Introduction
Ravi Zacharias was a renowned Christian apologist, author, and speaker who dedicated his life to defending the Christian faith and engaging with skeptics and seekers alike. He founded Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM) in 1984 and traveled around the world to speak at universities, churches, and conferences. Over the years, Zacharias became one of the most influential Christian apologists of his time, reaching millions with his message of hope and faith.
As a successful author, Zacharias wrote numerous books on topics ranging from theology and philosophy to culture and ethics. His best-selling books include “Can Man Live Without God?” and “Jesus Among Other Gods.” Zacharias also hosted a radio program called “Let My People Think,” which reached a global audience with his thoughtful and engaging discussions on faith and reason.
| Quick | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Ravi Zacharias |
| Profession | Christian apologist, author, speaker |
| Age | 74 (at the time of his passing in 2020) |
| Birthday | March 26, 1946 |
| Birthplace | Chennai, India |
| Country | United States |
| Net Worth | $5 million (estimated in 2024) |
| Source of Income | Books, speaking engagements, ministry |
| Family Members | Wife, Margie Zacharias; three children |
| Height | 6’3″ |
| Weight | Unknown |
| Ethnicity | Indian |
| Religion | Christianity |
Early Life and Education
Ravi Zacharias was born on March 26, 1946, in Chennai, India. He grew up in a Hindu family but later converted to Christianity after a failed suicide attempt in his teenage years. Zacharias often spoke about how his faith in Christ transformed his life and gave him a sense of purpose and hope.
Zacharias immigrated to Canada in the late 1960s to pursue his undergraduate studies at the Ontario Bible College (now Tyndale University). He later earned a Master of Divinity from Trinity International University in Illinois. Zacharias went on to receive honorary doctoral degrees from several universities in recognition of his contributions to Christian apologetics.
Career and Ministry
After completing his education, Ravi Zacharias began his career as a Christian apologist, engaging in debates and discussions on the existence of God, the problem of evil, and the reliability of the Bible. In 1984, he founded Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM) with the mission of “helping the thinker believe and the believer think.” RZIM quickly grew into a global ministry with offices in multiple countries and a team of speakers and apologists.
Zacharias traveled extensively to speak at universities, conferences, and churches, addressing audiences on a wide range of topics related to faith, culture, and philosophy. He was known for his eloquence, wit, and deep understanding of both Christian theology and secular thought. Zacharias engaged with skeptics and seekers alike, seeking to bridge the gap between faith and reason.
In addition to his speaking engagements, Ravi Zacharias authored over 30 books that have been translated into multiple languages and sold millions of copies worldwide. His writings cover a wide range of topics, including theology, philosophy, ethics, and culture. Some of his most popular books include “Can Man Live Without God?” and “Jesus Among Other Gods.”
Zacharias also hosted a radio program called “Let My People Think,” which aired on over 2,000 outlets worldwide. The program featured Zacharias discussing various aspects of the Christian faith and addressing questions from listeners on topics ranging from suffering and morality to the nature of truth.
Personal Life
Ravi Zacharias was married to his wife, Margie, and they had three children together. The Zacharias family lived in the Atlanta area, where RZIM’s headquarters are located. Zacharias was known for his devotion to his family and his commitment to living out his faith in both his personal and professional life.
Throughout his career, Zacharias faced both praise and criticism for his views on Christianity and his approach to apologetics. He was respected by many for his intellect, compassion, and ability to engage with a diverse range of audiences. However, some critics questioned his methods and beliefs, particularly in relation to his conservative views on social issues.
Net Worth and Legacy
As of 2024, Ravi Zacharias had an estimated net worth of $5 million. His income came from various sources, including book sales, speaking engagements, and donations to RZIM. Zacharias was known for living a modest lifestyle and donating a significant portion of his earnings to charitable causes and ministry work.
Ravi Zacharias passed away on May 19, 2020, after a battle with cancer. Despite his death, his legacy continues to impact millions of people around the world through his writings, speeches, and the work of RZIM. Zacharias was widely regarded as one of the most influential Christian apologists of his time, and his contributions to the field of apologetics are still studied and appreciated by believers and skeptics alike.
In conclusion, Ravi Zacharias was a trailblazer in the world of Christian apologetics, using his intellect and passion for truth to defend the Christian faith and engage with a skeptical world. His legacy lives on through his writings, speeches, and the work of RZIM, inspiring countless individuals to think deeply about their beliefs and seek truth in a world filled with uncertainty. Zacharias’ impact on the world of Christian apologetics will continue to be felt for years to come.
References
– Ravi Zacharias International Ministries. (n.d.). About RZIM. https://www.rzim.org/about
– Zacharias, R. (2003). Can Man Live Without God? Thomas Nelson.
– Zacharias, R. (2000). Jesus Among Other Gods. Thomas Nelson.
