ravi zacharias
Frederick Antony Ravi Kumar Zacharias (26 March 1946 – 19 May 2020) was an Indian-born Canadian-American Christian evangelical minister and apologist who founded Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM). He was involved in Christian apologetics for a period spanning more than forty years, authoring more than thirty books. He also hosted the radio programs Let My People Think and Just Thinking.Zacharias belonged to the Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA), the Keswickian Christian denomination in which he was ordained as a minister.
Multiple sources have posthumously accused Zacharias of serious sexual misconduct. In February 2021 Miller & Martin, the law firm hired by RZIM to look into these allegations, confirmed their veracity. As a result, RZIM issued an apology and subsequently announced that it would undergo a name change and remove all material related to Zacharias.
Multiple sources have posthumously accused Zacharias of serious sexual misconduct. In February 2021 Miller & Martin, the law firm hired by RZIM to look into these allegations, confirmed their veracity. As a result, RZIM issued an apology and subsequently announced that it would undergo a name change and remove all material related to Zacharias.
Dec 3, 2021: CHVN Radio: Mission organizations face accountability call after Ravi Zacharias scandal
"Any organization in this day and age that does not create systems of accountability will eventually come to ruin," says one Megachurch Pastor.
July 8, 2021: Crosswalk: Why Are Christian Leaders Falling?
But it’s not worth it just because of that one situation. It’s worth it because of so many other demises of late: Bill Hybels, Ravi Zacharias, James MacDonald, Darren Patrick, Tullian Tchividjian, Perry Noble, Ted Haggard, Carl Lentz… the list is gut-wrenching
"Any organization in this day and age that does not create systems of accountability will eventually come to ruin," says one Megachurch Pastor.
July 8, 2021: Crosswalk: Why Are Christian Leaders Falling?
But it’s not worth it just because of that one situation. It’s worth it because of so many other demises of late: Bill Hybels, Ravi Zacharias, James MacDonald, Darren Patrick, Tullian Tchividjian, Perry Noble, Ted Haggard, Carl Lentz… the list is gut-wrenching
May 26, 2021: Christianity Today: Can you separate Ravi Zacharias International Ministries from Ravi Zacharias?
Meanwhile, we’ve heard no acknowledgment of the courageous whistleblowers—RZIM team members such as Ruth Malhotra, Sam Allberry, Amy Orr-Ewing, Daniel Gilman, Nancy Gifford, Max Baker-Hytch, Rio Summers, and others—who repeatedly raised questions to the leadership and attempted to speak up on behalf of victims. Instead of being celebrated for telling the truth, they were shut down or sidelined, accused of a greater sin: being disloyal.
Jan 15, 2021: CHVN Radio: Christian philosophers and apologists call on RZIM board to acknowledge its 'complicity' in scandal
Leading Christian scholars have signed a public letter calling on Ravi Zacharias International Ministries and its board to move forward with its investigation of the ministry's namesake with "transparency and objectivity
Meanwhile, we’ve heard no acknowledgment of the courageous whistleblowers—RZIM team members such as Ruth Malhotra, Sam Allberry, Amy Orr-Ewing, Daniel Gilman, Nancy Gifford, Max Baker-Hytch, Rio Summers, and others—who repeatedly raised questions to the leadership and attempted to speak up on behalf of victims. Instead of being celebrated for telling the truth, they were shut down or sidelined, accused of a greater sin: being disloyal.
Jan 15, 2021: CHVN Radio: Christian philosophers and apologists call on RZIM board to acknowledge its 'complicity' in scandal
Leading Christian scholars have signed a public letter calling on Ravi Zacharias International Ministries and its board to move forward with its investigation of the ministry's namesake with "transparency and objectivity
Joe Carter
"The denial of cheap grace in our words and the acceptance of cheap grace in our actions is one of the most fundamental aspects of American Christianity.
Like other disgraced leaders, Zacharias knew, “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good” (Prov. 15:3), These Great Men know God is watching, but they also know he is gracious and merciful. They trust Jesus as a benevolent Machiavellian: since the ends justifies the means, as long as they do good, God will overlook their sins.
