Ravi Zacharias Controversy | Does Hypocrisy Negate an Apologetic Message? 

As a Christian, this is really heartbreaking for me, but just reminds me to look up to Christ and no one else. Thank you for this video! Well done.

I was a classmate of Ravi's. I knew him personally. I interviewed him and filmed him in my home. This was a good and fair analysis of this sad situation. Much sorrow for the victims

Dr Grande, you gained more huge respect from me for your balanced, honest analysis of one of my (now fallen) heroes. THANK YOU for not adding pain to those of us whose hearts were broken that our spiritual leader had feet of clay. Thank you for avoiding snide and snarky comments as many others have given. Ravi is a perfect example of why we are to put our faith in Jesus, not in humans.

As a Christian, I appreciate this thoughtful analysis. I want to make very clear that the Christian faith is completely against and doesn’t condone any behavior like this. Thank you for separating these incidents from the ultimate message of the faith and beliefs most Christians believe in and practice.

Thank you for your thoughtfulness in making this video, Dr. Grande. Those of us who admired his views and truly believe in Jesus Christ have been horrified at the abuse he inflicted on these women, apparently for years. Anyone who calls themselves a Christian should not defend what he did.

It is sad how much damage a man's sins can do to his work. Thank you for your clear and direct handling of this topic, Dr. Grande. Looking forward to more videos in the future.

And Ravi Zacharias bragged about never being in a car with a woman or alone in an office with a woman. He knew what to say and when to say it. Very manipulative.

As an admirer of Ravi's work (not his behavior), it's truly tragic. Good analysis of the situation. May the victims find justice and healing from the evil that has been done to them.

As a longtime Dr Grande aficionado, I’ve finally accepted the brick background

Your dry humor is funnier to me than most professional comedians.

Billy Graham said: “Preachers are like airplanes. You only here about them when they crash.”

I really appreciate Dr. Grande's fair-minded approach. I'm glad that his ministry investigated and admitted to the harm he had done. He clearly had a problem and instead of admitting it he abused his power to victimize people, and as a result has probably shaken some people's faith.

Just a reminder I'm not diagnosing anybody in this video; only speculating what could be happening in a pale peach shirt like this.

The gospel doesn’t rise or fall on Ravi. The “Best” of men, are just men at best

As the President of the Honorary Doctorate Recipients Association of America (HyDRA), I find it deeply offensive. We have many distinguished members - Dr. Evil, Dr. Strange, Dr Who. etc. It is time for "real" doctorates to stop pissing on us and get back to writing those grant proposals.

Can we get a psychological analysis of Pat Robertson?

Doc you killed this analyst! Kudos and respect, it was very balanced.

Using a position of power to engage in inappropriate behavior is disgusting. He is far from the only one in the ministry that has engaged in this behavior. He has seared his conscience .

About 10 years ago I attended a talk by Zacharias on a university campus in my home town. The audience was impressed with his brilliant apologetics and philosophy. What a tragic disappointment he turned out to be. Eloquence need not be conflated with piety. There was a very well spoken man in my church who was invited by the pastor to give sermons. He preached brilliantly. Just one slight problem: he was incesting two of his children. He was exposed, banished from the church, and his wife divorced him, got full custody of their 5 kids, and took possession of their homestead and business. He wound up losing everyone and everything of value to him.

"....the answer can be found if one can figure out the difference between ten times zero and a million times zero." 😂 Loved that one!

The plant grouping looks good and happy today. Dr.Grande, maybe it's a tall order but would you please share some suggestions on how Americans can reduce hostility among differing political groups and encourage understanding and sympathy? Life is short, we are wasting time arguing, we can do better.

I like to be called Dr. Ray having earned my PhD as a teen, I was a Post Hole Digger.

Hi Dr. Grande, I was just waiting every day since this news about Ravi came to the airwaves to get your expert analysis. It was finally done today and was so precise and self explanatory. He knew what he was teaching is right. However, he violated it knowingly. Thanks for your analysis.

This is very unfortunate my grandmother loved him and his teachings. I’m praying for the victims involved.

