Dr Asangba Tzudir
The recently released official report of Ravi Zacharias ‘Sin’ by RZIM, the very ministry which he founded, has send shock waves worldwide especially in the Christendom. RZIM has done the right thing in publishing the report thereby establishing the truth of the allegations besides uncovering more. However, beyond this uncovering RZIM’s priority here should be the victims. In context, there is a lesson for Naga society too, on the need to uncover the ‘uncomfortable truths’ irrespective of the persons’ position and social standing.
In effect, now his publisher has taken all his books out of print while another website has removed his books both from their shelves and website. Would his videos uploaded in YouTube also be removed? And for those who have his books – what would you do?
Ravi Zacharias ‘immorality’ is a tragedy in so many ways considering the fact that in his lifetime he has influenced countless people whom he brought them to God and also nurtured their faith. An elevated individual having a kind of unquestionable or unchallengeable status, in short a religious celebrity up until now, has once again brought to limelight the treacherous nature of being celebrated in the pedestal.
However, while no leader is perfect, as has once again been proven by Ravi Zacharias as only being a human, the question now is how one affected by this tragedy move on should. To move on requires unlocking the chains of moral dilemma through the faith and trust factor.
Should Ravi Zacharias’ books be burnt? Irrespective of whether Ravi Zacharias books are burnt or his videos brought down, or who he was, one needs to be reminded about the one truth of Christianity - it still remains the same yesterday, today and forever. Further, the world needs to condemn the sin and not the ‘born in sin’ sinner.
While the world is shaken and shocked by the immoral deeds of Ravi Zacharias, let it serve as a reminder that our faith needs to be able to contend with the worst evil enacted by humans especially Christians, and continue to trust God alone.
(Dr Asangba Tzudir contributes a weekly guest editorial to The Morung Express. Comments can be emailed to asangtz@gmail.com)
