And again at ground zero, we find the delightful Julie Roys, whose spiritual gift appears to be publically exposing the sins of others, a gift listed in the Bible between the gift of helps and the gift of mercy. It was sad to lose such an amazing figure in the Christian community. In name of saving democracy, they get money from various sources. The import of Zacharias never having been physically alone with Thompson is obvious. It would have been better for him if he had been more concerned about pleasing God than pleasing donors and the Christian public. Based on the article, Ms. Thompson confessed first to her counselors and then informed Mr. Zecharias that she was going to tell her husband, but Mr. Zecharias threatened to kill himself. 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Mr. Zacharias, whom you keep pronouncing "dead" and "unable to defend himself" is either far more alive than you or I at this moment, or else the Gospel he preached is not true. (The Thompsons’ lawyers maintain the statement violated their settlement’s confidentiality agreement. I wonder. Ms. Thompson initially confessed to her counselors, then she informed Mr. Zecharias that she was going to confess to her husband, then he threatened to kill himself. Battiste said Thompson texted her about Zacharias’ threat when it happened, asking what she should do. 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 Zacharias, the point of any trial is obsolete so people of wisdom will not drudge up old dirt that only serves to hurt the church and dishonor Christ. It is slander only if untrue. Allegations from an atheist with clear intentions to harm Mr. Zacharias should also give us pause to question them. There again, these date errors could be clues to fabrication. MTJanet, you are absolutely right. I had a number of issues with RZIM personally. I don't know what "posthumous punishment" is appropriate here. The lawsuit also claimed the Thompsons were “experiencing significant financial distress” and had believed that “depicting an inappropriate relationship (in person, online, or otherwise) between Ms. Thompson and a prominent, pious individual like [Zacharias] would enable them to force the individual to pay an exorbitant sum of money under the threat of the disclosure.”. It’s certainly possible that both those errors could be mere accidents. 4. I don’t know. They could be fabricated lies by unbelievers outside of the church. While CT’s reporting was based on unnamed sources, WORLD has spoken to the former manager of one of the spas, Anna Adesanya, who spoke on the record. One said he had requested explicit photos. There's another item that I'd label a "hole" in the story. “My sadness in watching the allegations break and watching the reports break and watching the reactions break has just been reading comments in social media,” said Dan Paterson, the former head of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM) for … Mr Zacharias settled out of court for an unspecified amount, which he received from Mr. & Mrs. Thompson. The broken arm may not kill him, but it still hurts!). I believe these are legitimate questions that need to be answered before we assume the worst in Mr. Zecharias. Why not rather be cheated? This is low and despicable. Hearsay. On that scale, where do our sources stack up? Hold on Not Silent! Zacharias said he had maintained a friendly online correspondence with the wo… After consulting a lawyer, Ms. Thompson wrote a private letter seeking a monetary settlement from Mr. Zecharias, and Mr. Zecharias responded by filing a federal lawsuit. I have long been an enthusiastic reader of WORLD. (2) When Zacharias went to this spa, did he bring his own Indian masseuse? Also, it would be interesting to see where he got his money from during the time he was investigating Mr. Zacharias. The aspersions cast on Ravi's character can never be taken back. (8) Using traditional Indian medicine equates to following Hinduism and betraying Christianity. Zacharias reportedly sexually abused several women. “Ravi Zacharias, who spent his life defending Christianity through books and lectures, has died. Ravi’s heart was people. (6) Long massages can only be explained by sexual activity. The above WORLD article refers to how Zacharias characterized his specific email conversation with Thompson. I hadn't noticed the discrepancy in dates between CT (2005-2010) and WORLD (2009-2012). Those of us who are familiar with his life and his God-given ability to speak for Truth and constantly to defend it have no doubt that this is just a ridiculous attempt of the Evil One. RZIM had entrusted a law firm, Miller & Martin, to conduct an investigation into the allegations. Bonds said Zacharias had regular appointments at Jivan before she bought the spa, but he quit coming after she took ownership in 2012. A posthumous sexual misconduct scandal involving the man who founded, in his own name, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries has placed the global Christian organization in a wrenching predicament While it is uncommon for a religious leader to own a spa, it is not inherently sinful -- unless you think that massages are always sexual. How do you not know that some wealthy atheist hired this lawyer to bring Mr. Zecharias down by whatever means. It is also unfair because Mr. Zacharias is not around so he can defend himself. “These recent allegations about Mr. Zacharias have raised concern over the C&MA’s decision in 2018 to retain Mr. Zacharias’ ministry credentials,” said spokesman Peter Burgo in a statement. The World article reports that Mrs. Thompson says they never contacted her, and indeed she reached out to them. I'm ALSO aware of many cases of sexual assault by Christian leaders. May they do so in any such situation in the future. It seems obvious to me that this is another  attack of the Enemy and his minions to destroy the legacy and continuing ministry of a dedicated servant of God after his death, when he doesn't have the opportunity to deal with it. What is appropriate? + The WORLD article falls somewhere in between, so call it a 7. 