Despite Ravi Zacharias' sexual misconduct, deceit and lies, his apologetic books, sermons and ministerial works still proclaim truth, valuable insights, good arguments and sound teaching. Booksellers and publishers have removed his books from their shelves and made them unavailable for purchase, in effect out of print. This is a regrettable move. We should separate the personality from the publications, from the truth and merits of what he wrote. A good book is a good book even if the author has acted in bad ways. Ravi's apologetics and the arguments he put forward are no less valid now than they were when his books were selling well in previous years.
God uses flawed human beings. Church history teaches this lesson clearly. And lessons are being learned form this sorry mess. Our hearts and prayers should go out to the victims of abuse and suffering caused by Ravi. Ravi, who died last May, was put on a high pedestal and has now fallen in the light of recent investigations. In time his books will be valued for what was written rather than what Ravi did in spas.
Yes, the evil done will be remembered, but so should the good. Being dead he still speaks... through his books etc.
1 comment:
It is a very difficult situation to understand.
The NT teaches that the sexually immoral will not inherit the kingdom of God. If Ravi really believed what he spoke about he carried out his sinful activities for many years knowing that he was precluding himself from spending eternity with God.
But if he didn't believe what he preached, why would he have spent his life defending the faith? Perhaps because he gained great popularity, worldwide fame, and earned a good income. Perhaps also he enjoyed public speaking and debate.
Maybe he started out with sincere intentions and a good heart, but then later lost his perspective, enjoying his popularity and fame, and succumbed to temptation.
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