On this episode of Hank Unplugged Hank is bringing to you a legend of the Intelligent Design community, Dr. Bill Dembski. You will be hard-pressed to find a more academically accomplished individual than Dembski, as he is the author/editor of over 20 books and has a PHD in Mathematics, a PHD in Philosophy and a Masters in divinity. Dembski has faced career-threatening criticism from fundamentalists on both sides and joins Hank to discuss the dangers of fundamentalism and more. Topics discussed include: How the dangers of fundamentalism led Dembski to change careers (3:00); The Design Inference and Intelligent Design (7:45); Fundamentalism, majoring on the minors and what many consider to be Acid Tests for orthodox Christianity (14:00) The importance of reading the Bible as it is intended to be read (25:20); Problems that arise from reading modern cosmology into Biblical text (30:00); Stakeholder interest and incentives influencing the academic community and cultural narratives (36:30); The problem of motivated blindness (42:00) The File Drawer Effect (44:00); Key institutions and universities rejecting Intelligent Design and embracing Theistic Evolution (46:25) The marketing dimension to science and culture (51:45); The difficult situation of deciding where to send our kids to school (56:55); Developing educational curriculum and technologies (1:02:00); Persecution Dembski has faced for taking stands for truth (1:05:00); The controversy surrounding vaccines and how Dembski raising a child with severe autism has shaped his perspective (1:07:40) How our Christian heritage helps us to handle suffering (1:16:40); The danger of hypocrisy in the Christian community (1:18:40) The possibility that Dembski will come out of retirement and work in the Intelligent Design community again someday (1:20:40).

Joe Dallas joins Hank for an emergency Hank Unplugged podcast to discuss California bill AB-2943, a bill making it illegal for Christians to provide biblically based counseling for those wanting to get help for unwanted same-sex attractions. Dallas is an ordained pastoral counselor and program director of Genesis Biblical Counseling in Tustin, California, which is a counseling ministry for men dealing with sexual addiction and other sexual/relational problems. The two discuss the dire implications this bill has on our society, whether the Sexual Revolution has led to the Censorship Revolution, and how this could lead to a state church and an underground church in America. This podcast is a must-listen dealing with a critical issue that all Christians should be concerned about. Topics discussed include: how should Christians be prepared to talk about controversial sexual issues? (3:00); California Bill AB-2943 criminalizing Christians providing biblically based counseling for those wanting help with unwanted same-sex attractions (7:45); is Bill AB-2943 unconstitutional, and does that even matter anymore? (12:25); rising levels of censorship by the state (15:45); how to respond to censorship of Christian beliefs (17:45); the need for healthy discipleship within the church to influence positive changes in society (20:30); as the state continues to censor organizations, will the church to rise to the occasion and help those wrestling with sexual problems? (25:15); the Sexual Revolution — then and now (27:00); did redefining marriage lead to redefining gender? What is next? (32:50); what will happen to society if we continue to make sexual distinctions arbitrary? (35:40); redefinition of marriage and the impact on children (41:00); a societal trend to appeal to emotion over reason (43:00); could this lead to a state church and an underground church in America? (45:50); Christians, Trump, and separating personality and policy in politics (50:30); “Impuritans” imposing totalitarian sexual views (53:15); has the Sexual Revolution led to the Censorship Revolution? (55:00); living with eternity in mind in the midst of persecution (59:00); remembering Elliot Miller (1:05:45); the three most important things for Christians to do today (1:07:25); California banning the books written by Joe Dallas (1:11:15); the powerful problem of pornography (1:14:00); a call to prayer and a call for wisdom (1:20:00).

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to actually meet C. S. Lewis? Well, watching Max McLean perform as C. S. Lewis might be the closest you come this side of heaven! McLean joins Hank on this episode of Hank Unplugged to discuss what it is like to perform as one of the most influential Christians of the twenty-first century.Topics discussed include: Max McLean’s desire to adapt the works of C. S. Lewis as an apologetic tool through performance arts (2:00); how McLean is able to bring Lewis to life on stage (6:00); “Reason is the natural order of truth; but imagination is the origin of meaning” (9:00); the power of oral tradition (10:45); memorization as a transformational discipline (14:50); challenges McLean has faced performing biblical adaptations (16:25); performing the Gospel of Mark (18:05); remembering that everyone is made in the Imago Dei as described in The Weight of Glory (19:55); C. S. Lewis Onstage: The Most Reluctant Convert on DVD (24:20); being a Christian actor and the role of Christian performing arts in NYC (25:20); the importance of properly processing our experiences (30:05); the apologetic value of performing the conversion story of C. S. Lewis in The Most Reluctant Convert (33:20); “the hardness of God is kinder than the softness of men” (37:30); theism as a significant entry point to belief in Christianity (39:10); performing as Martin Luther (44:40); is it more difficult to write or act? (48:30); spiritual warfare and performing The Screwtape Letters (49:40); literary evil, real evil, and the safest road to hell (52:20); free will and the key to understanding C. S. Lewis found in The Great Divorce (54:00); Shadowlands: the love story of C. S. Lewis and an example of how God works through pain (55:50); McLeans testimony as an adult convert to Christianity (1:02:00); McLean’s award-winning recordings of the Bible in The Listener’s Bible (1:07:00); the benefits of memorizing the Bible (1:09:25); the similarities between memorization and meditation (1:11:30); Max’s passion for live theater and where you can see him perform (1:17:30).

God reveals Himself to us through the things He has made. Lad Allen, founder of Illustra Media, believes in the power of preaching without words, and that the observation of the universe is one of the most powerful ways God reveals Himself to us. Illustra Media has made internationally acclaimed documentary films exploring the case for intelligent design in the universe for more than 20 years. On this edition of Hank Unplugged, Hank and Lad discuss past productions of Illustra Media in addition to their shared excitement about the power of digital media to share the gospel through ventures such as Allen’s new John 10:10 Project. Topics discussed include: how Illustra Media has been able to produce internationally acclaimed documentary films making a scientific case for intelligent design in the universe (3:00); the power of a supportive spouse (5:20); the unique way that travelling can teach us (7:00); evoking a sense of wonder and general revelation through creation (8:30); metamorphosis as an example of intelligent design (10:55); having healthy relationships with people we disagree with (13:35); how advances in animation allow us to unveil and magnify complex scientific ideas in ways otherwise impossible (16:30); the metamorphosis of a caterpillar to a butterfly as an analogy for our resurrection in Christ (20:30); Bill Nye propagating Carl Sagan's materialist worldview that we are insignificant and alone in the universe (24:45); the vision of The John 10:10 Project (29:30); the power of digital media to share the gospel (33:20); working with Joni Eareckson Tada (43:30); a preview of upcoming short films by The John 10:10 Project (46:15); demonstrating the evidence of a designer by investigating God’s creation (51:00); Hank shares a personal testimony of God’s providence (53:25); investigating Messianic prophecy as a powerful apologetic tool (1:05:30); King of Creation: Meditation on God’s Wisdom and Works (1:09:40); the importance of reflecting the glory of God in all that we do and working for an audience of one (1:12:15); the best year of Hank’s life is the year he was diagnosed with cancer (1:58:30); how Illustra Media is able to produce monumental projects out of a spare bedroom (1:16:00).

