RAVI ZACHARIAS ALLEGATIONS
HOW SHOULD CHRISTIANS THINK THROUGH ALLEGATIONS AGAINST FAITH LEADERS?
Key Facts
Ravi Zacharias was a famous Christian apologist who died in May of 2020. Since his death, three women have come forward with anonymous allegations that Zacharias sexually assaulted them. According to the women, he “touched them inappropriately, exposed himself, and masturbated during regular [massage] treatments over a period of about five years.” [1]
In 2017, Zacharias had settled a lawsuit with a Canadian couple he claimed had attempted to extort him over messages he had exchanged with the wife. [2]
The current allegations against Zacharias are being investigated by a firm hired by RZIM. According to a statement released by RZIM, preliminary findings have found that “significant, credible evidence that Mr. Zacharias engaged in sexual misconduct over the course of many years,” along with other behavior that is “more serious” according to the firm. They will be releasing their full report in late January or early February. [3]
When abuse victims feel like they can’t or shouldn’t talk about their experiences, their trauma can worsen. [4]
The likelihood that a person suffers suicidal or depressive thoughts increases after sexual violence. Sexual violence also affects victims’ relationships with their family, friends, and co-workers. [5]
Rape is the most under-reported crime; 63% of sexual assaults are not reported to police. [6]
As is true in the Zacharias allegations, most sexual assaults are committed by someone the victim knows. [7]
Key Scriptures
Philippians 2:15-18 “It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.”
Psalm 82:3 “Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.”
Psalm 9:9-10 “The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.”
Romans 2:18-24 “and know his will and approve what is excellent, because you are instructed from the law; and if you are sure that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?”
Application
Ravi Zacharias was a renowned Christian apologist known by his many books, conferences, forums, and ministry---Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM). In 2017, Zacharias had been accused of sexual misconduct. Lori Anne Thompson, the woman who had made these claims, agreed to settle with Zacharias and she signed a non-disclosure agreement. Following his death in May 2020, additional allegations were brought against Zacharias. Three women revealed anonymously that he had sexually assaulted them while he received massage treatment. The women who accused Zacharias of sexual misconduct described a pattern of abuse over the course of five years. They said Zacharias gained their confidence and learned their life stories, which included past instances of sexual abuse. [8] These allegations are still being investigated by a firm hired by RZIM. However, preliminary reports state that there is corroborating evidence for these claims and that other “more serious” behavior has also been uncovered.
How Should We Respond to the Allegations?
Christians may find it difficult to respond biblically to the allegations against Ravi Zacharias. For many, he has been a long-standing and effective apologist for the truth of the gospel. Yet, this does not mean that allegations of this kind should not be investigated or taken seriously.
As with many situations of alleged misconduct of prominent figures, I recognize the situation is complicated, especially since Zacharias has died and cannot speak about the allegations himself. However, the current evidence weighs heavily in favor of these allegations being true. As Christians, we want to avoid the pitfalls of sinful and hurtful responses to this issue (1 John 3:18, Proverbs 25:11). The Bible calls us to hate sin, but to also love others and have forgiving, merciful hearts (Rom. 12:9; James 2:13). How can we balance these principles when we react to such allegations?
First, as a group, Christians should make it a point to respond, period. It can be very easy to avoid this topic because naturally, it makes us very uncomfortable. Learning that someone we have supported and honored for so many years had secret sins can feel overwhelming. In addition, the issue of sexual assault can be intimidating to talk about as we often think it’s better to say nothing than to speak up and say the wrong thing. However, as Christians our lives should not be defined by fear (2 Tim. 1:7). The anxiety that surrounds the Christian response to this issue should not keep us from responding biblically.
Second, Christians should speak about these allegations with humility. We should respond with humility and be willing to adjust our positions as needed (Prov. 11:2). This was shown by Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, who originally denied the claims, but later hired an outside firm to give an unbiased investigation. This is an example of humility as the ministry was able to admit when they were wrong and correct that mistake (Prov. 28:13). As Christians, many of us have likely already had thoughts like “well I don’t believe that” or “they’re just trying to gain fame and money.” In situations like these, this can often be our first response to such a shocking allegation of a well-respected leader. However, false allegations of this nature are fairly infrequent. Our humility in this situation should allow us to follow the evidence and not allow our initial reactions, emotions, or our pride to decide what we believe.
Third, Christians should allow themselves to grieve. Christians and those who looked up to him as a leader in the faith may experience real grief, and this is okay. We may feel a variety of emotions because of the shocking and sudden reality of the deceit. As we experience these things, Christians should remember to bring their emotions before God to process through them and submit them to his will. The discovery of this secret life has affected many Christians and non-Christians alike. Non-Christians or young Christians who may have found Zacharias’s arguments convincing may end up avoiding or walking away from Christianity because of the corruption and hypocrisy this has brought to light. As Christians, we should comfort those for whom this feels overwhelming to acknowledge. As we respond, we should seek God’s wisdom in order to comfort those who are also struggling with this (2 Cor. 1:3-4).
How Should We Respond to the Victims?
First, we should respond compassionately. One great way to do this is to put ourselves in the shoes of the victim. The first thought of many has been how this will influence Zacharias, his legacy, and the institution which bears his name. While that is an important question, if we primarily focus on this, we are not loving the victims well or seeking justice (Mic. 6:8). Christians should first tend to the abused and seek their good (Prov. 31:8-9).
