Bott Radio Network pulls 'Bible Answer Man' show after host's conversion to Orthodoxy

The Bott Radio Network (BRN) has reportedly pulled the "Bible Answer Man" show, following the conversion of the program's host, Hank Hanegraaff, to the Eastern Orthodox Church.

BRN, which broadcasted the show since 1980s, before Hanegraaff joined the show in 1989, cited its concern about biblical accuracy in removing the show from its programming.

"We want to make sure that our listeners know that the programming that we have on Bott Radio Network is thoroughly biblical," said BRN President Richard P. Bott II, a member of Lenexa Baptist Church in Lenexa, Kansas.

The network announced that Hanegraaff's show will be replaced by new late-afternoon programming featuring evangelical pastors like Jack Graham of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas.

Hanegraaff, who is also the president and chairman of the Christian Research Institute, joined the St. Niktarios Greek Orthodox Church in Charlotte, N.C. on Palm Sunday, April 9.

He said that he was compelled to attend an Orthodox Church over two years ago after seeing how deeply in love Christians in China were with the Lord.

He confirmed his conversion to Orthodoxy during a radio broadcast, but he claimed that his teachings remain unchanged and faithful to Scripture.

"I am as deeply committed to championing 'mere Christianity' and the essentials of the historic Christian faith as I have ever been," the radio host said during his April 10 broadcast, according to the Baptist Press.

"People are posting this notion that somehow or other I've walked away from the faith and am no longer a Christian. Look, my views have been codified in 20 books, and my views have not changed," Hanegraaff said in another broadcast.

Despite his claims, several prominent evangelical figures have raised concerns about his decision to become a member of the Orthodox Church.

R. Philip Roberts, director for international theological education with the Global Ministries Foundation in Tennessee, noted that "the roots of Eastern Orthodox theology go back centuries." However, he pointed out that there are problems with its teachings because there had been changes in its interpretations of biblical doctrines over the centuries.

Roberts said that although it has its roots in the ancient church, its ceremonies and theology have developed gradually throughout the centuries.

Other Christians welcomed the news of Hanegraaff's conversion to Orthodoxy. "The Benedict Option" author Rob Dreher, who converted to Orthodoxy from Roman Catholicism, congratulated the radio host, saying: "What astounding news! Many evangelicals seek the early church; well, here it is, in Orthodoxy."

Despite its removal from the Bott Network, the "Bible Answer Man" broadcast is still available at equip.org.