Who we criticize and why: Ravi & James

 Posted at Come Down, Lord!

In the last weeks I have observed something strange and troubling. Christians across the continent have been weighing in on two figures: Ravi Zacharias and James Coates.

I have been amazed at the number of Christians coming to Ravi's defence. Many of those who do are willing to admit (with sorrow that) they believe the reports are true and that Ravi was probably guilty of all kinds of sexual immorality. Still they defend him. They don't defend his actions but they are quick to say things like:

• he was still a great apologist;
• he was wonderfully used of God;
• he needed help as we all do;
• he was a sinner as we all are;
• he was saved by grace.

At the same time I have been amazed (and sickened) by the number of Christians attacking James Coates. They know he has acted in the service of Christ, they know that he is morally above reproach, and they know that he is in prison for gathering his congregation for worship. Still, they criticize him. They say things like:

• he wants to be a martyr;
• he is justly in prison for violating provincial regulations;
• he is putting lives in jeopardy;
• he is not being persecuted;
• he should have obeyed the government.

Interesting isn't it how quick Christians are to defend their leaders who have morally failed? I have seen it over and over again. And its particularly interesting in light of the fact that those same Christians are sometimes equally quick to attack and criticize morally upright leaders whose only 'sin' is that they are truly principled.

Read more here.