Hank Unplugged: Essential Christian Conversations

The Christian Research Institute
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Mar 26, 2024 • 2h 1min

How Secular Humanism Displaced Christianity in Modern Culture

“Before there was a West, there was Christendom.” Fr. John Strickland has written a monumental four-part history of Christendom—from the first millennium of Christendom which he deems “the age of paradise” to our current cultural condition which he labels “the age of nihilism.” telling the story of how both came to be.On this episode Fr. John Strickland joins Hank to discuss his book The Age of Utopia: Christendom from the Renaissance to the Russian Revolution, which covers the period between the Italian Renaissance of the fourteenth century and the Russian Revolution of the twentieth, when secular humanism displaced Christianity to become the source of modern culture. The result was some of the most illustrious music, science, philosophy, and literature ever produced. But the cultural reorientation from paradise to utopia―from an experience of the kingdom of heaven to one bound exclusively by this world―all but eradicated the traditional culture of the West, leaving it at the beginning of the twentieth century without roots in anything transcendent.Topics discussed include: Petrarch, the father of humanism, and how the rise of pessimism in Christianity led to the rise of secular humanism (3:30); how anthropological pessimism shaped and influenced Western culture and civilization (15:00); how the wars of Western Christianity—such as the Crusades—helped advance secular humanism (21:00); the radical separation of heaven and earth in Calvin’s sacramental and liturgical theology (26:35); the rise of science as a replacement for religion and a rationalistic explanation for everything (35:00); distinguishing between science and scientism (41:05); Voltaire and the impact of the Thirty Years’ War (44:05); the cult of reason that has replaced God and altered the historical narrative of the world (49:10); the role of the Encyclopedia on the growth of secular humanism (53:30); the unique nature of the French Revolution (58:30); the rise of Romanticism as a response to the loss of transcendence in the world (1:03:00); the dangerous ideals of the Darwinian revolution (1:12:15); the rise of scientism (1:22:00); how liberal Protestantism is shaped by secular humanism (1:26:05); Marx, Marxism and the idea of inevitability whereby violence becomes the engine of progress (1:29:40); how World War I exposed the myth of progress (1:41:00); the secular path to utopia ultimately leads to dystopia (1:49:30); the age of nihilism—an age in which virtually anything is possible (1:56:00).For more information on receiving The Age of Paradise, The Age of Division, The Age of Utopia, and the Age of Nihilism individually, as a package of two or three or the full 4 Volume set for your partnering gift please click here. https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resource-the-age-of-paradise-the-age-of-division-the-age-of-utopia-the-age-of-nihilism-4-volumes-on-ages-of-christendom-hup/​Listen to Hank’s podcast and follow Hank off the grid where he is joined by some of the brightest minds discussing topics you care about. Get equipped to be a cultural change agent.Archived episodes are  on our Website and available at the additional channels listed below.You can help spread the word about Hank Unplugged by giving us a rating and review from the other channels we are listed on.
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Feb 27, 2024 • 1h 41min

Age of Division—Great Schism to Protestant Reformation

Before there was a West, there was Christendom.” Fr. John Strickland has written a monumental four-part history of Christendom—from the first millennium of Christendom which he deems “the age of paradise” to our current cultural condition which he labels “the age of nihilism.” telling the story of how both came to be.Fr. John Strickland joins Hank to discuss his book The Age of Division: Christendom from the Great Schism to the Protestant Reformation, which provides an overview of the break in unity that occurred within Christendom after the Great Schism to the continued fracturing that occurred through the Protestant Reformation.If you have ever wondered exactly how we got from the Christian society of the early centuries, united in its faithfulness to apostolic tradition, to the fragmented and secular state of the West today, this episode on The Age of Division is an absolute must listen—tracing the decline and disintegration of both East and West after the momentous but often neglected Great Schism. For five centuries, a divided Christendom was led further and further from the culture of paradise that defined its first millennium, resulting in the Protestant Reformation and the secularization that defines our society today.For more information on receiving The Age of Paradise, The Age of Division, The Age of Utopia, and the Age of Nihilism individually, as a package of two or three or the full 4 Volume set for your partnering gift please click here. 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.
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Feb 6, 2024 • 1h 46min

The First Thousand Years: Christendom from Pentecost to the First Millennium

Fr. John Strickland, author of The Age of Paradise, discusses the first thousand years of Christendom. He explores the early Church's "culture of paradise," the impact of the Church's rapid expansion, and the contrasting views of Augustine and Eusebius on Christian statecraft. Additionally, he delves into the iconoclastic reformation, differences between Eastern and Western Christianity, and the importance of historical roots for addressing contemporary issues.
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Jan 4, 2024 • 1h 44min

