. Dr. Michaels is a leading climatologist, who was a contributing author and reviewer of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007. We hope that this conversation helps you to better understand this highly controversial and politicized issue.. Click here to see Hank's writings on this topic. https://www.equip.org/article/how-should-christians-think-about-global-warming/ Topics discussed include: why is the government involved in scientific issues, and what happens when science gets politicized? (6:00); are CO2 emissions always bad? (8:15); the social cost of carbon, and asking if there is a social benefit to carbon emission? (10:10); isn’t the climate always changing? (12:10); how should we process alarmist narratives pushed by politicians regarding climate change? (14:45); the economic impact of climate change initiatives (16:55); how reliable are the computer models that predict climate patterns? (18:55); the political abuse of the global-warming narrative (21:40); the virtue signaling of global warming and the role it plays in a modern secular religion (24:45); do global warming initiatives harm the poor? (26:00); the problem with consensus science (27:00); which of the many climate models is best at predicting climate patterns? (29:20); Patrick Michaels taking a stand against climate change consensus because science has always progressed by people going against the consensus (32:10); is it really time to panic about climate change? (34:20); how can people read the news stories about climate change with a critical mind? (38:20); is the Earth warming, and if it is, what should we do about it? (39:15); why Patrick Michaels believes that the Paris Climate Accord is a joke (43:35); is global warming actually bad? (46:40); should nuclear fission be viewed as an alternative energy source? (48:00); Patrick Michaels on his upcoming book Scientocracy: The Tangled Web of Public Science and Public Policy (50:05); and are people developing apocalypse fatigue? (53:40). Thank you for listening to the Hank Unplugged podcast! We prayerfully ask you to consider making a financial pledge of support to stand shoulder to shoulder with us in the battle for life and truth. The outreaches of the Christian Research Institute are fully funded by listeners like you. To learn more about how you can support this podcast or any of the many outreaches of the Christian Research Institute simply visit https://www.equip.org/product/2019fyewa/ or call 888-7000-CRI. Thanks again for tuning into another edition of the Hank Unplugged podcast

Welcome to a special edition of the Hank Unplugged podcast. Hank has been in the hospital undergoing an allogenic stem cell transplant and has been documenting his journey through a series of Facebook Live recordings that you can find on equip.org,https://www.equip.org/category/video/ the Bible Answer Man YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE45f5DdMA9AA-kXU-TVqwA and of course, the Bible Answer Man Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BibleAnswerManBroadcast/. Make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel and Facebook page to ensure that you never miss any content updates from the Christian Research Institute. The following is the audio from Hanks Facebook Live recording on June 11,2019. Just prior to receiving his son Pauls stem cells, Hank was joined in his hospital room by his sons Xander, Paul, and Dave in a meditation on faith and prayer, confronting doubt, and our call to be imitators of our great God and Savior our precious Lord Jesus Christ. Hank has since received the transplant and is doing remarkably well! He, along with his family and the rest of the team at the Christian Research Institute appreciate your prayers and continued support as you stand shoulder to shoulder with us in the battle for life and truth.

This edition of Hank Unplugged features exceptional excerpts from conversations with two Christian thinkers that offer refreshing perspectives on the role that illness and anxiety play in our struggle toward holiness. The first conversation you will hear is with Dr. Jean-Claude Larchet, the author of The Theology of Illness. The insights of Dr. Larchet will undoubtedly challenge the way you view suffering, illness and what it truly means to be spiritually healthy. The second conversation features Dr. Nicole Roccas and focusses on a spiritual sickness rooted in apathy known as despondency, a condition as old as time that is thriving in today's culture of leisure, anxiety, and digital distraction. Dr. Nicole Roccas examines wisdom from Christian thinkers throughout history to offer a way out of despondency and back to the present moment. In an age of increasing levels of depression, suicide and despondency, the insights of these two inspirational Christians will help draw you out of the depths of spiritual illness and deeper into spiritual communion with our Creator. Topics discussed include: Do people today have fewer resources than their ancestors did to deal with the problem of illness? (4:40); spiritual illness is more serious than physical illness, yet our modern age has made the medical doctor the new high priest of civilization (6:05); how detached we have become from the wisdom of the early church fathers (8:00); ); the difference in the human body before and after the fall and the implications for our resurrected state in the world to come (11:30); was man created perfect? (15:20); deification (theosis) and what it means to become God’s by grace (16:20); is there a link between illness and sin? (23:15); why perfect health does not exist in this world (27:00); good health is evil if it contributes to making a person indifferent to his salvation and keeps him away from God by giving him the false impression that he is self-sufficient (32:15); the role suffering plays in raising our awareness and why illness can be better than health if it aids our spiritual progress (37:30); the essential role of prayer in growing closer to God (41:10); introduction to conversation with Dr. Nicole Roccas on Time and Despondency: Regaining the Present in Faith and Life (51:50); how Dr. Nicole Roccas writes about death, sadness and despondency with a spirit of hope (55:50); while our anxieties draw our focus to the future and our regrets focus on the past, the present is where we are truly able to commune with Christ and that is precisely why it is important to be present (59:15); time isn’t an illusion or an abstraction, but central to how we experience life, likewise our faith is not an abstraction, but experienced in the present moment in time (1:02:05); Dr. Nicole Roccas wrote Time and Despondency—what is meant by despondency? (1:06:15); what are some of the symptoms of despondency and how does technology contribute to distraction and despondency? (1:09:50); is despondency a crime needing to be punished or a sickness needing to be healed? (1:13:50); can despondency be both a sickness and a crime? (1:17:10); anger as a source of despondency (1:18:15); using busyness to mask purposelessness and despair (1:20:15); time as the giver of second chances (1:22:45).

On this special edition of the Hank Unplugged podcast, Hank is joined by Cindee Martin Morgan, the daughter of Dr. Walter Martin (founder of the Christian Research Institute), who interviewed Hank last year for a personal project. One of the objectives of the Hank Unplugged podcast is to offer a more leaned back, less didactic version of Hank Hanegraaff, and the staff at the Christian Research Institute enjoyed this interview so much that we are offering it as a special edition of the Hank Unplugged podcast. The conversation displays a deeply personal perspective on Hank’s early life, transition into ministry, and reflections on what has now been thirty years leading the Christian Research Institute. This is truly a unique episode of the Hank Unplugged podcast that you won’t want to miss.[Editor's Note: This conversation took place before Hank’s cancer went into remission.] Topics discussed include: despite Hank’s background as a Dutch immigrant in the Christian Reformed Church, he considered himself to be a practical atheist until the age of twenty-nine, when he accepted Christ and began to truly live as a Christian (3:00); Hank recalls what it was like growing up as the son of a Christian Reformed pastor (7:35); the story of how Hank met his wife, Kathy, who taught him to evangelize as his trainer in Evangelism Explosion (11:55); Hank recalls some of his greatest mentors in the faith, such as Dr. Walter Martin, Chuck Colson, and R. C. Sproul (14:45); how Hank first met Dr. Walter Martin (18:30); the greatest lesson that Hank learned from Dr. Walter Martin (19:35); what motivated Hank to join the Christian Research Institute (20:45); where Hank was when he heard that Dr. Walter Martin had died (24:30); Hank recalls some amusing anecdotes about his relationship with Dr. Walter Martin (26:55); what inspired Hank to write his first book, Christianity in Crisis (32:00); Hank discusses why he is so passionate about his book Has God Spoken? Memorable Proof of the Bible's Divine Inspiration (37:45); why Hank has always been firmly and unapologetically pro-life (40:05); Hank’s initial reaction to being diagnosed with cancer, and why Hank considers his battle with cancer to have been one of the best experiences of his life (44:35); learning to trust God “in the midst of our whys,” through the midst of uncertainty (52:50); how Hank’s tight-knit family rallied around him during his battle with cancer (55:55); what led Hank to become a member of the Eastern Orthodox Church (57:05); the problem with a transactional view of Christianity as opposed to the transformational purpose of Christianity leading to union with God, also known as theosis (1:07:30); discussing Martin Luther and his belief in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist (1:13:35); Hank’s response to those who claim that he left the Christian faith by joining the Eastern Orthodox Church (1:15:55); remembering Elliot Miller, longtime friend, colleague, and editor of the Christian Research Journal (1:25:40); discussing threats to the church and why the greatest modern-day threat to the church is not external but internal (1:33:30); the criticality of the church recognizing the importance of the doctrine of unity, uniting in the essentials of the historic Christian faith, or, as C. S. Lewis put it, Mere Christianity (1:39:00); reflecting on the individuals that Hank looks forward to reuniting with in heaven, while taking into account that our perspectives will vary greatly upon arriving in heaven (1:41:30); words of wisdom that Hank lives by and would like to pass on to the next generation (1:44:15); and addressing one of Hank’s favorite Bible verses, 1 Timothy 4:16 (1:47:45).

