President of Christian Research Institute Takes on His Peers In Controversial New Book About Y2K

Excite, PR Newswire, Nov. 24, 1999

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 24, 1999 /PRNewswire/ -- "It became abundantly clear that I needed to launch a primary source research project (on Y2K). I proceeded, fully aware that I would pay a significant personal price for speaking out against the selling and sensationalism surrounding this issue ... people are being significantly frightened by what they are hearing from Christian leaders regarding Y2K. I am deeply grieved over the spiritual, emotional, and financial havoc that so many have already suffered." -- Hank Hanegraaff, "The Millennium Bug Debugged"

Author, radio show host and president of the Christian Research Institute, Hank Hanegraaff, questions the credibility and accuracy of some of the top religious leaders in America on their views of the Y2K bug in his new book, "The Millennium Bug Debugged." Hanegraaff cites Jerry Falwell, Dr. James Kennedy, James Dobson, as well as other religious figures as buying into the "sensationalism" and the "selling of fear" phenomenon sweeping through Christian circles.

In "The Millennium Bug Debugged," Hanegraaff produces contrary evidence to some of the most widely-quoted and publicized "examples" of the possible Y2K "crisis." With follow-up phone calls and simple research, Hanegraaff dismisses many of the stories as rumors and rhetoric. He also dogmatically opposes what he terms as "fear-engendering conspiracy theories" from popular authors and speakers who have capitalized monetarily on their doomsday predictions.

Hanegraaff writes, "Prior to spending thousands of dollars on (Michael) Hyatt's food storage plan, buying (Don) McAlvany's gold, or investing in (Chuck) Missler's seminars and sermons, I decided to check out their stories and statistics. Sadly, such investigative journalism has become a virtual dinosaur in the Christian community. As a result, sloppy journalism has been allowed to run wild."

Hanegraaff continues, "Such unsubstantiated stories circulated by spiritual leaders inevitably give Christianity a black eye. It is becoming all too common for those who take the sacred name of Christ upon their lips to spread stories that have little basis in fact."

Hanegraaff is heard daily as host of the nationally-syndicated Bible Answer Man radio program. He is the author of "Counterfeit Revival," a Silver Medallion winner and "Christianity In Crisis," a Gold Medallion winner. His numerous media appearances include Fox News Live, ABC News with Peter Jennings, and Larry King Live on CNN.