According to a statement from the Christian Broadcasting Network, Pat Robertson, the influential televangelist who played a significant role in mobilizing Christian conservatives in American politics, passed away at 93 in his Virginia home.
Having established the network in 1960, Pat Robertson served as the long-standing host of the prominent show “The 700 Club,” where he offered prayers and shared his political insights. The program played a pivotal role in rallying Christian conservatives behind Ronald Reagan’s Presidential campaign in 1960.
In his own bid for the presidency in 1966, Robertson sought to secure support from Iowa’s substantial evangelical community and managed to finish second in the state’s caucuses. His strategy of appealing to this demographic has since become a common approach employed by Republican presidential candidates in Iowa.
Following his run for the presidency, Robertson went on to establish the Christian Coalition. This grassroots movement effectively mobilized conservative religious voters and became a crucial face of the Republican Party.
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“The 700 Club” originated from the telethon where Robertson requested seven hundred viewers to make monthly donations and garnered a dedicated following. However, over the years, Robertson faced criticism for making controversial statements that sparked a public backlash.
Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Robertson made a controversial statement suggesting that God allowed attacks as a result of the United States’ acceptance of abortion, homosexuality, and secularism. In 2005, he faced further criticism for calling for the assassination of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. Additionally, Robertson claimed that the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti in 2010 was a form of divine punishment, alleging that the nation had made a pact with Satan during its struggle for independence from France two centuries earlier.
Robertson’s sharp tongue earned him critics and admirers.
Despite facing criticism, Robertson maintained a dedicated following throughout his career. His skill in bridging the realm of politics and religion garnered him admiration even from those who disagreed with him. Terry Heaton, a former TV producer who worked with Robertson, lauded his strategic brilliance and acknowledged his influence on conservative media, as well as his ability to guide viewers toward Republican party politics. Robertson’s charismatic persona allowed him to interact with influential figures, including interviews with presidents like Ronald Reagan. In his later years, he continued to align himself with conservative ideas.
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Credits: Yahoo
Pat Robertson’s Life and Background
Born Marion Gordon Robertson on March 22, 1933, in Lexington, Virginia, he acquired the nickname “Pat” from his older brother. His father, Absalom Robertson, was a Virginian Democrat who served in the US House of Representatives and the US Senate for more than three decades.
Robertson completed his education at Yale Law School, where he met his future wife, Dede. He later obtained a master’s degree from the New York Theological Seminary. After a marriage of nearly 70 years, Dede passed away in 2022.
Credits: DW
In addition to establishing Christian Broadcasting Network, which eventually gained a global reach, Robertson played a pivotal role in founding other notable institutions. This includes Regent University, a religious educational institution based in Virginia, American Center for Law and Justice, a Christian legal advocacy group; and Operation Blessing, an international charitable organization.
While many commended Robertson for his philanthropic efforts, particularly through his organization Operation Blessing, there were those, such as Rev. Rob Schenck, who criticized him for playing a role in the politicization of American evangelicalism. Robertson’s legacy is one that is nuanced and multifaceted, with both praise and criticism, as he made a lasting impact at the intersection of religion, media, and politics.
Pat Robertson will always be remembered as a prominent US Christian evangelist who had a razor-sharp opinion on religion and politics.
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