It's sad how a single accusation, a misinterpreted action, or a misconstrued motive could cast doubt on one's integrity and testimony and potentially undo an entire legacy. Vindication may come at the end but the process of getting there is often not easy. Vigilance, prayers, and taking extra precautions have never been more necessary than in a generation where a harmless glance, an innocent gesture, or even a kind act could be mistaken for something else.
The controversy that the late Ravi Zacharias—a well known Christian apologist, preacher, and teacher—got embroiled in prompted these early morning musings. The articles I have read concerning the allegations levied against Zacharias by the couple Lori Anne and Brad Thompson are quite serious and the evidence (e.g. phone records, emails) that show wrongdoing are substantial and convincing.
Lori Anne claimed that she regarded Zacharias as a ‘father figure’ and trusted him to the point where she felt safe to confide in him her ‘abuse-ridden childhood’ via a series of emails and personal messages on Blackberry Messenger. Lori Anne further alleged that their secret communication led to an online emotional affair and eventually turned sexual (i.e. phone sex). Lori Anne disclosed the relationship to her sister, Tamara Battiste, who pointed out that Lori Anne was drawn to this relationship with Zacharias because she (Lori Anne) was ‘likely trying to address a father-wound inflicted on her from her childhood—a vulnerability, they claimed, that Zacharias exploited when he knowingly entered into this relationship with Lori Anne. It was this observation from Battiste that prompted Lori Anne to ‘believe that she had been preyed upon by someone she trusted as a pastoral figure’. She broke off the relationship with Zacharias and confessed the affair to her husband Brad.1
The couple initially wanted this to be resolved privately and even sent Zacharias an email extending their forgiveness—something that Zacharias seemed to graciously accept in the beginning. However, when Zacharias implied in another email that he did not initiate a sexual relationship with Lori Anne, the Thompsons were inflamed and prompted them to file a lawsuit and asked for 5 million dollars in damages.1
As I read the nitty-gritty details of this back-and-forth between Zacharias and the Thompsons and tried to figure out who is telling the truth, I felt bad for everyone who have been hurt by it. Zacharias denied the affair but he did not deny the veracity of the contents of the emails that he and Lori Anne exchanged. When the lawsuit was settled out of court, he said this in a statement:
“As a husband, father, grandfather, and leader of a Christian ministry I should not have engaged in ongoing communication with a woman other than my wife (Margie). I failed to exercise wise caution and to protect myself from even the appearance of impropriety, and for that I am profoundly sorry...
Let me state categorically that I have never met this woman alone, publicly or privately... 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. Upon reflection, I now realize that the physical safeguards I have long practiced to protect my integrity should have extended to include digital communications safeguards. I believe—and indeed would counsel others—that the standards of personal conduct are necessarily higher for Christian leaders.”1
Whose story do I believe? I do not know. For the sake of argument, let’s say Lori Anne was telling the truth and the affair did happen. Did Lori Anne have grounds to accuse Zacharias of predatory behavior? In my opinion, affairs are carried out by two consenting adults and both are equally culpable. But because Zacharias was a respected leader in the Christian community, an influential figure in this generation, a majority of the blame was tacked on him because ‘he should’ve known better’. Although it’s true that we tend to impose a higher standard on people of Zacharias’ position and repute, it seems unfair that Lori Anne was merely portrayed as a victim who bear no part of the blame whatsoever. Didn’t Lori Anne have a choice in the matter? Did Zacharias back her into a corner and force her into the affair?
The Me Too Movement have given sexually abused women a platform to reveal the violence perpetuated against them—acts that they have kept hidden for years because they were afraid that no one would believe them or that they would be cast as the ‘bad guys’ instead of getting the sympathy or justice they seek. The empowerment this movement have given women everywhere to no longer hide in the shadows is a liberating thing. However, it cannot be denied that certain freedoms, when left unchecked, are bound to be misused and abused. There have been a few high profile cases of women falsely accusing men of violent sexual behavior for reasons of spite. They filed lawsuits, held news conferences, and caused quite a commotion; and their unsuspecting audience believed them because “some people think the loudest voice is the truest” as my fiancé, M.A. Machacon, aptly puts it.
If these allegations by the Thompsons are proven false in the end, it would already have done its damage. As it stands, some people no longer respect Zacharias and see him only as a predator who victimizes vulnerable women. A week or two ago, I tweeted a quote from Zacharias’ book Beyond Opinion and someone wrote this comment:
Ravi Zacharias died an unrepentant sexual predator who vastly harmed too many women. @rzimhq & @abdumurray & @ramsdenmichael cruelly continue to protect him. Out of compassion for his many victims please stop promoting his name & teaching.
If the allegations are indeed true, does it diminish the message he has preached in any way? If Jesus Christ is preached, does it matter who preaches Him?
On the other hand, if the accusations are not true, then I feel really sorry for the Thompsons, “for the Lord will vindicate His people and have compassion on His servants” (Psalm 135:14 ESV).
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