The Resurrection is the quintessence of Christianity, and Dr. Gary Habermas has dedicated his life to the study and defense of the reality of the Resurrection. After all, “If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” Listen in as Hank and Dr. Habermas discuss the seminal event in human history as well as Dr. Habermas turning the tables and investigating Hank’s testimony and battle with cancer. This is an episode of Hank Unplugged unlike any other! (This conversation was so good and went so long that we had to break it up into two episodes. This is Part 2.) Topics discussed include: a miracle in Hank’s life and the place of miracles in Christianity (58:45); addressing rewards in heaven (1:03:50); world religions, the reliability of Scripture, and the radical uniqueness of Jesus (1:06:05); tolerance, evidence, and the view that all religions lead to God (1:09:50); Christianity is rooted in history and evidence (1:13:55); the Resurrection as the basis for believing that miracles really do happen (1:22:00); the beauty of how Christian evidence corresponds to reality (1:24:50); why aren’t Christians doing a better job of evangelism? (1:28:00); learning from suffering, Hank discovering the reality of the Christian life and how truth matters, but life matters more (1:36:20); how Hank’s cancer has brought the Hanegraaff family closer together and closer to Christ (1:42:25); how suffering through cancer has taught Hank to feel greater empathy for others (1:46:45); Hank sharing his testimony in his first autobiographical book about discovering the authentic Christian life, called Truth Matters, Life Matters More (1:51:25); as Habermas watched his wife die of cancer, he thought, “Where would you be right now if it weren’t for the resurrection of Jesus?” (1:53:50); the best year of Hank’s life is the year he was diagnosed with cancer (1:58:30); and Habermas on writing a magnum opus on the Resurrection (1:59:35).

The Resurrection is the quintessence of Christianity, and Dr. Gary Habermas has dedicated his life to the study and defense of the reality of the Resurrection. After all, “If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” Human history — and your future — is forever changed by what happened on the third day, so listen in as Hank and Dr. Habermas discuss the seminal event in human history. (This conversation was so good and went so long that we had to break it up into two episodes. This is part one.) Topics discussed include: how studying the Resurrection led Dr. Habermas into apologetics (3:40); with the Resurrection of Jesus we have everything, without the Resurrection of Jesus, we have nothing (7:25); comparing Christianity to other world religions (8:40); perspectives on the supernatural in academic circles (11:35); the Resurrection, Jesus Seminar, and the Pre-Pauline Creed (15:15); the overwhelming factual evidence for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ (19:20); Islamic denial of the crucifixion of Christ (21:45); addressing the evidence for an empty tomb after the resurrection of Christ (27:50); witnesses to the resurrected Christ and the martyrdom that ensued (30:35); the faith and martyrdom of early church fathers such as Polycarp and Irenaeus (36:40); the power of the gospel to change the culture unlike any other religion (39:30); the sorrow Habermas felt when he lost his wife to cancer and the hope he felt knowing that she was in heaven (41:55); the peace that the resurrection of Christ provides Hank in the midst of his battle with cancer (47:30); the hope we can find in the Bible (51:00); and materialism, mystery, and the argument from joy by C. S. Lewis (55:15).

Black Hebrew Israelites is one of the most searched terms on equip.org and something that you’ve probably been exposed to, whether you realize it or not. Vocab Malone joins Hank on this episode of the Hank Unplugged podcast to discuss Black Hebrew Israelites, urban apologetics, and being equipped with essential Christian doctrine. We hope you enjoy the energy, information, and insights from Vocab Malone as much as we did! Topics discussed include: background on urban apologetics (2:00); Israel United in Christ—IUIC (3:20); Kendrick Lamar, DAMN, and the Black Hebrew Israelite movement (4:25); Vocab Malone’s background in Christian hip hop and urban apologetics (5:30); the interest in Black Hebrew Israelism and some variations (10:00); background on the Black Hebrew Israelite movement (14:30); false eschatological interpretations and arguments and the need to be equipped for apologetics (19:25); why Black Hebrew Israelite beliefs might be appealing to some (22:15); how Black Hebrew Israelite beliefs are disseminated through YouTube (26:30); the belief that God is a racist (30:45); Black Hebrew Israelites borrowing from “Satan’s greatest hits” (33:45); Black Hebrew Israelite One West Camp and the belief in polygyny, one man with many women (37:30); Fake Hebrew (39:30); the impact of bad theology on music and culture (41:10); changing attitudes about Black Hebrew Israelites (45:20); Black Hebrew Israelism as a theodicy (46:10); Vocab Malone’s desire to reflect the glory of God through his work and practice (48:05); the importance of knowing your audience when practicing apologetics (49:45); Vocab’s conviction to minister to Muslims (56:00); Barack Obama vs. Black Hebrew Israelites (59:00); violence in urban apologetics (1:04:00); First Arabic Baptist Church (1:07:00); the need to become equipped with essential Christian doctrine (1:09:00); and how seeing Hank speak in Phoenix led to Vocab going to seminary (1:17:45).

Rankin Wilbourne believes that “union with Christ may be the most important doctrine you’ve never heard of.” In fact, he says that “nothing is more basic or more central to the Christian life than union with Christ.” If the latter is true, then the former needs to be addressed. This edition of the Hank Unplugged podcast features a stimulating conversation between Hank and Rankin Wilbourne, author of the Gold Medallion–winning book Union with Christ. We truly believe that this conversation could change your life, and we pray that it leads you closer to union with Christ. Topics discussed include: Wilbourne’s transition from banking to ministry (2:30); Christians uniting around the essentials with the ecumenical spirit called for in John 17 (6:30); the Early Church Fathers and union with Christ (10:15); why isn’t union with Christ a more central part of our lives? (13:30); importance of biblical metaphors (16:00); the fully human life found through life in union with Christ (18:55); reducing the gospel to the mechanics of salvation (23:45); what is the message our culture needs to hear? Both the songs of Extravagant Grace and Radical Discipleship (28:00); the gospel is union with Christ, a double Grace of Justification and Sanctification (32:30); why have so many in the West lost the ability to delight in divine mystery? (36:15); how is union with Christ the doorway to communion with God? (39:25); is communion with God your highest ambition? (44:30); how suffering is integral to knowing Christ (51:20); reclaiming words from our biblical tradition such as deification or theosis and even the word tradition itself (53:50); why do so many Protestants have a view of church ecclesiology and the sacraments so at odds with our Christian tradition? (58:25); sailing as a metaphor for our life with God (1:01:00); the importance of developing spiritual disciplines to truly experience full union with Christ (1:03:25); reading the New Testament with integrity and the “gap” addressed in Union with Christ (1:07:00); false choices we are faced with and the clarity that union with Christ brings (1:10:00); embracing the Lord’s high priestly prayer (1:12:35); 1 Corinthians 3 and the importance of setting the alignment of our ambitions in accordance with Christ (1:15:45); the critical need to know the biblical truth of union with Christ (1:22:30).

Christian philosopher Paul Gould joins Hank on this edition of the Hank Unplugged podcast to discuss the role of philosophy for Christians in the world today. This conversation is wide ranging and offers clear answers to complex philosophical questions concerning how Christians should live their lives. Topics discussed include: why should Christians care about philosophy? (5:00); the role philosophy should play in our spiritual formation (9:15); the intellectual brilliance of Jesus that so many often overlook (11:00); the importance of being intentionally countercultural with our kids in the information age (15:40); how can we break down barriers to independent thought? (23:00); the need for intellectual virtue and the potential danger of arrogance in the apologetics community (26:00); anti-intellectualism and The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind (30:00); the need for Christians to recapture a sacramental view of the world in order to argue effectively Christianity as a public truth claim (32:15); a simple way to explain complex words in philosophy (35:45); Gould’s definition of philosophy and how he arrived at his conclusion (38:25); understanding Jesus as He truly is (44:45); dealing with historical and biblical illiteracy today (47:00); making an argument for the existence of God (49:45); intentionally asking ourselves the question, “Where is God’s fingerprint in your life today?” (53:15); the moral argument for the existence of God (57:00); learning from crisis moments in our lives (58:05); the perfect blend of reason and romance in Christianity (1:03:25); practical steps we all can take to grow philosophically (1:07:05); breaking the bonds technology can have on us (1:09:05); re-establishing the Christian voice (1:12:00); how philosophy trains us for death (1:15:25).

