He recently joined the Greek Orthodox Church. But as far as I can tell he still holds the essentials of the faith and is a strong brother in the Lord. I do not know much about the Orthodox Church nor have I recalled mailing one of their churches in Denver a letter. I only write up false churches needing to hear the gospel. Or am I deceived? Is the Greek Orthodox Church sound? When I mean sound do they affirm the essentials of the faith? They are not Baptist and probably use alcoholic wine in communion and do lots of things that make Baptist angry no doubt.
Has Hank Hanagraaf left the faith?
Discussion in 'Baptist Theology & Bible Study' started by evangelist6589, Apr 17, 2017.
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evangelist6589 Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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evangelist6589 Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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I quickly did a google search and GotQuestions came up with a response on what is the Greek Orthodox Church and this section of their answer I found troubling.
If this is what Hank believes, yes, I believe he has left the faith. -
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Bro. James Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
The Greeks(East) split from the Romans (West) circa 11th century, mostly about the primacy/papacy of Peter. The Greeks have a patriarch instead of a pope. They have most of the same pagan idolatry of Rome, including salvation by works.
The majority of Christendom believes in salvation by works. Now what? This will all sort out at the Bema Seat--or will it?
Many are called; few are chosen. Are we ready?
Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
Bro. James
P.S. I know some Baptists who use wine for the Lord's Supper. How does one make wine without alcohol? Welch's Grape juice is not wine. -
From their web site (of the Archdiocese of America):
The Orthodox Church has two great sources of authority, Holy Scripture (which includes the Apocrypha, I believe) and Holy Tradition (which, they say, "includes the writings, teachings, and acts of the apostles, saints, martyrs, and fathers of the Church, and her liturgical and sacramental traditions throughout the ages, the oral tradition of the early Church, and the decisions of the Ecumenical Councils").
The Sacraments are "the visible means by which the invisible Grace of the Holy Spirit is imparted to us. Four Sacraments are obligatory: Baptism, Chrismation (anointment with holy oil), Confession, and Holy Communion."
"...the Orthodox Church considers herself the Mother Church of Christendom..." (heads up, Catholics!)
How Are We Saved? -
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evangelist6589 Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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evangelist6589 Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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evangelist6589 Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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Cheers, Evan.
(That is not meant as an occasion to drink Mike's.) -
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evangelist6589 Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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In his bio at the Christian Research Institute website it says "Hank is deeply committed to equipping Christians to be so familiar with truth that when counterfeits loom on the horizon, they recognize them instantaneously." Seems like he wasn't equipped enough himself to recognize the counterfeit in the Greek Orthodox Church. -
Bro. James Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
Vitriol--an interesting word. Jesus' comments towards the scribes, Pharisees, lawyers, and doctors would be considered vitriol by some folks, especially the Most Right Reverend Doctors of Theology. Jesus called them vipers and hypocrites.
Apostle Paul said we are to follow Jesus--only. Everyone else could be and probably are headed for the ditch. We have a respect of persons malady in the ranks of Christendom--not a new dilemma. See: I Cor. 3. Example: read about what C.S. Lewis believed. Many folks who should know better quote C.S. regularly. There are many bible thumpers in the book selling business.
Beware the wolves dressed like sheep.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
Bro. James -
If Hank says he has not denied the faith once delivered, what exactly does he think that faith is?
The doctrine of justification by faith is virtually absent from the history and theology of the Orthodox Church.
Instead, Greek Orthodoxy emphasizes theosis (literally, “divinization”), the gradual process by which their members become more and more like Christ.
What many in the Orthodox tradition fail to understand is that “divinization” is the progressive result of salvation, not a requirement for salvation itself.
Other Orthodox distinctives that are in conflict with the Bible include:
The equal authority of church tradition and Scripture
Discouragement of individuals interpreting the Bible apart from tradition
The perpetual virginity of Mary
Prayers for the dead
Baptism of infants without reference to individual responsibility and faith
The possibility of receiving salvation after death
The possibility of losing salvation
Salvation is achieved by performing 7 Sacraments during a persons's lifetime. These are 'Channels' in which they receive God's Grace.
To achieve salvation (justification), both faith and works are considered necessary.
Worship of icons.
Veneration of Mary.
Etc., etc., etc. -
I know a lot of folks aren't fans of Pulpit and Pen, but I thought the following articles about Hanegraaff were interesting and enlightening, especially the visit to the church that he joined.
Hank Hanegraaff, Greek Orthodoxy, and Patterns in the Cults
Visiting Hank Hanegraaff’s New Greek Orthodox Church -
www.baptistboard.com/threads/eastern-orthodox-lecturer-at-sbts.103516/#post-2292698 -
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