Hank Unplugged: Essential Christian Conversations

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. Website ​

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/ Website

Other than Scripture, Darwin’s magnum opus, The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, might be the most significant literary work in history. light of the unprecedented impact of Darwinian dogma, it would be reasonable to expect it to be solidly rooted in truth. In reality, evolution is rooted in metaphysical contentions and mythological tales. However, as you will hear on today’s encore presentation of the Hank Unplugged podcast, the foundations of the great cosmogenic myth of evolutionary naturalism are crumbling. A short while ago we received news that the great iconoclast of evolution, Jonathan Wells, had departed this life on his 82nd birthday. His death led us to listen to the last conversation with him on the Hank Unplugged podcast—a podcast devoted to his last book, Zombie Science which was a follow-up to the classic volume titled Icons of Evolution. We could not help but think that our podcast discussion with Jonathan Wells provides one of the most concise and compelling refutations of the evolutionary paradigm we’ve ever heard. With two earned doctorates, Jonathan Wells was not only a brilliant scientific mind, but he was also incredibly brave in the face of the brazen attacks that await anyone who dares disagree with the so-called scientific consensus on evolution. His work brought to light the errors of the evolutionary paradigm, exposing especially the false icons that for decades have been passed off as settled science to unsuspecting young minds. Just as Wells was an iconoclastic force when it came to evolution, he was likewise an icon of the Intelligent Design movement. His influence will long outlast his life on earth and his heavenly reward will undoubtedly reflect his efforts that did so much to reveal the truth and beauty there is to be found in studying the resplendent handiwork of the Creator of the cosmos. We hope that you enjoy this encore presentation of Zombie Science as much as we did. *This Hank Unplugged Podcast was originally aired in January of 2018* Topics discussed include: Hank pays tribute to the great iconoclast of evolution—Jonathan Wells (0:30) what is zombie science? (13:00); the price to pay for taking stands against the status quo of materialism and Darwinian evolution in the scientific arena (22:00); examining various icons of evolution like Darwin’s tree of life (26:00); why has the war on Intelligent Design become so ferocious? (31:30); the miracle of metamorphosis (40:00); the strong scientific commitment to materialism (50:40); what is the myth of junk DNA? (54:15); the unnecessary idolization of Charles Darwin (58:15); the problem with making DNA the answer to everything (59:50); examples of zombie science (1:02:30); the threat to religion presented when materialism is masquerading as empirical science (1:08:30). For further information on the resources of Zombie Science: More Icons of Evolution, Icons of Evolution DVD, and Memorable Keys to the F-A-R-C-E of Evolution, please click here. https://www.equip.org/product/zombie-science-more-icons-of-evolution-icons-of-evolution-dvd-and-memorable-keys-to-the-f-a-r-c-e-of-evolution/ Website ​

The people of Palestine are caught in the crosshairs of the only significant religious system in the history of the human race with a sociopolitical structure of laws that mandate violence against the infidel. While much has been made about the state of Israel and the several shades of Zionism that play a role in its complicated history, it is impossible to accurately assess the Israeli-Palestinian conflict without understanding the most important factor of them all—Islam. While there are people of other faiths (such as Christians) that live in the land called Palestine—I have close, personal friends among them—the majority of the people occupying this territory are Muslims and all of the citizens of Gaza are led by Hamas, a militant Islamic organization with connections throughout the Islamic world that undoubtedly and unabashedly desire the destruction of all Jews along with the death of America and ultimately the West. This cannot be overstated and any intentions of a peaceful resolution to this conflict are in direct contradiction with the ideology of Islam—most notably Jihad against the infidel. Make no mistake—in a time of civilizational crisis—Islam is at the heart of this clash of civilizations. In times like these, where honest information is in short supply, it is imperative that lean on the counsel of experts in our pursuit of discernment, which is precisely why Hank Hanegraaff is joined by Robert Spencer, one of the worlds leading experts on Islam, to discuss what he deems “The Palestinian Delusion.” For information on Robert Spencer's book, The Palestinian Delusion: The Catastrophic History of the Middle East Peace Process, please click here.https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resource-the-palestinian-delusion-the-catastrophic-history-of-the-middle-east-peace-process/ For information on Hank's book The Apocalypse Code: Find out What the Bible Really Says About the End Times and Why It Matters Today, please click here. Related Resources:Excavating Palestine’s Villages Review of Erased from Space and Consciousness: Israel and the Depopulated Palestinian Villages of 1948Have the Land Promises God Made to Abraham Been Fulfilled?Hank Unplugged Podcast: A Palestinian Christian’s Perspective with Fares Abraham Topics discussed include: Why is it so difficult to discuss Islam without being labeled hateful, bigoted or Islamophobic? (11:35); how and when did Islam begin to call for religiously mandated warfare? (14:00); what is meant by the protest chant, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”? (18:35); how important is the Levant? (20:35); is Islam anti-Semitic and anti-Christian? (23:30); the end of the world according to Islam (26:15); “welcoming the stranger” and the emphasis on hospitality in Islam (32:30); is there any real hope for a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine? (38:00); the history of the Palestinian flag and nationality (41:45); the history of the Arab-Israeli Peace Process and the Camp David Accords (49:15); “the right of conquest” has been recognized throughout history (57:45); the dangers of Christian Zionism and the influence of John Hagee (1:03:20); understanding the PLO, Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood (1:11:45); Obama vs. Israel (1:19:00); why did Obama and the subsequent Biden administration go so soft on Iran? (1:24:20); why have we seen a surge in support for Palestine? (1:27:40); the rise of anti-Semitism since October 7th (1:30:00); is there a solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict? (1:31:55); why was Robert Spencer fired in 2011? (1:34:30); Robert Spencer’s upcoming book Muhammad: A Critical Biography (1:39:30).