Cheap grace is why we allow such leaders to not only get away with their sin but to also justify it. We cite their accomplishments and say, “But if their sins were acknowledged, would this good thing have happened?” We know they did wrong, but we look at what they achieved for God’s purposes.
Perhaps we find it easier to justify such behavior when we are not the ones being abused, molested, or raped.
For pastors and other ministry leaders, the lesson of Zacharias is not that “men like that” are prone to horrific crimes and moral failures. The lesson is that if we want to become Great Men who do great and mighty works for the kingdom, we are just as vulnerable to such sin as any celebrity."
--Joe Carter; Gospel Coalition; Report: Ravi Zacharias Engaged in Sexual Abuse 2.12.21
Like other disgraced leaders, Zacharias knew, “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good” (Prov. 15:3), These Great Men know God is watching, but they also know he is gracious and merciful. They trust Jesus as a benevolent Machiavellian: since the ends justifies the means, as long as they do good, God will overlook their sins.
Cheap grace is why we allow such leaders to not only get away with their sin but to also justify it. We cite their accomplishments and say, “But if their sins were acknowledged, would this good thing have happened?” We know they did wrong, but we look at what they achieved for God’s purposes.
Perhaps we find it easier to justify such behavior when we are not the ones being abused, molested, or raped.
For pastors and other ministry leaders, the lesson of Zacharias is not that “men like that” are prone to horrific crimes and moral failures. The lesson is that if we want to become Great Men who do great and mighty works for the kingdom, we are just as vulnerable to such sin as any celebrity."
--Joe Carter; Gospel Coalition; Report: Ravi Zacharias Engaged in Sexual Abuse 2.12.21
May 29, 2020: Christian Today: Life and legacy of Ravi Zacharias celebrated at moving memorial service
A moving memorial service has been held to celebrate the life and legacy of renowned apologist Ravi Zacharias, who passed away on 19 May at the age of 74.
May 29, 2020: Premeir Christian News: 'He was the C.S. Lewis of our day': Vice President Mike Pence pays homage to Ravi Zacharias
Vice President Mike Pence has delivered a eulogy at the memorial service of the late Ravi Zacharias.
Pence, who was a close friend of Ravi's and had made a personal visit to the family shortly after his death, called the late apologist a "kind giant of the faith."
May 11, 2020: Christian Post: Tim Tebow holds back tears in paying tribute to his 'hero of the faith' Ravi Zacharias
Tim Tebow struggled to hold back tears as he spoke about the impact Ravi Zacharias' ministry has had on his life after learning that no other treatment options are available for the minister's advanced stage of cancer.
Apr 1, 2016: Religion Chronicles: Ravi Zacharias: Why must someone follow Jesus if they just live a good life?
July 17, 2015: Gospel Herald: Ravi Zacharias Warns Gay Marriage Legalization Has Brought Church and Secular World to 'Breaking Point' In Divide over Sexuality -
Popular speaker and author Ravi Zacharias has warned that the US Supreme Court's recent decision to legalize same-sex marriage has brought the divide between Christians and the secular world to its "breaking point," but urged those who hold to a traditional view of marriage to nevertheless reach out those in the gay community with compassion and love.
Dec 29, 2014: Ravi Zacharias: RZIM: An End of Year Message from Ravi Zacharias
A moving memorial service has been held to celebrate the life and legacy of renowned apologist Ravi Zacharias, who passed away on 19 May at the age of 74.
May 29, 2020: Premeir Christian News: 'He was the C.S. Lewis of our day': Vice President Mike Pence pays homage to Ravi Zacharias
Vice President Mike Pence has delivered a eulogy at the memorial service of the late Ravi Zacharias.
Pence, who was a close friend of Ravi's and had made a personal visit to the family shortly after his death, called the late apologist a "kind giant of the faith."
May 11, 2020: Christian Post: Tim Tebow holds back tears in paying tribute to his 'hero of the faith' Ravi Zacharias
Tim Tebow struggled to hold back tears as he spoke about the impact Ravi Zacharias' ministry has had on his life after learning that no other treatment options are available for the minister's advanced stage of cancer.
