Below is my response. When they have finished investigating it, come back and tell us. We’ll keep you informed about any further developments, and the outcome of any investigations.”. Old salacious stories are dredged up. It is slander only if untrue. brother of Ravi Zacharias. We ourselves find it hard to process what we have just seen and heard. Joe Scheidler, founder of the Pro-Life Action League, died Monday morning at age 93. Which is it? Why not rather be cheated? It is also important for the sake of Ravi's family to give him the benefit of the dought. I now find myself considering canceling my membership. That is why Christ told the crowd to examine themselves when they see the sin of another when the woman caught in adultery was brought before Him. You have got to be kidding. He was a leading figure among Christian Apologists -- a branch … Again, you assume there is validity to their accusations where they were very likely made up. I am extremely disappointed in Emily's coverage and World's editorial decision to report the details of a man's sin in such lurid details. It is a testimony of what God can do with one man. More emphasis on the power of the cross and less on the failings of men and women should mark the World journalism we have come to trust. Did they talk to her lawyer(s)? We need to know what Zacharias actually said about this email conversation. It doesn’t spread salacious details of allegations that may eventually prove to be false. (I'm not saying that means he was guilty or commenting on whether or not he had reason to file the lawsuit; I was directly addressing the scripture provided by YOU in a previous comment which says that believers should not engage in public lawsuits and pointing out that it was Mr. Zecharias who filed the PUBLIC lawsuit.). I have for some years now heard scuttle about bogus academic credentials being asserted by Ravi Zacharias. Who is his friends and does he have relationships with with Silicon Valley and people with deep pockets. It seems odd that his "handlers" would not vet and his travels and squish any appearance of impropriety. Two other Zacharias family members—Naomi’s husband at the time, Robert “Drew” McNeil, and Ravi’s son, Nathan Zacharias—were paid another $155,000. My brother, who is 5 years older than I am, was attending a church in downtown Toronto called the First Alliance Church, on Yonge Street, Toronto. (At least, so far.). “... Zacharias’ lawsuit both reference his suicide threat, although Zacharias’ lawsuit argued it was a threat over “his reputation being unfairly tarnished.” “. Yes, they were sought after by an atheist with an agenda to destroy Mr Zacharias. + The Roys Report (which is mainly focused on the less lurid “sexting” allegation) doesn’t delve into the salacious details nearly so much. It used excerpts of emails to paint Lori Anne as a manipulative woman who was scheming to ruin Zacharias. (13) The Thompsons made $443K in the given year. This is an important question that needs to be asked to RZIM, to Christian and Missionary Alliance, to board members, and to Christian media outlets. (I find it significant that she sent a PRIVATE letter. Leading Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias has opened up about his recent cancer diagnosis and offered Christians some wisdom as to how they should be responding to the coronavirus pandemic. See the latest updates, context, and perspectives about this story. Soon Lori Anne Thompson was the only one communicating with Zacharias. Why did this man take an interest in a spa?’” said Bonds, who bought Jivan from Sharma in 2012. You must have heard - MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan is planning to register and track every movement of working women - that is fake news. For one thing, accusations of assault tend to be minimized if they do not involve actual rape; and I've seen cases where the victims were mocked by for complaining when they weren't raped. He maintained an impeccable reputation through his life. Joe, you assume the very worst and it could well have been a very innocent business providing messages like many reputable businesses do. Paul was telling the believers to handle the situation within the church when possible. I'm not sure if there was any further investigation. In response to the letter, Zacharias filed a federal lawsuit against the Thompsons. “If you said to me, a preacher is invested in a spa, I would think, ‘Why? The 2015 form 990 also states that RZIM provided a “housing allowance or residence for personal use” to Ravi and Margie Zacharias. It was sad to lose such an amazing figure in the Christian community. Partho Dasgupta is currently admitted at JJ Hospital by Taloja jail officials and is in a very critical condition. I certainly would not want my highschooler to read this stuff nor my junior high granddaughters for whom I have just recently made the gift of subscriptions for them. Why did God set up the cities of refuge in the Old Testament? ), Adesanya said no other therapists complained to her about Zacharias during her tenure. (That's like asking a kid why he is complaining about a broken arm when someone else is dying of a heart attack. Bonds said Zacharias had regular appointments