From being a classically trained concert pianist, Miss America contestant, and now the Chief Religion Correspondent for the Fox News Channel, Lauren Green seems to have done it all. Yet what she cares about most of all is communicating the gospel through what she’s discovered and encouraging others to foster a deeper relationship with God. Lauren Green joins Hank on the Hank Unplugged podcast to discuss what she’s discovered, her new book Lighthouse Faith, and what’s up next. Topics discussed include: the role music plays in our world (1:30); the power of hymns to glorify God (8:00); links between mathematics and music (11:30); the significance of overtones (17:30); why did Green make music a key aspect of Lighthouse Faith? (23:45); Green’s role as chief religion correspondent for Fox News (29:25); why does the media tend to be hostile toward Christianity? (33:00); the absurdity of atheist clergy Sweden and other European issues (38:00); spiritual brokenness bringing us closer to God (43:00); The Great Commission to spread the gospel (52:30); a moment of renewal in Ethiopia (58:30); how sickness and suffering can bring us closer to God (1:02:30); aesthetic practices such as Lent and the importance of developing disciplines (1:12:00); lessons learned from the vineyard (1:20:00); and finding union with God through worship (1:24:00).

Lee Strobel has been a longtime guest on the Bible Answer Man broadcast, and he now joins Hank for the first time on the Hank Unplugged podcast. Strobel is a former investigative journalist for The Chicago Tribune, and his best-selling books such as The Case for Christ (now a major motion picture) have reached millions of people and had an enormous impact on the body of Christ. Topics discussed include: the lasting impact of Lee Strobel’s book The Case for Christ (2:30); The Case for Christ movie (6:00); Strobel’s transformation from an angry, drunk atheist to a mild-mannered, God-fearing Christian (8:30); how Strobel uses his award-winning journalistic research and writing skills to provide cogent answers for Christianity (11:00); an honest admission from Strobel on facing dark trials in his life and how prayer helped him to empty his ego and bring him closer to God (15:45); remembering that God’s grace is sufficient in all circumstances (20:30); Nabeel Quereshi as an example of how God can use miracles to reach us (21:45); how should we respond when God doesn’t answer our prayers in the midst of suffering? (23:30); making The Case for a Creator (28:30); learning to trust God for provision and purpose in our lives (31:00); Strobel’s existential awakening in the morgue (record room) of The Chicago Tribune (40:00); the state of journalism today (44:30); are universities today censoring the free exchange of ideas? (49:00); the need for discernment in the age of the internet (50:30); the problems with consensus science (53:15); the importance of equipping young people with a solid apologetic for their faith in Christ (55:30); misinformation in the internet age (1:01:15); the importance of apologetics resources like the Christian Research Journal (1:05:20); dealing with unfair criticisms and attacks online (1:06:30); Strobel’s favorite book that he has written (1:13:00); writing The Case for Miracles and a renewed belief in the supernatural (1:15:10); and advice on how to survive a spiritual mismatch in marriage (1:21:15).

It’s becoming increasingly popular to look at the world we live in and relate it to the dystopian society described in Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World. Nancy Pearcey’s new book, Love Thy Body, tackles issues ranging from transgenderism, homosexuality, abortion, sex, the hookup culture, pornography, and more. Every issue discussed by Hank and Nancy on this edition of Hank Unplugged has an effect on your life, and together they discuss how Christians can turn this Brave New World upside down. Topics discussed include: what are the issues that Pearcey felt compelled to address in her book Love Thy Body (0:30); how does Christianity teach us to feel about our body? (3:30); recognizing Christian heritage (6:30); the dangerous implications of the transgender narrative (9:30); the bioethics of abortion and the scary implications for the identity of personhood (11:30); how did Pearcey transition from being an agnostic to a Christian evangelist? (16:30); the issue of origins being the main difference between Christianity and secularism (21:00); the cognitive dissonance of conflicting social movements such as transgender activists and feminists (28:00); modernism, postmodernism, and morals (33:00); the dire implications of abortion on social perceptions of personhood (38:00); the growing coercive power of the state through postmodern perspectives (41:00); why Western civilization should look to the early church for answers to problems we are facing today (46:00); recovering an appreciation for the radical uniqueness of the Christian worldview (53:00); how Christians can turn the Brave New World we are living in upside down (55:00); the dehumanizing effects and implications of the “loyalty oath of modernity” (1:02:00); how the hookup culture devalues sex, whereas the Christian worldview appreciates the beautiful value of sex (1:04:30); pornography and robot sex (1:08:30); pornography as a public health crisis (1:12:00); the need for Christians to understand worldviews to truly be able to love thy neighbor (1:15:30); the value of women in apologetics (1:20:00).

Graham Veale is passionate about providing Christians with a defense against the “sneer pressure” of popular New Atheists such as scientist Richard Dawkins and comedian Ricky Gervais. On this episode of Hank Unplugged, Hank and Graham discuss confronting New Atheism by being equipped with answers to defend the truth of Christianity. Topics discussed include: the three great apologetic issues (0:30); the hostile environment created by New Atheism, “sneer pressure” and the impact atheists such as Ricky Gervais have on the culture (4:30); teaching people to think critically by demonstrating it consistently in the way we live (8:30); New Atheism compared to Old Atheism (11:30); the positive relationship between Christianity and science (15:00); are many churches more concerned with entertaining rather than educating? (24:30); the need for Christians to live an authentic Christian life (30:30); Veale’s testimony and his passion for defending the truth of Christianity (35:30); the danger of thinking of Christianity as transactional rather than transformational (39:30); the Moral Argument for the existence of God (and how Richard Dawkins gets it wrong) (52:00); do most atheists embrace the logical implications of their worldview? (59:00); falsifying Dawkins (1:03:30); the Intelligent Design movement (1:09:30); drawing a correlation between New Atheism and the rise of social media platforms such as Twitter (1:14:00); and the importance of apologetics (1:24:00).

Christianity is growing rapidly in communist China, and this week Hank invites Victor Hou onto the Hank Unplugged podcast to discuss China’s potential to be the largest Christian country in the world and the subsequent global implications. Hou is a management consultant and leadership coach who has worked with large multinational corporations, entrepreneurs, and business owners in the US and Asia for more than twenty-five years. His experiences, coupled with his faith as a Christian, inform his perspectives on trends and events between Asia and the US, providing him with a unique insight into global affairs. Topics discussed include: increasing nationalism in the West, and China’s embrace of globalization (3:00); could China’s One Belt One Road initiative open evangelistic opportunities for Christians globally? (8:30); how important is it for Christians to be aware of global affairs? (11:15); underreported Christian persecution worldwide (14:00); how Christianity often grows through persecution — the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church (17:30); the correlation between discipleship and mentorship by living out the gospel in our lives (20:30); passing the baton of evangelization to Chinese nationals to raise up the church (27:00); the five religions allowed and regulated by the Chinese government and the difference between the Three-Self Church and the house church movement (32:30); the history of China’s Three-Self Church (39:30); Hou’s testimony and conviction to truly live out the gospel (45:30); the openness to the gospel in the Global South and the importance of being equipped to evangelize (53:30); and grasping the power of prayer (59:20).