6 But instead, one brother takes another to court—and this in front of unbelievers! (14)  And this one is huge. Living large can do things to people. HE was the one who filed a federal lawsuit and made the situation part of the public record.). ), Adesanya said no other therapists complained to her about Zacharias during her tenure. It makes me sad for a number of reasons that I wanted to talk about. But it also certainly opens the door to checking if there's some lying going on. However, this is an opportunity for us as Christians to point out that we are all sinful and in need of a savior, and that Jesus came to save sinners like us. Sorry, but I am not convinced. The spas are flashing red. Unions will discuss the offer to suspend farms laws tomorrow, will and inform their decision in next meeting on 22nd January. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers? “He said, ‘Who is this girl, what is she trying to do to me?’”, After the meeting, Adesanya said, Sharma fired the therapist who had complained. Is Emily Belz an elder in the Church? This brief Miller & Martin report, although early in the investigation, did find some … Just because there is supposed news, and just because it could be reported doesn't mean it should be. In the past, World has been pretty good about taking into account the comments from readers; and I would think they would do so in this case also. Evangelist Ravi Zacharias, who built an international ministry that strives to defend Christianity on intellectual grounds, has died in Georgia. Along with being an actor, Sushant Singh Rajput was National Physics Olympiad winner and had a passion for astronomy and astrophysics. But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that others may take warning.". Sophia's World / Good catch! Please contribute whatever you can afford. Watching church members struggle with various illnesses and succumb to death challenged me in ways I could have never expected. However, his death was somewhat expected and … Amen and MEGA DITTOS. This just seems like gossip to me. 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. The Supreme Court on the 13th of January delivered a very significant judgment in a case involving the kidnapping of a minor. You are badly mistaken!" https://www.justia.com/criminal/offenses/white-collar-crimes/extortion/. It doesn’t spread salacious details of allegations that may eventually prove to be false. Whether she sensed something was amiss or not, I think she deserves to be shielded from this imbroglio unless she herself wishes to speak publically. No one is without sin. 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. 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.". I just opened the wrapper; sat down to read and the very first article I read is this filth and slander against a dead man who can't even defend himself. The ministry Zacharias founded, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM), issued a statement calling the accusations “false.” The ministry would not answer WORLD’s questions about the accusations but said it had commissioned an independent investigation. Recently, Navika Kumar said that when Arnab left Time Now, she had his shoes to fill. He was 74. Now, I’m the fist to admit that I don’t like it when someone is critical of … RZIM, in a recent statement on these allegations, said Zacharias had never been alone with Thompson. This type of reporting seems inappropriate. In fact, Brad donated a substantial amount of money to UCB Canada, the country’s largest Christian broadcasting network. Zacharias had been battling sarcoma and died at his home in Atlanta on Tuesday, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries said. The Ravi Zacharias Sex Scandal: My Thoughts. But she said, "I wonder what he's like in his private life." He was 74. The 2015 form 990 also states that RZIM provided a “housing allowance or residence for personal use” to Ravi and Margie Zacharias. And there’s the thing, we don’t know if it is true, or not. With the massage therapists, Mr. Zecharias was brought in by the owner and confronted. My wife and I read I, Isaac, Take Thee, Rebekah while we were engaged. If he fired her without cause, he opened himself up to significant civil and legal liabilities. You made the point that the allegations by the spa therapists were "pushed" by an atheist. Whether we renew is really up to your response and apology and your promise to never be explicit about any sexual sin, no matter whose. What address/number did she use? All of those who heard him speak are aware of the pain he suffered from his back. He was 74 when he died of cancer earlier this year after 48 years of marriage to his wife, Margie. A law firm conducting an investigation into the allegations of sexual misconduct emerged after Zacharias’ death. What level of detail (esp. Kerala reported 6,186 positive cases on Tuesday, 19 January. I think we need to resist the temptation to convict Ravi in the court of puplic opinion. Ravi Zacharias, a former world renown Christian apologist, has been accused of sexually assaulting multiple women over many years. I don't know who is telling the truth in this case. Who is his friends and does he have relationships with with Silicon Valley and people with deep pockets. Christians who occupy a public pedestal are extremely intimidating, and it is so good to understand the dangers both to the one occupying that position, and those who would vaunt them. Sincerely, Sharon Malone, longtime subscriber to World and supporter of WNG. Pooja, the widow of Amit Kumar, said that the Delhi government has rejected compensation for her husband on the grounds that he was not on COVID-19 duty. The letter is dated December 27, 2017; but it must really have been 2016. If Mr. Zacharias was guilty, I would think he would pay off the amount to make it go away. Was there a special role given to journalists either in the Old or New Testament to judge dead men of God? The RZIM organization has