Jack Graham is the pastor of Prestonwood Baptist and among the most influential Christians in America. Graham joins Hank to discuss his book Angels: Who They Are, What They Do, and Why It Matters and the underestimation of the influence of angels in our lives. Their conversation touches on common misconceptions about angels, the presence of angels throughout the Bible, and the existence of both holy angels and dark angels. Topics discussed include: how Jack Graham went from wanting to be a professional baseball player to becoming a pastor of one of the largest, most influential churches in the world (3:15); the influence of Prestonwood Baptist in the United States, and why Graham is uncomfortable with the label of megachurch (6:15); the mass exodus of millennials from the church today and the rise of the nones (no religious affiliation) (9:00); providing an alternative to Planned Parenthood though the ministry of the Prestonwood Pregnancy Center (12:35); the influence and significance of angels in our lives, and why Graham is so passionate about angels (14:40); the presence and significance of angels throughout the Bible and the presence of guardian angels in our lives (19:55); remembering that there are angels in the angelic state and also angels in the fallen state — addressing holy angels and dark angels (23:15); common misconceptions people have about angels (29:05); looking to the Book of Isaiah as an example of why our focus should be on the holiness of God rather than our own happiness (32:55); the need for more Christians to not only read the Bible but to memorize and meditate on the Bible (37:25); the responsibility of Christians to be involved in mentorship in the Christian community (41:55); Hanegraaff and Graham share their views on retirement and how it relates to Christian ministry (43:45); the state of evangelism in China (45:05); Hanegraaff personally thanks Graham for his consistent support and encouragement during Hanegraaff’s battle with cancer (48:00); and Graham gives his perspective on the current state of the United States of America (51:10).

Dr. Jay Richards humbly calls himself a shameless generalist due to the diversity of his intellectual endeavors, making him the perfect guest for educationally engaging conversations on a variety of topics. Richards has no problem going against the status quo, which is why he is consistently confronting consensus decision making and deploring the dangers of groupthink, especially when it comes to global warming and evolution. The conversation also touches on Richards’s new book, The Human Advantage, which addresses the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), how smart machines are reshaping our world, and why they will never be a substitute for what he calls “the human advantage.” Topics discussed include: politics disguised as science — a 12-step program on when to doubt a scientific consensus (2:45); how and why stakeholder interests and incentives influence the research and findings of academics (9:25); how motivated blindness inhibits an individual’s ability to perceive inconvenient data (11:55); how worldviews can impact your view on climate change and environmentalism (15:10); on comparing global warming denial to holocaust denial and other ad hominem arguments (18:20); how to get people to think critically (20:30); how tenure and groupthink impact intellectual discourse (22:00); the problems of cliques and conspiracies in publishing and peer reviews (25:05); the problem when politicians don’t understand the issues but merely follow the popular narrative (27:15); are the fires in California a product of climate change? (28:45); are natural disasters such as hurricanes and fires naturally bad for the Earth? (30:30); the problem with connecting any extreme weather event as evidence for global warming (33:10); invalidating the process of peer review by excluding dissenters (34:10); the issue of consensus being declared before consensus actually exists (37:05); the difference between scientific observation and scientific data — and why it matters (39:15); the problem when consensus science is used to justify economic and public policies (45:20); addressing misconceptions concerning the term nationalism (47:35); why so many young people are buying into socialism (50:45); why do so many journalists go along with the consensus? (54:15); why you should always be skeptical when someone cites consensus as justification for their beliefs (56:40); addressing the issue of theistic evolution (59:15); addressing the power of headlines in shaping public opinion and how it is similar to the infamous icons of evolution (1:03:00); why Richards believes that following your passion is a fallacy when it comes to finding a successful career (1:06:20); how Richards and Hanegraaff deal with the “task of translation” when communicating complex ideas (1:12:30); how solar eclipses show that we are part of a universe designed for discovery and provide us with evidence of a creator (1:14:20); the myth that machines eventually will replace humans, as addressed in Richards’s new book The Human Advantage: The Future of American Work in an Age of Smart Machines (1:18:10); the human advantage of virtue and the future of work in an age of smart machines (1:23:25); and why Christians should care about the issue of artificial intelligence in the face of a growing movement of transhumanism (1:26:25).

As we celebrate the first advent of Christ coming in flesh, Hank Hanegraaff shares a message of hope for the future with thanksgiving, remembering what a remarkable year 2018 has been. If you’ve already made a gift to the Christian Research Institute this month, thank you!! If you haven’t, please consider offering one today in support of CRI’s mind-changing, life-transforming work at our website.

America is running out of time. Our republic is suffering the biggest crisis since the Civil War, with competing visions of freedom pushing us to the precipice of cultural self-destruction. In his new book, Last Call for Liberty, Os Guinness explains that America has become a house divided and Americans must make up their minds as to which freedom to follow. Will the torch of freedom be handed to someone else or be extinguished altogether? If you care about American liberties and the future of our nation, Last Call for Liberty is an absolute must read. What will become of America the beautiful? Find out what Os Guinness has to say on this essential edition of Hank Unplugged. Topics discussed include: The persecution of Christians in China (5:00); how Christians have become the most widely persecuted people of faith in the world (6:30); The Williamsburg Charter and what will become of religious freedom in America (7:55); America is increasingly divided and facing the gravest internal crisis since the Civil War (10:15); why Utopian revolutions often lead to evil outcomes (13:10) how America’s genius for freedom has become its biggest threat and the totalitarian implications of technology (17:25); the roots of the current riots in France (19:25); the rarity of free societies and why the future of America is actually the future of the world (22:15); what is freedom? the contrast between negative and positive freedom (29:45); the scandal of the American church not having more cultural influence given the amount of Christians in America (32:25) the deadliest philosophical atheist Friedrich Nietzsche and the idea of slave morality (36:00); the pledge of allegiance, the national anthem and the NFL (42:00); Exodus and the origin of American freedom (45:25); is America becoming a “cut flower” civilization? (46:50); social justice warriors and biblical views of justice (52:45); the paradox of freedom—the greatest enemy of freedom is freedom itself (58:35); the need for historical literacy and linguistic competence (1:01:10); freedom of religion and conscience has never been more important than it is today, as our world has never been as diverse and pluralistic at any point in history (1:05:10); why the philosophical foundations of self-worth, human dignity and freedom are found in the biblical values of Christianity (1:09:20); how direct democracy can be just as dangerous as dictatorship (1:13:20); the bitter joke of Arthur Koestler as told in Last Call for Liberty (1:17:20)