Does Church History Matter? The Rise and Fall of What the West Once Was

In this podcast, Fr. John Strickland discusses the importance of church history and its relevance in our current cultural decline. He explores the impact of secular ideologies, the distinction between culture and civilization, and the significance of liturgical life. The chapters cover topics such as the Great Schism, the papal reformation, and the attempt to reach utopia without God. The speaker challenges the notion of the dark ages and emphasizes the power of historical understanding to transform the world.
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Dec 21, 2023 • 2h 7min

Incarnation: The Ultimate Self-Revelation of God

As we celebrate the Christmas season, we encourage you to contemplate the meaning and the magnitude of the Incarnation—the climax of divine revelation: God with us! The very thought that the one who spoke and galaxies leapt into existence should cloak Himself in human flesh is unthinkable. To imagine that the one who knit me together in my mother’s womb would Himself inhabit Mary’s womb boggles the mind. Yet this is precisely what Christianity proclaims—a Creator beyond comprehension who has revealed Himself in Incarnation. In taking on human flesh, God gives us more than the clearest image of who He is. He gives us Himself. To learn more about receiving the book that this is adapted from for your partnering gift, please click here.https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resource-incarnation/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.
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Dec 7, 2023 • 1h 48min

Islamic Terrorism

In light of recent events, today’s edition of Hank Unplugged is a special encore presentation featuring Robert Spencer containing segments from different appearances that Spencer has made on Hank Unplugged over the years in order to provide everything you need to know about the world’s fastest growing religion—Islam. Spencer is one of the foremost experts on Islamic Jihad and this episode will educate you on the many ways that Islamic Terrorism is putting our world in peril. For more information on Robert Spencer’s books The History of Jihad and The Complete Infidels Guide to the Koran, along with Hank’s book MUSLIM, please click here. https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resourcethe-history-of-jihad-from-muhammad-to-isis/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.
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Nov 21, 2023 • 1h 46min

Are We Living in the Last Days? w/Gary DeMar*

Are we living in the last days? On today’s podcast we revisit an issue of tremendous consequence—particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in the middle east. That issue revolves around the popular notion that Christians will be raptured out of this world—a rapture currently being dubbed, “The Great Disappearance.” Unfortunately, these modern eschatological interpretations are simply the result of scripture being taken out of context. These misunderstandings about the end times (eschatology) have been enthusiastically propagated by popular end-times prophecy pundits—from books and movies such as the Left Behind series by Tim LaHaye, to the “Great Disappearance” being preached by Dr. David Jeremiah. In reality, the Great Disappearance, subtitled “31 ways to be rapture ready” is simply the latest twist on an increasingly popular theme within modern-day Christianity—a theme that is relatively new in the history of Christendom. A proper eschatological evaluation is not merely a matter of theoretical significance as our interpretations have a tremendous impact on geopolitical relations and reactions. Simply put, a biblical understanding of the end times is not only important—it is essential. Hank Hanegraaff is joined by expert Gary DeMar to examine whether we are living in the last days as he explains what the Bible really says about the end times and why it matters. *This is an encore presentation of Hank Unplugged with an updated introduction to provide context. The original edition was first released in September of 2020. To dive deeper see: Hank Hanegraaff, The Apocalypse Code: Find out What the Bible Really Says About the End Times and Why It Matters Today.https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resource-the-apocalypse-code-find-out-what-the-bible-really-says-about-the-end-times-and-why-it-matters-today-wa/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.
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Nov 9, 2023 • 55min

LEVANT—Crossroads of World History in the Middle East

Given the current events taking place in the Middle East it is important to assess the Levant—the land-bridge linking three continents (Europe, Asia, and Africa). The Levant set the stage for some of the principal events in history, is the source of two great monotheistic religions, and supplied the foundations for a third. Thus, it is rightly described as the crossroads of world history. Levant, essentially the western rim of the Fertile Crescent, boasts Jerusalem as its epicenter. Jews, Christians and Muslims all hold their heritage in this region; however, the geographic significance is not held to be theologically significant to Jews, Christians and Muslims alike. In this teaching edition of the Hank Unplugged podcast, Hank Hanegraaff investigates the historical significance of the Levant to Judaism, Christianity and Islam in order to better understand the events unfolding in the Middle East and ensure that Christians approach the unfolding events with a proper sense of biblical and historical literacy. To dive deeper: Hank Hanegraaff, MUSLIM: What You Need to Know About the World’s Fastest Growing Religion https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resource-muslim-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-worlds-fastest-growing-religion/ and The Apocalypse Code: Find out What the Bible Really Says About the End Times and Why It Matters Today.https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resource-the-apocalypse-code-find-out-what-the-bible-really-says-about-the-end-times-and-why-it-matters-today-wa/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.​
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Oct 24, 2023 • 1h 7min