hired an experienced law firm to investigate the allegations, but is not answering further questions at this time. Posted on Fri May 08, 2020 by dee May 8, 2020. “Nothing is as important as the truth.” Ravi Zacharias (The Real Face of Atheism, page 105) In an article published by Julie Roys on December 23, titled “Interim Report Finds Ravi Zacharias “Engaged in Sexual Misconduct Over Many Years,” Roys included an interim report by Miller & Martin, PLLC which was published on December 22, 2020. . There they are in print. Zacharias and his family would be returning home “where our family can be together for whatever time the Lord gives us.” Zacharias’ organization, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, put out a tweet asking Christians to share their most treasured memories of him … Adesanya told me Zacharias would come in regularly, maybe once a month. The denomination where Zacharias was an ordained minister, the Christian & Missionary Alliance (C&MA), said the new accusations “have raised concern” and it is assessing “additional steps” to take in light of the new information. I will respectfully end my subscription and hope you stop the slander. Certainly, if the allegations turn out to be false, I think WORLD and Belz will have some serious apologizing to do. Up until this point, I had only lost one set of grandparents. Did they talk to her lawyer(s)? I do not believe that it is thejournalist’s duty to expose every scandal whether fabricated or true. On the other end, a news outlet could report every tiny lurid detail of the alleged events; call that 9. We all share a sinful nature, even the most prominent of us. Let's focus on Christ and how amazing God is instead! Nothing good can come of it. Zacharias was born in Chennai in 1946. Fair question, even according to Ravi. Exactly how much detail is needed, I'm not sure. However, his death was somewhat expected and became a time to reflect on the good he had done. Maybe we could put it on a spectrum, say from 0 to 9. Marvin Olasky The India-born Zacharias … If you think World runs these stories gleefully or with a "holier than thou" attitude, you read a different magazine than I do. 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. (I'm not just talking about publicized ones, Cyborg. In the case of World, what benefit is there in running this article? (11) The above WORLD article labels Zacharias attacker Steve Baughman an “immigration lawyer.”. The concept is not what I object to. Reactions: MapleLeaf, Salluz, RestInHim and 8 others. Ravi was just a man and subject to the failings of man just like the rest of us. Be chill, my Canadian cohorts. 2Philo, At this time, the allegations of sexual misconduct against Ravi are no more than allegations, which came after his death. /, Law / Lifestyle / Technology / Religion / Sports / History / Health / Education / Medicine / Business, Dean's List / It was sad to lose such an amazing figure in the Christian community. In the years before his death, ... Lori Anne Thompson’s 2016 Allegations Against Ravi Zacharias. The primary accusation involves a lawsuit regarding a woman who emailed Zacharias nude photos. One reaction we must not have to the Ravi Zacharias scandal, say Christian leaders, is to downplay what Zacharias did. The world-renowned apologist Ravi Zacharias died today. The test positivity rate in Kerala stood at 9.34%. We need his side of the story. This story and those involved remind me of the woman who had an affair with Alexander Hamilton whose husband later knocked at AH's door demanding compensation. Words are powerful. That “drives your settlement strategy, and lowers the amount.”, After the Thompsons settled in 2017, Zacharias released a statement to CT defending his character. Lori Anne Thompson’s 2016 Allegations Against Ravi Zacharias. For all you know, these accusations were made up in a plot to extort money from the ministry. 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? I believe the manager was there more recently (2009-2012 according to World) than the experiences of the former employees (2005-2010 according to CT), and habits and activities may have changed meanwhile. 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 am deeply sorry, and I probably will renew because of the usual true news journalism but please know how offended many of us are with your indiscretion and disregard for the reputation of Ravi and the defaming of the Name of Christ in the meantime. Ravi himself said many times that the ministry would rise or fall on his personal integrity. 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. Ravi Zacharias is held in high esteem around the world for his defense of Christianity and His love for the souls of those who are seeking answers and purpose in their lives and who find that in Jesus Christ through the powerful words and care and love and passion. Battiste, a former missionary to Africa, said that after seeing so much “corruption in ministry,” she no longer attends church, although she maintains a private faith. Nothing has been proven. Hardly. After confessing the relationship to her counselors, she emailed Zacharias, saying she was going to confess to her husband. As Roys reported and Battiste confirmed, Thompson went to Biblical counselors to try to save her marriage in 2016. NO ONE is immune to temptation. There is a biblical process to follow especially with men who have labored for the Kingdom of God. and most importantly to the reputation of Christ Himself to a watching world. 