With so many Christians capitulating to the culture, it has never been more important to understand issues of sexuality from a biblical perspective. Joe Dallas has been our lead expert on the subject at the Christian Research Institute for decades, and once again he joins Hank to discuss articles he has written for the Christian Research Journal about the Revoice Conference, the new film Boy Erased, and whether or not the United States is closer to a state-controlled church. The Bible isn’t shy about sex, leaving Christians without an excuse not to understand issues of sexuality and communicate a Christian perspective with conscience and conviction. Topics discussed include: how important is the issue of human sexuality to our culture? (3:00); is it intolerant and violent to hold traditional views of marriage and heterosexuality? (4:55); are issues of human sexuality leading to greater levels of “big brother” and government control? (7:40); why are so many Christians capitulating to the culture when it comes to issues of homosexuality and sexuality in general? (10:05); discussing the article by Joe Dallas, “Homosexuality and Modern Ministry,” as well as the ministry that Joe was once president of: Exodus International (12:00); is the church supposed to be offensive in the name of truth? (17:15); what is the Revoice Conference, and what is their mission? (18:35); discussing the question presented at the Revoice Conference: “What does queer culture (and specifically queer literature and theory) have to offer us who follow Christ? What queer treasure, honor, and glory will be brought into the New Jerusalem at the end of time? (Revelation 21:24-26)” (23:10); using language as a tool for progress, such as the moniker of “gay Christian,” making homosexuality and Christianity seem compatible (25:50); discussing the term spiritual friendship, as promoted at the Revoice Conference and in the book Spiritual Friendship: Finding Love in the Church as a Celibate Gay Christian (28:15); discussing sin and issues of human sexuality that affect all of us and the problem with putting a positive spin on sinful tendencies (31:25); the problem with people proclaiming that homosexuality is a gift from God (35:45); what is conversion therapy, and what is the problem with conversion therapy? (38:00); discussing the new film Boy Erased and whether Christians in general are being unfairly portrayed in Boy Erased (41:30); the new article in the Christian Research Journal titled “Solo Sex and the Christian,” discussing the sinful mindset of masturbation (46:10); why all transformation begins with repentance and obedience (52:35); the Bible isn’t shy about sex, so how can we as Christians be better at addressing issues of sexuality in the church and with our families? (56:40); an update on California House Bill AB-2943 and whether a state-controlled church is imminent in the United States (59:45); the great evil of pedophilia, and what it means when those who take the sacred name of Christ are involved in it (1:02:50); the sadness of how the controversies within the Catholic church are tarnishing the name of good Catholics and Christianity as a whole, as well as diminishing the good work being done by Catholics worldwide (1:04:55); Speaking of Homosexuality: Discussing the Issues with Kindness and Clarity by Joe Dallas (1:07:10); seeking the peace that passes all understanding through Christ (1:10:50); why Joe Dallas wrote The Game Plan: The Men's 30-Day Strategy for Attaining Sexual Integrity (1:16:20); the Sacrament of Confession and how it relates to issues of accountability in the church (1:18:30); and how pro-gay advocates misinterpret the Bible and revise the truth to fit their agenda (1:21:35).

Justin Brierley is the host of the popular podcast Unbelievable? and the similarly titled book Unbelievable? Why after Ten Years of Talking with Atheists, I'm Still a Christian. Brierley has dedicated his career to holding engaging conversations between believers and atheists, and joins Hank to discuss the keys to having good conversations with those with whom we disagree. There is no doubt that the state of dialogue is in disarray, as Dictionary.com's word of the year for 2018 is "misinformation," highlighting the need for authentic conversations in a world filled with "fake news."Topics discussed include: the popularity of Brierley’s podcast, Unbelievable?, featuring discussions between Christians and nonbelievers (5:30); Premier Christian Radio being one of the only religious radio stations in the UK (8:05); how Brierley and his wife ministering with the Odibo mission in Namibia set the tone for the rest of their lives (11:00); the importance of breaking out of “echo chambers” (13:05); why Brierley began Unbelievable? at Premier Christian Radio as an opportunity to model Christian conversations with skeptics (16:20); the keys to having good conversations (18:05); how editing other writers helped Brierley learn how to write (22:05); how Brierley stays neutral while moderating debates between believers and skeptics (25:05); the glaring contradiction when atheists apply objective moral standards (27:20); how atheist Peter Singer attempts to apply objective moral standards to his materialistic atheist worldview (29:35); what it was like to interview the most well-known atheist on the planet, Richard Dawkins, author of The God Delusion (32:40); the key to connecting with people in conversation (35:30); the importance of authentic conversations in our world today (38:50); ways of winning the person rather than winning the argument (42:00); how apologetics helped Brierley through a season of doubt (44:00); the inspiration for Hank’s upcoming book, Truth Matters, Life Matters More (48:00); the relationship between doubt and faith (49:45); how Brierley’s beliefs have evolved as a result of hosting Unbelievable?, such as his annihilationist view on eternal torment and creationism vs. evolutionism (52:30); Mere Christianity and how Christians can come together over common causes and drop the secondary issues that separate them (1:03:45); the strongest arguments that skeptics have made against Christianity (1:09:10); and why, after ten years of talking with atheists, Justin Brierley is still a Christian (1:16:55).

Dr. Paul Nelson is a philosopher and a prominent leader in the Intelligent Design movement as well as a key figure in the films of Illustra Media. Dr. Nelson joins Hank to discuss how the power of cinema can convey the complexity of the universe and how the films by Illustra Media, such as the most recent film The Call of the Cosmos, use the evidence of creation as an evangelistic tool to expand the kingdom of Christ without saying a word. Topics discussed include: the significance of the new film from Illustra Media, The Call of the Cosmos (9:00); does nature reveal the existence of God? (11:05); how NASA scientist Robert Jastrow began to hold the belief that if there was a beginning to the universe, there is also a Creator (14:30); the difference the films by Illustra Media are making around the globe and how Christians can use these films as an evangelistic tool to transform lives (18:10); does God speak to us through the book of nature, His creation? (23:00); is the size and complexity of the universe a sign of a creator? (28:25); lunar eclipses as an example that we are living on a privileged planet (32:20); was Carl Sagan right when he called our planet insignificant? (36:20); looking to Christ as our example for how to practice proper evangelism (40:15); what is Intelligent Design? What is the state of the Intelligent Design movement? (45:20); the importance of following the truth, wherever it leads (48:20); arguments against popular Darwinian positions such as his view of common descent and Darwin’s Tree of Life (51:00); what the theory of evolution fails to explain [click for further review as referenced in conversation https://bit.ly/2z6NDdZ ] (56:20); remembering the presence, power, and control of the Holy Spirit (59:20); how Illustra Media harnesses the power of a camera lens to reveal the complexity of design in the universe (1:02:00); the metamorphosis of a butterfly as a metaphor for resurrection (1:06:30); thinking critically about the popular icons of evolution (1:13:00); how Paul Nelson once wanted to be an artist before he fell in love with the beauty of science forty years ago and never looked back (1:15:35).

Dr. Nicole Roccas writes about death, sadness and despondency with a spirit of hope. Her book, Time and Despondency: Regaining the Present in Faith and Life, explores the relationship between human perceptions of time and the spiritual sickness of acedia. Her conversation with Hank explores the depths of time and despondency, both today and throughout history, as well as how they ultimately relate to the purpose of our lives, becoming fully human through our relationship with Christ.Topics discussed include: How Dr. Nicole Roccas writes about death, sadness and despondency with a spirit of hope (6:00); while our anxieties draw our focus to the future and our regrets focus on the past, the present is where we are truly able to commune with Christ and that is precisely why it is important to be present (9:20); time isn’t an illusion or an abstraction, but central to how we experience life, likewise our faith is not an abstraction, but experienced in the present moment in time (12:05); Dr. Roccas’ book is titled Time and Despondency—what is meant by despondency? (16:15); what are some of the symptoms of despondency and how does technology? (19:55); is despondency a crime needing to be punished or a sickness needing to be healed? (23:55); can despondency be both a sickness and a crime? (27:25); anger as a source of despondency (28:20); using busyness to mask purposelessness and despair (30:20); the church is not a courtroom, but a hospital whereby the sacraments offer healing and restoration through the process of theosis (32:45); what is time? three different ways to view time (35:45) liturgical tradition as a transfiguration of time (39:00) the Resurrection isn’t merely a historical event, but something we can experience in the present (39:40); discussing different terminologies of time-Chronos, Kairos and Aion (43:10); the relation between time and prayer and how that relates to why we pray for the dead (47:05); in many Eastern religions the key to enlightenment is to empty oneself, whereas the key to Christianity is to be filled with Christ (51:20); practical steps to dealing with despondency, such as practicing a spirit of humility (56:20); the biblical roots of the The Jesus Prayer and how it can be practiced to develop a spirit of humility (59:10); the importance of praying for our enemies (1:03:45); the importance of patience and perseverance in an age of instant gratification and decreased attention spans (1:08:35); the importance of expressing thanks, as thanksgiving is at the heart of the Christian life (1:12:00); community and the sacrament of confession as a medicine for the soul (1:15:00); the dangers of medicalizing spiritual conditions and spiritualizing medical conditions, especially concerning depression (1:17:40); how time makes relationships, love and free-will possible (1:20:55); time as the giver of second chances (1:23:15).