I still love and respect Zacharias... He saved my life via his messages at a very difficult situation I was in 2011... His character might have been dented but his work and ministry is still intact for our generation and generations to come... I love you Ravi, continue to rest in peace.... Lots of love from me here in Nigeria, Africa

This situation was heart breaking to a lot of Christians. Ravi was not one of the teachers I particularly looked up to but I HAVE listened to a lot of his material and appreciated his views. As a Christian myself, I tried to be gracious when the first allegations started to come out (this was BEFORE the evidence of everything came out). We all have things we struggle with and we can't expect teachers to be any different. But once the report was released showing that he wasn't just sleeping around but actually ABUSED and took advantage of these women, I was shocked. This mans material, no matter how much he contributed to Christianity, should be erased and I don't understand the people who are still defending him. I can understand the disappointment and confusion of those who came to Christianity bc of his teachings but this is just too much. The most disgusting part of this (from a Christian point of view) was the fact that he manipulated these women with their faith and actually PRAYED with them, thanking God for the opportunity to abuse them. Horrible, awful man. I can't wait for the Christian community to put Ravi Zacharias behind us and move forward with teachers who reflect the lifestyle we teach.

I really liked him but I can no longer use any of his quotes and I feel like throwing away his books. I might be drastic but this is something hard for me to process or forgive, at least for now.

I respectfully feel that honorary doctorates are generally recognition of significant impact in some area of culture but still spit my coffee at Dr. Grande’s joke. Thanks a lot.

I’ve never met/listened to someone with such dry humor, the way Dr. Grande exhibits with these often grim topics. I giggle every time 😄. I find it so unique. Idk just love it!

Thank you for a balanced analysis, Dr. Grande. As an INTJ who grew up in a rather religious family Zacharias was a name that was heard often. I remember when the allegations that he claimed to have have been a Professor at Oxford came out and I did a bit of research and was disgusted to learn of his abuse of women. Hopefully the evangelical community can learn from this, avoid putting people on pedestals and help the survivors of abuse instead of being in denial that any abuse occurred.

I'm really torn. I wish to say that the fact he engaged in habitual, grievous sin didn't mean his messages were wrong. Yet I know there are victims out there enduring the consequences. What's most disturbing was the predatory nature of his actions. They seemed premeditated 😞

Is there a semester in middle school, and then again in early high school on the psychology of sexual coercion? Whether the abuser is the Weinsteins and Epsteins of the world, or the more common factory, restaurant, office supervisor or professor, sexual exploitation is going to be encountered by most young women, and even by some young men. Being able to see it clearly might be preventative.

That fire fighter analogy, tho? Burn!! I’ll show myself out.

My heart is breaking 💔 😢 😪 when anyone falls from teachings of God. It's between him and God now.

sadly .. we hear of these 'goings on' after he has passed. all i can tell you is that for decades i was deluded and on the wrong path, after the death of a friend that meant the world to me but was an angry man and i missed the oppotunity to witness to him, i was scattered.. my soul was in danger and my heart was bled dry... i clicked through radio stations and one of the channels had ravi's teachings on the air daily. i took great comfort in hearing his teachings. i cant blame another human for thierr fleshly sins because my past would have had him roll over in his grave.. I still love him. im sorry he had this struggle

Just a reminder I'm not diagnosing anybody in this video; only speculating what could be happening in a massage parlor like this.

Today's shirt is Muuaah! Uplifting spring pastel😍 And I'm not sure what shade to call it (peach?apricot?) but it's very complimentary to your skin tone😊

In my mind, his misdeeds does not invalidate his message. He was a great thinker and a great apologist. That having been said, it has been incredibly disappointing to have these allegations come forth and apparently be true. Those of us who loved and honored him are extremely hurt that he would fall prey to these behaviors that are so bloody common to man. Billy Graham still stands out for his insistence that he always be accompanied by another man, in order to provide both protection and accountability.

"I'm definitely diagnosing and speculating about what I'd like to happen in a situation like this" - Dr. Phil

Hello Dr Grande!! Can't wait to watch. 🤩

“False prophet, wolf in sheep’s clothing”

I liked your perspective on his followers and how they can reconcile their faith in his message with the bad deeds he did. Reminds me of the Nietzche quote: “There is a false saying: “How can someone who can’t save himself save others?” Supposing I have the key to your chains, why should your lock and my lock be the same?”

Great video! I just found your channel, I love that you don’t speak over eccentrically. So many youtubers these days over emphasize their speech and speak in such highs and lows, forced character in their voices. All this to say-you have a great speaking voice.

Thanks for this cogent dissection of this tragic case. The truth of the gospel is not changed but it is a horrific abuse.

