Should We Still Read Books by Ravi Zacharias, Jean Vanier, Etc.?
A number of major Christian figures such as Ravi Zacharias, Jean Vanier, Bill Hybels and others have fallen. Some of these were prolific authors that were influential in their area of expertise. Should we still read their books or should we purge our personal libraries? This episode looks at these questions.
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I know the issue is nuanced, as you suggested. And I know it is a PERSONAL decision, per your example of a victim choosing not to continue to read or use the resources of their aggressor.
But…
Why would we collectively, as a church body/culture, hold these writers to a standard to which we don’t hold the biblical writers?
We don’t discount David’s Psalms because of his sexual sin.
We don’t discount Moses’ writings because he “broke faith” with God (Deuteronomy 32:51-52). An act that led to him not even being able to enter the Promised Land.
Yes, as you stated, we all – even the biblical writers – have our failings.
I know you didn’t use the term “cancel culture,” but if we canceled – removed – content by everyone who has sinned… well… you know.
Just a few thoughts that are likely too nuanced for a blog post comment.
😉
I appreciate your comments. I suppose a starting point is evidence of repentance. Ravi Zacharias was claiming innocence until the end. Another example is Gordon MacDonald, a Christian leader who committed adultery but repented and received discipline. I read his books and have enjoyed hearing him teach and he doesn’t hide his sin. The biblical writers give evidence of repentance.