In an era when truth is eroding in favor of whatever feels best, the work of good philosophers such as Dr. James Anderson is invaluable. His book What's Your Worldview? An Interactive Approach to Life's Big Questions employs a similar formula to the “choose your own adventure” book genre in order to systematically discover your worldview. This is a fun way to address a critical issue as we exist in a syncretistic society where individuals are often unaware of the inconsistencies of their worldview or that they hold to a worldview at all.Topics discussed include: hat are worldviews, and why do they matter? (7:30); why Anderson wrote a “choose your own adventure” style book to help people become more aware of their worldview and to think critically about them (9:45); how do people develop their worldview? (13:20); how do Christians handle the transgender revolution without being bullied into submission (15:25); are Christians failing to believe that we can change the culture? (19:10); atheist philosophers such as Alex Rosenburg and the self-defeating worldview of a consistent atheist (21:50); the difference between scientific and scientistic (24:15); the recent phenomenon of using consensus science to bully people to buy into believing particular paradigms (26:05); discussing global warming and whether or not we know for certain that CO2 emissions are bad for the planet (31:30); the irony of atheists that make truth claims to claim that there is no truth (33:40); discussing Anderson’s article from the Christian Research Journal titled "The Internal Testimony of the Holy Spirit: How Do You Know That the Bible Is God’s Word?" (39:00); is there a universal mandate for Christians to be able to give an apologetic defense of their faith? (45:25); the argument from contingency and why anything exists at all? (49:15); do objective values presuppose a transcendent good? (51:25); Joel Marx renouncing his morality and becoming an amoralist after years of writing The New Yorker column titled Moral Moments (56:00); the argument from reason that our ability to reason presupposes the existence of God (58:00); the idea of apathy, or apatheism, in our world today and how we can awaken indifferent individuals by appealing to their passions and interests (1:03:00); the Kavanaugh hearing as evidence of the erosion of the presumption of innocence in favor of the dangerous precedent of allowing our tribal affiliations to trump truth (1:05:45); Anderson’s passion for intense study that subsequently allows him to equip students with truth (1:08:20); why should we study philosophy; and what are the benefits of being philosophically trained? (1:11:15); how theology points us to an experience with God (1:12:50); remembering R. C. Sproul (1:14:10).

Fr. Barnabas Powell joins Hank to discuss his journey from pastoring a Pentecostal church and holding a prominent role in evangelical media ministry to becoming a priest in the Orthodox Church. After years of pursuit, Fr. Barnabas found the timeless truth he was searching for in the ancient faith of the Eastern Orthodox Church and decided to live out his faith daily by being “Orthodox on purpose.” Fr. Barnabas and Hank are both uniquely positioned to discuss the divisions between Eastern and Western Christianity and why it is critical for Christians everywhere to embrace the doctrine of unity taught in the Lord’s high priestly prayer in the face of deeply entrenched tribalism inside and outside of the church today.Topics discussed include: Fr. Barnabas Powell’s background as a pastor in a Pentecostal church and how his Pentecostal background prepared him for the transition to becoming a priest in Orthodoxy (2:45); the popular narrative that we should never call anyone (such as a priest) "Father," and why that is a mistake (4:45); what does it mean to be “Orthodox on purpose?” (7:30); are there Christians outside of Orthodoxy? (14:00); incarnate theology and the significance of a priest, like Fr. Barnabas himself, wearing robes (17:00); the significance of the quote by St. Cyprian: “He can no longer have God for his Father, who has not the church for his mother,” and what it says on the unity of the church (20:15); comparing liturgical practice in the church to a spiritual gymnasium where the disciplines of life in the church strengthen our spirit (25:00); the paradox of disciplining our desires and the misconception of viewing spiritual disciplines, such as fasting, as works done to earn our salvation (29:25); Rejecting RAPTUREMANIA (48:45); the purifying power of pain and the false perception that pain is the ultimate evil in an era of prosperity preaching (52:00); the pursuit of timeless truth and following St. Vincent of Lerins's three rules of antiquity, universality, and consensus (55:50); combating our chronological snobbery to understand the enlightenment of the early church fathers (59:05); addressing problems within Orthodoxy (1:02:05); the difference between a transactional and transformational Christian faith (1:07:20); the significance of developing a dispassionate disposition toward our desires, and how spiritual discipline can help (1:08:35); understanding what the discipline of confession is really about, and the difference between how confession is conducted in the East and the West (1:12:35); why Christianity is Eucharistic at its core and why being grateful is at the heart of what it means to be a Christian (1:16:30); the importance for Christians everywhere to embrace the doctrine of unity taught in the Lord’s high priestly prayer in the face of tribalism inside and outside of the church (1:20:00); and weighing in on the current schism in the Orthodox church today (1:26:20).

While writing MUSLIM: What You Need to Know About the World’s Fastest-Growing Religion, one of the most impressive scholars Hank discovered was Dr. Dario Fernandez-Morera, author of The Myth of the Andalusian Paradise: Muslims, Christians, and Jews under Islamic Rule in Medieval Spain. His book, a finalist for World Magazine’s Book of the Year, reveals the myth of the Andalusian Paradise, a supposed time of religious tolerance in Islamic Spain that in reality was a repressive era reflective of the true tenets of Islamic belief and practice. Today, academics and politicians alike are pushing a politically correct cultural narrative when it comes to Islam and courageous scholars such as Dr. Fernandez-Morera stand as beacons of truth and light in the face of propagandists intent on pulling the wool over our eyes.Topics discussed include: why studying Miguel de Cervantes led Fernández-Morera to realize that the narrative of a peaceful Islamic rule in Spain was wrong (4:00); the resistance he faced regarding his book The Myth of the Andalusian Paradise: Muslims, Christians, and Jews under Islamic Rule in Medieval Spain (7:20); reasons behind the resistance to his research and the positive, politically correct narrative of Islam (10:15); examining the possible reasons behind academic bias and Islam as follows: linguistic ignorance, stakeholder interests and incentives, motivated blindness, intellectual innocence, shoddy research, and cultural agendas (16:40); several motivations for a cultural agenda promoting Islamic principles (30:30); the importance of rhetoric in creating cultural narratives and why our culture seems more concerned with Islamophobia when in reality it is increasingly Christophobic (33:10); examining several rhetorical tricks devised to develop desired narratives (36:30); misapprehension of the real, main meaning and practice of Jihad in Islam (40:25); Islam has always progressed by shahada, subjugation, or the sword (most often the sword, as Muhammad invoked his followers to do) (47:10); the differences between Islamic Jihad and Christian Crusades (1:03:45); did Osama bin Laden choose September 11 for a reason? (1:11:25); Fernandez-Morera notes that many historians are not religious and why this lack of religiosity might impact the mindset of academic assessment of the historical motivations of religious individuals (1:16:15); is Islam really a religion? (1:18:45); the different approaches that academics take when examining Christianity and Islam (1:24:20); the myth of the Dark Ages (1:29:00); and the Armenian genocide as an example of the collective amnesia of the modern world and the fundamental importance of historical literacy (1:33:00).