7 The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. What I would personally like to know is whether RZIM did any of their own investigation into the allegations before Mr. Zecharias filed the federal lawsuit and if the owner of the spa investigated before firing the massage therapist. All of our sins are as filthy rags - yours and mine - and the blood of Jesus was spent because he loved us so deeply and freed us from our sins. It is inappropriate to go into all the sordid details as well and if CT is reporting this kind of stuff in such detail I'm glad I have never subscribed to them. Zacharias had previously acknowledged privately communicating with Lori Anne Thompson on an encrypted app, but said all of the explicit material she sent him was unsolicited and unwanted. RZIM added that the misconduct was deeply troubling and wholly inconsistent with how Zacharias presented himself both publicly and privately to people for over four decades of his association with the ministry. In other words, wouldn’t it actually be much better to have an article that did not dive into the sick details? She remembered an incident around 2009 in which a massage therapist came to her and said she was uncomfortable treating Zacharias anymore because he had asked her for “more than a massage.”. What could be the motive of waiting? We now find out that there was 1 other, not made public until now. Zacharias, who died in May after a battle with cancer, said in a Christianity Today article published in December 2017 that the woman had sent him unwanted, racy photos of herself and that it was part of a plot to extract millions of dollars from him and his ministry. I guess it would help to know if RZIM did their own investigation into any of these accusations. Yet, during this brief time it often seemed a day didn't go by when I was not receiving news of another hospitalization, another life-threatening illness, or yet another death. Accusations from a woman who had troubles (who had somehow deleted her emails), a worker who felt uncomfortable, and some anonymous women who were possibly paid for their testimony, do not really amount to a case, especially when there was no proof in the court, and there was the explicit renunciation of the charge by Zacharias while he was alive. 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. The Bible didn't censor the story of King David's adultery and decision to commit murder to cover it up or other stories about incest and violence. How can we resolve this discrepancy? (3) The World article says: “Battiste said Thompson texted her about Zacharias’ threat when it happened, asking what she should do.”. 5. Four months after Zacharias's death in May of 2020, three women who worked at two day spas he co-owned in Atlanta came forward alleging that Zacharias had sexually harassed multiple massage therapists over the course of a period of about five years[50] . Of course it is different when … We’ll keep you informed about any further developments, and the outcome of any investigations.”. Makes Mike Pence's practice with his wife always bein present at meetings with other women make sense, doesn't it? Which is it? / Her accusations read much more like the work of a sadly twisted mind, weaving imaginations into allegations. Even if you make $400,000 a year like the Thompsons, “you are going to have financial difficulties defending a lawsuit,” said Sullivan. “My sadness in watching the allegations break and watching the reports break and watching the reactions break has just been reading comments in social media,” said Dan Paterson, the former head of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM) for Australia. World is not Christianity Today, World is not Esquire at the supermarket checkout. And that's a lesson we all NEED to learn from this, and what I'm taking away from the World article. That statement is now in question with the accusations that he at least spent time alone with women at the spa. According to CT, the accusers say that he came in 2-3 times per week. Before seeing that post, I was already aware of that news via an earlier blog post on Bruce Cooper’s Reason Cases for Christ. He is also accused of falsifying academic credentials. But it's becoming clear that it was a facade that hid a withered soul. They are simply asking for the light to be shone on the true character of a man who allegedly lived one way in public and a far different way in private, and for the ministry he founded to be transparent about it. / A direct phone call, or a physical letter, or an email? Emily is a senior reporter for WORLD Magazine. Spreading this muck when the man is not alive to defend himself doesn't honor God. He was 74 when he died of cancer earlier this year after 48 years of marriage to his wife, Margie. It’s just a good-natured, rah-rah for our side of the border, standard, long-running joke! The lawsuit accused the couple of extortion and pointed to a previous lawsuit Brad had filed against a pastor as evidence that he was a serial extorter. Again, I cannot express my deep disappoint enough. According to that article, the Thompsons early on released information to several bloggers because they thought that the news would never reach back to their hometown. News and opinion website that brings you reports and narrative from a perspective often ignored or suppressed by the mainstream media of India. 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? (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. Whether NDTV or 'The Wire', they never have to worry about funds. The guy owns two spas, one called "Touch of Eden." Yes, they were sought after by an atheist with an agenda to destroy Mr Zacharias. He used to lecture common people and college students and had established a reputation for defending Christian beliefs. It is also unfair because Mr. Zacharias is not around so he can defend himself. 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. Thompson is obvious of india making money by tearing down the famous others to bring justice remedy! World renown Christian apologist, has died in Georgia reactions: MapleLeaf, Salluz RestInHim... Ought to have an article that did not dive into the allegations of sexual misconduct used Ravi with of! An interview, `` I wonder what he knew to be tempted, would... His life defending Christianity through books and lectures, has died in Georgia Khalistan within... Not your wife '' rule needs to be false about bogus academic credentials being asserted by Ravi International... 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