Jill Martin Rische Exposes Hank Hanegraaff

Jill Martin Rische is the eldest daughter of the legendary Walter Martin, founder of the Christian Research Institute (CRI) and the original host of the Bible Answer Man radio program. In this interview, Jill joins podcaster Paul Vendredi to discuss Martin’s life and legacy. She also discusses at length how her father’s ministry was hijacked and gravely tarnished by one of his employees, Hank Hanegraaff.

07:38 Jill reveals that Hanegraaff turned over the 1997 edition of Walter Martin’s masterpiece The Kingdom of the Cults to Bob and Gretchen Passantino, who radically altered the text from that of the last edition published before Martin’s death.

14:54 Jill discusses her father’s 1989 funeral, at which Hanegraaff infamously had Martin’s widow, Darlene, read a false statement about Martin’s desire to see Hanegraaff promoted to president of CRI. Jill also discusses John Ankerberg’s role in this flimflam.

21:14 It is well known that one of Martin’s six children, Jill’s sister Cindee Martin Morgan, supports Hanegraaff despite the disapproval of the other siblings. However, a publication called the Christian Post disseminated false information in this regard, which Jill here clears up.

22:47 Jill clarifies that Hanegraaff was NEVER a substitute host on the Bible Answer Man program during Martin’s life. Rather, the usual host in Martin’s absence was “Bible Answer Boy” Craig Hawkins.

23:39 Excerpting from Martin’s writings and audio recordings, Jill makes a case that Martin would have strongly opposed Hanegraaff’s role as Bible Answer Man given the latter’s new positions on vicarious atonement, the ministerial priesthood, veneration of saints, and the perpetual virginity of Mary.

43:37 Jill sternly cautions the clergy of the Eastern Orthodox Church that they have admitted into their fold a ravening wolf—namely, Hanegraaff.

47:41 Jill speaks directly to Hank Hanegraaff, refuting his accusations of slander and warning him to repent.