| Author | Message | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 1284 Registered: 12-2003 |
Oh, my goodness--Dale Ratzlaff just sent us a story and a link to the online report that Hank Hanagraff, The Bible Answer Man, is under investigation for mail fraud. He is claiming the local post office diverted mail accidentally from the CRI (Christin Research Institute) box to the box of another ministry, and they have lost perhaps tens of thousand of dollars of donations. Hank is asking supporters to give sacrificially to help make us for the "lost" funds. The P.O. says no such diversion has happened, and further, CRI never even brought a complaint to the Post Office. Neither did anyone else report receiving mail that was not theirs. Hank claims the much of the "diverted" mail was thrown away. The penalty for mail fraud can be up to 5 years in prison and $250,000.00 in fines. The story can be found here: http://www.cultlink.com/news/CRIfraud.html The Christian Sentinel broke the story and is continuing to cover it. They are also giving details re: Hank's and his wife's CRI income and other financial investigations Hank has undergone. As Dale said, "This is too bad, but God will work it out for good." Dear Father, please glorify Yourself. Help truth to be known, and please keep us humble and faithful. Please help us to submit all the parts of our lives to you and to honor You in all we do. Colleen | ||
| Pheeki Registered user Username: Pheeki Post Number: 468 Registered: 1-2003 |
Mr. Martin's family also claim that Mr. Martin never appointed Hank as his successor, yet Hank took over anyway. Who knows? | ||
| Chris Registered user Username: Chris Post Number: 582 Registered: 7-2003 |
I enjoy listening to the Bible Answer Man program and find myself in agreement with much (not all) of the theology Hank espouses. I say this because I want to make it clear that I'm not just piling on or a critic with an axe to grind. Having said this, I have been extremely concerned for a while now about the direction CRI has taken. Several years ago there was a law suit (ended in settlment) by two former employees alleging misuse of funds. About a year or so ago a Christian watchdog group that monitors use of donations found serious problems in CRI's use of donated funds. The problems included a new wood floor for Hank's home study and a BMW sports car leased for Hank's use (CRI has since returned the car). I also have to wonder if CRI is still on the forefront of cult research as they once were or have they just become a big machine to promote books and such. I'm sorry, but as much as I enjoy listening to the radio program, I wouldn't feel comfortable donating any money to CRI at this time. Chris | ||
| Bob Registered user Username: Bob Post Number: 39 Registered: 7-2000 |
I used to subscribe to CRI's journal, but I did not renew because they were repeatedly calling me and hounding me for money, and would NOT take no for an answer. For a Christian organization, I found that shocking! I finally had to be almost rude to one of the phone solicitors, and told them not to call me any more. | ||
| Bob Registered user Username: Bob Post Number: 40 Registered: 7-2000 |
Colleen, the link you posted above would not work for me. Try this one: http://cultlink.com/news/CRIfraud.htm | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 1286 Registered: 12-2003 |
Actually, just copy the address and paste it into the browser window--it's not a hot link. | ||
| 4drian Registered user Username: 4drian Post Number: 43 Registered: 11-2004 |
I'm sorry to say I'm not at all surprised by this story. I like almost everything Hank has to say when it comes to religion; but the constant, unending barrage of advertisements and pleas for donations, make me want to change the station whenever "The Bible Answer Man" comes on. After listening to his program, one gets the distinct impression that Hank is much more in love with MONEY than he is with the gospel. Anyway, I really hope this turns out to be some sort of mistake; but Iím not holding my breath. | ||
| Riverfonz Registered user Username: Riverfonz Post Number: 189 Registered: 3-2005 |
This is just a reminder to check the thread, "Bible Answer Man", to get an important follow-up on this story, as it may not be true. Stan | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 1788 Registered: 12-2003  |
Thanks, Stan. Colleen |
