Fact and Fiction in Ravi Zacharias' Responses to Allegations of Misconduct

Earlier today, Ravi Zacharias issued statements regarding the allegations of sexting with a Canadian woman and misrepresenting his academic credentials. Apparently, he gave Christianity Today notice of the statements since they published an article about the issue around the time the statements appeared.
I suspect his followers will be placated by these statements. However, there are problems with both of the statements. Let me begin with his statement regarding his biography. My comments are interspersed within his statement:

The veracity of some of the educational credentials—specifically the use of the “doctorate” designation—of our Founder and President, Ravi Zacharias, have been called into question. While Ravi personally does not brandish his credentials and routinely asks not to be referred to as “Dr. Zacharias”—even by employees—our organization bears his name and, as such, we would like to take this opportunity to clear up any misunderstanding.

Just last week I found numerous instance of his own websites referring to him as “Dr. Zacharias.” I have the screen caps of the websites to prove it. Here is just one from April 12, 2017 which I captured last week from the RZIM You Tube account.  I intend to pull together more.

RZIM Youtube rzDR

On the last line, RZIM refers to Zacharias as “Dr. Ravi Zacharias.”

Listen to the first few seconds of this video in April, 2017 at Temple University. Zacharias is introduced at this RZIM event as Dr. Zacharias.

Here is one of his senior staff Vince Vitale calling him Dr. Ravi Zacharias in his own institute in March.

Here is an ad put out by RZIM for his appearance at University of Michigan earlier this year. Watch to the end and you will see that this RZIM produced ad promoted Zacharias as Dr. Ravi Zacharias.

How many more of these will it take to demonstrate that this statement from RZIM isn’t correct?

For another one, click this link to see Zacharias’ complete bio from RZIM’s Academy referring to him as Dr. Zacharias taken 11/27/17.
RZIM academy 11 27 17

As of tonight, the RZIM Academy website has been scrubbed and revamped to cleanse it of all references to Dr. There is no misunderstanding. The organization has been busy covering up the evidence. Why can’t they just acknowledge that?

You can see it on the web still at the Canadian website.

Neither Ravi Zacharias nor Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM) has ever knowingly misstated or misrepresented Ravi’s credentials. When it has been brought to our attention that something was stated incorrectly with regard to Ravi’s background, we have made every effort to correct it. Sometimes other entities—such as publishers or institutions where Ravi was speaking—have incorrectly presented aspects of his credentials. We were not aware of these errors when they were made; however, in some instances RZIM should have caught them and sought to have them corrected. We regret any and all errors, as well as any doubt or distraction they may have caused.

If that is true, then why go to such lengths to cover up the changes? It is very hard to take any of this seriously when it is obvious that Zacharias and his organization have brandished the title Dr. and are now denying it.

Currently, eleven RZIM team members have earned doctorates. Ravi is not one of them, nor has he ever claimed to have an earned doctorate. In fact, Ravi often states that he wishes he had done more formal studies, as he values and understands the importance of higher learning. Ravi has a Masters of Divinity from Trinity International University, and has also been conferred with ten honorary doctorates. Ravi is grateful for and humbled by where the Lord has taken him during his 45 years of ministry thus far.

In earlier years, “Dr.” did appear before Ravi’s name in some of our materials, including on our website, which is an appropriate and acceptable practice with honorary doctorates. However, because this practice can be contentious in certain circles, we no longer use it.

Actually, it appeared in numerous materials, not some, and no, it is not appropriate and acceptable. If it was, he wouldn’t be taking it down.

In addition, some confusion may have arisen from a difference in cultural norms, as we are a global organization with staff members based in sixteen countries. In Ravi’s homeland of India, for example, honorific titles are customary and are used frequently out of respect for elders, including by the RZIM India team when addressing Ravi. Still, it is Ravi’s custom to request for the inviting parties not to use “Dr.” with his name in conjunction with any speaking events. Despite this, on occasion it has been our experience that we arrive to find promotional banners and materials welcoming “Dr. Ravi Zacharias.” We will continue to do our best to ensure consistency; however, we recognize that certain aspects are sometimes beyond our control.

This is simply not credible, given the number of times his own organization has used and continues to use the title Dr. with Zacharias. If it is Ravi’s custom to request that inviting parties not use “Dr.”, why can’t his own social media team get the memo? Here is a tweet from RZIM India’s Twitter account on November 19. There are many like it.

The nature of our work at RZIM can evoke criticism, sometimes fair—in which case we address it—but sometimes completely unfounded and without merit. For example, recently a couple of inquirers claimed to have information that Ravi was facing discipline from his denomination. This is simply false and has never been the case, and it serves as an example of why we choose not to address certain accusations that come our way.

Given the spin being used in the statement above, I don’t accept this statement at face value. My sources have explained that he was investigated but is not now under discipline.