Apr 1, 2016: Religion Chronicles: Ravi Zacharias: Why must someone follow Jesus if they just live a good life?
July 17, 2015: Gospel Herald: Ravi Zacharias Warns Gay Marriage Legalization Has Brought Church and Secular World to 'Breaking Point' In Divide over Sexuality -
Popular speaker and author Ravi Zacharias has warned that the US Supreme Court's recent decision to legalize same-sex marriage has brought the divide between Christians and the secular world to its "breaking point," but urged those who hold to a traditional view of marriage to nevertheless reach out those in the gay community with compassion and love.
Dec 29, 2014: Ravi Zacharias: RZIM: An End of Year Message from Ravi Zacharias
Nov 8, 2014: One Place: Ravi Talks about His Book: Why Suffering?
Is there purpose in our suffering? Is it really something that is necessary for Christians to endure? Ravi looks at the answers to these questions as he discusses his new book “Why Suffering? Finding Meaning and Comfort when Life Doesn’t Make Sense,” this week on Let My People Think.
Aug 13, 2014: Crossmap: Thoughts Concerning Suicide: Robin Williams, Ian Curtis, and Ravi Zacharias. May All Find the love of God in Christ
In 2013, ANS writer, Brian Nixon, wrote about topic, using two notable individuals: Ian Curtis of the rock band, Joy Division, and Christian Apologist, Ravi Zacharias as a contrast. We reprint this article to help those struggling with the disease.
July 31, 2014: Ravi Zacharias: Christian Today: Is Jesus unique? Ravi Zacharias on how to answer the 'are all religions the same' question
July 18, 2014: Daily Devotions News & Information: Ravi Zacharias Ministry – The Death of Gods
Gods, too, Decompose” “God is dead,” declares Nietzsche’s madman in his oft-quoted passage from The Gay Science. Though not the first to make the declaration, Nietzsche’s philosophical candor and desperate rhetoric unquestionably attribute to its familiarity. In graphic brushstrokes, the parable describes a crime scene:
Is there purpose in our suffering? Is it really something that is necessary for Christians to endure? Ravi looks at the answers to these questions as he discusses his new book “Why Suffering? Finding Meaning and Comfort when Life Doesn’t Make Sense,” this week on Let My People Think.
Aug 13, 2014: Crossmap: Thoughts Concerning Suicide: Robin Williams, Ian Curtis, and Ravi Zacharias. May All Find the love of God in Christ
In 2013, ANS writer, Brian Nixon, wrote about topic, using two notable individuals: Ian Curtis of the rock band, Joy Division, and Christian Apologist, Ravi Zacharias as a contrast. We reprint this article to help those struggling with the disease.
July 31, 2014: Ravi Zacharias: Christian Today: Is Jesus unique? Ravi Zacharias on how to answer the 'are all religions the same' question
July 18, 2014: Daily Devotions News & Information: Ravi Zacharias Ministry – The Death of Gods
Gods, too, Decompose” “God is dead,” declares Nietzsche’s madman in his oft-quoted passage from The Gay Science. Though not the first to make the declaration, Nietzsche’s philosophical candor and desperate rhetoric unquestionably attribute to its familiarity. In graphic brushstrokes, the parable describes a crime scene:
July 17, 2014: Heritage of Truth: Ravi Zacharias on Suffering, Healing, Scripture, and Dawkins
Ravi Zacharias recently conducted a press conference, to which Heritage of Truth was invited, at the Christian Booksellers Association convention in Atlanta (ICRS).
July 4, 2014: Youtube: The Problem of Pleasure - An Open Forum with Ravi Zacharias
The topic of Dr. Zacharias's open forum is, "The Problem of Pleasure." He will deliver the keynote message at 7:45 p.m. EDT, and hold a question-and-answer session with the audience. Join us for an open forum with Ravi Zacharias sponsored by the Kenya Christian Fellowship in America. This event is on the campus of James Madison University.
June 2, 2014: One Place: The Pursuit of Meaning, Part 1
Is there a way to find purpose and meaning in life? Is it possible to find fulfillment apart from God? Those are the questions Ravi Zacharias tackles this week on Just Thinking.
