Lessons from Ravi Zacharias’ life

Merely eight months ago, the Christian world was giving Dr Ravi Zacharias a warm send-off at his funeral in May 2020. He was recognised as a well-respected apologist and hailed as the C.S. Lewis of our day. Fast forward eight months later to February 2021, Ravi Zacharias International Ministry (RZIM), the organisation founded by the namesake, accepted an independent investigative report that concluded there were numerous sexual abuses by the late founder involving a number of women over a substantial period of time. This is grievous news to many and a release for those who have been victims. We are thus providing a few resources gleaned globally and locally in response to the scandal.

The first resource is by Dr Michael L Brown, president and professor of practical theology at FIRE School of Ministry in Concord, NC; visiting professor of Old Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and visiting professor of Jewish apologetics at Fuller Theological Seminary, School of World Mission. He wrote a blog post, “How should we respond to the Ravi Zacharias’ scandal?” In it, he listed 13 points that included how anyone can lead a double life, to how God’s gifts and calling are irrevocable, “Let God be true and every man a liar”, grace can be abused, lack of accountability and double standards within the ministry, it is time to search our own hearts, we should not silence the victims, to whom much is given much is required, sin is never worth it, everything flows out of our personal relationship with God, “Don’t become jaded, as if no leaders can be trusted”, a huge apology is owed especially to unbelievers, and finally that we are to live sober lives in light of us having to give an account to our Lord one day.

“Josh McDowell Shares His Heart about the Ravi Zacharias Scandal” is an hour-long video resource where Drs Josh and Sean McDowell have an interview with regards to having better accountability in the Christian life, humbly allowing significant others to confront you, and being cognizant of one’s frailty in such matters. As father and son pair, the elder being an apologist-evangelist and the younger a seminary professor, Josh was able to present a viewpoint as fellow apologist, husband, father, and as one called into ministry.

For the local resources (international, for the last one), below are a few links by:

1. Local lawyer, Mr Michael Han, who has had personally benefitted much from Ravi Zacharias’ ministry: “Ravi Zacharias – Where do I go from here?” (13 February 2021)
2. Rev Edmund Chan of Covenant Evangelical Free Church, local and international church leader who knew Ravi Zacharias personally: “Ravi Zacharias: How does a shocked and grieving world respond?” (14 February 2021)
3. Senior Pastor Pacer Tan of Lighthouse Evangelism who wrote to “help my church members and fellow Christians to process the whole matter”: “8 lessons from the Ravi Zacharias scandal.” (16 February 2021)
4. Pastor Joanne Chow of Pasir Panjang Hill Brethren Church. She wrote specifically to sisters in Christ: “How not to fall: In the fight against sexual temptation, defence is not enough.” (19 February 2021)
5. Local retired pastor, Rev Kenny Chee (former senior pastor of World Revival Prayer Fellowship), who has his own blog: “Ravi Zacharias: my hope for pastors and churches.” (25 February 2021)
6. Ms Tanya Marlow, an author and former lecturer in biblical theology from UK. She is included in this line-up to present a feminist viewpoint: “But his books are still good, right? – 5 things Christians must stop saying about sexual abusers.” (16 February 2021)

 

Please note that the views expressed by the above authors are their own and do not necessarily represent those of East Asia School of Theology. Shalom.