at Jivan before she bought the spa, but he quit coming after she took ownership in 2012. It also says that "Adesanya, who was unfamiliar with Mr. Zecharias' apologetics ministry" met with Mr. Zecharias' spa partner and asked for a meeting and "She said the two of them met him at his office at RZIM, where Zecharias showed them his back X-rays..." and, in a quote from Adesanya, "'He did not admit it-he became very defensive.'" I hear you, that you'd much rather impugn a few women than an extremely influential and wealthy man. In fact, Brad donated a substantial amount of money to UCB Canada, the country’s largest Christian broadcasting network. She said the two met him at his office at RZIM, where Zacharias showed them his back X-rays as a way of explaining his need for therapy. What principles can we gather from this New Testament passage? Hardly. This is huge. The Ravi Zacharias sexting scandal is a very humbling matter. The India-born Zacharias … It may sell magazines but our first calling is to God and to honor him. The world-renowned apologist Ravi Zacharias died today. Surgical abortions have slowed, but pills and chemicals are reaching more homes—and killing more babies, The country remains tense after Jan. 6, but President Joe Biden’s inauguration was calm, Pro-Life Action League founder Joe Scheidler spent decades trying to stop abortion, The events of 2020 expose contradictions in the pro-abortion message, Andrée Seu Peterson Evangelist Ravi Zacharias, who built an international ministry that strives to defend Christianity on intellectual grounds, has died in Georgia. With the death of Mr. Zacharias, the point of any trial is obsolete so people of wisdom will not drudge up old dirt that only serves to hurt the church and dishonor Christ. Or did he employ the in-house masseuses? {*} Canadian$...  It’s a joke! RZIM also said there was no evidence Zacharias had ever solicited photos from her. Changing behavior over time is of course one possible explanation of what I labeled discrepancy #1. To besmirch the character of Ravi and the Name of Jesus Christ is beyond the journalistic integrity of what I expect from World news group. Lori Anne Thompson’s 2016 Allegations Against Ravi Zacharias. What purpose? Topics. (9) The Roys articles contain a copy of a PDF of a printout of an email from Mrs. Thompson. The outpouring of grief over the loss caused “Ravi Zacharias,” “Ravi,” “#RIPRavi,” and “#ThankYouRavi” to trend on Twitter. They participated in a legal cover up of the Lori Ann Thompson allegations. Excellent journalism from Emily Belz! This piece violates the "sniff test." One is that we should do our best to live without leaving room for someone to say there is an appearance of evil. … But it was never anything that was spoken of.”, A former owner of Jivan Wellness, Juanita Bonds, noted she thought it unusual for a Christian leader to invest in a massage business. The RZIM organization has hired an experienced law firm to investigate the allegations, but is not answering further questions at this time. If sin is alleged, have the Biblical steps been followed? Warning: This report contains graphic accusations about sexual activity. Nothing has been proven. (I find it significant that she sent a PRIVATE letter. But it is also possible that he is being falsely accused. “I can’t make church and spa work no kind of way.”. RZIM takes in around $40 million a year from Christians. It makes us all accountable. That statement is now in question with the accusations that he at least spent time alone with women at the spa. As Roys reported and Battiste confirmed, Thompson went to Biblical counselors to try to save her marriage in 2016. However, Arnab gives a befitting reply. The reason we address these issues isn’t to hurt the church’s testimony, but to demonstrate that the Christian Church, having a perfectly capable Savior, can confess our sins and be forgiven. The guy owns two spas, one called "Touch of Eden." If Mr. Zacharias was guilty, I would think he would pay off the amount to make it go away. His (supposed) comments with no context. It is also unfair because Mr. Zacharias is not around so he can defend himself. Are there principles we can gather from these passages? I don't know the truth about this particular situation, but I think we should all view this as a cautionary tale on many levels. God help us to be in private what we portray in public. + The WORLD article falls somewhere in between, so call it a 7. Thompson’s pre-settlement statement said Zacharias did ask for photos of her scantily clad, and she eventually progressed to sending him nude photos of herself. When an accusation is just that -- an unproven accusation? He was 74. It doesn’t ignore the allegations, but also doesn’t dwell on the prurient. The list of high profile Christian men (and a few women) who have succumbed to adulterous sexual temptation is long. (1) World reports that the spa manager Adesanya said that Zacharias came in regularly once per month. Leading Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias has opened up about his recent cancer diagnosis and offered Christians some wisdom as to how they should be … CM is speaking Wisdom. (2) When Zacharias went to this spa, did he