Hank Hanegraaff & Financial Irregularities

Hank Hanegraaff's Christian Research Institute is heavily involved in monitoring other Christian groups for biblical irregularities - but who is watching them for financial irregularities? The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, that's who, and they have come across some problems after a probe launched due to complaints from former employees.

William Lobdell writes in the Los Angeles Times:

The dispute is another in a string of controversies surrounding Hanegraaff, who is best known as a Christian purist who holds pastors, churches and denominations accountable for teaching Bible-based Christianity. Nine years ago, another group of former employees who banded together as the "Group for CRI Accountability" accused Hanegraaff of abusive leadership, misuse of donor money and other transgressions. In 2000, the widow of institute founder Walter Martin called for Hanegraaff's resignation, citing similar concerns.

During the latest tempest, at least six employees have been fired or have resigned from a staff of about 50, former workers say. Those employees said the ministry routinely used donations to pay for Hanegraaff's personal expenses and luxury items, including a board-approved 2003 Lexus sports car and smaller items. They also said he paid his wife a large salary although she spent little time in the office and her role was unknown to most employees.

At the same time, employees involved with investigating whether any financial problems occurred were... fired! Once again, a Christian organization demonstrates little difference from the average corporation. Why is it that companies around America think that they can improve morale, productivity, and ethical standards by introducing more religion, and in particular more Christianity, to the workplace?

Read More:

• Religion 101
• Philosophy of Religion
• Books on Religion and Religious Beliefs