June 1, 2014: Youtube: RZIM God is not dead!
This is to introduce you to the RZIM ministry. Check out their youtube page. I love this misnitry.
Ravi Zacharias recently conducted a press conference, to which Heritage of Truth was invited, at the Christian Booksellers Association convention in Atlanta (ICRS).
July 4, 2014: Youtube: The Problem of Pleasure - An Open Forum with Ravi Zacharias
The topic of Dr. Zacharias's open forum is, "The Problem of Pleasure." He will deliver the keynote message at 7:45 p.m. EDT, and hold a question-and-answer session with the audience. Join us for an open forum with Ravi Zacharias sponsored by the Kenya Christian Fellowship in America. This event is on the campus of James Madison University.
June 2, 2014: One Place: The Pursuit of Meaning, Part 1
Is there a way to find purpose and meaning in life? Is it possible to find fulfillment apart from God? Those are the questions Ravi Zacharias tackles this week on Just Thinking.
June 1, 2014: Youtube: RZIM God is not dead!
This is to introduce you to the RZIM ministry. Check out their youtube page. I love this misnitry.
May 14, 2014: Moral Matters: Christianity’s Holy Book Versus Islam’s Quran: Dr. Ravi Zacharias
May 13, 2014: Mind Body Politic: Ravi Zacharias settles the question of abortion rights
Well-known evangelical Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias points out the gross hypocrisy of the abortion rights advocates:
May 2, 2014: Youtube: Ravi Zacharias: Classic Lecture on Apologetics (RARE)
This is a lecture from Ravi Zacharias which took place in 1988. In this lecture, Ravi talks about the necessity and nature of Christian Apologetics. The title of the lecture is "Christian Apologetics and the Modern Mind."Pardon the audio quality.
Apr 29, 2014: Cincinnati Christian University: Ravi Zacharias at CCU
On Tuesday April 29, 2014, Cincinnati Christian University hosted Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias. He spoke on Reasons for Faith in a Skeptical Age in the morning session before 1,100 attendees and spoke on Apologetics in the 21st Century in an evening banquet. At the banquet, Ravi was given CCU’s Distinguished Christian Leadership Award.
“I said, “Can I ask you a question? On every university campus I visit, somebody stands up and says that God is an evil God to allow all this evil into our world. This person typically says, ‘A plane crashes: Thirty people die, and twenty people live. What kind of a God would arbitrarily choose some to live and some to die?’” I continued, “but when we play God and determine whether a child within a mother's womb should live, we argue for that as a moral right. So when human beings are given the privilege of playing God, it’s called a moral right. When God plays God, we call it an immoral act. Can you justify this for me?” That was the end of the conversation.”
–Ravi Zacharias
Oct 19, 2013: Christian Post: Christian Apologist Ravi Zacharias Answers: What Is the Greatest Lie Facing Today's Culture?
A world-renowned apologist, a nationally syndicated radio show host and a famous comedian teamed up to address "The Death of Truth and the Decline of Culture" at a Georgia church on Thursday.
May 13, 2014: Mind Body Politic: Ravi Zacharias settles the question of abortion rights
Well-known evangelical Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias points out the gross hypocrisy of the abortion rights advocates:
May 2, 2014: Youtube: Ravi Zacharias: Classic Lecture on Apologetics (RARE)
This is a lecture from Ravi Zacharias which took place in 1988. In this lecture, Ravi talks about the necessity and nature of Christian Apologetics. The title of the lecture is "Christian Apologetics and the Modern Mind."Pardon the audio quality.
Apr 29, 2014: Cincinnati Christian University: Ravi Zacharias at CCU
On Tuesday April 29, 2014, Cincinnati Christian University hosted Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias. He spoke on Reasons for Faith in a Skeptical Age in the morning session before 1,100 attendees and spoke on Apologetics in the 21st Century in an evening banquet. At the banquet, Ravi was given CCU’s Distinguished Christian Leadership Award.
