My thoughts on the passing of #ravizacharias Ravi had a huge influence on me, particularly when it comes to apologetics in the public square. Nobody can deny his brilliant mind and compelling words. But friends, we can celebrate that while also lamenting his profound failures (1)
I was incredibly disappointed by the @TGC coalition profile of his life and legacy. I quickly scanned the piece hoping against hope that they would have the courage to not whitewash his legacy. When I saw the final heading "Faithful Legacy Amid Controversy" I was encouraged (2)
But the controversy they single out was him speaking at the Mormon Tabernacle. Are you kidding me??? He has a long history of academic dishonesty, and more devastatingly, his sexual abuse and predation. Many people don't even know that, which only reinforces the problem (3)
Why are we so afraid to acknowledge the flaws of our leaders? What is the history of Christianity, if not the story of God drawing a straight line with crooked sticks? Martin Luther was anti-semitic. Jonathan Edwards a slave owner. MLK's sexual indiscretions are well known (4)
Our religion is not based upon the faithfulness of the followers, but the faithfulness of the one we follow. Jesus is our hope. Jesus is our boast. And the best way to demonstrate that is to venerate none but Jesus. (5)
Not only does acknowledging Ravi's flaws bring much healing to abuse survivors (a healing he himself was unwilling to give by choosing to hide behind a NDA rather than public contrition/repentance), it also gives gospel glory to the Savior Ravi proclaimed. (6)
John Newton was a famous preacher, slavery abolitionist, and writer of Amazing Grace. I think that qualifies as a legacy. But these were his deathbed words, "'Although my memory's fading, I remember two things very clearly: I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior.' (7)
When it's all said and done, this is the "legacy" of every Christian story (end)
More on this b/c of questions I'm getting. I would NEVER tweet this about a man who impacted me so greatly if it was just rumors. Unfortunately the reason why many don't know this about Ravi is because he hid this part of his story behind NDAs...
...again, the entire point of the thread is we can celebrate his glory, while admitting his profound transgressions. And the reason why this needs to be said now is because he never said it in his life...
...His story would have been a lot different if he gave those he harmed the gift of his contrition, but he didn't. And so now, as the world celebrates him, those he harmed (along with those who have been harmed by other church leaders) silently suffer...
...there is a lesson in this for all of us to heed. Confess now. Repent now. People can handle flawed leaders, if they are flawed leaders who fiercely repent. Do not die with skeletons in your closet that will come to life after your death.