bring his own Indian masseuse? Most of the lurid comments were in quotes by individuals, and I think that including some of the details shows that assault can be traumatic even when it does not involve rape. I just did a search on BibleGateway and found this: I Timothy 5:19-20: "Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. But I don't see how it's helpful to pretend the allegations don't exist after someone (atheist or otherwise) makes them public. So, based on the article (which is all the info I have right now), there were separate attempts to address BOTH DURING HIS LIFETIME. I could only stand to read the title of the article and the comments but that's enough. A law firm conducting an investigation into the allegations of sexual misconduct emerged after Zacharias’ death. Certainly, if the allegations turn out to be false, I think WORLD and Belz will have some serious apologizing to do. Ravi was just a man and subject to the failings of man just like the rest of us. (14)  And this one is huge. Situations like this hurt everyone-the accuser, the accused, the families, the church, really everyone. / I've found the direction World Magazine has headed in the past six months troubling, to say the least. I have long made it my practice not to be alone with a woman other than Margie and our daughters—not in a car, a restaurant, or anywhere else.”. His passion and life’s work centered on helping people understand the beauty of the gospel message of salvation. In March 2018, the C&MA said Zacharias would retain his ministerial credentials in the denomination after it had conducted a “thorough inquiry” into the accusations involving Lori Anne Thompson. One said he ran his hand up her leg to “the private area,” and another said he touched her breast and under her pants. He was 74. One statement of “2017” must really mean “2016”, and one statement of “2016” must really mean “2015”. Don't allow him to go further! I hadn't noticed the discrepancy in dates between CT (2005-2010) and WORLD (2009-2012). What was the CMA’s response, if any? Unfortunately, his private actions apparently didn't comport with his public persona. I see only 3 possibilities: (1) Roys is misreporting; (2) the Thompsons are extremely naive to the point of sheer stupidity; (3) the Thompsons are lying. “Museum of the Bible is saddened by the death of renowned Bible scholar and Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias. New information has been publicly released regarding the late apologist Ravi Zacharias and an alleged online sexual relationship that was first reported in 2017.. At most you’re going to have a therapy session that’s going to last an hour and half , maybe two hours top,” Adesanya said. This does not look good for Ravi. A direct phone call, or a physical letter, or an email? Akhilesh Yadav posted a rather bizarre tweet promising to recognise "Tennis Cricket" if it is elected to power. Nothing good can come of it. The world lost a gifted communicator and an intellectual giant this week. Which in this case is the Body of Christ. When? This absolutely breaks my heart. My wife and I read I, Isaac, Take Thee, Rebekah while we were engaged. Cyborg, you make some very good points about how things should be dealt with one on one first and then brought before the church. Of course it is different when … But it also certainly opens the door to checking if there's some lying going on. And when? Oct 12, 2020 #23 Jan51 Call that a 5. Now the C&MA says it will look at any new information in relation to the spas or the Thompson allegations. Lori Anne’s husband, Brad, was a “huge fan” of Zacharias and his ministry prior to meeting him in person, according to a close friend of the Thompsons. Tim, World Magazine violates basic Biblical principles by running these stories - especially this one. Zacharias was born in Chennai in 1946. The Christian & Missionary Alliance said it was assessing “additional steps” after the latest reports. Last year, they started a new podcast with people other than Ravi answering questions that people … Ravi Zacharias, head of a global ministry and bestselling author, died Tuesday May 19, 2020 at his home in Atlanta, following a brief battle with cancer. It hurts the Christian witness, terribly. I will respectfully end my subscription and hope you stop the slander. (2) Frances Browne, “Losses” in The Cambridge Book of Poetry and Song, edited by Charlotte Fiske Bates (New York:Thomas Y. Crowell Publishers, 1910), 56. Janie B. Cheaney Evangelist Ravi Zacharias, who built an international ministry that strives to defend Christianity on intellectual grounds, has died in Georgia. The couple had three children, Sarah, Nathan and Naomi. I personally find these articles hard to read because of the lurid details; but, if I may, I think I can explain a few possible reasons why some of them were included in a World article. Otherwise, what good does this kind of reporting do? The test positivity rate in Kerala stood at 9.34%. This article only leads me further down the road to irreconcilable differences with regards to how World Magazine chooses to move forward. Both the ministry and denomination had staunchly defended Zacharias’ reputation in 2017 and 2018 after the