Most Americans want legal access to abortion. It is likely one of the issues that will determine what politicians get elected—as many politicians today say that unless you have a moderate position when it comes to abortion it is virtually impossible to get elected—even conservative Christians. Abortion is not just an issue—it’s the issue. Yet far too many Christians have embraced the new paganism of our times, and our ways have become detestable to the Lord. For decades now Americans have been sacrificing our children on the altar of hedonism. Simply put—if you are pro-choice, you are pro-murder—full stop. Hank was so compelled by the way that abortion has been discussed in our culture today that he has devoted the entirety of this teaching edition of the Hank Unplugged podcast to discussing abortion and why it is the most important issue of them all. Please see the following related Web resources: How do we annihilate A-B-O-R-T-I-O-N arguments? https://www.equip.org/bible_answers/how-do-we-annihilate-a-b-o-r-t-i-o-n-arguments/ For further Bible Answers please see The Complete Bible Answer Book: Collector’s Edition: Revised and Expanded (2024). https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resources-the-complete-bible-answer-book-collectors-edition-revised-and-expanded-2024-hup/ The Roots of Planned Parenthood https://www.equip.org/articles/the-roots-of-planned-parenthood/ Margaret Sanger: “No Gods, No Masters” https://www.equip.org/articles/margaret-sanger-no-gods-no-masters/

We live in an era deeply shaped by secularism. Because secular ideas are at the heart of our culture, modern people tend to think in secular ways without realizing it—even the most well-meaning of us. How then do we live in, but not be of, a secular culture? We need to understand the enchanted, Sacramental way that the early Christians viewed the world, but we also need to understand secularism. To truly understand Christianity, we must unlearn an entire secular worldview and become participants in a sacramental worldview instead—a worldview that embraces reality as it truly is. How do you explain the Sacramental life of the Church? To the early Christians—and to all ancient people—the idea that physical objects had spiritual power was very intuitive, whereas modern people tend to find this idea difficult, bizarre or even un-Christian. Join Hank Hanegraaff and his guest Zac Porcu for a discussion on these topics. Topics discussed include: What is Christianity? (4:00); what are the mysteries of the Church? (6:30); what is religion? (10:15); Arche—a foreign unfamiliar word for God (12:15); the Trinity—why do we care about the Trinity? (15:30); what does it mean for God to be the ultimate reality? (17:30); what is the most important thing about Jesus? (19:20); what is the distinction between a secular and a sacramental of thinking? (21:30); what are the Sacraments? are they necessary in Christianity? (32:00); is baptism necessary for salvation? (36:30); the importance of the Eucharist (43:45); the seriousness of the Sacrament of Marriage (46:35); the role of the priesthood in the Sacramental life of the Church (49:25); Chrismation—what does it mean? (52:50); do Sacramental objects—such as relics—have spiritual power? (55:20); are we living in an enchanted world? (59:30); what makes the divine liturgy divine? (1:02:30); why is all liturgical time present time—proleptic (1:05:00); what does the liturgical cycle of the Church calendar reveal about reality? (1:07:00); the relationship between the Bible and Holy Tradition? (1:08:30); the truth about icons—what they reveal about the participatory nature of Christianity (1:12:15); how the existence of evil is an argument for the existence of God (1:16:30); is free will critical to the nature of Christianity? (1:19:15); why didn’t Jesus spare himself from death? (1:22:00); “He Who Is” (1:28:15); repentance is not a momentary act, but a lifelong process (1:29:15); the fallacy of neutrality when it comes to separations of religious belief and how we govern society—separation of Church and State (1:31:15); Journey to Reality—what does it take for us to become real? (1:35:45).

