How can Christians engage meaningfully with history?
 
In an age underpinned by the idea that life is about self-invention and fulfilment, contemporary Western culture holds that the past has little to teach us. We live in an age that historian Sarah Irving-Stonebraker terms as the “Ahistoric Age,” in which we are profoundly disconnected from history.
 
In the attempt to appear relevant, the church often embraces this ahistoric worldview by jettisoning the historic ideas and practices of Christian formation. But this has unintended consequences, leaving Christians unmoored from history and losing the ability to grapple with its ethical complexities.
 
Sarah Irving-Stonebraker joins Hank Hanegraaff to discuss what it means to be a priest of history and why it matters more than ever for Christians to maintain this critical conversation with the past.
To receive Priests of History: Stewarding the Past in an Ahistoric Age for your partnering gift, please click here.  https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resources-priests-of-history-stewarding-the-past-in-an-ahistoric-age/

Topics discussed include: 

• What does it mean for Christians to be priests of history? (3:00)
•  What does it mean for our age to be ahistoric? (5:00)
• Is there any purpose in a post-truth age?  (8:35)
• The myth of progress—the secularization of ideas and progress in history (14:55)
• When did our modern ahistoric age begin? (18:30)
• Reducing history to ideology is a mistake because history is nuanced and complex (23:55)
• What is the purpose of a museum? The modern and political redefinition of what a museum is (27:30)
• What does the decline of history majors globally mean for civilization? (29:45)
• The five characteristics of an ahistoric age (32:00)
• What is digital tribalism? (36:30)
• What does it mean for the church to acculturate itself to the ahistoric age? (38:30)
• True Christianity is a way of life (46:00)
• The benefits of spiritual practice and disciplines (50:05)
• Doctrinal drift from orthodox Christian beliefs (53:00)
• Church is an embodied experience—what we do with our bodies matters (1:06:45)
• The value of historic Christian practices such as night vigils (1:08:50)
• The importance of maintaining a historical conversation with the past (1:13:25)
• The importance of history for Christians (1:16:30)
• Are we losing our literacy? The importance of reading in the digital age (1:22:45)
• How Sarah Irving-Stonebraker went converted from atheism to Christianity at Cambridge University (1:24:30)
• The importance of stories (1:38:30)
• Why is it important for Christians to be priests of history? (1:42:45)

• 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.
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Does the West need a religious revival?
 
This was the subject of a debate hosted by The Free Press at the Paramount Theater in Austin Texas on February 27th. The debate pitted two religious advocates—Ayan Hirsi Ali and Ross Douthat—against two avowed atheists—Michael Shermer and Adam Carolla—in search of an answer. The scene of current affairs in the West was set by The Free Press as follows:
“The West has experienced a rapid erosion of our shared culture. Political polarization, loneliness, depression and addiction have surged, while marriage and birthrates have plummeted. There’s a crisis of meaning, and a growing chorus of intellectuals are pointing to secularism as the cause.
 
Studies show that religious service attendance correlates with lower rates of depression, suicide and substance abuse. Religious individuals are also more likely to marry, stay married, and have children. For the first time in U.S. history, church membership among Americans has fallen below 50%. Less than a fifth of Western Europeans attend church regularly. In Sweden, over 75% of young people claim no religion at all.
 
So, is the decline of religion to blame for our social unraveling? Or are rapid technological changes, growing economic inequality, and other social disruptions the culprit? And would empowering religious institutions, which have historically abused their power to stifle scientific progress, fuel war, and discriminate against perceived enemies be a mistake?
 
In short, would a return to faith restore order, or simply revive old divisions?”
David Hanegraaff traveled to Austin, Texas to cover the event—you can find his review and response here. https://www.equip.org/articles/does-the-west-need-a-religious-revival-a-review-of-the-debate-by-the-free-press-and-foundation-for-individual-rights-and-expression/

He joins his father Hank Hanegraaff on this edition of Hank Unplugged to discuss the debate, his role at the Christian Research Institute and much more. 
 