We are all familiar with the term fake news. It’s time to become familiar with the term “fake science,” or Zombie Science, as Dr. Jonathan Wells calls it. Zombie Science is an extremely popular postempirical science — motivated by materialism. While zombies are make-believe, Zombie Science is real — and it threatens not just science but our whole culture. This Hank Unplugged podcast features a conversation between Hank Hanegraaff and Dr. Jonathan Wells on how to defeat this Zombie Science. Topics discussed include: what is Zombie Science? (3:30); the price to pay for taking stands against the status quo of materialism and Darwinian evolution in the scientific arena (10:30); examining various icons of evolution like Darwin’s tree of life (17:30); why has the war on Intelligent Design become so ferocious? (31:30); the miracle of metamorphosis (36:20); the strong scientific commitment to materialism (41:00); what is the myth of junk DNA? (45:30); the unnecessary idolization of Charles Darwin (49:30); the problem with making DNA the answer to everything (51:30); examples of zombie science (54:00); the threat to religion presented when materialism is masquerading as empirical science (1:04:00).

This Hank Unplugged podcast features a wide-ranging conversation with Fr. Themi Adamopoulo. Fr. Themi is a former atheist, rock star turned missionary priest serving in one of the poorest countries in the world, Sierra Leon. As Fr. Themi puts it in his conversation with Hank, “Fame is empty, but Christianity has no expiration date.” Listen to find out why these two former atheists now share a passion to serve Christ that is unshakeable in this energetic and inspiring conversation. Topics discussed include: the contemporary Saint Nektarios and the pain of Christians being persecuted by fellow Christians (2:30); why Hank has experienced persecution by becoming Orthodox, and do Orthodox Christians need to do a better job of evangelism? (7:00); the false dichotomy between faith and works that the West finds itself stuck with (10:00); Themi’s work against the biggest scandal the world faces today: poverty (15:50); the history of belief regarding the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist/Communion (22:30); the importance of perpetuating Christian traditions, while also adapting for cultural differences (29:10); Themi’s past as a Marxist, atheist rock star in the Australian rock band The Flies and how he eventually converted to Christianity (34:50); the dangers of ego in academia (44:00); the Western tendency to embrace reason at the cost of mystery (46:45); mystical experiences of Christ (50:30); Themi explains from his own experience how fame is empty, but Christianity has no expiration date (54:10); every day thousands of children die in Africa. How do we shift our global priorities to stop this and show that we value human life? (1:04:30); Themi explains the popularity of the prosperity gospel preached in many Pentecostal churches in Africa (1:09:00); why Christians helping the poor is a nonnegotiable (1:12:20); their shared belief that true Christian faith is a transformational journey rather than a mere transactional moment (1:16:30).

This week we are bringing you a special edition of the Hank Unplugged podcast featuring some of our favorite conversations that took place on the podcast in 2017. Whether you’ve heard them all or are just getting started, we assure you that this special edition of the Hank Unplugged podcast will be edifying for everyone. Topics discussed include: Mary Eberstadt discussing a new secularist religion of our time and issues we’re facing due to the sexual revolution (1:00); Joe Dallas discussing the rising acceptance of gender fluidity today (14:50); Frank Beckwith discussing the watershed issue of our time: abortion (29:00); Clay Jones discussing the question of “Why does God allow evil?” (40:25); a conversation with Nathan Jacobs, director of the film Becoming Truly Human (56:10); Chris Wilde discussing the crucial conversation between Hank and their mutual friend Elijah that eventually led to CRI adapting the moniker of the ministry from Because Truth Matters to Because Life and Truth Matter (1:14:00); Donald Fairbairn discussing his book Life in the Trinity and how we as Christians can find true union with God (1:21:00).

This week, Hank is joined on the Hank Unplugged podcast by one of his absolute best friends, Jack Countryman, and his wife, Marsha Countryman. Jack is a bestselling author that has had an enormous impact in the world of publishing. The two joined Hank on the podcast to discuss the importance of practicing disciplines and the lost art of marriage. If you’ve ever wondered what the key is to living a successful marriage in Christ, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Topics discussed include: the concept of retirement from Jack’s perspective and how it drives his desire to bring God’s Word to the world (4:30); both men discuss their work in the publishing industry (10:00); the importance of routines and disciplines in life (13:00); the lost art of marriage and building intimacy through investment (16:30); the importance of looking forward as the key to longevity in life (24:30); seeing differences as strengths to build on in a relationship (27:30); Jack’s famous bear story (31:00); discussing Jack’s ministry “In His Grip” and some parallels between principles of golf and Christianity (35:00); prayer as an essential part in finding God’s purpose in our lives (38:30); how Jack’s relationship with his wife has impacted his life and helped him to influence others (45:00); Marsha explains how the Lord brought the two of them together (48:00); the value of handwritten notes in a technological age (54:30); and sharing some of their secrets to a successful marriage (56:30).

This week, Hank is joined on Hank Unplugged by Dr. Bradley Nassif. Dr. Nassif is one of the preeminent academic experts on Orthodox-Evangelical dialogue and a strong advocate of a “unity in diversity” approach to the Christian faith. This conversation aims to clarify many misconceptions between branches of Christianity and how we might better apply our call from Christ to the Father in His high priestly prayer that we may all be as one. Topics discussed include: is there any hope for better engagement between evangelicals and Orthodox Christians? (5:30); the orthodox beliefs shared between Eastern Orthodox Christians and evangelical Christians (8:00); the increasing dialogue between evangelicals and Eastern Orthodox Christians (14:30); exploring different perspectives on the Atonement and Incarnation (20:30); underdeveloped theology regarding icons and the connection between Christ’s incarnation and the basis for icons (24:30); the challenges for people who are unfamiliar with aspects of the Eastern Orthodox worship experience (29:00); the symbolic architectural significance of various church buildings and their arrangements (33:00); what do candles and incense in Orthodox churches represent? (40:00); why do so many insist on pitting Holy Tradition against Sola Scriptura? (45:00); the baptismal process and the importance of keeping the gospel clear and compelling for every generation (53:00); the opportunity for internal renewal within Orthodoxy as well as to explain to the world what Orthodox beliefs truly are (58:00); the transcendent importance of the seven Ecumenical Councils (1:09:00); remembering John 17 as we strive for unity in diversity amongst Christians (1:13:00); Sola Fide and the false dichotomy of faith and works (1:15:00).