What do you do when you don’t know the answer to a question? “Research and return” is Hank’s policy when asked a question on the Bible Answer Man that he is unsure of—something we should all practice when we are unsure of an answer.Likewise, Hank Hanegraaff understands that sometimes answers that he did provide may have been incorrect or insufficient. While you may have seen some of the same questions in past editions of The Complete Bible Answer Book—this Collectors Edition pays testament to the policy of research and return—as each answer was returned to and painstakingly researched to ensure the utmost of accuracy. The Complete Bible Answer Book—Collectors Edition—is the comprehensive collection of the most often-asked questions Hank Hanegraaff has received throughout his four decades as host of the Bible Answer Man. With more than half a million copies already in print, this revised and expanded collector’s edition contains over 210 questions and answers, including more than twenty memorable “Hankronyms.” Answers help seekers and skeptics alike sort through the truth on topics such as reliability of the Bible, basic apologetics, creation, spiritual growth, ethics, religions and cults, the resurrection and afterlife, and many more issues vital to a better understanding of God in Christ and our relationship to Him. Click here to receive your copy of The Complete Bible Answer Book—Collectors Edition. https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resources-the-complete-bible-answer-book-collectors-edition-revised-and-expanded-2024-hup/ Website

The heart of Christian Zionism is that God has two distinct people—one of whom must be raptured (the church) before God can continue His plan with the other (Israel). Is it true that God’s chosen people will be raptured? “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, more nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” –the apostle Paul (Galatians 3:28-29) Hank Hanegraaff examines and responds to the heart of Christian Zionism in this special teaching edition of the Hank Unplugged podcast. For more on this check out the special print edition of the Christian Research Journal entitled “A Biblical Response to Christian Zionism.” Click the following link for more information: A Biblical Response to Christian Zionism – Christian Research Institute. https://www.equip.org/product/special-print-issue-of-the-christian-research-journal-a-biblical-response-to-christian-zionism-hup/ Website

Our guest on this episode is the most significant Christian leader of our generation—at least in the opinion of Hank Hanegraaff. On May 8th this leader—Metropolitan Yohan, also known as K.P. Yohannan—fell asleep in the Lord. Hank opens the podcast by paying tribute to a man who not only revolutionized world missions but was also one of Hank’s closest friends and mentors. This memorial is followed by an encore presentation of their last conversation on this podcast. We hope that it will richly bless your life and open your heart, soul, and mind to the mission of Metropolitan Yohan—to fulfill the great commission and reach every corner of our world with the transformational love of Christ.Metropolitan Yohan was the founder and director of GFA World—one of the largest mission operations in the world—and author of numerous books including Revolution in World Missions. On this podcast from 2022, they discuss the various mission outreaches of GFA World across the globe along with an opportunity for young adults to get involved through the Set Apart Conference, an annual Seven-Day Retreat for Young Adults hosted by GFA World in Dallas, Texas every summer—this year Set Apart will be June 3–9, 2024.Click here for information on CRI’s role as part of our Going Global 10/40 Window Training.https://www.equip.org/product/going-global-10-40-window-training-support/ Topics discussed include: Remembering K.P. Yohannan—also known as Metropolitan Yohan (0:20); Hank introduces his guest K.P. Yohannan (16:30); Metropolitan Yohan discusses his beginning in ministry (23:30); thousands of children from impoverished families are being given hope and a brighter future through GFA World (28:50); the Set Apart Conference—Seven days set apart to hear from God—this June 20-26 (40:30); the spiritual transformation that takes place through Theosis and why the Great Commission is best carried out through the Church (47:50); why Metropolitan Yohan is so committed to establishing thousands of churches in the 10/40 Window (57:10); how should Christians view persecution and suffering? (1:10:25); a soul seething with the divine eros—how K.P. showed divine love to the least of these among us (1:24:25); reaching out to the Dalits—known as untouchables at the lowest level of the caste system—with the love of Christ (1:35:55); medical missions—healing in the name of Christ (1:41:30); working with lepers and the importance of healing the whole person—body and soul (1:48:20); Hanegraaff explains the impact of seeing the outreaches and impact of GFA World (1:53:00); the story of Metropolitan Yohan’s 1962 Volkswagen Beetle (2:04:30). Website