“I said, “Can I ask you a question? On every university campus I visit, somebody stands up and says that God is an evil God to allow all this evil into our world. This person typically says, ‘A plane crashes: Thirty people die, and twenty people live. What kind of a God would arbitrarily choose some to live and some to die?’” I continued, “but when we play God and determine whether a child within a mother's womb should live, we argue for that as a moral right. So when human beings are given the privilege of playing God, it’s called a moral right. When God plays God, we call it an immoral act. Can you justify this for me?” That was the end of the conversation.”
–Ravi Zacharias
Oct 19, 2013: Christian Post: Christian Apologist Ravi Zacharias Answers: What Is the Greatest Lie Facing Today's Culture?
A world-renowned apologist, a nationally syndicated radio show host and a famous comedian teamed up to address "The Death of Truth and the Decline of Culture" at a Georgia church on Thursday.
March 26, 1946: Frederick Antony Ravi Kumar Zacharias was born in Maras, India.
August 1984: Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM) was founded in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, to pursue his calling as a "classical evangelist in the arena of the intellectually resistant."
October 2007: Over several days, Zacharias addressed first the students and faculty of Virginia Tech, then the community of Blacksburg, Virginia, on the topic of evil and suffering in the wake of the Virginia Tech massacre.
November 2009: Zacharias signed the ecumenical Manhattan Declaration which affirms the sanctity of human life, the dignity of marriage as a union of husband and wife, and freedom of religion as foundational principles of justice and the common good.
April 2017: Canadians Lori Anne and Brad Thompson sent a demand letter to Zacharias requiring him to pay $5 million in exchange for them refraining from filing a lawsuit that would have accused him of impropriety. Their evidence included text exchanges, which included nude photos sent by Lori Anne Thompson to Zacharias
May 27, 2017: New York Post: Ravi Zacharias, Preacher Who Used Reason to Defend Faith, Dies at 74
Mr. Zacharias believed that the way to counter an increasingly secular culture was to make a logical case for theism, and to explain why Christianity above all other religions is best equipped to answer life’s fundamental questions. His ministry’s motto is: “Helping the thinker believe. Helping the believer think.”
Mr. Zacharias believed that the way to counter an increasingly secular culture was to make a logical case for theism, and to explain why Christianity above all other religions is best equipped to answer life’s fundamental questions. His ministry’s motto is: “Helping the thinker believe. Helping the believer think.”
December 3, 2017: Zacharias said, "Let me state categorically that I never met [Thompson] alone, publicly or privately. The question is not whether I solicited or sent any illicit photos or messages to [her]—I did not, and there is no evidence to the contrary—but rather, whether I should have been a willing participant in any extended communication with a woman, not my wife. The answer, I can unequivocally say, is no, and I fully accept responsibility." He added that he had been "absolutely faithful" to his wife throughout their marriage, but acknowledged that he "failed to exercise wise caution and to protect [himself] from even the appearance of impropriety".
December 23, 2020: RZIM confirmed that the allegations were true and released a preliminary report from the investigation, which concluded:
"The interim investigation update indicates this assessment of Ravi's behavior to be true—that he did indeed engage in sexual misconduct. This misconduct is deeply troubling and wholly inconsistent with the man Ravi Zacharias presented both publicly and privately to so many over more than four decades of public ministry. We are heartbroken at learning this but feel it necessary to be transparent and to inform our staff, donors, and supporters at this time, even while the investigation continues."
"The interim investigation update indicates this assessment of Ravi's behavior to be true—that he did indeed engage in sexual misconduct. This misconduct is deeply troubling and wholly inconsistent with the man Ravi Zacharias presented both publicly and privately to so many over more than four decades of public ministry. We are heartbroken at learning this but feel it necessary to be transparent and to inform our staff, donors, and supporters at this time, even while the investigation continues."
February 11, 2021: RZIM released the full results of its investigation, concluding that there was credible evidence that Zacharias had engaged in sexual misconduct. Accordingly, it was found that Zacharias solicited and received sexually explicit photos from more than 200 women who were in their early twenties until a few months before his death in 2020. According to investigators, Zacharias also used thousands of dollars of ministry funds which had been dedicated to a "humanitarian effort" to pay for massage therapists, providing them housing, schooling, and monthly support for extended periods of time.