This post is an SSB team effort with the first draft written by Brad Sargent, with additions and edits by Julie Anne Smith. In This Post: Key Sources for Documentation, Details, and Discernment The Big Picture of the Last Six Months (September 2020 - February 2021) RZIM Individuals, Institutions, and Followers/Supporters Ravi Zacharias’ Followers; Issues… Continue reading Summary: What’s Happened in the Last Six Months with RZIM & Ravi Zacharias?
Category: CHRISTIAN LEADERS
Julie Anne Smith Interviewed on Almost Heretical Podcast: Spiritual and Sexual Abuse
Nate is the first person to interview me specifically about the Ravi Zacharias sex abuse scandal and ask me why I thought it took so long for the collective church to "get it."
The Vince and Jo Vitale Case Study in Pseudo-Confessions
"Am I the only one bothered by the use of “failure” language in the rush of mea culpas that we now see bursting from the bowels of evangelical Christianity as Ravi Zacharias’s empire goes the way of the Titanic?"
How Pastor Steve Swartz uses Scripture to Elevate His Position as Pastor and His Response to an Abusive Marriage #Blech
Ok, popping in here for a quickie post for discussion. Notice this dude is a Master's Seminary Alum. This does not surprise me with the kind of pompous attitudes I have witnessed and encountered from John MacArthur's camp. Case in point, Bill Shannon reached out to me during my lawsuit case. I'll never forget how… Continue reading How Pastor Steve Swartz uses Scripture to Elevate His Position as Pastor and His Response to an Abusive Marriage #Blech
Ravi Zacharias and RZIM 2020 Research and Resource Post: Timeline, Links to Articles/Analysis, Nonprofit Reference
On December 23, 2020, RZIM / Ravi Zacharias International Ministries noted on social media that they released an intermediate report from the law firm of Miller & Martin PLLC on the investigation they commissioned into certain issues of reported sexual abuse by its founder, Ravi Zacharias. This report confirms he did engage in sexual abuse, and that more details are forthcoming. This official statement by RZIM is vindication for the women who reported Mr. Zacharias’ abuses: These were credible accusations–not mere allegations or false reports.
In light of this confirmation, I am compiling resources that provide crucial elements of the context to the overall situation for Ravi Zacharias as an individual and for RZIM as the institution he founded.
I hope this will be of help for those who want to understand the broader backstory, research and analyze the issues involved, and discern and decide for themselves what actions should be taken.
Ravi Zacharias: Reports of Sexual Predation and Sexual Abuse at Health Spas
And now, Steve Baughman has uncovered more of the same . . . Ravi has a history of seeking sexual gratification for himself, using his position of power and trust to obtain those "favors." This is clergy sexual misconduct and spiritual abuse!
The Who’s Who and What’s What of Poisonous Patriarchy in Contemporary Christianity: Introducing Brian Sauvé
This power-over structure is harmful, demeaning, and depersonalizes women who were made in the Image of God.
John Piper Questions Whether Wives Should Share Their Wisdom with Their Husbands
John Piper could have stopped with "I don't know" in his response to a listener about wife submission. Instead, he gives a round about answer which ultimately adds an extra emotional and spiritual toll on the wife.
Ravi Zacharias Dies; More Lies Uncovered
The two former Ravi-colleagues both clearly remember that Ravi did not preach at the graduation. That was a role reserved for the college president. So they checked the program from that day and then shared it with me.
Before Evangelicals Canonize Ravi Zacharias, will they learn from Jean Vanier and L’Arche?
The evidence against Ravi Zacharias is, after all, serious and compelling. If evangelicals ignore it they will show the world that they do not take their Holy Bible seriously (1 Timothy 5:20).
John Piper on Complementarianism and Abuse – #T4G20
What is up with John Piper's erratic response on Complementarianism and abuse?
The Ravi Zacharias Legacy: Fans, Falsehoods, and Yet Another Troubling Question — by Steve Baughman
Investigating a suspect who exercises his right to remain silent can be a challenge. The suspect provides no information, so one can spend loads of time pursuing hunches that lead nowhere, or worse, to egg on the face. But with Ravi Zacharias it’s been easy. Almost every one of my hunches has led to evidence of significant deception by the man Chuck Colson called “the great apologist of our time.”
Book Review Series – "The Excellent Wife" by Martha Peace – Chapter Twenty-One – Who Knew Sorrow and Grief Could be Sinful
This chapter is supposed to help a wife who is grieving over her husband's sinful actions. Interestingly, nothing specifically points to how a wife can manage her grief or sorrow.
Book Review Series – “The Excellent Wife” by Martha Peace – Chapter Twenty – When Desiring Intimacy is Idolatrous
In this chapter, Martha Peace lets wives know it's their problem if they feel lonely when their husbands isolate them.
Owen Strachan’s Logical Conclusion: Jesus Must Have Been Buff
But still - what a bunch of malarkey. And what in the heck does it mean for a man to be "willfully soft physically?" Does this mean that anyone who doesn't work out is not spiritual?
Book Review Series – “The Excellent Wife” by Martha Peace – Chapter Nineteen – Never Fear, the Lord is Near
In this chapter wives are told that fear is associated is sinful and indicates a lack of trust in God.
Book Review Series – “The Excellent Wife” by Martha Peace – Chapter Eighteen – Only Gentle Responses Allowed
Anger, an emotion which on its own is not bad, is viewed as sinful and should not be a part of a Christian marriage.
Bill Hybels’ Mentor, Dr. Gilbert Bilezikian, Accused of Clergy Sexual Misconduct: A Personal Story
I’m writing to tell the story of my victimization by Dr. Gilbert Bilezikian, who was Bill Hybels’ professor and mentor, and was very influential in the development of Willow Creek Community Church. This is a story I take no pleasure in telling.
Book Review Series – “The Excellent Wife” by Martha Peace – Chapter Seventeen – Conflicts and Lists
Wives, please don't hold on to the destructive teaching that God has a purpose and plan for abuse that happens to you.
Book Review Series – “The Excellent Wife” by Martha Peace – Chapter Sixteen – Watch Your Words
This chapter is full of conflicting important points and is a reminder that verbal and emotional abuse is not appropriate.