The health of our soul is more important than the health of our body, yet in our modern age of materialism we have made the medical doctor the new high priest of a civilization seeking purely physical solutions to problems previously presumed to involve the soul. Hank is joined by French Professor Jean-Claude Larchet, a prolific scholar holding doctoral degrees in both theology and philosophy, and one of the foremost Patristic scholars in the world today to discuss sickness, suffering and the soul from a theological perspective. His profound book, The Theology of Illness, examines the role that suffering and illness play in our lives and how they can actually aid our spiritual development. From provocative statements such as “there is no question that people today have far fewer resources than their ancestors did to deal with illness” to “good health is evil if it contributes to making a person indifferent to his salvation and keeps him away from God by giving him the false impression that he is self-sufficient” professor Larchet will challenge the way you think about suffering, illness and what true health really is.Topics discussed include: Do people today have fewer resources than their ancestors did to deal with the problem of illness? (4:00); spiritual illness is more serious than physical illness, yet our modern age has made the medical doctor the new high priest of civilization (5:20); how detached we have become from the wisdom of the early church fathers (7:10); the connection between the communion of all saints and asking for prayers from those who have passed before us (10:45); the difference in the human body before and after the fall and the implications for our resurrected state in the world to come (12:20); was man created perfect? (16:05); deification (theosis) and what it means to become God’s by grace (17:05); is there a link between illness and sin? (28:05); why perfect health does not exist in this world (28:05); discussing zoetic energy (33:00); Hank asks a personal question regarding his battle with cancer (37:10); good health is evil if it contributes to making a person indifferent to his salvation and keeps him away from God by giving him the false impression that he is self-sufficient (42:30); the role suffering plays in raising our awareness and why illness can be better than health if it aids our spiritual progress (47:45); the essential role of prayer in growing closer to God (51:25); the significance of asking Mary, or Saints in general, to intercede for us in prayer and why it is biblical (59:25); the relationship between demon possession and illness (1:01:05); contrary to modern beliefs, the health of the soul is more important than the health of the body (1:04:15); is there a connection between an improper theology of illness and the rise of suicide? (1:07:38).

Dr. Nathan Jacobs holds advanced degrees in philosophy, historical and systematic theology, church history, and fine art. He joined Hank in Charlotte for an intimate conversation in his study, and given the breadth of Dr. Jacobs’s academic achievements, it came as no surprise that it was wide ranging. The early church fathers went to great lengths to ensure that the followers of Christ did not innovate but rather perpetuate “the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 1:3), and this conversation seeks to understand what they meant, where we may have gotten off track, and what it means to become truly human through ChristTopics discussed include: balancing academic research and writing with artistic innovation and creation (5:00); a search for authenticity and authority led Jacobs to study the early church fathers, such as Athanasius of Alexandria, where he came to realize the difference of thought between Eastern and Western Christianity (6:45); Ephesians, examining the use of the term “energeia” by Paul, and understanding that faith and works are not in opposition (18:25); ecumenical councils where early church fathers defended the faith by answering the question “What is the faith that we received handed down by the apostles?” (30:20); biblical illiteracy, historical ignorance, and troubling Trinitarian analogies (37:35); the importance of a Trinitarian God as opposed to Unitarian (46:10); the sophistication of the early church fathers and our anachronistic belief that we are more intelligent than our ancestors, theologically speaking or otherwise (53:00); distinguishing between creation and types of causation (55:00); biblical terminology getting lost in translation and the linguistic advantage the early church fathers had over the scholars that proceeded them (1:00:35); understanding the balance between rationality and mystery (1:06:45); addressing the Holy Mystery of the Eucharist (1:15:15); objectivity in academics, distinctions between different systems of thought, and the systems of thought creating the biggest divide between Eastern and Western Christianity (1:21:30); the difficulty of communicating complex issues in a soundbite culture (1:32:30); the importance of Christians being part of a church community (1:20:20); and should Christians confess their sins? (1:42:45).

Hank is joined by special guest J. Warner Wallace. Before he became a popular apologist, Wallace would listen to the Bible Answer Man broadcast in the car while working stakeouts as an undercover investigator. He has since masterfully melded his unique capabilities as a cold-case detective with his passion for Christian apologetics to provide believers and skeptics alike the tools and evidence to make the case for the Christian faith. Topics discussed include: Wallace recalls listening to the Bible Answer Man broadcast while working as an undercover investigator (3:25); Warner’s response to Colin Kaepernick and the cultural divide involving race and law enforcement (5:40); “visualish”—the new visual language of digital natives (9:45); what is a cold-case detective? (15:15); investigating whether the universe can be created by an uncaused first cause (17:30); strategies for overcoming the dangerous problem of apathy towards religion (25:00); the relationship between millennials and the church (29:55); the role of relationship in evangelism (38:15); Warner discusses his father’s disbelief and the 3 reasons why anyone rejects a truth claim (43:50); the importance of taking complex concepts and making them simple and transferable (49:20); addressing the metaphysical aspect of our humanity (52:00); how important is it for Christians to have a robust understanding of free-will (57:30); the moral responsibility for all Christians to know how to make the case for Christianity (1:01:00); Cold-Case Christianity: A Homicide Detective Investigates the Claims of the Gospels(1:08:00); using cultural commentary to elevate the value of scripture (1:15:25); the importance of hermeneutics and learning to read and interpret properly (1:20:20); the importance of young people making the 3 trajectory decisions of choosing the right worldview, spouse and mission in life a priority (1:23:45); four cultural shifts and transformations Warner believes are contributing to school shootings (1:29:30).

We are living in a divided world. Christians need to understand what is happening, why it is happening, where it will lead, and how to live for Christ today. Hank is joined by John S. Dickerson, a prize-winning journalist, pastor, and the author of Hope of Nations, for a conversation aiming to inform, inspire, and instruct Christians to stand strong in a post-truth, post-Christian world.Topics discussed include: how attending seminary as a hobby led Dickerson, an award-winning investigative journalist, to become a pastor (3:30); the post-truth shift from facts to feelings (7:10); the historic definition of racism and the post-truth reality of racism (13:30); millennial Americans' preference for socialism (17:30); the state of journalism today and the difficulties of being a Christian journalist (21:05); Dickerson believes the window of global peace is closing, but that in Christ, we can be a sign of hope to the nations (23:45); the growing problem of apathy in society, Christians included (26:40); Dickerson’s nine manifestos that Christians can embrace in a post-truth world (31:15); the need for Christians to equip our youth with Christian truth in the face of The Great Evangelical Recession (34:10); equipping Christians with biblical understanding and truth to become reproducing disciple makers for the church and change agents in the culture (38:15); I Am Strong: Finding God’s Peace and Strength in Life’s Darkest Moments (41:55); post-truth being chosen as the 2016 Oxford dictionary word of the year and the way that this paradigm shift is changing the course of Western civilization (52:15); the wealth and freedom that young Americans have inherited and the foundational principles they are rejecting (56:35); the Christian foundations of our modern universities (59:50); examining the differences between socialism and capitalism (1:01:55); warring ideologies, the gravitational center of the globe shifting to the East, and the abolition of Western civilization (1:07:30); examining the factors behind The Great Evangelical Recession, with so many young people leaving Christianity (1:15:25); the importance of Christian unity around the essentials of the faith and the dangers of needlessly dividing the body of Christ (1:18:15); the drying up of donor dollars, as the church is reaching the lowest levels of giving in generations (1:24:50).

Her father Billy Graham called her the best preacher in the family, and the New York Times labeled her as one of the five most influential evangelists of her generation. Hank is joined by Anne Graham Lotz, author of The Daniel Key: 20 Choices That Make All the Difference, to discuss what we can learn from Daniel, and an exploration of the timeless biblical truths that we can learn from the living Word of God. Topics discussed include: the Charles Blondin story as an illustration for faith in God (3:30); the late years of Billy Graham’s life and his love of prayer (6:05); the difficulty of growing up with her father away from the home preaching on the road and the influence of Anne’s mother as a woman of prayer (7:45); experiences that Graham Lotz had during her youth that inspired a love of God and lifetime of service to Him (11:00); the power of transparent vulnerability and the importance of living our lives for an audience of one (14:00); centering our lives around the Lord rather than our problems (17:40); the need for Christians to transform the way we live our lives to have a greater cultural impact (20:25); the purpose of prayer as communion with God (23:10); why morning prayer is so important to Graham Lotz (26:25); discipline is required to become a disciple (29:45); allowing time in the wilderness to prepare us (31:50); understanding that the Bible is living and active (35:00); Daniel’s habit of praying three times a day to give thanks and the importance of having an attitude of gratitude (37:55); the reality of spiritual warfare and the power of putting on the full armor of God (43:50); falling in love with the Lord and understanding that love isn’t a feeling but a commitment (49:00); the importance of Christians being people of truth in a post-truth world (50:20); experiencing the fullness of life in Christ here on Earth as a glimpse of what’s to come in heaven (53:25); Graham Lotz recalls finding her husband unresponsive in the swimming pool, and the need for all of us to live life with death in mind (55:35); the story of Dori, a woman caught up in the turmoil of the Syrian civil war (1:01:30); putting God first and the significance of an earnest examination of our priorities in life (1:04:25); the rise and fall of empires as a reminder of the temporary nature of our lives (1:08:40); the criticality of confessing our sins as a daily practice (1:11:00); the power of prayer and fasting (1:14:45); the power of forgiveness (1:07:05).