Topics discussed include: 
The Free Press organized a debate about religion that was unique for our time—secularism was not regarded as the default, but forced to defend itself (2:15)
Who were the debate participants? (4:45)
Why is the perspective of Ayaan Hirsi Ali so important? (6:30)
Is a religious revival on the horizon? (8:00)
What are the detrimental impacts of secularization on society? (12:25)
Were the arguments made by the atheists—Adam Carolla and Michael Shermer—convincing?  (14:00)
New atheists, same old, tired arguments (16:50)
Richard Dawkins claims to be a cultural Christian (18:15)
The consequences of an unexamined life—worldviews matter (20:50)
The role of technology in our world today (25:50)
Why was this debate significant? (27:00)
The importance of localism (30:25)
The transformational nature of a Christianity lived out in practice (33:20)
What was it like growing up as the son of the Bible Answer Man? (37:05)
The legacy of Johannis Hanegraaff (40:00)
The importance of apologetics (42:30)
The sign of the cross (49:30)
The importance of being equally yoked (53:30)
Church and life are inextricably woven for Christians (55:15)
The detrimental impact of bad theology (58:25)
The joy of parenthood (1:02:20)
Meeting Jay Richards in Greece—a favorite Hank Unplugged guest (1:07:15)
Traveling to the monastic community at Mt. Athos (1:10:45)
The joy of having your children in the Church (1:14:45)
Why David Hanegraaff loves the Republic of Georgia—aggressive hospitality (1:20:00)
A boy named Grace—why? (1:23:20)
The importance of reading and the role books play on the Hank Unplugged podcast (1:26:00)

• 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.
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Are you ready for Humans 2.0? Whether you like it or not—this is happening. From transhumanism to AI, science and technology are progressing at a pace unprecedented in human history and this rate of change can leave many people—Christians or otherwise—feeling disoriented. But these are not subjects that Christians can simply ignore—we must educate ourselves so that we understand what is at stake and are able to discern and advocate for or against based on the moral and ethical guidance of a Christian worldview.
 
Dr. Fuz Rana joins Hank Hanegraaff for a wide-ranging conversation that will undoubtedly “open a window to the new world of human enhancement technologies and transhumanism,” that will determine the future of humanity—Humans 2.0. 
 
To learn more about the book our guest Fazale “Fuz” Rana co-authored entitled, Humans 2.0: Scientific, Philosophical, and Theological Perspectives on Transhumanism, please click here.  https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resources-humans-2-0-scientific-philosophical-and-theological-perspectives-on-transhumanism/
 
Topics discussed include: 

• Why do we gravitate towards superheroes? The relationship between superheroes, the transhumanist movement and theodicy (3:15)
• What is transhumanism? (5:00)
• The problem with the myth of progress (7:00)
• Transhumanism and transcendence (9:55)
• The importance of critical thinking and discernment regarding transhumanism and technology (11:40)
• What is gene editing? (13:15)
• Worldviews matter—understanding how different worldviews impact science and technology (18:30)
• Ethical intricacies of Neuralink and brain-computer interface (BCI) technology (21:05)
• The mind-body question (27:20)
• Technologically seeking immortality—is aging a disease to be cured? (29:30)
• Should humans “play god”? (37:30)
• The ethical complexity of stem cell research (39:30)
• Cloning technology today (45:30)
• Is gene editing essentially a version of eugenics? (47:30)
• How transhumanism demonstrates human exceptionalism (50:35)
• How language sets humans apart and remains a question evolutionist cannot answer (55:45)
• The impact of different worldviews on ethical and moral considerations we make in society regarding science and technology (59:25)
• What is meant by Humans 2.0? (1:04:45)
• Why Christians must involve themselves in discussions on emerging technologies (1:10:25)
• Post-human vs Superhuman (1:15:35)
• What is the relationship between AI and transhumanism? (1:19:15)
• How concerned should we be about the power of AI? (1:25:25)
• The repercussions for granting citizenship to robots (1:27:55)
• What is Artificial Womb Technology (AWT) and is it a good idea? (1:29:45)
• Transhumanism and the desire to transcend the limits that gender place on human potential (1:33:10)

• Listen to Hank’s podcast and follow Hank off the grid where he is joined by some of the brightest minds discussing topics you care about. Get equipped to be a cultural change agent.
• Archived episodes are  on our Website and available at the additional channels listed below.
• You can help spread the word about Hank Unplugged by giving us a rating and review from the other channels we are listed on.