This week, Hank is joined on Hank Unplugged by Dr. Richard Poupard. Poupard is a board certified surgeon with an MA in apologetics, which gives him a unique perspective in examining the ethics of scientifically related issues. Whether he is questioning the compatibility of marijuana, birth control, or cloning with a Christian worldview, the driving force of Poupard’s work is examining whether or not we value one another as human beings made in the image of God. Per usual, this is a wide-ranging and insightful conversation that you won’t want to miss. Topics discussed include: The ethics of modern board games (2:30); The importance of being an open-minded, life-long learner (5:00); How Rich, a medical doctor, developed a passion for apologetics and discovered the need for mystery to accompany logic (7:00); Avoiding the pitfall of pride and merely winning arguments while practicing good apologetics (12:00); How Christians should view the rising acceptance of marijuana (14:00); The difference between having a glass of wine and smoking weed (19:30); The changing views about fertility and is birth control Biblical? (21:30); The ghastly consequences of experimentation on embryos and the time that Hank held a frozen embryo named Elise (31:00); Christians using In Vitro fertilization (35:00); Is human cloning compatible with Christianity? (36:30); The problem with using the term sexual purity (38:00); Challenging our notions of lust, modesty and objectification of women (44:30); Harvey Weinstein as an opportunity to reexamine the accepted ways that we often view women (47:30); End of life issues and the slippery slope of euthanasia (54:00); The ethics of plastic surgery (58:00); How suffering can bring us closer to Christ (1:01:30); The importance of being equipped to use apologetics as an ambassador of Christ (1:05:00); The question that drives all of Poupard’s work: “Do we value human beings as made in the image of God?” (1:08:00).

This week Hank is joined on Hank Unplugged by Benjamin Wiker, a distinguished professor and author. The last time Hank had Dr. Wiker on the Hank Unplugged podcast he re-discovered an appreciation for the book 10 Books that Screwed Up the World. Today Dr. Wiker came back onto the podcast to discuss some of the dangerous ideas disseminated through these books, how they are influencing our world and what we as Christians can do about it! Topics discussed include: An opening discussion on some of the books that have screwed up the world (1:30); The realities of a reductionist, materialist culture (5:30); Why Wiker wrote 10 Books that Screwed Up the World (10:00); Rousseau as an example of how ideas have consequences (14:00); Do we need a fuller understanding of the Reformation as a whole? (19:00); The need for unity between the branches of Christianity, rather than continued division (24:30); Eugenics advocate and founder of Planned Parenthood, Margaret Sanger, and the impact of her book The Pivot of Civilization (29:00); The racism in Darwin’s ideas that often gets overlooked (39:00); The impact of the materialistic works of Descartes, Hobbes and Nietzsche (46:30); The need for historical literacy and better Christian education (52:00); How the culture wars might lead the branches of Christianity to exercise God’s grace to cooperate despite differences on secondary theological issues (57:00); Addressing the idea of faith and works through the words of the Apostles James and Paul (1:01:00); The need to dissect the awful ideas of atheists like Richard Dawkins and answer them with well-reasoned responses (1:10:30).

This week Hank is joined on Hank Unplugged by his daughter Christina to talk about Christmas traditions and the inspiration for writing The Heart of Christmas. The Hank Unplugged podcast takes you out of the studio and into the study; however, this edition takes you into the Hanegraaff home for an even more personal discussion on the importance of the Incarnation and preparing our hearts for the Christmas season. Topics discussed include: the importance of Christians preparing their hearts to celebrate Christmas (1:00); the unique significance of the Incarnation (3:00); clarifying issues surrounding the Atonement (8:00); how the Incarnation reveals our hope of Resurrection (10:30); how Hank’s parents' practice of daily devotionals inspired him with an appreciation for studying Scripture (19:00); the importance of preparing ourselves to celebrate Christ and how traditions can impact that preparation (23:00); remembering Christmas as a time not to receive but to give with a grateful heart to meet the needs of others (26:30); a shared memory of ministering to the poor and the downtrodden with humility and respect for what they can teach us (32:00); exploring what it really means that we are made in the image of God (38:30); Hank discusses the significance of his favorite hymn, When Peace, Like a River (48:00).

This week, Hank is joined on Hank Unplugged by Dr. Nathan Jacobs, writer and director of Becoming Truly Human, a documentary that looks at the rise of the "nones" (those with no religious affiliation). The film offers seven cinematic portraits of “nones” alongside the story of today’s guest Dr. Jacobs, whose path goes from unbelief to belief in Christianity, in order to reframe the nones as people defined not by unaffiliation but by a search for something deeper than the religion of their youth. As usual on Hank Unplugged, their conversation is wide ranging, full of depth, and one that you will not want to miss. Topics discussed include: examining the rise of “nones," a term in the documentary Becoming Truly Human used for people with no religious affiliation (1:00); the history behind the title of the documentary Becoming Truly Human (3:00); the importance of learning from the early church fathers (6:00); is it necessary to pit scripture and tradition against one another? (10:00); clearing up the confusion surrounding the false dichotomy between faith and works (16:30); the judicial tendencies and terminologies often present in Western theology (33:30); what the Incarnation truly offers to us (42:00); exploring the concept of deification (44:00); what Dr. Jacobs found in studying the concept of resurrection in several religions and how it’s unique in Christianity (51:00); using the texts of the early church fathers and the longstanding church tradition to better understand Scripture and enhance our Christian faith (55:00); what it means to become truly human (1:01:00); what it was that Dr. Jacobs discovered many of the Millennial “nones” were searching for (1:10:00); the story of Dr. Jacobs's adopted son and the parable of the sheep and the goats (1:16:30); how both Hank's and Nathan’s personal battles with cancer have provided them perspective and brought them closer to God (1:23:00); where people can see the documentary Becoming Truly Human (1:32:00).

This week, Hank is joined on Hank Unplugged by Dr. Donald Fairbairn, professor of Early Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, the academic dean of the Charlotte campus and author or translator of seven books. His book Life in the Trinity has had a great impact on Hank, and Hank has no doubt that everyone will take something valuable away from their conversation this week. Topics discussed include: the relationship between the Father and the Son as explained in Fairbairn’s book Life in the Trinity (2:00); how the evangelical Fairbairn’s travels around the world correlate to his interest and study of Eastern Orthodoxy (3:30); deification and Theosis as foreign concepts for many in the West (9:00); the ways Dr. Fairbairn believes his work in ministry has grown directly from his deafness (11:00); the fundamental relationship involved in salvation and how the focus can all too often be on the means to salvation as opposed to the meaning of it (15:00); the role that doctrines play in the Christian faith (18:00); the danger of making the Christian faith transactional in nature as opposed to transformational (24:00); the importance of the early church fathers (26:30); the Trinity, Incarnation, and Eucharist as concepts that we can apprehend, not comprehend (30:30); the problem when academic arrogance creeps into theology (34:00); what happens to society when we place humanity, rather than God, at the top of the order (36:30); the Lord’s high priestly prayer exemplifying the relationship between Father and Son in the Trinity (43:00); how Fairbairn used Star Wars to explain the premise of his book Life in the Trinity for the Christian Research Journal (47:30); is it possible to achieve unity throughout the branches of the “family tree” of the Christian faith? (51:30); ecclesia and the importance of being part of a church body (54:00); unpacking the idea of deification (57:30); and what drives Dr. Fairbairn to make a difference every day (1:02:30).

This week, Hank is joined on Hank Unplugged by veteran journalist Mindy Belz, senior editor of WORLD magazine and the author of the book They Say We Are Infidels. Belz is a journalist who has risked her life to go behind enemy lines, and her unique perspective on global issues from an informed, Christian perspective is invaluable to us all. Topics discussed include: Belz's unique role as a female journalist going behind enemy lines in dangerous Islamic countries (2:30); Belz's perspective on how the Trump administration is handling the inevitable crisis with North Korea (6:00); the courage that the gospel provides us to feel peace in the face of danger (14:00); bias concerning perception of Christian persecution as opposed to Islamic protectionism (18:00); wearing the “noon” symbol used to represent Nazarene as a statement of solidarity with Christians persecuted in the Middle East (25:00); what Belz learned from worshiping with Eastern Christians in Iraq (29:30); when the United States should help police the world and how it would be most effective (34:30); can Sharia law and democracy coexist? (40:00); the vacuum secularism is leaving in the West and how Islam is prepared to fill it (48:00); how increased diversity can revitalize the Christian church (51:30); the gospel as the source of Mindy’s optimism (56:00); the three-pronged fork in the road of apostasy, apathy, and radicalization that Nabeel Qureshi faced as a Muslim and the example he became as he found the power of Christ (59:30).