Second, Christians should respond with openness and honesty. In the past, scandals such as this were often hidden and kept secret, but this should not be the case with the modern Christian church. We should be open and honest as we address potential problems rather than fall prey to the notion that scandal in the church hurts our ability to share the gospel. It only does so when we attempt to hide the truth. To attempt to manipulate or hide the truth “for the sake of the gospel” is abhorrent (1 Pet. 2:1). In Zacharias’s case, we should not allow ourselves to believe that it is morally acceptable to sweep the brokenness of his legacy along with the pain of his victims under the rug (1 Cor. 4:5). The church works like a family, and, just as with a family, it is healthy to address problems rather than to ignore them (Eph. 5:13). Addressing Zacharias’s behavior publicly can be difficult for a variety of reasons, yet it is incredibly important for the overall health of the church and the healing of the victims.
The world is watching how Christians respond to these allegations. One in three women have been sexually abused as well as one in six men. [9] These people, along with his victims, will undoubtedly feel a personal connection to the situation and be watching how the church responds to these victims. No victim should ever feel that coming forward to report abuse is somehow an act against the church (Eph. 4:25). This is an opportunity to show a hurting world that Jesus can provide healing to those who have been abused (John 10:10). As one blogger put it, “Those who rise up to defend the defenseless are revealing the true face of God, not only to the victims, but also to themselves.” [10] As we respond (both publicly and in our private conversations), we should be aware of the victims who may be looking for a safe place to open up about their trauma. The silencing or minimizing of Zacharias’s victims can lead us to unknowingly silence or minimize the experience of other victims around us.
How Should We Think About Ravi and His Legacy?
Do not minimize a person’s sin in order to salvage their legacy. One way Christians do this is to attempt to create extreme sympathy for the abuser. This can be done by minimizing his actions (“we all sin”), comparing his sins to other people (“this is like King David”), or focusing solely on the good aspects of his life (“he was such an amazing man”). While we can acknowledge the complexities in any given situation, these are misguided attempts to salvage his legacy or to protect God’s “reputation.” For Christians, the legacy of a man should not be the first concern in a situation such as this one (Matt. 23:28). Christians know that man is sinful (Rom. 3:23). While we should not intentionally tarnish a man’s reputation, the good he accomplished should not keep us from feeling the full weight of his despicable actions towards his victims (Prov. 10:9).
Not us, but God. The salvation of people done during Ravi’s ministry was not Ravi, but God. We should remember that he was an instrument of God. Every good thing accomplished by Ravi’s ministry was ultimately the work of God (James 1:17). The truth coming out about Zacharias does not mean that he had no positive impact in his life, but rather it shows us that the positive impact that his life had was all due to God.
God uses whom He wills. Despite our sin, God’s plans cannot be thwarted. God has used everyone from a donkey to wicked people to accomplish His purposes (Hab. 1:5-11; Num. 22:21-39; Acts 2:23). God didn’t need Ravi Zacharias to accomplish His purposes, just as He doesn’t need you or me (Acts. 17:25). God chooses to use people to enact His plan, even people who have hardened their heart toward Him (Romans 9:17). Zacharias is an example of this because, while he was preaching the gospel, he was engaging in secret and detestable sins against vulnerable people. God used him to further the gospel, but this does not mean that he, in his sin, is a reflection of that gospel (Phil. 2:15-18). In fact, his actions are in direct opposition with biblical teaching.
Recognize the multiple facets of Ravi Zacharias’s ministry. As we condemn his actions wholeheartedly, Christians can recognize the multiple facets of his life. Zacharias was known for his apologetic arguments. The logic and effectiveness of these arguments for God do not depend on the character of Zacharias. His contribution to the ministry and the field can be recognized while condemning his behavior.
Seek discernment. Deciding how to practically respond in the wake of what is being brought to light will require discernment on the part of Christians. When it comes to the practical questions of how to deal with these allegations or whether or not to recommend his materials, Christians should seek wisdom from prayer, from Christian leaders, and from God’s Word. There may be many situations that arise in which we simply do not know what to do in light of these allegations. As we make these decisions, Christians should be intentional to discern the correct path through the lens of Scripture and by the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Conclusion
The alleged actions of Ravi Zacharias over the course of many years are detestable and in complete opposition to the biblical standards for Christian leaders. Christians can learn from this situation and do their best to respond in a biblical way. The sudden removal of Ravi Zacharias as a faith leader should be a reminder that faith leaders are not immune to temptation. While Christians should respect and honor leaders, all our praises should ultimately be to God (Matt. 5:16). We should take this opportunity to pray for leaders in apologetics and other fields of Christian study, that they act righteously, justly, and are open to correction when confronted with their sinful behaviors.
[4] Sarah E. Ullman, Talking about Sexual Assault: Society’s Response to Survivors.
[5] https://www.doorwaysva.org/our-work/education-advocacy/the-facts-about-sexual-assault/
[6] https://www.ccbc.edu/sexualviolencefacts
[7] https://www.ncat.edu/legal/title-ix/about-title-ix/myths-and-facts.php
[8] https://world.wng.org/2020/10/new_sexual_misconduct_claims_surface_about_ravi_zacharias
[9] https://1in6.org/get-information/the-1-in-6-statistic/; https://www.cdc.gov/injury/features/sexual-violence/index.html