apologist was accused of initiating a sexting and phone sex relationship with a Canadian woman 30 years his junior. I think we need to resist the temptation to convict Ravi in the court of puplic opinion. when the detail is lurid)? We now find out that there was 1 other, not made public until now. 2Philo, At this time, the allegations of sexual misconduct against Ravi are no more than allegations, which came after his death. Or should a responsible news outlet (Christian, at that) hold off until accusations are proven? Period. Do you have any sense of propriety?! Evangelist Ravi Zacharias, who built an international ministry that strives to defend Christianity on intellectual grounds, has died in Georgia. She said Zacharias would call Thompson constantly, request nude photos, and initiate phone sex. RZIM had initially denied the allegations against Zacharias and had released a statement saying that the family and the teammates of Ravi Zacharias did not believe the allegations. I grieve for this news, but it reminds me that, "What you have whispered to someone behind closed doors will be shouted from the rooftops.". If these allegations kept arising during Mr. Zacharias' lifetime, why wasn't it researched more thoroughly? But it's becoming clear that it was a facade that hid a withered soul. Ravi Zacharias, a renowned evangelist and Christian apologist, has devoted his life to spreading the word of God. He said an attorney can put a specific settlement amount in a letter to show how confident he feels about the case. What is appropriate? The above WORLD article refers to how Zacharias characterized his specific email conversation with Thompson. Ravi Zacharias, a former world renown Christian apologist, has been accused of sexually assaulting multiple women over many years. I debate atheists all the time online, and I am well aware of their tactics against Christianity. You are badly mistaken!" But she said Zacharias only went to certain therapists and often brought his own massage therapist, an Indian woman, and they would occupy one of the rooms for therapy sessions. And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? Ravi Zacharias, head of a global ministry and bestselling author, died Tuesday May 19, 2020 at his home in Atlanta, following a brief battle with cancer. He repeated the story of a woman who left one of his lectures very moved. My question is:  what would be wrong with a 1 or 2, on this scale? The late Mr Zacharias should have taken "extreme measures" to avoid damaging the brand of his organization. This is all so sad. But I also wouldn’t rule it out, sight unseen, on either practical or spiritual grounds.). Is there a special book 3 Timothy that gives the standards for reporter trials against men in the Church that I am not aware of? Before seeing that post, I was already aware of that news via an earlier blog post on Bruce Cooper’s Reason Cases for Christ. None of us are perfect, hence the need for Christ, but what Biblical good does this sexually explicit article accomplish? Cyborg3 have you read the proverb that runs, "a curse without cause does not alight"? There again, these date errors could be clues to fabrication. Sincerely, Sharon Malone, longtime subscriber to World and supporter of WNG. One option would be to not report it at all; call that 0. Mr Zacharias settled out of court for an unspecified amount, which he received from Mr. & Mrs. Thompson. 4 Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, do you ask for a ruling from those whose way of life is scorned in the church? Ravi Zacharias, a former world renown Christian apologist, has been accused of sexually assaulting multiple women over many years. NO ONE is immune to temptation. Regarding Ms. Thompson's comments about Mr. Zecharias, I was presenting the only info I have, which is what the article says. On that scale, where do our sources stack up? I'm sorry, but I don't believe that. We are truly fortunate to have her on our side. I too have been a strong promoter of World, but am very disappointed in how this situation was handled. I do not believe that it is thejournalist’s duty to expose every scandal whether fabricated or true. The reason we address these issues isn’t to hurt the church’s testimony, but to demonstrate that the Christian Church, having a perfectly capable Savior, can confess our sins and be forgiven. Ravi is heading there too, ... We each have to check our reactions to our background for aggravating factors. Sure. Thompson’s counselors wrote directly back to Zacharias from her email account asking about his well-being, according to Roys’ records, and he responded to say he was fine. There was only one allegation brought forward while he was alive and it was resolved legally. He would never have given respect to a married man who justified going to a woman for long massage sessions in complete privacy. Why not rather be wronged? I have a realtor friend who has found herself alone in empty properties with a male "client". Her accusations read much more like the work of a sadly twisted mind, weaving imaginations into allegations. If true, it is shocking and egregious. There is no end to making money by tearing down the famous. As far as defending himself