This week, Hank is joined on Hank Unplugged for the second time by Middle East expert Raymond Ibrahim to continue their discussion on the importance of being educated about the truth of Islam. There is no doubt that we are in a clash of civilizations and it’s vital for Christians to know the truth about the world’s fastest-growing religion. Topics discussed include: is ISIS merely a sign of Islamic history repeating itself? (1:30); a priori conclusions about Islam based on wishful thinking (11:00); the current condition of the Islamic State (17:00); how the Protestant Reformation helped Islam grow in size and perception (24:00); how the academic issue of publish-or-perish propagates false history of Islam (31:00); the reason that liberals tend to embrace Islam and oppose Christianity (36:00); the unwavering continuity of Islam (40:30); the West self-destructing from within (51:00); the issue of U.S. ally Saudi Arabia practicing the ISIS version of literal Islam (53:30); the irony of calls for Islamic reformation (57:00); why focusing on ISIS alone is missing the real problem (1:02:30); will terrorist attacks continue to escalate? (1:05:00); the hypocrisy of politicians like Hillary Clinton consistently supporting Saudi Arabia (1:08:30); the robust Christian message necessary for migrant Muslims to find Christ (1:16:30); the tribal nature of Islamic culture (1:21:00); the mass genocide of Christians in the East depicted in Ibrahim’s book Crucified Again (1:25:00).

This week, Hank is joined on Hank Unplugged by Andreas Knapp, author of The Last Christians: Stories of Persecution, Flight and Resilience in the Middle East. Andreas Knapp left a position as head of Freiburg Seminary to live and work among the poor as a member of the Little Brothers of the Gospel and ministers to prisoners and refugees. His latest book, The Last Christians, recounts the stories of refugees in his neighborhood and of displaced people in camps in Kurdistan, northern Iraq. This is a powerful conversation that you won’t want to miss. Topics discussed include: Knapp explains what the Little Brothers of the Gospel society is (3:00); why Knapp left his post as the head of a seminary to live on the margins of society amongst the poor (5:30); Germany’s transition away from Christianity and the need for Christians to stop fighting one another and to unite around the essentials (11:00); how Western Christianity often neglects to understand Eastern Christianity (16:30); the strength of witness when we live our lives like Christ (20:00); the Christian refugees in Germany that inspired Knapp and brought him to the Middle East (26:30); why Knapp titled his book The Last Christians (30:30); the political roots of Islam preclude true democratic development in Islamic countries (35:00); the danger of placing ideology above common humanity (45:30); the use of the fourteenth letter of the Arabic alphabet as a sign of solidarity with Christians suffering persecution (49:00); the problem of Islamic migration without assimilation in the West (51:00); the two competing movements in Turkey today (57:30); the difference between martyrdom in Christianity and Islam (1:01:00); why Knapp wrote The Last Christians (1:05:00).

This week, Hank is joined on Hank Unplugged by Mary Eberstadt, author of It's Dangerous to Believe: Religious Freedom and Its Enemies. Her writing has appeared in TIME, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, National Review, First Things, and The Weekly Standard, and in March 2017, she was named Senior Research Fellow at the Faith and Reason Institute. They discuss the secularist religion birthed by the Sexual Revolution and how it helped yesterday’s sinners become today’s secular saints. Topics discussed include: the secularist religion birthed by the Sexual Revolution (3:00); Christians being labeled as bigots and a damaging decrease of dialogue in society (9:30); the social experiments of the Sexual Revolution (13:00); what inspired Mary to do the work she is doing? (16:00); the new hypereugenics movement and Margaret Sanger as a secular saint (20:30); the growing ideological incoherence of many who claim to be Christians (30:00); the anti-Islamophobia motion in Canada and their censorship of Hank with the release of MUSLIM: What You Need to Know About the World’s Fastest-Growing Religion (34:00); the demographic crisis in Europe (40:00); the need for Christians to pursue excellence in word and thought in the public arena (46:30); dhimmitude and the death of religious liberty in America (48:30); the Nazarene pin and the Scarlet letter that being a Christian has become in society (52:00); how the Sexual Revolution helped yesterday’s sinners become today’s secular saints (55:00); Mary’s wake-up call to the West (1:01:30).

This week, Hank is joined on Hank Unplugged by the executive director of Levant Ministries, Fares Abraham, to discuss the great opportunity for ministry in the fertile soil of the Levant. Hank has traveled to Bethlehem and spent time with Fares and his family in their homeland of Palestine, and this conversation conveys how the love of Christ can provide strength in the face of intense persecution. Topics discussed include: being a Christian in Palestine today (2:00); The Apocalypse Code and its impact on the Middle East (9:30); the vision of NEXTGEN conferences to use Millennials to impact the Middle East (14:00); the power of the gospel to impact the Levant and Western Civilization (23:00); are all Muslims terrorists? (27:00); distinguishing between Muslims as people and Islam as a religion (30:00); the serious responsibility of Christians to act like Christ (33:00); the gospel in the Levant (38:00); the prejudice of many church pastors against Palestinians (42:00); the importance of sound theology in understanding issues in the Middle East (48:00); Fares says a prayer for the Levant and the body of Christ (59:30).

This week, Hank is joined on Hank Unplugged by Robert Spencer, director of Jihad Watch and the author of New York Times bestsellers The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam (and the Crusades) and The Truth About Muhammad. He also wrote the foreword to Hank’s new book MUSLIM: What You Need to Know About the World’s Fastest-Growing Religion. Author of seventeen books and counting, Spencer is one of the foremost experts on Islam, and this conversation covers the many ways that Islam is putting our world in peril. Topics discussed include: the work of Jihad Watch (1:00); the danger of Islamic immigration without assimilation (2:00); the double standard of Islamic blasphemy laws (6:00); the largely defensive nature of the Crusades to counter Islamic aggression (7:30); why Robert has dedicated his life to revealing dangerous truth about Islam (11:30); the denial of free speech when it comes to Islam (17:30); the unlikely alliance between the liberal left and Islam in the West (20:30); Confessions of an Islamophobe (23:00); Robert Spencer’s ban from entering the UK for talking about Islam (30:00); what PayPal’s ban of Jihad Watch says about free society (36:00); Robert Spencer being poisoned in Iceland (43:00); the truth about the group CAIR (53:00); the distinction between Jesus Christ and Muhammad (56:00); what faith will replace Marxism in China? (55:00); the distinction between Jesus Christ and Muhammad (56:00); Saudi Arabia and the spread of Wahhabism (1:08:00).