We will be more vigilant about editing and fact-checking at every stage. Our hope is that this will enable us to focus on our primary calling of helping people to encounter the claims and person of Jesus Christ, and will enable others to focus on the strength and merit of our message.

Ravi’s desire and our desire as an evangelistic ministry is to engage the honest skeptic, to take questions seriously, and to be as clear as possible in our communication. We therefore have restructured Ravi’s biography to better reflect his 45 years as an itinerant evangelist and apologist with a passion and a calling to reach those who shape the ideas of culture with the beauty and credibility of the gospel.

There is nothing in this statement about Zacharias’ claim to be a “visiting scholar at Cambridge University.” He clearly was not but didn’t address this false claim along with others in his bio. He simply removed all claims in the current bio.

While I am not a target of the kind of material Zacharias puts out, I have become a skeptic of his ministry. I had hoped he would truly face the distortions and exaggerations of his credentials. He did not do so in a way that would lead me to trust his work.

48 thoughts on “Fact and Fiction in Ravi Zacharias' Responses to Allegations of Misconduct”

  1. I really don’t care about the “educational claims”. A lot of people who are given “honorary” degrees use them to bolster their credentials. It’s not that big of a deal. I’m more interested in the claims of “sexual misconduct”….and what really happened. At this time, with all my reading on the matter -I find both of them a bit shady. I have questions for both sides. So is there anyone who can give me the TRUTH on both sides of this matter? Was there a payout after mediation and who paid whom?? If Ravi brought the lawsuit against Lori and Brad – then are they not the ones to do the paying? I’m confused….please advise if you can. Thanks

    1. “It’s not that big of a deal.”

      It is a big deal. Falsely claiming a title of “Dr.” diminishes everyone who actually did earn a doctorate. Further, many of these “religious leaders” often attack those with doctorates (“ivory tower elitists”) when it suits them, yet still they try to inappropriately claim such titles.

      “Was there a payout after mediation and who paid whom?”

      Not according to the account by Zacharias that Warren linked too. He also claimed each side paid their own legal fees, which would indicate no one “won” the case.

      “If Ravi brought the lawsuit against Lori and Brad – then are they not the ones to do the paying?”

      Not necessarily, since many times such lawsuits result in counter-suits by the defendants.

      1. re: Using Dr….when you only have an “honorary doctorate…. well they “knighted” Elton John and Rod Stewart -….and they’re not real knights….to me that means nothing – and I know that they introduce both as SIR ELTON JOHN and SIR Rod Stewart …many people who receive honorary doctorates use that …it’s arrogant yes , but a lie – not to me. I really am confused about this sexual impropriety claim. That’s my main concern. But heresay is not what I need. Both side seem shady to me…. Lori and Ravi. Here is a question: what was the date that she started sending the inappropriate photos – and what was the date that he “supposedly” told her to stop and cut off all communication. Did he communicate with her AFTER she sent the naked photos – and for how long? Can you answet that for me? And if you can – where do you get the information from? This might clear things up for me…. if I can find out the truth about that…..thanks

        1. yes it is a lie if you use the title of “Dr.” when you have not actually earned a doctorate.

          Both Elton John and Rod Stewart were awarded an OBE and CBE
          respectively, and thus ARE eligible to use the title “Sir”.

          As to the questions about the photos, I have no idea.

          1. I can see that you are very caught up in the whole “honorary” title…. but I couldn’t care less about that – as I stated earlier. As for the rest of the question – I am no closer to an opinion as to the “sexual allegations” as I was before. I certainly am not going to crucify a man without hard evidence…and nor will I do that in the case of the woman either. And there is no way I’m going to do that over an “honorary title” that can actually be used without breaking any laws.
            PS: found this on the net….I already know your opinion – but this is interesting to say the least – It is not customary, however, for recipients of an honorary doctorate to adopt the prefix ‘Dr. ‘” In some universities, it is however a matter of personal preference for an honorary doctor to use the formal title of “Doctor”, regardless of the background circumstances for the award.

          2. You need to look at more than one Google citation. /2017/12/11/honorary-doctorate-prefix-dr/

          3. OBE and CBE don’t make one a knight; both were made knights in addition to those honors.

            Back to the main point, knighthood, at least for the last few hundred years, is an honor; you can’t earn it. Everyone knows that ‘Sir’ is honorary. This is not true for “Doctor”.

          4. Ken, you were right and I was wrong….I admit it. I didn’t have all the information at the time – and was trying to give Ravi the benefit of the doubt….I know eat my words and humbly admit how wrong I was…..but not as wrong as Ravi Z. He will forever leave his dirty mark on this world.

