Hank Unplugged: Essential Christian Conversations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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