Pat Robertson, a divisive televangelist known for daring to blur the lines between religion and politics, died at the age of 93. Pat founded Christian Broadcasting Network in 1960, which made his passing public on June 8 according to AP. The cause of death wasn’t known at the time of the announcement.
Gladys Churchill and Absalom Robertson’s March 1930 baby, Pat Christian, set out on his adventure in 1956 after meeting renowned bible scholar Cornelius Vanderbreggen. Politico reports that after becoming a Christian, Robertson described the experience as “like walking through a curtain that had separated me from God.”. Pat’s religion evolved over the years, and at some point he enrolled in a theology course to learn more about Jesus Christ.
Pat began hosting “The 700 Club” in 1966, six years after the CBN was founded, and the program quickly propelled him to international and national notoriety. Following more than 60 years of uninterrupted participation, Pat declared his retirement from hosting the show in 2021. He stated, “Today’s show will be my final as host,” during a “The 700 Club” broadcast in October 2021. “I thank God for every person who has contributed. And finally, I want to thank everyone. Once he left, Pat Robertson’s son Gordon took over as host permanently.
Pat Robertson was not only a pioneer in his own right, but he was also notorious. During his time as a televangelist, Robertson received a lot of criticism for his views and opinions on social issues.
As an illustration, Robertson attacked the feminist movement in 1992, branding it a plot to destroy the family. The New York Times claims that he made reference to a socialist, anti-family political movement in the letter, one that “encourages women to leave their husbands, kill their children, practice witchcraft, destroy capitalism, and become lesbians.”. ”.
Robertson was a conservative politician who frequently supported Donald Trump and other Republican candidates. Robertson publicly prayed before the 2020 presidential election for Trump to win, implying that to not support the former president would be to disobey God.
He said, “I believe the Lord’s plan is being implemented for America, and these people are not only revolting against Trump, they are revolting against what the Lord’s plan is for America. ”.
Robertson, who founded Regent University as well, will always be regarded as a significant figure in the Christian community despite his numerous divisive viewpoints. CNN claims that William L. Hathaway, a significant Regent University official, said in a statement that “Dr. Robertson was a well-known leader, broadcaster, and—most importantly—a devoted servant of God who devoted his life to exalting the Lord and spreading the message of Jesus Christ. ”.