The phrase replacement theologian is designed to be an insult. It is the ultimate pejorative leveled at those who deny the heart of dispensationalism—namely, that God has two distinct peoples, one of whom must be raptured (the church) before God can continue His plan with the other (Israel). So—what is replacement theology?For more on this check out the special print edition of the Christian Research Journal entitled “A Biblical Response to Christian Zionism.” Click the following link for more information: A Biblical Response to Christian Zionism – Christian Research Institute. https://www.equip.org/product/special-print-issue-of-the-christian-research-journal-a-biblical-response-to-christian-zionism-hup/ Website

Multitudes today hold to the belief that there will be a thousand-year semi-golden age following the second appearing of Jesus Christ. As such they suppose they will be resurrected in glorified bodies to once again experience a fallen world—for a thousand years.This belief is popular—but is it true? Hank Hanegraaff responds to what Christians should believe about the Millenium.For more on this check out the special print edition of the Christian Research Journal entitled “A Biblical Response to Christian Zionism.” Click the following link for more information: A Biblical Response to Christian Zionism – Christian Research Institute. https://www.equip.org/product/special-print-issue-of-the-christian-research-journal-a-biblical-response-to-christian-zionism-hup/ Website

The pre-tribulational rapture theory, popularized by John Nelson Darby in the nineteenth century, contends that God has two distinct people and two distinct plans for their two distinct destinies. The church will be raptured—what David Jeremiah dubs “the Great Disappearance—seven years prior to the second coming of Christ, and Jews will suffer tribulation. Beginning with Darby, rapture theorists hold that, due to the murder of Messiah, Jews were in for a time of unprecedented suffering referred to as the “Great Tribulation.” The late Tim LaHaye, co-author of the Left Behind series, described the coming Jewish holocaust as “Antichrist’s ‘final solution’ to the Jewish problem.’” According to LaHaye, “the mind-boggling terror and turmoil of the Tribulation” will be a nightmarish reality far exceeding “even the Holocaust of Adolf Hitler in the twentieth century.” These ideas have been firmly planted in the minds of millions today through Dr. Jeremiah’s global ministry—but Christians everywhere must critically assess these claims with the following question—is the pre-tribulational rapture theory biblical?For more on this check out the special print edition of the Christian Research Journal entitled “A Biblical Response to Christian Zionism.” Click the following link for more information: A Biblical Response to Christian Zionism – Christian Research Institute. https://www.equip.org/product/special-print-issue-of-the-christian-research-journal-a-biblical-response-to-christian-zionism-hup/ Website

“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 Christendom’s most tumultuous century. As nihilism began to cast its menacing shadow on the eve of the First World War, a self-styled “antichrist” named Friedrich Nietzsche and an obstinately Christian Fyodor Dostoevsky both offered ominous visions of what the West would become if “God is dead” and any moral act thus becomes permissible. Though total warfare seemed to confirm such predictions, a project arose in its wake to rebuild utopia with secular ideologies that, in the case of Nazism, opened the abyss even further. Communism and liberalism were left after the Second World War to compete for ultimate preeminence, but both would ultimately fail to replace the lost transcendence of the West’s deep first-millennium past. As the twenty-first century opened, utopia was as elusive as ever, and a culture of paradise once again beckoned to a civilization exhausted by centuries of secularism. Topics discussed include: What is the age of nihilism? (2:30); the impact and enduring legacy of Friedrich Nietzsche (9:00); Friedrich Nietzsche and the transvaluation of values (16:35); ideas have consequences—atheism always leads towards self-destruction (21:15); Nietzsche was the leading prophet of nihilism, the destruction of anything with value (31:40); Sigmund Freud’s impact on the age of nihilism (37:50); the rise of communism and the practical consequences of a world without God (43:00); how nihilism emboldens communism to manipulate Truth—as seen with Pravda (47:20); ideological worldbuilding—the efforts of the powers that be to break the influence of traditional values in society (57:25); ideological worldbuilding, Social Darwinism and Nazism (1:05:25); the individualistic legacy of liberalism (1:11:00); abortion as an unassailable value and ideal of liberalism (1:18:30); how liberalism is a counterfeit of traditional Christianity (1:20:20); “Without God anything is permissible”—Fyodor Dostoevsky and the importance of repentance (1:24:15); Dostoevsky’s conviction (1:29:30); Putin on how progressivism leads to nihilism (1:34:00); transgenderism as the ultimate personification of nihilism (1:41:20); Christians must be a lighthouse in the midst of our current cultural storm—the paradisiacal transformation of the culture through the life of the Church (1:48:40). 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/ Website