Thank you! You pretty much covered what my problem with all those casting stones. He may not have walked the talk ... but how does that negate his message? If he condoned his behavior, rather hide it .... Yes, I would agree. But how many so called Christians say one thing but do the other. You nailed it. Thank you.

I liked that title. hypocrisy doesn't negate a fact, or a logical argument. this title cuts thorough "bias" and flawed thinking

I also have difficulty with the “No true Scotsman” argument toexplain away wrong doing by a member of a group. Good call to say one can believe and be “fallen”.

The day I come back to watching yt and THIS JOY is what comes up. Brilliant

Thank you for this analysis. I like Ravi and appreciate the respectful way you discussed what may have happened. This has been devastating to the people who admired him and who changed their lives partly using his influence as a catalyst. I enjoy your channel very much! Thank you.

As a Catholic I always admired Ravi Zacharias and encouraged friends to listen to him. I thought his arguments for theism and the Christian faith were very good. I once saw him speak in person. However, being Catholic and knowing what our church has gone through I knew this happens more times than not. I feel terrible and pray for the women who were just trying to make a living. They are victims of a man who at the least committed sexual misconduct and who was obviously a fraud, living a double life.

You're conclusion was spot on. Thank you for the clarity.

Sometimes the topics aren't ones I am familiar with, but I still get so excited to see your posts. The voice of clarity and levity are so gratefully received.

Honestly doc, I was shocked after reading the title, I jumped in and straight right away watched this video. I am fan of Ravi. He resonates Christian values, bright, apologetic and very critical. My Christian belief had not shattered after hearing this. We are human, we sin, I pray for Ravi’s soul. Whatever could have happened before his death. Could he ever by any chance ask for forgiveness? God bless his soul.

Thank you for your respectful treatment of this situation. Over the past years I’ve appreciated his logical approach in apologetics. He never was one who lifted on verse out of the Bible and built an entire faith system on it. You could follow his logic with truth. It may be a human characteristic to elevate teachers/leaders into positions where they think they are ‘more special’ than they are - maybe it has been that way ever since humans lived in community with each other. All I know is that now that I am 77 yrs old, I can clearly see that it happens over & over again - in many areas of life. But spiritual leaders stand out the most because people expect them to be perfect ..... and they are not perfect. This has been heartbreaking in so many ways. I admire the way this ministry has handle it so far . Many years ago I heard a very wise man warn people who are choosing a name for their new ministries: Never name a ministry after yourself!!!!! Again, thank you Dr.Grande for not being a ‘basher’. I sense so much truth in your analysis.

As a Christian I was Leary to listen to this because I did have respect for him before this scandal and was very surprised and hurt by what he did to those women, his family and the ministry. However since I tune in almost daily I know you give insightful commentary and so I watched. I was not disappointed. You handled this subject matter fairly and balanced and helped me in trying to figure out even more how something so sad and completely terrible such as this could happen. Thanks Dr. G

I love your analogies Dr Grande! Your breakdown of a topic never fails to intrigue me. Please keep up the awesome work!☺💙💙

As someone who supports a lot of post-evangelical people my heart goes out to the multitude of people who grew up with the teachings and abuses of this section of evangelicalism ❤️

Can you do an examination of The My Pillow Guy please Dr. Grande? Epic shirt btw

The best yet from Dr. Grande. Beautifully done.

Wow the last 2 sentences of this analysis were so on point and important. Thank you!

Thank you for addressing this subject. I am a Christian and it was a heartbreaking revelation. You spoke in a kind manner concerning a horrible situation. How true it is for Christians to keep our eyes on Christ the author and perfecter of our faith. Not people. He did inappropriate and sinful acts . He knew right from wrong. In representing himself as a Christian he was a hypocrite. Yet, Christ remains the Way the Truth and the Light. We the messengers are flawed and need to keep focused on Him. Thank you for the sensitive way you addressed today's topic. I always learn something.

Am still trying to process this a year on. Like you said being his fan this puts me o such a precarious position. But am happy to know that this does not necessarily negate his message. Thank you for your explanation 🙏

Dr. Grande where do you get all of that intellectual energy from when coming up with so many case studies in only one day? Will I ever get to meet them?

Thank you for speaking on this!! I was crushed when I kind out about Ravi. It’s just so sad

As usual well done Doctor Grande

Please provide an analysis of Dr. Todd Grande and his apparent obsession with not diagnosing anyone.

As a Christian, one thing that I have learned is to be transparent with a brother in Christ about my struggles. And also, not to judge. This analyst was truly a blessing.