Palestine—A Palestinian Christian Perspective with Fares Abraham

Fares Abraham is a Palestinian Christian. He was born in the West Bank. His wife was born in Gaza—in the Al-Ahli Baptist hospital recently bombed despite the belief that a Christian hospital was the safest place to be in all of Gaza. How should Christians respond to the tragedies taking place in Israel and Palestine?First and foremost, we must pray for peace—for all people. We are all made in the image of God and we must pray for both Israelis and Palestinians—for the Israeli leaders and even the leaders of Hamas who committed unspeakable atrocities. Let us remember that the Apostle Paul once persecuted—terrorized—Christians before his life was transformed by Gospel of peace. Pray that the Lord will raise up leaders who pursue peace and turn tragedy into triumph.Fares Abraham has dedicated his life to fulfilling the Great Commission through the work of Levant Ministries which is committed to seeing “the Middle East healed and restored by the love and hope of Jesus Christ.” May we join him in prayer for the peace that surpasses all understanding and the renewal of all things.A Statement on the Holy Land War by Fares Abraham: Statement on the War in the Holy Land – Levant Ministries https://levantministries.org/holy-land-war/For more information on related topics please see Hank’s books, The Apocalypse Code: Find out What the Bible Really Says About the End Times and Why It Matters Today https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resource-the-apocalypse-code-find-out-what-the-bible-really-says-about-the-end-times-and-why-it-matters-today-wa/and MUSLIM: What You Need to Know About the World’s Fastest Growing Religion. https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resource-muslim-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-worlds-fastest-growing-religion/Topics discussed include: Fares Abraham shares his personal history with the Al-Ahli Baptist hospital in Gaza (3:45); the work of Levant Ministries in the Middle East (8:20); growing up in Palestine as a Christian (10:45); the dangers of incorrect theology and the Middle East (14:15); the situation in Gaza (22:00); condemning the heinous attacks by Hamas against Israel (34:25); addressing Christian apathy in the face of fulfilling the Great Commission (45:05); a Christian perspective on Islamic terrorism—was the Apostle Paul a terrorist before his conversion? (50:30). 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.
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Sep 28, 2023 • 1h 45min

Domestic Extremist: A Practical Guide to Winning the Culture War with Peachy Keenan

Are you a domestic extremist? Peachy Keenan argues that the only way we can save our families, ourselves, and the world is by embracing our inner domestic extremists, and sweeping failed notions of third wave feminism and identity politics nonsense into the garbage can of history. Peachy Keenan uses humor to point out the disastrous consequences of decades of feminism and left-wing ideologies and presents a compelling case for an alternative lifestyle of domestic extremism. She joins Hank to explain just what that means and why extreme domesticity is the key to winning the culture war. For more information on receiving the book, Domestic Extremist: A Practical Guide to Winning the Culture War, for your partnering gift, please click here. https://www.equip.org/hank-unplugged-podcast-and-shorts/are-you-a-domestic-extremist/Topics discussed include: Is there a connection between laughter and learning? (3:00); what is a domestic extremist? (5:00); is it possible to win the culture war? (6:45); should everyone have kids? (8:50); how has feminism replaced femininity? (11:05); the problematic fertility industry (14:45); how did feminism go wrong? (21:40); why do so many women reject their unique powers? (30:15); how has feminism eliminated women? (34:45); the loss of womanhood and the identity crisis facing young girls today (37:35); the most damaging lie of all—that loveless sex is empowerment (42:20); Chekhov’s Gun and the problem with the pill (45:35); the horrors of the IUD device (53:40); the growing problem of porn (57:35); was the demise of marriage part of the feminist plan? (1:01:45); how to convince a pro-choice person to rethink abortion (1:06:30); the childcare industrial complex—should daycare be used as often as it is? (1:12:30); the broken education system in the US (1:20:45); the radical indoctrination of the medical industry (1:25:15); the danger of dating apps and their effect on society (1:30:05); five ways to reclaim parental authority (1:33:45); how to become a domestic extremist (1:35:45). 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.​

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