The Christian Research Institute (CRI) was founded in 1960 by the late Dr. Walter Martin, the first evangelical Christian clergy to recognize the threat and opportunity presented to the Christian church by cults and alternative religious systems. First Peter 3:15 was the inspiration for CRI: “But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.” Recognizing that the American Christian church had abdicated its position as the spiritual conscience of America’s social, political, and ethical systems, Dr. Martin committed CRI to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3).
More than 65 years later, CRI is one of the most effective apologetics ministries in the world. Its ministry outreaches include the Bible Answer Man broadcast, a daily, nationwide call-in radio program which is also available via simulcast on our website and as a podcast on all major podcast platforms, the Hank Unplugged podcast, the award-winning Christian Research Journal (now available as a free web magazine), thousands of audio recordings and videos, and a comprehensive online bookstore. CRI is led by President Hank Hanegraaff, host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, and author of award-winning bestsellers and many other books, including Christianity in Crisis, Counterfeit Revival , Resurrection, Truth Matters, Life Matters More: The Unexpected Beauty of an Authentic Christian Life, and The Complete Bible Answer Book—Collector’s Edition, Revised and Updated. Hank has taken CRI into the next generation of apologetics with a vision for eternity. Please see Hank’s full bio here.