You are the only person who hit my deepest concerns and questions I had about Ravi and his message . I have yet to hear any Christian and Christian leader acknowledge and answer what you did at the 9:15 mark. Thank you! You have no idea how much that helped me.

I'm begging, PLEASE do an analysis of the Christopher Porco case!!! I would love to hear your thoughts, particularly how his Mother defended him. It's such a bizarre case!

I struggle with my daily sinful thoughts and he's here with 200 women on rotation 🤦

I’m thrilled to hear your perspective on this topic. Awesome job

I really like Dr Grandes videos, he sheds light on issues and topics I never knew existed. Like I knew a little bit about an issue, then Dr Grande blows the details wide open, love it....

Dr. Grande, are you a believer? Your coverage of prosperity gospel charlatans and now Ravi has stoked my curiosity. Either way, I love your channel and your perspective

He had a doctorate punch card. The tenth honorary doctorate gets you one for realsies doctorate.

That was very interesting Dr G especially the last portion. Shines a light on the behavior of a lot of people. And as always, thanks for your insight!

Dr. Grande, your comedic delivery is intriguing; why is that?...⭐️

Fascinating. I'd never heard of this man, but the conversations surrounding this video are quite interesting.

Can I still claim to be "the Doctor of Desire" sans an actual diploma?

Thank you Dr. Grande. I was a devout believer in Ravi. I have really struggled with how he could do this and truly believe and not confess it. You have brought me a great measure of comfort and understanding. Thank you Thank you Thank you. It has really troubled me.

Dr Grande is the man. I love watching your videos!

Thank you for providing a rational and reasoned response to this horrible scandal. This scandal is a body blow to the body of Christ. This is a wake-up call for Christians to reaffirm that our faith rests in Jesus, not on humans.

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, the big plants back, it's alive, it's alive, praise the Lord.

It's ok don't feel bad. I was misled too. I followed rzim for a while in my teens and 20s but stopped after I found the environment to be toxic. I'm sorry to have learned it. Thank you Dr Grande

Thanks for your very sober, balanced and respectful treatment of this matter . If only many would do this, being aware of the fact that we are never better than others, and the difference between a skill, ability, convictions and the persons' weakness and flaws!

If anyone ever wonders about Dr. Grandes (alias Dr. Big) qualifications, go to his channel and dig deep back six years through huge bank of videos and prepare to be amazed. He is very modest about his experience and knowledge.

I really enjoyed this one, doc! And just a friendly reminder that it would be awesome if you did some more clinical role play videos!

❤️ Dr. Grande, thank you for making this informative video.

Thanks for another great video DR.GRANDE.

Excellent analysis Dr. Grande. By their fruits you should know them states the holy Bible. He was not a Christian.

By this reasoning, I'm an Olympic swimmer! (I swam in an Olympic sized pool many times) 😆 Very good balance of logic and faith, Dr. Grande! Thanks. 😗

I've been expecting this

Love your logic, objectivity, your calming voice, Thank you!...!

Grande. Could you make a video about Antisocial Personality Disorder and depression. I’m diagnosed with ASPD and was quite depressed through out my adolescensen and mid 20s

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. 7 “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.” St. John 14 Amen

Brilliant analysis!Thank you Dr.Grande! =)

This issue has been weighing on me heavily over the past couple of weeks. I listened to Ravi at times and looked up to him. I feel so much for his family that he deceived. A lot is being said by many commentators and it must hurt them - your analysis was fair, measured and separated the man from what he claimed to believe. I was surprised and glad to hear your take on it. Respect

Do people in this category qualify as victims: massage therapists who give a massage that includes sexual favors and accept extra pay for it and keep it a secret over a long period of time so that their customer will return for more massages?

Dr. Grande, can you do a video on nouthetic counseling? I found a website of former seminar students that said they were required to do it and made it seem like Christianity was borrowing from Scientology's auditing therapy. Apparently, someone at their seminary committed suicide under the treatment and they now require people to sign legal documents saying they will not sue the university if they are damaged mentally due to the sessions. They are also disciplined if they go to regular therapy. The whole thing seems shady

Wow - this was the best articulated explanation for an apparent dichotomy like this right at the end of Dr Grande's talk. I might even share this one.

You are so kind. I am a Christian, also, but I have not found a Church which I can comfortably attend. There are other reasons, of course, but I admire your kind objectivity. Bless you.