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Our Magazine

What was the 5th leading cause of death in Canada in 2023? Shockingly, it was medical assistance in dying (MAiD) and accounted for one out of every twenty deaths. Unfortunately, Canada is not an anomaly, but part of a global trend in terms of how societies are changing when it comes to sanctity of life—and death.

How did we reach this place? Hank Hanegraaff is joined by Dr. Richard Weikert to discuss his book Unnatural Death: Medicine's Descent from Healing to Killing. Weikart explains how the Judeo-Christian tradition has always encouraged a culture of life, but the secular Enlightenment and Darwinian materialism have tugged us in a different direction.

Can society reverse course and embrace the sanctity of life once again?

Topics discussed include: How studying both the Nazi promotion of euthanasia and Darwinism led Weikert to write Unnatural Death: Medicine’s Descent from Healing to Killing (3:15); understanding the different terminology used when discussing euthanasia (5:35); the origins of euthanasia—euthanasia comes from the term “good death”(8:30); different types of passive euthanasia (10:45); how the secularization of our culture and the decline of religion has led to a rise in assisted suicide and euthanasia (14:00); the Hippocratic Oath (20:00); how is suicide presented in the Bible? (22:10); the role that the Renaissance played in the shifting attitudes about death (25:45); why is the history of the attitudes about death important to understand? (27:30); is suffering a good thing? (31:45); utilitarianism and the pursuit of pleasure in society (36:00); promotion of eugenics and euthanasia (39:30); the impact that Darwinism had and continues to have on the ideology of euthanasia (43:20); the role of economics on eugenics and euthanasia (47:15); the cognitive dissonance in our society when discussing ideas of equality, justice and even suicide (53:50); Peter Singer and the growing euthanasia movement today (57:50); the Netherlands as an example of the perils of an almost entirely secularized society (1:07:45);  the permissible reasons for euthanasia and the potential for abuse (1:11:45); the autonomy argument for assisted suicide and euthanasia (1:17:20); the life and legacy of Jack Kevorkian—Dr. Death (1:20:40); the state of bioethics and transhumanism today (1:22:35); is Oregon the suicide capital of the United States? (1:24:10); three arguments to demonstrate the slippery slope of assisted suicide and euthanasia (1:25:45); redefining death with dignity (1:35:15).
 

For more information on Dr. Weikart’s book Unnatural Death: Medicine’s Descent from Healing to Killing please click here.https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resource-unnatural-death-medicines-descent-from-healing-to-killing-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.

This year was a reminder of the ephemeral reality of our earthly experience. Last Christmas we sent out a Christmas card featuring a joyful photo of Hank from a trip to India—a trip with his dear Friend K.P. Yohannan where they witnessed firsthand our ongoing Going Global efforts in the 10-40 window and excitedly discussed plans to continue to carry out the great commission as commanded by our Lord. https://www.equip.org/product/going-global-10-40-window-training-support/
 
This Christmas season, K. P. is absent the body, present with the Lord.
 
But we are still here! Here — as yet — to make a difference for time and for eternity. Moreover, a reminder of “Only one life, ’twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.”
 
As Hank approaches three quarters of a century in age, he is acutely aware of the reality of being in the fourth quarter of his life. A life motivated by the apostle Paul’s admonition to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ­fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1–2).
 
On behalf of the entire team here at the Christian Research Institute, we would like to thank you for being a co-laborer in Christ in the battle for life and truth.
 
We are excited for you to listen—or re-listen—to this encore edition of the Hank Unplugged podcasting featuring a conversation with K P Yohannan—a generational disciple of the Lord.  May the conversation you are about to hear inspire you to join the abundant harvest to be found in Christ Jesus our Lord—that you might develop a passion for proclaiming his very name to the billions around that globe who have yet to hear His holy name.  
 
