If hardcore protestant viewers do not like that the host is now discussing the bible from an Eastern Orthodox perspective, they are free to turn the show off and tune into something else that fits their theological beliefs better. If Hank loses viewers then, its his own fault.
When Jon Stewart took over The Daily Show from Craig Kilborn and changed the direction of the show to preach left-wing politics instead of poking fun at all sides of the spectrum, that's precisely what I did. I didn't demand they fire Stewart or allege that "he can no longer call himself The Daily Show host" because of the direction he's taken the show from its original roots.
>> eventually he has to be prepared to answer questions that will make him endorse and defend ideas not found in scripture, or he has to insist that they are.... <<
Most protestant-to-orthodox converts tend to be pretty fervent in finding a scriptural basis for their newfound theological views, so that would certainly be an interesting challenge to him.
>> things like purgatory, prayers to Mary, etc. <<
You seem to be confusing Orthodoxy with Catholicism. Orthodox Christianity denies the Catholic doctrine of purgatory since the East-West schism (although there's good evidence Eastern Christians accepted it PRE-schism) and reciting the Hail Mary on a rosary is not part of their tradition at all (although they do have many hymns and chants honoring the Theotokos -- as is the proper title for the Virgin Mary in eastern Christianity). If Hank's viewers cannot tell the difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism, that's all the more reason why he SHOULD continue to be "the bible answer man" and educate them. He no more has to defend Purgatory than a Lutheran would have to defend John Calvin's teachings.
There are many legitimate hings that can happen, which can be done:
1. Supporters of the program and the institute can withhold their financial support until the program finds someone who reflects their Biblical view. Some are already doing this.
2. Networks that carry the show can,
cancel it, and many already have. I don’t hear the show anymore in my city, which is a shame, as I am really curious to see the progression of the show.
You talk about tradition. Well if the tradition of the show going back decades is going to be ignored, then I don’t see how protestant and evangelical networks can continue to carry the show.
We cannot pretend to hold and sign on to a Reformed statement of faith, which includes THEIR UNDERSTANDING of the Bible and tradition while at the same time, ignore the differences that exist between the Orthodox view and still be the organization’s front man.
The most straightforward way to do this is to leave the show and form a different one that presents the Orthodox point of view. If the Orthodox churches and members feel that this is a ministry that is worth supporting, they should.
BTW, I am not unaware of the differences between Orthodox and Catholic views, I cite Catholic doctrine to highlight the illogicality of having a Catholic or Orthodox person heading the show.
Once topics like prayers or purgatory come up, and they will based on the show’s format, the differences will have to be explained and defended by the host, and it would not be honest to sign on to a Reformed creed while defending doctrines that are counter to the creeds themselves.
Oh By the way, here’s one thing I believe you and I can agree on — Praying for Hank Hanegraaf’s health.
As you know, Hank has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and is currently undergoing chemo therapy. The treatment can be very debilitating at times.
Let us pray that the Lord’s healing be upon him.