Hank is joined by Dr. Corey Miller, the president of Ratio Christi, a campus apologetics alliance encouraging and strengthening the faith of Christian students at universities around the world through the use of intellectual investigation and apologetics. Miller grew up in Utah as a sixth generation Mormon, but came to Christ in 1988 and has since authored several books, written for the Christian Research Journal and worked in a variety of ministerial roles, giving him a truly unique perspective. Topics discussed include: what is Ratio Christi? (3:30); understanding the difference between science and scientism, and why it matters (6:00); the positive and negative power of testimony and differences between Christian and Mormon views on testimony (11:30); the distinction between knowing God and showing God (17:40); Miller's background growing up amidst the pervasive culture of Mormonism in Utah, and how it shaped his life and love for learning (19:40); the role that dreams played in Miller's personal faith and transformation (25:35); does God use dreams to reveal Himself? (30:35); how the goal of life is knowledge of God (34:25); Miller's forthcoming book Moses, Maimonides, and Thomas Aquinas on the Good Life: From the Fall to Human Perfectibility (34:25); why Mormonism isn't a branch of Christianity, and why Miller thinks Mormonism is closer to Hinduism than Christianity (43:15); who is the angel Moroni? (49:45); how DNA evidence contradicts claims made in the Book of Mormon (51:45); comparing the archeological evidence confirming the Bible as opposed to the Book of Mormon (56:00); the Jesus of Mormonism and the differences that make a difference (58:00); Miller models the virtue of answering questions with "I don't know" and explains that the reason most Christians don't do evangelism is because they don't do apologetics (1:03:00); the huge number of contradictory splinter groups in Mormonism (1:07:40); why apologetics is essential to evangelism (1:10:00); the overwhelming amount of young Christians that lose their faith upon arriving at university because they aren't equipped to answer tough questions (1:14:15); and that the key to gaining a culture is by training the youth (1:18:00).

Hank is joined for the first time on Hank Unplugged by one of his favorite guests from the Bible Answer Man broadcast, Dr. Jonathan Witt. Witt is a prolific author and a Senior Fellow with the Discovery Institute’s Center for Science and Culture. Witt was the lead writer of the hit documentary Poverty Inc., in addition to being the author of books such as The Hobbit Party: The Vision of Freedom That Tolkien Got, and the West Forgot, A Meaningful World: How the Arts and Sciences Reveal the Genius of Nature and his latest book Heretic: One Scientist’s Journey from Darwin to Design written with Finnish bioengineer Matti Leisola. Witt has studied and written on a number of subjects, and this wide-ranging conversation is evidence of just that. Topics discussed include: how the study of aesthetics got Witt involved in the Intelligent Design movement (4:10); why the Intelligent Design movement is the premier movement today due to a willingness to follow the evidence wherever it leads (5:40); why Witt wrote the documentary Poverty Inc., investigating the problems with the industry of foreign aid (7:10); TOMS shoes as a hipster poverty machine (10:45); the problem of donor dependency (13:05); the present war on poverty as another permutation of colonialism (15:30); how has Poverty Inc. made a difference on how people view humanitarian aid? (18:00); the deficits of the Marshall Plan (21:30); skepticism about how evolution explains everything without explaining anything (24:00); the difference between science and scientism (27:50); conflating microevolution and evolution (29:30); constrained optimization and why so many engineers are proponents of Intelligent Design (35:00); a recent article Witt wrote on conflating understanding and acceptance of evolution (39:55); “all of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone” (43:10); A Meaningful World: How the Arts and Sciences Reveal the Genius of Nature (44:10); Darwin vs. Beauty: Explaining Away the Butterfly (47:35); Witt’s new book, The Hobbit Party: The Vision of Freedom That Tolkien Got, and the West Forgo, and what Christians can learn from Tolkien (53:00); exploring the many reasons why it is critical to learn to read the Bible in the sense in which it is intended to be read (1:00:05); the problem with trying to read scientific paradigms into scriptural passages (1:18:40); becoming so familiar with the truth that when a counterfeit looms on the horizon, you know it immediately (1:00:50); the functional value of secular feminism, abortion on demand, and sexual freedom (1:02:30); Christian involvement in the culture wars and examples of hope (1:04:15); and raising Christian children (1:08:05).

Hank has long maintained that how you view your origins will ultimately determine how you live your life. Likewise, the prevailing cultural acceptance of the Darwinian paradigm has led to a culture in decline. But for those skeptical of the worldviews and arguments of scientific materialists, there is good news. The Darwinian paradigm finds itself in a desperate condition thanks in large part to the Intelligent Design movement leaders such as Dr. Stephen C. Meyer. Dr. Meyer is currently the director of the Discovery Institute’s Center for Science and Culture, in addition to authoring the New York Times best seller Darwin’s Doubt: The Explosive Origin of Animal Life and the Case for Intelligent Design as well as Signature in the Cell: DNA and the Evidence for Intelligent Design, which was named a Book of the Year by The Times (of London) Literary Supplement in 2009. Topics discussed include: why the Intelligent Design (ID) movement isn’t a “science stopper” but a science generator (6:00); the exciting state of the Intelligent Design movement today as many scientists, such as distinguished paleontologist Günter Bechly who is now a Senior Fellow at the Discovery Institute, are growing increasingly skeptical of Darwinism (8:35); the overwhelming impact that Darwin’s On the Origin of Species and evolution have had in shaping worldviews such as scientific materialism and how new discoveries are pointing back to a theistic explanation of origins in what Meyer calls “the return of the God hypothesis” (12:10); how secular assumptions limit academic freedom in the sciences and the effect that limits on discourse has on scientists and scientific discovery (15:35); the deep prejudice of Wikipedia toward Intelligent Design with stigmatizing labels such as “pseudoscience” in reference to the ID movement (22:25); how the broad persecution of Christians in secular academics leads Christians of different denominations to unite around the essentials of the Christian faith and their common cause (24:25); Darwin’s Doubt, the Cambrian explosion, and the importance of information to life (27:45); exploring how Young Earth Creationists practice science (31:15); arguably the most exciting discovery in the history of science is that the foundation of life is digital information stored in DNA, and the implications this discovery has on the evidence for Intelligent Design (36:15); the importance of reducing intellectual insecurity in the Christian world (39:20); critiquing theistic evolution, and why Christians shouldn’t feel the need to synthesize their beliefs with a Neo-Darwinian paradigm increasingly in doubt (43:45); the cultural consequences of our worldviews (47:15); discussing the book Why People Stop Believing, and the need for an intellectual defense of the Christian faith (51:50); the racist implications of the evolutionary paradigm (54:30); the elimination of unfit genes as a form of positive eugenics growing in popularity today (56:25); Meyer offers critical responses to several quotes Hank reads from popular evolutionists (59:20); the myth of Darwin’s tree of life (1:05:05); “the waiting time problem” and the Darwinian math of population genetics (1:07:30); looking to computer programmers and coding to poke holes in the link between humans and chimps (1:10:40); why noted atheist philosopher Thomas Nagel believes that defenders of Intelligent Design, such as Stephen C. Meyer, deserve our gratitude (1:14:15); and educating the culture about advances in the Intelligent Design movement (1:18:30).

