RE: How on earth does that work? CRI published stuff a few years ago that systematically attacked every Catholic belief about the Virgin Mary. Now Hanegraaf has joined a church that dogmatically professes every one of those, except the Immaculate Conception.
Here’s my view on this -— think about Martin Luther. Before he left the Roman Catholic Church, I believe he already held the view that Mary was not a perpetual virgin and that one does not need to venerate her or any saint to gain favor with God.
Yet, for a long period of time, Luther never left the Catholic church. He intended to reform it from within.
Maybe ( and that’s a guess which could prove wrong ), Hanegraaf might be thinking of doing the same.
If not, I am quite curious as to how he would defend the perpetual virginity of Mary and the veneration of her in his Bible Answer Man program.
By and large, a single personality does not change Orthodoxy. The opposite usually happens. Orthodoxy does evolve, but it is a very long process. In fact, the various ecumenical councils success depends on the level of acceptance by the faithful over time. That which is rejected is viewed as in error. My personal views: evangelicals like to be Biblically sound; Jews love to argue a point; Orthodox largely just pray.
I have no way of knowing, but perhaps Hank tired of thinking about it. If that was working for him, he would still be doing it.
I don't think God is amused by such antics.