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Matthew 9:36-38).
 
*If you aren’t already subscribed to the mailing list and email updates, simply go to the web at www.equip.org  and go sign up for one of both our our email lists here. https://www.equip.org/master-series/

Once again you and I find ourselves perched on the eve of the annual Christmas day celebration. And as such, we do well to remember our Lord’s words concerning the reason He condescended to cloak Himself in human flesh. “The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost” (Luke 19:10). This Christmas Eve may you and I not trivialize the Christmas celebration but rather be transformed by the greatest cleavage in human history. That of a Second Adam who clothed Himself in fallen humanity and in doing so returned fallen humanity to the life of Eden. “To him who overcomes,” said Jesus, “I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God” (Revelation 2:7). Merry Christmas from Hank Hanegraaff and the staff of the Christian Research Institute!

• 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.

I am five years removed from a stem-cell transplant that saved my life. And seven years removed from an initial cancer diagnosis of stage four mantle cell lymphoma. I greet you with a heart of gratitude but also a spirit of resolve. Resolve to remember that life is fleeting. Resolve captured by the words, “Only one life, ’twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.”During the past twelve months, users have accessed our website equip.org from more than 230 countries—benefiting from our vast reservoir of unrestricted resources, such as the Bible Answer Man broadcast, Hank Unplugged podcast, Bible Answer Man YouTube Channel, Daily e-Truths, and Christian Research Journal online, available to anyone with Internet access anywhere in the world.I am deeply grateful to all who answer by your continued support of the many outreaches of the Christian Research Institute. I am sincerely grateful for all you do to strengthen our 24/7 outreaches. Outreaches making a strategic difference at home and around the globe.As I approach three quarters of a century in age, I am acutely aware of the reality of being in the fourth quarter of my life. A life motivated by the apostle Paul’s admonition to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1–2).In closing,  I’ve provided a link to our Website here. Thank you for the vital difference your year-end gift will make in so many lives. https://www.equip.org/product/year-end-gift-2024-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.

What does Hank Hanegraaff mean when he talks about the "Paradisiacal Transformation of the Cosmos?" It is a message with a mandate—a reminder of the energy by which we are able to transform the cosmos. The energy that St. Paul invoked when he spoke of being energized by all His energy which so powerfully energizes me. This is the energy that alone is sufficient to empower the body of Christ in the present clash between sacred and secular. A contrast between the paradisiacal transformation of the Cosmos and the pagan transformational imperative. An imperative largely fueled by the transhumanist myth of progress. A myth commercialized by the quintessential marketing cliché of our day — artificial intelligence. 


For further information on the historical nature of this argument please see John Strickland’s Four-Volume Series: Paradise and Utopia: The Rise and Fall of What the West Once Was.  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/

A rock star, atheist, Marxist, world-class theologian, African missionary, and a Greek Orthodox Bishop all in one lifetime? Hank Hanegraaff is joined by Bishop Themi—a personal hero of his and a beacon of hope and inspiration to millions of Christians around the globe. Bishop Themi earned degrees in theology, languages, and Biblical studies at some of the most prestigious universities in America and became a distinguished scholar—however in the 90s Themi questioned his life’s direction. Was he serving Christ best as a top-tier academic? A series of events led him to follow another path, serving the poor in his native Africa. Themi founded the Holy Orthodox Mission in Freetown, Sierra Leone where he has battled Ebola and foes, both earthly and spiritual, to feed, educate and offer the love of Christ to thousands of West African people.