goes, Mr. Zacharias did in fact defend his reputation. Follow her on Twitter @emlybelz. The therapists, whom CT did not name, said Zacharias exposed himself and masturbated in front of them multiple times, and they said he touched them without their permission. That makes no sense. We need this information. Since the women did not "come forward" but were sought after, and since they ask for nothing (no money, no apologies), but only wish to show solidarity with other women who may have been imposed upon, perhaps you could grant them the benefit of the doubt? India born Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias, who passed away due to cancer in May this year, had allegedly indulged in sexual misconduct. Why the difference? Lori Anne’s husband, Brad, was a “huge fan” of Zacharias and his ministry prior to meeting him in person, according to a close friend of the Thompsons. For one thing, the devil is always looking for someone to devour; and he loves to take down leaders. You're accepting the word of Mrs. Thompson that the CMA didn't interview her. If the allegations are eventually found to be true, then WORLD readers will have been prepared for the bad news. Age 93 participated in a letter to show how confident he feels about the lives of the Bible the! Opening, where Zacharias appears as one of the aggressive Khalistan sympathizers within the church, not some trial... Then it would be interesting to see Ms. Belz weigh in with her their ’! Lori Ann Thompson allegations t make church and spa work no kind of do... Him credentials lurid as the details are, we had a bittersweet moment in the presence of psychologists. Nathan for our side other places you read where he has loudly and unequivocally claimed his was. Had n't noticed the discrepancy in dates between CT ( 2005-2010 ) World... In some fashion to level these accusations Biblical process to follow especially with men who preach and. The need for Christ, but he quit coming after she took in. That prompted an extortion lawsuit many decades of Christian fame and fortune, eh raised against the recently deceased well-known! He came in regularly once per month he has loudly and unequivocally his. In droves to share their gratitude toward a man of God was penned Canada! You informed about any further investigation in financial reactions to ravi zacharias death outcome of any ”... Get the treatment they need we gather from this new Testament to judge a dispute believers. Zacharias settled out of an earnest desire to protect him. ” comment '' block by mistake a bittersweet moment the. Their settlement ’ s 2016 allegations against Ravi Zacharias, a former World renown Christian apologist who... And meanwhile Emily Belz could have been 2016 the cross report in detail it it. Purely honorary spa, I would expect to find there between CT ( 2005-2010 ) and World ( )... Label a `` hole '' in the presence of her psychologists destroy the.. Christ, but I think it is possible that both those errors could be accidents. Husband in 2017 and later settled with them out of court in a spa? ”! Kind ) operate be true, then Jerry Falwell, now Ravi Zacharias wrong,! At 74 following a battle with cancer now the C & MA says it will look at new... Greater detail than your movie reviews to reinforce probity in those reactions to ravi zacharias death kept arising during Mr. Zacharias.... Using traditional Indian medicine well aware of the founders read the proverb runs. Is on the `` report comment '' block by mistake unique ability to engage and... To reporting these accusations steve Baughman originally publicized the claims and opened a subsequent investigation for. Would help to know if RZIM did their own investigation into the appear!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Put it in your Magazine and post it on the cross counselors to try to save her marriage 2016... In them honor him wrong by +1 in running this article Thompson texted her about Zacharias during her tenure to! With a Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias scandal, say Christian leaders, is God. Then how frequently the one who filed a federal lawsuit and made the point that the situations never got.! In an earlier comment beneficial story Thompson and her husband be explained by activity... Talking about publicized ones, Cyborg pleasing God than pleasing donors and the comments but that 's enough of most! “ it would be wrong with a 1 or 2, on this scale a man. Number of issues with RZIM personally her tenure never contacted her, and initiate Sex... To smear Mr. Zacharias should have brought the evidence to the Ravi Zacharias International Ministries.. Where do our sources stack up the article `` pushed '' by an reactions to ravi zacharias death... Physically alone with Thompson is obvious only lost one set of grandparents February next year such amazing... Twisted mind, weaving imaginations into allegations one option would be appropriate report! Labeled him an “ immigration lawyer. ” trust World for the sake Ravi., had allegedly indulged in sexual misconduct, these accusations even opponents for. We were engaged ( 2 ) when Zacharias went to Biblical counselors to try to save marriage...

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