      1. you are right…. After I continued my research , I must admit – I was wrong. He is a sexual deviant who has shaken my belief in men….and I will not be trusting of anyone again. And of course the Bible does teach that if we put our trust in people, we will be let down every time. So now, the only one I trust is God. Thank you for your comment – it wasn’t nasty – but it was true…and I appreciate it. You could have rubbed my nose in it…but you chose not to do so. Thank you

        1. No problem. It is a very hard subject.

          I will add though that this isn’t simply a moral failure that anyone could fall into. RZ was a narcissist who engaged in truly evil behavior. The signs were there for those who would challenge him but no one close to him would do so.

        2. No problem. It is a very hard subject.

          I will add though that this isn’t simply a moral failure that anyone could fall into. RZ was a narcissist who engaged in truly evil behavior. The signs were there for those who would challenge him but no one close to him would do so.

      2. you are right…. After I continued my research , I must admit – I was wrong. He is a sexual deviant who has shaken my belief in men….and I will not be trusting of anyone again. And of course the Bible does teach that if we put our trust in people, we will be let down every time. So now, the only one I trust is God. Thank you for your comment – it wasn’t nasty – but it was true…and I appreciate it. You could have rubbed my nose in it…but you chose not to do so. Thank you

      1. Yes Chuck….I am devatsted….. it’s not funny though. I wanted to do a full “research” before I made a decision – and yes, he is a filthy, lying, cheater and sexual deviant. I found out he paid “hush” money to Lori Thompson of $250,000….and he died in his sins. He will be answering to God…and I have learned that I cannot trust anyone ever again…he’s shaken my faith in man….but not in God.

        1. I would point out there are A LOT good, decent people in the world, you just aren’t likely to find them running a mega-church.

          1. I suspect there are many good church pastors quietly taking care of their local flock, but you never hear about them.

        2. “cannot trust anyone ever again”–I think that depends on what you mean by trust. If you mean, assume that they are always telling the truth no matter what contrary evidence there is, or don’t check evidence on a serious matter because of their say-so, then I think that’s wise. But caution shouldn’t swing the pendulum to the other extreme where you assume everyone is a liar.

          I think the lesson is that we all need to be accountable, and if someone attacks attempts to be held accountable, and particularly to verify substantive accusations, there’s a problem. Ravi refused to turn over his phones (which would have proved the charges) when the Thompson allegations surfaced, and his board didn’t press it. That’s gross dereliction of duty on their part; they wanted to preserve the ministry, but it just delayed the destruction, enabled Ravi to continue to mistreat others, and didn’t force him to confront his sin. The board should resign, every single one of them, and be replaced by people who will reveal their names to be held accountable themselves.

          1. I agree…. but truthfully….my trust is broken…. unfortunately , I look at everyone differently now. I won’t lie – it’s really shaken me….and I feel foolish -and it won’t happen again. I’m actually rethinking my church life…. maybe I just need to do TV church…..

          2. Honestly, I think withdrawing from live interaction in a church and doing it just online is going to make things worse for you. We are meant to live in community, and that only comes about through true interaction in person. Church needs to be much more than just passively receiving a sermon to really help you to be a healthy Christian and healthy human. Isolation is likely to breed more misery. At your church you can find the people who are faithful in small things–the man who greets you with a smile every Sunday, the woman who quietly scrubs the sinks and ovens, the dad who teaches Sunday School, the grandmother who serves in the nursery–and be reminded that the kingdom of God is like a mustard seed, not a rock band.

          3. I hear what you’re saying – but I am also in a women’s Bible study group – so it’s not like I’m not with other Christian people….however, during this whole “covid” thing….. some of the women have been breaking the rules and acting very selfish…. which really surprised me. I think that over the last year I’ve seen a very ugly side to people….and all of that is really effecting me. The Ravi thing has just pushed me over the edge. I’ll have to re-evaluate my feelings and decide what I’m going to do. As I said – my faith in God is not shaken….just my feelings toward people.

          4. IMO, the basic problem with so many of these ‘commercial christians’ is their love of money. No church community is perfect, but maybe if you find one that is not operating as a business (primarily for the benefit of those who keep the profits), you might be less disappointed?

          5. You might be right – but I have a lot of thinking to do….this whole mess has been quite a devastating episode in my life…and Im’ sure many others.

          6. I hope things work out for you; situations like this are very distressing.

      2. Yes Chuck….I am devatsted….. it’s not funny though. I wanted to do a full “research” before I made a decision – and yes, he is a filthy, lying, cheater and sexual deviant. I found out he paid “hush” money to Lori Thompson of $250,000….and he died in his sins. He will be answering to God…and I have learned that I cannot trust anyone ever again…he’s shaken my faith in man….but not in God.