“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/​ Website

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. Website

“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 Paradise: Christendom from Pentecost to the First Millennium, which provides an overview of the first thousand years of Christendom ranging from Pentecost to the Great Schism. The Age of Paradise is the first of a four-volume history of Christendom, a civilization with a supporting culture that gave rise to what we now call the West. At a time of renewed interest in the future of Western culture, author John Strickland—an Orthodox scholar, professor, and priest—offers a vision rooted in the deep past of the first millennium. At the heart of his story is the early Church’s “culture of paradise,” an experience of the world in which the kingdom of heaven was tangible and familiar. Drawing not only on worship and theology but statecraft and the arts, Fr. John Strickland reveals the remarkably affirmative character Western culture once had under the influence of Christianity - in particular, of Eastern Christendom, which served the West not only as a cradle but as a tutor and guardian as well. 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/ Topics discussed include: Peter’s Pentecost sermon and the importance of repentance in the Christian life (3:00); the significance of definite articles in translations and how it impacts our understanding of Christian history and tradition (8:15); why did the early Church grow so rapidly? Is it possible to experience a similar Pentecost in the 21st century? (11:30); what was the attraction of the early Christian Church for women? (18:30); the Great Persecution—the last and most severe persecution of the Roman Empire by Diocletian (23:50); the unpredictable impact of Constantine on Christianity (29:00); Constantinianism—why are some Christians so critical of Constantine? (37:25); symphony and caesaropapism—different models of Christian statecraft (42:10); how either a pessimistic or optimistic view of the world can dramatically impact Christian tradition (46:25); iconoclasm—Christianity’s first reformation (52:00); the significance of the Ecumenical councils—and why are they ignored by many modern Christians (1:00:00); the significance of doctrinal precision and integrity defined by the Church councils (1:05:30); what is the significance of the filioque—the insertion of “and the son” in the Nicene Creed (1:09:55); the Nicolaitan Schism vs the Photian Schism (1:14:20); how escapism became a key paradigmatic distinction between Eastern and Western Christians (1:17:00); the eschatological direction of the Old Christendom vs. the New Christendom (1:27:25); the model for missions provided by Cyril and Methodius and what we can learn from it today (1:31:00); reformational Christianity vs traditional Christianity (1:34:20); a preview of the upcoming podcast with Fr. John Strickland on his book The Age of Division: Christendom from the Great Schism to the Protestant Reformation (1:38:45); the importance of historical literacy for Christians (1:41:00). Website

​Does Church history matter? In an age marked by division, Christians of all traditions can almost assuredly agree that we are currently living in an age of cultural decline. Believing in the transformational power of historical understanding, 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.” In addition to this podcast, Fr. John Strickland will join Hank Hanegraaff on Hank Unplugged for four subsequent episodes focused on four individual periods of Church history. On this introductory episode Fr. John Strickland provides an overview of his analysis and answers the question of whether or not church history matters with a resounding yes, while encouraging Christians to seek the solution to our current cultural decline by returning to the deep past of early Christendom—the age of paradise. Topics discussed include: Why did Fr. John Strickland write a four-volume history of Christianity from Pentecost to the present day? (9:15); how the three major secular ideologies of the 20th century—Communism, Nazism and Secularism—are all the byproducts of a false view of Christianity (14:45); the distinction between culture and civilization (22:00); NOT SURE (30:00); Pentecost and the significance of the liturgical life of the early Christians (36:15); an overview of the Great Schism of 1054—the Great Divide of Christendom (41:35); the conciliar fashion of the early Church leadership (47:00); the Filioque and the importance of apostolic doctrinal integrity (55:15); the Papal reformation—the time from the Great Schism to the Protestant Reformation (58:20); the importance of perpetuating the faith of the early Christians and the dangers of doctrinal innovation (1:06:15); the iconoclastic reformation—creating further artistic and ideological division between the East and the West (1:12:45); a good place without God is nowhere—the answers to our current cultural decline is to look to the deep past of early Christendom (1:17:15); our current age of nihilism is what happens when you try to create a utopia without God (1:22:15); why is the Sacramental life so important? (1:25:15); The Age of Paradise: Christendom from Pentecost to the First Millennium (1:28:00); The Age of Division: Christendom from the Great Schism to the Protestant Reformation (1:30:45); The Age of Utopia: Christendom from the Renaissance to the Russian Revolution (1:34:15); The Age of Nihilism: Christendom from the Great War to the Culture Wars (1:40:15). 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/ Website

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/ Website

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/ Website