'Bible Answer Man' Hank Hannegraaf becomes member of Eastern Orthodox Church

Hank Hanegraaff, the well-known radio host known as the "Bible Answer Man," has confirmed that he has been chrismated into the Eastern Orthodox church on Palm Sunday.

Speculations about his conversion started after a photo circulated online on Sunday showing the radio host, along with his wife and children, being received into Eastern Orthodoxy at Saint Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church in Charlotte, Christian News Network reported.

When a listener of his radio show called in on Monday to inquire if he had indeed converted to Orthodoxy, Hanegraaff said that he had been attending Saint Nektarios for more than two years, but he had just become a member.

"I am now a member of an Orthodox church, but nothing has changed in my faith," said Hanegraaf.

"I have been attending an Orthodox church for a long time—for over two years, really, as a result of what happened when I went to China many years ago," he added.

The radio host said that he was drawn to the days of the early Church after he saw the simplicity and passion of Chinese Christians. This prompted him to study the teachings of Chinese Christian author Watchman Nee and the subject of theosis, which is an Eastern Orthodox teaching regarding union with God.

Hanegraaff, who serves as the president and chairman of the Christian Research Institute, is considered as one of the foremost apologists for the Christian faith. He was once strongly linked to D. James Kennedy and Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Florida.

He is known for answering questions about Christian doctrine, Bible interpretation, and theological differences between denominations on his nationally syndicated "Bible Answer Man" radio broadcast.

Hanegraaff had previously interviewed Greek Orthodox priest Themistocles Anthony Adamopoulo on his radio show, in which they discussed theosis.

When a listener asked why Hanegraaff seemed so interested in Eastern Orthodoxy, the radio host replied: "In the present, just as the Eastern Orthodox Church has been impacted by our ministry, I've been impacted by Eastern Orthodox people who have a very keen sense of Church history and have absolute fidelity to the essentials of the historic Christian faith. And so, this is all part of championing mere Christianity and learning."

Some applauded the news, including John Sanidopoulos of the Mystagogy Resource Center, who said he was "astounded" when he heard about Hanegraaff's conversion.

However, others were concerned as they believe that the Eastern Orthodox Church are not really orthodox in doctrine.

Jeff Maples of Pulpit and Pen noted that the Orthodox Church has some similarities with the Roman Catholic church, which, he says, is highly driven by graven images and denies the doctrine of salvation "by grace alone through faith alone."