This week, Hank is joined on Hank Unplugged by author, social critic, and longtime friend Os Guinness. Hank has a deep respect for the intellect of Os, and this conversation does little to dissuade the listener of his enormous impact on Christian thinkers. Together they weave through many issues facing the West today while talking about how we should live in a dangerous post-truth world.Topics discussed include: Os explains how a Western culture that continues to cut our Christian roots leaves us with a “cut flower society” (5:30); fear is the predominant global emotion, but Os is optimistic because the gospel says to “have no fear” (9:00); the problem of Christians not thinking and living Christianly (11:30); the danger of a post-truth America spelling the end of freedom (19:30); issues of Christophobia and the importance of not having a victim mentality (23:30); the importance of standing for truth for an audience of One before the Lord (29:00); the unlikely alliance between the liberal left and Islam in the West (39:30); how to respond to the ABC moment we are living in [Anything But Christianity] (48:30); the need for Christians to start thinking and develop a Christian mind (53:00); what faith will replace Marxism in China? (55:00).

This week, Hank is joined on Hank Unplugged by Clay Jones, associate professor of Christian Apologetics at Biola University and one of the pre-eminent scholars on the issue of theodicy, answering why God permits evil. This conversation is an exploration into why God allows sin and suffering. 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).

This week Hank is joined on Hank Unplugged by Dr. Benjamin Wiker, a distinguished professor and author of many books. This conversation runs the intellectual gamut as they discuss issues facing our world today such as Islamic persecution of Christians, building our economies around vices, and the need for a deeper discussion on global warming. Topics discussed include: Muslim Persecution of Christians in the Middle East (4:00); Islam, The Reformation and a call for Mere Christianity (8:00); In Defense of Nature--Environmental and Ethical Ecological Systems (15:30); Recycling as a distraction from our consumerist behavior (27:00); The danger of building economies around our vices (35:00); Correlating the empire of waste with the 7 deadly sins (41:00); The addiction driven by hyperpalatability in food, pornography and technology (44:00); Misleading food labels revealing the importance of a local economy (56:00); The need for wider, deeper talk about global warming (1:06:00); Wiker’s Book 10 Books that Screwed Up The World revealing how ideas have consequences (1:14:30); Do we live in a meaningful world?(1:18:30).

This week, Hank is joined on Hank Unplugged by Carl Amari, producer of the award-winning “Word of Promise” audio Bible. Find out how Carl has produced audio versions of the Bible that enable us to hear and understand the Bible like never before in human history. Topics discussed include: the origins of Carl’s interest in classic dramatic radio (5:00); the future of terrestrial radio (11:00); presenting the Bible with A-list actors performing the audio to create a theater for the mind (13:00); the “street cred” Hollywood actors feel when working on a project related to the Bible (18:00); using the Apocrypha to better understand the Bible (24:00); the importance of having different biblical translations (26:00); the usefulness of having a theologian to provide actors with biblical context when recording the Bible (31:00); the evolution of production and consumption in media today (38:30); the free page Carl made for followers of CRI to stream the Word of Promise version of the Gospel of Mark [http://www.wordofgodcri.com] (42:00); will movie theaters soon disappear? (48:00); could audio Bibles help solve problems of biblical illiteracy in the world today? (51:00).

This week, Hank is joined on Hank Unplugged by New York Times best-selling author Jay Richards. Jay is a true Renaissance man academically, and their conversation exemplifies that as they touch on a wide range of topics such as global warming, gender identity, consensus science, economics, the Eucharist, and much more. Topics discussed include: the right questions to ask about global warming (2:30); does Al Gore really believe his own rhetoric? (9:30); illiberal liberalism on college campuses and the culture at large (12:00); the gender identity movement’s war on natural law’s of science (17:30); the consequences of going against the cultural narrative as shown by astrophysicist and Intelligent Design advocate Guillermo Gonzalez (23:30); our Earth as “The Privileged Planet” (27:00); taking materialist claims to their logical conclusion (31:00); how to think about celebrity scientists like Bill Nye and Neil Degrasse Tyson (38:00); consensus science or group think? (40:00); Millennial views on capitalism and socialism (44:00); Jay’s book on “The Vision of Freedom That Tolkien Got and the West Forgot” called The Hobbit Party (52:30); the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist; and the importance of having an eternal perspective (57:00).

This week, Hank is joined on Hank Unplugged by John Stonestreet, president of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview and cohost of the radio show BreakPoint. This is a truly wide-ranging conversation on the major cultural issues of today and how Christians should handle these uniquely modern issues outlined in Stonestreet’s new book A Practical Guide to Culture: Helping the Next Generation Navigate Today’s World. Topics discussed include: Chuck Colson as a mentor to both (1:30); the false dichotomy of sacred and secular and the pandemic of churches conforming to the culture (9:00); the importance of authority in the church in accordance with Scripture and the ties to church history (17:00); the distinction between cultural waves and undercurrents outlined in Stonestreet’s book A Practical Guide to Culture (23:30); the problem of perpetual adolescence and a culture that craves staying young forever (30:00); how information has replaced knowledge in our age, the shifting importance of right from wrong to whether we’re nice or mean, and discernment as an antidote (37:00); the transactional nature some churches have taken on as opposed to being transformational (43:30); the influence of materialists like Richard Dawkins on culture and the loss of what it means to be humans made in the Imago Dei (51:30); gender fluidity in contrast to biological reality (56:30); influencing the culture rather than the culture changing us (1:01:00).

This week Hank is joined on Hank Unplugged by one of his closest friends and brothers in Christ, Chris Wilde. Hank and Chris became friends as a result of the providential meeting between the local church and the Christian Research Institute that resulted in an extensive primary research project that resulted in the CRI Journal titled “We Were Wrong.” Years of research led CRI to amend their position on the local church from one of condemnation to one of commendation, as the group has played a significant role in the transformation of Hank’s personal life in addition to the moniker of the ministry. This is an emotional episode of Hank Unplugged that you cannot miss. Topics discussed include: The unlikely origins of their friendship as a result of investigating the Lord’s recovery (4:30); The providential meeting between the local churches and the Christian Research Institute and the primary research project that ensued (8:30); The revolutionary impact the Lord’s recovery has had on Hank personally as well as the ministry of CRI (18:30); Brief history of Watchman Nee, Witness Lee and their ministries in China and beyond (21:00); A seminal moment in Hank’s life that caused the moniker of CRI to change to “Because life and truth matter” (26:30); A moving story of the meeting between Gretchen Passantino and a Christian Chinese man who suffered immense persecution as a result of her writings for CRI in the 70’s (33:00); The significance of the local church edition of the CRI Journal entitled We Were Wrong (42:00); The continued damage that misinformation does to the Local Church (53:00); Chris’s transformational testimony (59:30); The immense value of the Local Church to the body of Christ (1:07:00).

This week, Hank is joined on Hank Unplugged by Paul Nelson, a PHD in philosophy and a leader in the Intelligent Design movement. At one point in history, it would have been difficult to believe that the mighty Soviet Union would fall, but it did, and Dr. Paul Nelson believes that there are major cracks in the edifice of evolution and that Darwinism is ready for a fall of its own. Topics discussed include: whether or not Darwin would have been able to propose his theory as it were today (5:00); the persuasive effect of presenting arguments with a spirit of love and respect (12:00); the unscientific baggage that advocates of evolution bring to the table as a “theory about us” (17:00); the unhappy consequence of celebrity culture seeping into the sciences with “celebrity scientists” like Bill Nye and Neil Degrasse Tyson creating cultural consensus (26:00); the expectation of radical shifts on critical Darwinian concepts such as common descent in the next decade (31:00); the courage of Michael Behe and others who challenge the scientific status quo (39:00); comparing the collapse of the Soviet Union with the eventual collapse of the evolutionary edifice (47:00); the key to earning the right to dissent is becoming the best student of the prevailing view (57:00).

