Posted on 12/30/2020 7:19:43 AM PST by SeekAndFind
Fair enough.
What a sad attempt to tarnish a great messenger.
Looking for mote in another’s eye etc.
I’m torn on this. I learned a great deal from his books and talks that he gave. I’m convinced that he was not a fraud and was in ministry for the right reasons. He had a great mind and seemed humble and well meaning.
If his own ministry have come out and given credence to the allegations against him, you would expect that there must be some very convincing evidence. I sincerely hope that they were convinced by evidence and they are not just bowing to pressure on this. I’ve yet to hear what the evidence is however aside from the fact that there was allegations from more than one person.
In relation to the Lori Ann Thompson allegations, He admitted that he communicated with her privately for a long period and that to maintain this contact was in and of itself inappropriate and disrespectful to his wife. She sent him maked pictures of herself which she claimed was solicited and he said was not. She claimed that she was vulnerable and had confided in him about childhood sexual abuse. It looks bad for Ravi, but it could also have been a setup with the intention of this person and perhaps her husband to extract money from him.
With regards to the massage employees who made allegations, again it sounds bad, but it could be people being opportunistic and thinking if I allege this the ministry might cave and pay out rather than drag this out.
If he was guilty, it is sad and serves as a lesson that we must always be on our guards against temptation, especially of a sexual nature. Unbelievers will always hold events like this up to prove that Christians are no different to them. God will hold all to account. I believe we will see Ravi in heaven and I hope that he was not guilty. King David was a man after God’s own heart but committed a terrible crime as a result of his lust. He was forgiven but also disciplined harshly for his sin.
Two reasons. First, because the woman who did accuse him when he was alive and her husband were followers of his and settled with him for a payout rather than have a spectacular trial; and second, the massage therapists spoke out after his death.
I read elsewhere that RZ co-owned "day spas" where massage was given, and presumably a line was crossed. This link to Christianity Today tells the story.
RE: I’m convinced that he was not a fraud and was in ministry for the right reasons.
He is most definitely NOT a fraud. His ministry has never put donated money into his pocket to enrich him personally.
A flawed individual with personal failings? Yes. But that’s different from a ministry that scams people out of their money.
I grieve with the ministry and all who are disillusioned by this.
All of you need to go back and read Matthew 18:...
Matthew 18:...
21 ¶ Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
23 ¶ Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.
24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.
25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.
28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellow servants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.
29 And his fellow servant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.
31 So when his fellow servants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.
32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:
33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow servant, even as I had pity on thee?
34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.
35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
—KJV Matt18:21-35
NONE of us is perfect, but we all have talents and SOME of us even build up the Kingdom using them, even as we struggle with all our faults and shortcomings. Trusting in the Lord’s Atoning Sacrifice.
What is the author doing here - validating his own inferences?
Whether one travels or not does not prove sin. Or piety.
The author admits he was asleep at the switch - had absolutely no idea what was going on. His admitted lack of discernment does not inspire my confidence as he evaluates double hearsay.
If it could be proven Zacharias never violated even one of the 10 commandments, I would be surprised. So would Christ.
I do feel badly for anyone, including the anonymous women, who have been put upon. That is not right.
But I will say this: any licensed massage therapist I have ever heard of has been trained to handle inappropriate behaviors in private rooms where the therapist knows they will put their hands on clients who have partially disrobed.
The licensed massage therapist had an ethical responsibility to say no to any proposed “criminal” request.
The time to say something was at the very instant it happened; not 15 years later.
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