Story tellers drive the culture and Christians must remember that we have the best story to tell. Megan Almon is a speaker with Life Training Institute and a Christian Research Journal contributor who authored the recent cover article Seeing Red: The Handmaid’s Tale, Human Dignity and Hope, addressing the popular, yet controversial, Hulu television series The Handmaid’s Tale, an adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s 1985 dystopian novel by the same name. Almon joins Hank to discuss the importance of cultural apologetics, pro-life apologetics and the consequences of secular feminism, abortion and sexual freedom in both The Handmaid’s Tale and our world today. Topics discussed include: Michelle Wolf’s salute to abortion- “God bless abortion, God bless America” (4:25); Almon’s passion for pro-life apologetics (7:05); is the term “pro-life” propaganda? (8:40); what would make abortion ok? (9:50); how abortion has shifted from being a scientific debate to a philosophical debate (11:10); the importance of Christians being able to communicate the pro-life position articulately and convincingly because story tellers drive the culture (14:05); examining worldviews and the importance of cultural apologetics (16:25); the narrative presented in The Handmaid’s Tale that women will lose all of the progress gained through the suffrage movement if they lose access to abortion and “reproductive freedom” (20:55); a women’s worth being equated to her ability to earn wages (23:45); the rise of infertility and changing views of motherhood (26:05); surrogacy and the commodification of children (29:30); the destructive consequences of the sexual revolution and idolization of sexual freedom (35:50); defining men and women out of existence and the effect on women’s rights (38:30); the criticality of becoming biblically literate to counter the twisting of scripture, or “scriptorture” (40:30); embracing the doctrine of unity through unification around the essentials of the Christian faith in the face of the unnecessary fragmentation within Christianity (42:50); endowed with dignity by virtue of being created in the Imago Dei (46:30); the false narrative that the Bible supports an oppressive patriarchal society versus the reality that the Bible actually elevated the status of women (47:45); contrasting the way that Jesus and Muhammed treated women (53:00); Planned Parenthood’s desire to abolish the terms pro-choice and pro-life (54:30); The Handmaid’s Tale explained (55:45); the need for Christians to practice cultural apologetics and discernment (58:05); becoming so familiar with the truth that when a counterfeit looms on the horizon you know it immediately (1:00:50); the functional value of secular feminism, abortion on demand and sexual freedom (1:02:30); Christian involvement in the culture wars and examples of hope (1:04:15); raising Christian children (1:08:05).

Why Did God Let That Child Die? by Clay Jones is one of the most popular articles ever published in the Christian Research Journal. We have no doubt that it was popular because the topic of theodicy is difficult for many to comprehend. For that precise reason we are bringing you an encore edition of this critical conversation between Hank and Clay Jones, associate professor of Christian Apologetics at Biola University and one of the pre-eminent scholars on the issue of theodicy. If you’ve ever wondered why God allows sin and suffering, this is a can’t miss conversation.Topics discussed include: why does God allow evil? (3:30); why did God let that child die? (5:30); why it’s hard to reconcile determinism and theodicy (9:00); why do people want determinism to be true? (14:30); how God uses suffering (19:30); why do bad things happen to good people? (27:00); transgenderism as child abuse (36:00); the Christian Research Journal article “Killing the Canaanites” (42:00); what difference does belief in original sin make? (48:30); why people who think heaven will be boring are wrong (51:00); the importance of making our lives on Earth count (57:30); what does God want our legacy on Earth to be? (1:01:30); finding ways to be useful to God (1:04:30).

Atheists are launching a new wave of attacks against Christianity and faith in God, claiming that they have a more enlightened, scientific, and sophisticated worldview. Despite what these New Atheists might think, this is nothing new, and Dr. Louis Markos confronts these recycled claims in his book Atheism on Trial, showing that they have already been disproven by Christian thinkers of the past and how you can use the same solid logic to silence these claims today. On this edition of Hank Unplugged, Markos joins Dr. Larry Johnston (pinch-hitting for Hank while he is overseas speaking at a conference) to discuss why it is time for Christians to stand up and challenge the atheistic assertions of popular narratives of our day. Are you ready to put atheism on trial? Topics discussed include: the modernist narrative and the problem with "chronological snobbery" (2:30); the distinction between narrative and metanarrative and the significance of metanarratives (5:55); the importance of obtaining objective distance to better understand our behaviors and reactions (10:50); do we live in a clockwork universe? (15:00); looking to the pre-Socratics to show that the so-called "New Atheists" are merely pedaling old ideas (19:50); the theistic implications of the Big Bang and how dedicated materialists such as Carl Sagan and Stephen Hawking avoided them (25:30); "Houdini hermeneutics and the sense in which Darwinism is a myth" (32:00); who was Spinoza, and what did he mean when he said that God and nature are one? (38:00); examining intelligent design and some of the absurd theories people have come up with to avoid it, such as panspermia (41:35); why David Hume was wrong when he said that miracles are impossible (49:25); how God reveals Himself through both creation and the Bible and why it is important for Christians to be conversant in both (1:00:20); examining the problem of pain (1:05:45); comparing the God of Abraham from the god of Aristotle (1:10:05); how Karl Marx changed the metanarrative in an extremely destructive way (1:13:30); how the secular enlightenment stole the idea of human dignity from the Judeo-Christian ethic (1:19:00); and Christianity and Stoicism (1:20:20).

On this special edition of Hank Unplugged, Hank brings you a message that he delivered for the “Lausanne-Orthodox Initiative,” a conference uniting Orthodox and evangelical Christians to support one another with mutual respect and cooperation in the spirit of our Lord’s High Priestly prayer for His church, found in John 17. Hank discusses discipleship, deification, and the doctrine of unity. The doctrine of unity addresses the scandalous tribalism and division amongst Christians and the importance of honoring the earnestness of the Lord’s High Priestly prayer and the criticality of Christians being united around the essentials of the historic Christian faith. Topics discussed include: Hank introduces his message and the importance of the doctrine of unity (1:30); the Great Commission (4:40); discipleship and the power of spiritual multiplication (10:20); understanding deification and union with God (14:20); experiencing uncreated energy (17:00); embracing the doctrine of unity around the essentials of the historic Christian faith (20:20); discussing the effects of schism and division from a personal perspective (23:25); are we willing to give up our tribalism in order to answer the Lord’s High Priestly prayer? (24:45); the consequence of disunity within the church (28:30); the unlimited power of fusion (30:55); and a call to action (34:25).

Females are breaking barriers in the field of apologetics today like never before, which is why Hank has dubbed today’s guest Melissa Cain Travis and her female colleagues at Houston Baptist University as the five female superheroes of the neo-apologetics movement, a movement more concerned with winning the person rather than winning the argument. In her new book, Science and the Mind of the Maker, Melissa Cain Travis examines what the conversation between faith and science reveals about God, including what she calls "The Maker Thesis," which explains the origin, rationality, and intricacy of nature and the human mind's capacity to comprehend it. Are we in the golden age of apologetics? Listen to find out! Topics discussed include: Hank lauds Melissa Cain Travis and her female colleagues (Nancy Pearcey, Holly Ordway, Mary Jo Sharp, and Kristen Davis) as the five female superheroes of the neo-apologetics movement and some of the most influential ambassadors in the church today (3:00); why mothers should teach their children in apologetics (5:00); is value or significance determined by size? (7:40); addressing the Einstein quote “The most incomprehensible thing about the universe is that it is comprehensible” (10:50); the importance of critically and earnestly examining our paradigms rather than limiting the size of our intellectual toolbox (13:30); the majestic three-part harmony between mathematics, the human mind, and the material world (18:15); the implicit racism of the Darwinian paradigm and the importance of having universal standards to determine intrinsic value and equality (19:45); the idea behind the “Maker Thesis” (27:00); Athanasius Contra Mundum, the great church fathers, and finding God’s fingerprints in the Bible as well as the book of nature (30:50); the relation between Cicero, Scrabble, and ideas of order (35:20); dispelling the myth that a greater understanding of nature diminishes theistic explanations for existence (37:45); reclaiming critical thinking, the virtue of inquisitiveness, and how to process information in an age of information overload (38:45); the irony behind the Stephen Hawking claim that philosophy is dead (44:00); why mothers need to have a basic understanding of apologetics in order to inoculate their children with an understanding of their faith (47:25); how to prioritize and find time to build your knowledge base and learn apologetics (51:10); the barriers that female apologists are breaking today (55:20); the false dichotomy of having to decide between having a career or having children (1:00:00); Are we in the golden age of apologetics? (1:02:05); neo-apologetics is a brand of apologetics that is more concerned with winning the person rather than winning the argument (1:04:45); how Melissa made Science and the Mind of the Maker different from other books on the topic of science and faith (1:08:00); the value of popular apologetics (1:13:20); the issue of the age of the Earth and why it’s important, yet not important enough for Christians to divide over (1:14:45); the importance of Melissa’s Young Defender Series, teaching children arguments for the existence of God (1:20:05).