  2. In high school my family would often listen to focus on the family on the radio and it had a long running series featuring Ravi Zacharias, and the intro ALWAYS referred to him as Dr. Ravi Zacharias! So much so that I absolutely always believed he had a Ph.D. Amazing that 15 years later I find out he never earned one…

    1. But the quesion is that, did he claim he had one? I’ve watched enough videos where he didn’t.

      1. In the intro to his radio segments, he allowed himself to be introduced as Dr Ravi Zacharias. My older brother, who loved to do impressions, loved to randomly say in a real strong Indian accent “Drrrrrr RaviiiiiiZacharias!”

        1. It is not unlawful or a lie to use the title “doctor” even if it is only an “honorary doctorate”. This is in regards to that : – It is not customary, however, for recipients of an honorary doctorate to adopt the prefix ‘Dr. ‘” In some universities, it is however a matter of personal preference for an honorary doctor to use the formal title of “Doctor”, regardless of the background circumstances for the award

          1. In Missouri, it is unlawful. In Texas, it is unlawful to use a diploma mill doctorate as if it was earned. There are laws surrounding fraud in presentation. They are rarely enforced although Joyce Meyer was told by the MO AG to stop using an honorary doctorate as if it was earned. The fact is in academia, nearly all schools limit the use of the title Dr. to earned degrees. In journalism, the Dr is reserved for medical doctors. Honesty in communication should be what Christians strive for. Ravi didn’t strive for that until an atheist called him out on it. Think about that for awhile.

          2. I stated facts, if you “disagree” with facts, then you disagree with reality.

          3. “Agree to disagree” or “agreeing to disagree” is a phrase in English referring to the resolution of a conflict (usually a debate or quarrel) whereby all parties tolerate but do not accept the opposing position(s).

          4. However, it only applies to matters of opinion, not facts.

            Warren cited facts about the use of the title “Dr.” (ex: “it is unlawful (in Missouri) to use the title “Dr.” if you have not earned a doctorate”) that is not something which “agreeing to disagree” applies.

          5. Ravi lived in Atlanta – not Missouri. You and Warren are like a dog with a bone – you won’t let go. You also appear to be men who must always be right – and never agree to disagree. Your wives must be a very happy women. And now I will end this conversation as I do not want to highten your stress level or your blood pressure — Signing off “Princess Lorena”…and yes, I was given the “honorary princess title” from Disney – and so am exercising my right to use it.

          6. Ravi lived in Atlanta – not Missouri. You and Warren are like a dog with a bone – you won’t let go. You also appear to be men who must always be right – and never agree to disagree. Your wives must be a very happy women. And now I will end this conversation as I do not want to highten your stress level or your blood pressure — Signing off “Princess Lorena”…and yes, I was given the “honorary princess title” from Disney – and so am exercising my right to use it.

          7. You are the one who tried to trivialize the significance of lying about the use of the title “Dr.”

            Further, when Warren (and others) pointed out factually incorrect statements you made about the use of the title “Dr.”, your response was a misleading use of the phrase “agree to disagree.”

            if you don’t like being called out when you make incorrect or misleading statements, then you are posting to the wrong blog.

          8. Women who actually EARNED their PhDs would also be annoyed at Ravi’s stunt too. But don’t let that fact get in the way of things.

          9. Another thing it cheapens the title. If you have any idea what getting a real PhD or ThD entails, you would see this.

          10. well I suppose I am far less educated than you are….forgive me for my stupidity. We too shall agree to disagree. But thank you for your “kind” words.

          11. “honorary “….. there is nothing wrong- unlawful – to use this title. It is not a lie – feel free to verify my information . If this is the biggest thing you can PROVE on Ravi Z – then it’s hardly worth crucifying him over. Again: – It is not customary, however, for recipients of an honorary doctorate to adopt the prefix ‘Dr. ‘” In some universities, it is however a matter of personal preference for an honorary doctor to use the formal title of “Doctor”, regardless of the background circumstances for the award.

          12. You do understand that Ravi was lying and misrepresenting his academic and educational background, right? That shows his lack of character, which would make all the other charges against him all the more plausible (like the sexual misconduct). It was an blatant attempt to obfuscate things UNTIL he was called out on it. To put it bluntly, Ravi was a fraud until he got caught. The sad thing is that Christians are supposed to better than this:

            One final thing, I suggest you read Titus 1:6 on the Biblical qualification of elders (yes Ravi was an ordained minister too). Does the term above reproach mean anything to you?

          13. You were right and I was wrong….. I wanted to believe that he was a man of God – but now I know , after further research – that he was a disgusting piece of trash….who was a total fraud. No better tha any other sexual deviant. Please understand I was only working on the information I had at the time – since then , I’ve seen the independent investigation documents. And now I know the truth. Also -it appears that his children and wife worked for RZIM and have stepped down. As the Bible says; Romans 14:12 – we will all give an account of ourselves before God. Ravi will have a lot of explaining to do. I will have my faith only in my God from now on.

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