This week, Hank is joined on Hank Unplugged by Michael Behe, a distinguished biochemist and the subject of a new documentary called Revolutionary: Michael Behe and the Mystery of Molecular Machines. Listen in as they discuss Behe's trailblazing insights into irreducible complexity, the compatibility of faith and science, pitfalls of scientific consensus, the status of the Intelligent Design movement, and much more. Topics discussed include: how Behe’s doubts of Darwin’s theories caused him to write the book Darwin’s Black Box as an alternative explanation and the uproar that ensued (7:00); the use of a mousetrap to explain the idea of irreducible complexity as an indicator of Intelligent Design (13:00); how scientific discoveries and progress will eventually explain away Darwin’s grandest claims (20:00); the difficult road for those in the scientific community who advocate for Intelligent Design (28:00); explaining the molecular machine that is the bacterial flagellum as an indicator of complexity calling for Intelligent Design (33:00); the true compatibility of faith and science (37:30); the unscientific hypocrisy of untouchable topics, biases, and stakeholder interests in the sciences (42:00); signs of prejudicial judiciary in the Kitzmiller v. Dover trial (50:00); the anti-intellectual nature of ignoring alternative explanations and the pitfalls of scientific consensus as a stand-in for truth (56:00); the power of one person to make a change by challenging the status quo and taking a stand (1:03:00).

Hank is joined on Hank Unplugged by the eminently quotable Larry Johnston, a friend and colleague of nearly 40 years, for a wide-ranging conversation certain to send you searching for a dictionary. You can’t miss this cranial candy dealing with Christ, conversion experiences and conversation. Topics discussed include: An understanding of their ages and their desire to make the biggest impact for ministry while yet on the planet (6:00); Their interwoven journey’s in ministry over the past 40 years (12:00); The battle for the mind in an age when evidence is seemingly trumped by authority (19:30); Apologetics as antidote to the atheistic ambush in educational institutions today (28:00); The false conflictions concerning science and religion (34:00); Larry’s testimony as a “Road to Damascus” soteriological experience (39:00); Observations of the obvious effects of uncreated energy on the rewiring of cerebral circuits and the soul (47:00); Apprehensive allowance for faithful mysteries to remain mysterious (59:00); Why the Christian Research Institute changed their moniker to “because life and truth matter” to embrace the necessity of balance (1:03:00); Their passion for podcasts as a vehicle to think deeper and reignite the art of dialogue (1:08:00).

This week, Hank is joined on Hank Unplugged by Middle East expert Raymond Ibrahim to discuss the stark reality of Islamic issues faced by the world today in context with historical analysis, not the least of them being the Muslim genocide and persecution of Christians. Topics discussed include: the West actively undermining itself and the reality of Islam (6:00); the aberration of labeling Islam as one of the Abrahamic faiths (10:00); the difference between Mohammed and Christ (13:30); is the Allah of Islam the God of the Bible? (19:30); Muslim mob mentality and the convenience of conversion in many Islamic theocracies (27:00); setting the historical record straight on the difference between jihad and the crusades (30:30); exposing the myth of the Andalusian Paradise (37:00); the reality that radical Islam is run-of-the-mill Islam (42:00); hypocrisy in the United States in dealing with Saudi Arabia and ISIS (53:00); the danger of lumping all Muslims together with the ideology of Islam (59:00); the mass genocide and persecution of Christians in the world today done in the name of Islam (1:07:00); Islamic tyranny toward women (1:17:00); the oxymoronic nature of the term “secular Muslim” (1:20:00); the decline of a Western civilization devoid of Christ (1:26:00); and the danger of taking a controversial stand for truth (1:28:00).

This week, Joe Dallas, a hall-of-fame guest on the Bible Answer Man broadcast, joins Hank Hanegraaff on Hank Unplugged to discuss Christian perspectives on human sexuality and how to convey the heart of God while speaking the truth in love. Topics discussed include: Joe’s transition into and out of a gay lifestyle (8:00); the issue of gender fluidity and the fallacy of feelings as a legitimate basis for individuals to “speak things into existence” (21:00); cultural capitulation in the church (35:00); the impending sexual Tower of Babel that gender fluidity represents and the social confusion it causes (44:00); how to handle difficult questions about homosexuality and God’s will (49:00); the importance of Christians standing up for their convictions in the face of persecution (52:00); and ways Christians can reach, as opposed to repel, when it comes to issues of human sexuality (59:00).

Dr. Frank Beckwith joins Hank on Hank Unplugged to discuss their shared history as prominent evangelical Protestants who’ve converted to different historical traditions within the Christian faith and their desire for greater church unity, while also demonstrating the importance of apologetics and discourse. Topics discussed include: how advances in technology further cement their belief that the watershed issue of our age is still abortion (5:00); nostalgic memories of late-night theological discussions with Bob and Gretchen Passantino and the importance of open-minded discourse in apologetics (14:30); the value of being a lifelong learner, its impact on Hank’s conversion to Orthodoxy and Frank’s return to Roman Catholicism, and both men’s belief in the importance of embracing Mere Christianity (20:00); misconceptions of Catholicism, the importance of unity between the branches of Christianity (31:00); misunderstandings regarding works-righteousness sanctification, grace, and the transformational truth of the gospel (40:30); their controversial conversions and the impact of encouraging notes between Hank and Frank themselves (50:30); The Benedict Option and the need for Christians to be an example to the culture, not of the culture (1:04:00); the importance of having an eternal perspective and developing spiritual disciplines (1:09:00); John Paul II said the church has two lungs, and it needs to breathe with both, referring to the church in the East and the West, and both men end the podcast by making a call for church unity (1:15:00).

In this second episode of Hank Unplugged, Hank invites “the most interesting man in the world,” Rod Dreher, onto the podcast to discuss his book The Benedict Option. Topics discussed include: who Benedict was and how he laid the groundwork for the rebirth of Western Civilization after the fall of Rome (3:40); Christians that are indistinguishable from the culture (6:40); their conversions to Orthodoxy, difficulties that they faced as a result, and how it helped shape them spiritually (8:30); the importance of a community of believers as opposed to consumeristic Christianity (17:30); historical illiteracy regarding the first 1,500 years of church history and why that is dangerous (21:20); the changing nature of anthropology and the Abolition of Man (26:30); the delusional idea that politics will change the culture and how losing political power might be the very thing that saves the church (30:15); millennials leaving the church and a possible trend toward liturgical worship (40:45); and The Benedict Option as a primer on how to find God in the ruins of Rome (50:30).

Hank Hanegraaff, host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast and president of the Christian Research Institute, makes his debut into podcasting with the first episode of Hank Unplugged by inviting his close friend and best-selling author Frederica Mathewes-Green onto the podcast to discuss Hank's transition into Eastern Orthodoxy, being diagnosed with cancer, and the way that those two situations have impacted one another. Topics discussed include the difference Orthodoxy has made for Hank after being diagnosed with cancer and reordering his life around the divine (11:00); the history of the church, schisms, and the high priestly prayer that we all must be as one (14:00); community memory as a source of Church authority and the perpetuation of Holy tradition in addition to “being biblical” (22:30); the “spiritual gymnasium” found in the Orthodox Church (37:30); the tension Hank feels between wanting the Lord to heal him and wanting the Lord to prune him for His glory as a witness (40:30); the idea of intercession of the community of the saints through prayer and the idea that there are no dead Christians (46:30); and how Hank has staked his whole career and ministry on his belief in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist (52:30).