opics discussed include: How Bishop Themi’s roots as a white man born in Africa formed his nomadic DNA and understanding of not feeling completely welcome (3:15); the impact that the British Invasion and the Beatles had on Bishop Themi becoming a Marxist (9:15); the guru and the cross—Bishop Themi’s first steps towards Christianity (19:00); mystical experiences that reveal the reality of Jesus Christ (25:00); how reading the Bible led to Bishop Themi being born again, selling everything and giving it to the poor to follow Christ (29:30); Bishop Themi was a serious academic until he was convicted that he must do missions due to the impact of Mother Teresa (34:00); how Bishop Themi’s belief on missions led him to Africa (40:05); the impact of HIV/AIDS on Bishop Themi’s first mission in Kenya  (43:15); why Bishop Themi thinks the experience in Sierra Leone with Ebola was worse than HIV/AIDS (45:25); what does it truly mean to live in poverty? (48:30); what is Paradise 4 Kids? (51:25); the methodology of indigenous missions (54:20); the impact of Bishop Themi on the life of Hank Hanegraaff (59:35); what we do with our lives and resources matters for all eternity—we will be judged (1:06:00);  sharing among the poor is not unusual—the poor tend to practice generosity beyond their means (1:10:25); the simple truth is that the more you give the more you will receive (1:12:20); Bishop Themi owns nothing—he has surrendered completely in confidence to God (1:14:20); how can we teach our children how fortunate they are?  (1:16:40); how can people support Bishop Themi’s mission? (1:18:40); Christ identified with the suffering and we must follow Christ by imitating Him (1:21:00).

 
 
For more information on the life of Bishop Themi, please see the following for your partnering gift, Themi – Apostle To The Hungry with Foreword by Hank Hanegraaff https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resource-themi-apostle-to-the-hungry-with-foreword-by-hank-hanegraaff/

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.

​

Is earth a privileged planet or merely an insignificant speck of soil aimlessly adrift in a meaningless universe? Evidence refutes the principle of mediocrity—demonstrating that our earth is singularly privileged and designed for discovery. Jay Richards again joins Hank Hanegraaff to give the reasons why in this compelling conversation that clearly communicates why our earth is indeed a privileged planet amidst it’s place in the cosmos.  https://www.equip.org/product/the-privileged-planet-book-new-20th-anniversary-edition-2024-the-farm-at-the-center-of-the-universe-original-2004-privileged-planet-dvd-hup/
 
Topics discussed include: Can machines ever truly replace humans? (7:15); panpsychism—is there a materialistic way to explain consciousness? (11:05); what is the hypothesis of The Privileged Planet? (14:15); why is the earth the best place in the universe for discovery? (17:00); why do people like Neil deGrasse Tyson make the argument that the earth is insignificant? (21:45); how can we overcome the issue of information overload we are facing today? (26:10); what is constrained optimization? (29:45); the role of solar eclipses in scientific discovery (33:00); how is earth a data recorder? (40:45); the reality of climate change (43:20); the four necessary questions you must ask to understand climate change/global warming (47:30); are natural disasters evidence of climate change? (55:40); should we all be driving electric cars? (1:05:25); how does the earth compare to the thousands of other planets that we know exist? (1:07:30); what role do other planets play in our survival? (1:11:45); is the sun mediocre like some famous scientists claim? (1:14:15); how important is our place in the Milky Way Galaxy? (1:17:35); the importance of telescopes (1:20:30); Olbers paradox—why is the night sky dark? (1:22:45); how is our universe fine-tuned for life itself? (1:24:15); how the world has been set up for us to be able to understand it (1:27:30); does our size in relation to the universe matter? (1:30:00); constrained optimization (1:32:00); the myth of the Copernican principle  (1:33:30); the best educational options for our children (1:38:30); what the early Christians can teach us about surviving cultural decay (1:40:40); the price to pay for seeking truth and not the approval of men (1:42:40); what is the anthropic principle? (1:45:20); explaining away the fine-tuning of the universe through the multiverse theory (1:47:10); UFOs—what is the truth about the alien encounters? (1:49:15); the UAP hype [unidentified aerial phenomena] (1:52:45); why are certain ideas deemed to be “science stoppers”? (1:54:00); how to read the book of nature (1:55:05); the importance of the Privileged Planet as a resource (1:59:45).
To see how you can receive The Privileged Planet Book (New 20th Anniversary Edition-2024), The Farm at the Center of the Universe,  and Original (2004) Privileged Planet DVD for your partnering gift, please click here. https://www.equip.org/product/the-privileged-planet-book-new-20th-anniversary-edition-2024-the-farm-at-the-center-of-the-universe-original-2004-privileged-planet-dvd-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.