Why have so many Christians become tippers instead of tithers? In many Christian circles today, stewardship seems to be a dirty word. This is scandalous. Christians desperately need to shift their perspectives on stewardship and begin to unabashedly and joyously give of their time, talents, and treasure as a form of discipleship. On this edition of Hank Unplugged, Larry Johnston joins Hank to discuss the impact listeners like you can make by supporting the many outreaches of the Christian Research Institute impacting the body of Christ 24/7 around the world. Topics discussed include: how the Christian Research Institute is making a difference in our post-truth culture (3:00); examining one of the core values of CRI, “In Essentials Unity, In Non-Essentials Liberty, In All Things Charity,” and the dangers of tribalism within Christianity that divides us and dilutes the gospel (5:00); Gandhi as an example of how one person can make a huge difference (14:00); Hank asks listeners to financially support the many outreaches of CRI that are making a difference in the battle for life and truth (17:15); the rising assaults on the Christian faith and freedom (21:15); what a CRI legacy partner is and how to become one (23:20); the need for Christians to shift our paradigms on the stewardship of our time, talent, and treasure as a form of discipleship (26:40); recounting testimonies of the importance of the outreaches of CRI from significant apologists such as Abdu Murray and Lee Strobel (32:35); showing the symbiotic relationship between CRI and our audience through the proverb “You can always count the seeds in an apple, but you can never count the apples in a seed” (34:50); the benefits of becoming a CRI support team member and why they are the backbone of the ministry (36:40); understanding the importance of giving and the need for Christians to shift their paradigms when it comes to the stewardship of their resources (44:15); the prayer of David and joyous giving (48:40); the impact of CRI outreaches around the world (50:50); will Christianity disappear in the West? (54:35); one of the critical roles of CRI is providing a lighthouse of truth for people facing a rapidly changing reality (57:05); the need for properly modeled Christianity in action (1:01:25); the mentorship role of CRI (1:04:30); the Judeo-Christian ethic of philanthropy throughout history (1:08:10); the need for “apologetics arms dealers” such as CRI in the battle for life and truth today (1:12:00); the major impact that encouraging testimonies have on Hank and the rest of the CRI staff (1:14:10); fatal consequences of tribalism in Christianity and the need for Christians to unite around the essentials of the historic Christian faith (1:16:10); the need for epistemic humility and the importance of being a lifelong learner in our post-truth culture (1:19:05); the Wesleyan Quadrilateral and the autobiographical book Hank is writing entitled Truth Matters, Life Matters More (1:23:05).

To celebrate the fiftieth episode of the Hank Unplugged podcast, Hank is re-joined by his first guest, close friend and best-selling author Frederica Mathewes-Green. This wide-ranging conversation explores many of the most common misconceptions of Eastern Orthodox theology, how Orthodox theology actually works, and the true purpose of theology itself — experiencing God. Topics discussed include: why Frederica calls abortion the most important justice issue of our time (2:40); comparing the shifting arguments of pro-choice advocates surrounding the concept of personhood to the perception of personhood found in the Three-Fifths Compromise and slavery (5:05); sex-selective abortion (7:45); how Orthodox theology works — how the concept of theology in the Christian East differs from that of the Christian West (11:00); the Atonement — Christus Victor (16:50); how the fall of Rome affected the separation between the Christian East and the Christian West (18:00); the role of tradition in biblical interpretation (22:35); finding comfort in submitting oneself to the continuation of the teachings and traditions of the historic Christian faith (26:15); truth is necessary, but it’s hardly sufficient when it comes to the authentic Christian life, because truly knowing God is more important than knowing about God (35:30); are we allowed to call anyone father? Apophatic theology and the fragile, futility of words (38:45); addressing the fragmentation and tribalism of the church and embracing the concept of mere Christianity while not compromising on the essentials of the historic Christian faith (41:15); addressing the theological unity amidst the ethnic distinctions within Orthodoxy (46:55); separation of church and state (49:40); the transformative power of The Jesus Prayer (53:00); discussing negative attitudes toward Mary and how Jesus would want us to feel about His mother (1:00:40); explaining the practice of venerating icons (1:07:00); exploring the biblical roots of liturgical practices of worship (1:10:50); why viewing the congregation as customers and marketing the consumeristic corruption of church is a tragedy (1:14:00); Nous and the false dichotomy between reason and emotion in theology (1:16:30); the danger in reducing theology to intellectual combat as opposed to a way to encounter and experience God (1:20:00); Romans 6:23 and contesting the common protestation that Orthodoxy is a crass system of works righteousness (1:23:00); and closing remarks (1:30:00).

Bestselling author O. S. Hawkins joins Hank to discuss their shared passion for memorizing scripture and why they believe it is critical for Christians to commit the Bible to memory, knowing that God speaks to us through His word and by His spirit.Topics discussed include: Hank recalls the impact that O. S. Hawkins had on his faith as a young Christian convert (3:00); the background of GuideStone: Financial Services guided by Christian Values (5:15); why Mission Dignity receives Hawkins’s book royalties (7:00); what Hawkins has learned from writing his Code series of devotionals (8:50); the importance of memorizing the Bible (12:10); lessons about faith and obedience learned from The Book of Joshua (15:40); the three levels of prayer (18:50); being an ambassador for Christ in a corrosive culture (24:00); the four worlds we all live in (private, personal, professional, and public) and where integrity is rooted (26:10); why Hawkins wants to change the meaning of VIP from very important person to very influential person grounded in vision, integrity, and purpose—VIP (30:15); the three keys to finding God’s plan and purpose for your life (36:10); the importance of serving God’s purpose in our generation and finishing strong (43:20); the sin of worrying (46:45); ministering to the poor (52:30); the culture war we are facing in the world today (55:15); and Hawkins ends the podcast with a prayer (57:05).

Matt Fradd is the host of the popular podcasts Love People Use Things and Pints With Aquinas, as well as the author of The Porn Myth, a nonreligious response to the commonly held belief that pornography is a harmless pastime. During our conversation, Fradd said that if we give our children devices without proper filters, we are basically giving our children portable X-rated theaters. This should alarm everyone, as should the growing acceptance of pornography and the influence it is having on our culture. Pornography is a pervasive problem that affects all of us, making this conversation with Matt Fradd essential listening.Topics discussed include: Why should people reject pornography? (5:20); The real problem with porn isn’t nudity (6:55); The role of imagination in apologetics (6:55); His personal experience with pornography and why Fradd is so passionate about the topic (11:00); How pornography rewires our neurological pathways and contributes to issues such as anxiety and erectile dysfunction (14:30); The need for Christians to return to natural law in order to adequately combat the secularism of our day (17:30); The importance of historical literacy in the church and the need for Christians to unite around the essentials (21:15); Understanding the etymology of pornography and the difference between pornography and art (24:30); At what age should we begin talking to our children about pornography? (27:30); Addiction to pornography and the increasing number of women becoming addicted to pornography (29:45); The problem with the idea of couples using pornography to “increase intimacy” (32:00); Dopamine, addiction and pornography (33:50); The idea of Christians fighting porn with science before morality as a “Gulliver Strategy” (37:30); The myth that pornography is empowering to women (40:55); Is masturbation a disordered act and intrinsically unhealthy? (44:50); How culture has influenced long held Christian views on marriage, contraception and an “openness to life” (46:45); Does consuming pornography lead to sexual aggression or violence? (51:55); The desensitization pornography causes often leading to a slippery slope and more deviant types of porn (54:10); Strategies to protect our children from porn and educate them about the dangers of pornography (56:10); Why Fradd wrote The Porn Myth from a non-religious perspective (1:03:00); Learning how to deal with a desire to watch pornography (1:06:15); The impact pornography use has on our marital relationships (1:08:00); Advice for anyone struggling with pornography (1:11:10); The critical importance of talking to our children about pornography (1:14:20); Closing words on the growing acceptance and dangers of pornography (1:17:25).