The controversial televangelist Pat Robertson, who boldly bridged the gap between politics and religion, passed away at 93. According to AP, Christian Broadcasting Network, the media organization Pat founded in 1960, announced his passing on June 8. At the time of the announcement, the cause of death was not public.
Pat Christian, born in March 1930 to Gladys Churchill and Absalom Robertson, began his adventure in 1956 after meeting eminent bible scholar Cornelius Vanderbreggen. Robertson subsequently recalled his conversion to Christianity by writing, “It was as if I had walked through a curtain, which had separated me from God,” according to Politico. Pat developed his religion throughout the years, eventually enrolling in a theology program to study more about Jesus Christ.
Six years after the CBN was established, in 1966, Pat started anchoring “The 700 Club,” a show that catapulted him to fame on a national and worldwide scale. Pat announced his retirement from presenting the show in 2021 after over 60 years of continuous participation. During a “The 700 Club” broadcast in October 2021, he declared, “Today’s show will be my final as host.” “I give God praise for everyone who has contributed. And I want to say thanks to everyone.” Gordon Robertson, Pat’s son, took over as host permanently once he left.
Even though he was a pioneer in his own right, Pat Robertson was just as infamous as he was famous. For his opinions and perspectives on social issues, Robertson endured much criticism throughout his televangelist career.
For instance, Robertson denounced the feminist movement in 1992, calling it a scheme to dismantle the family. According to The New York Times, in the letter, he referred to a socialist, anti-family political movement that “encourages women to leave their husbands, kill their children, practice witchcraft, destroy capitalism, and become lesbians.”
Robertson was a conservative politician who frequently endorsed Donald Trump and other Republican candidates. Before the 2020 presidential election, Robertson expressed his public prayer for Trump’s electoral success, implying that not supporting the former president would be considered disobedience to God.
At the time, he asserted, “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 also created Regent University, will always be regarded as a significant figure in the Christian world despite his many divisive positions. According to CNN, William L. Hathaway, a key official at Regent University, stated in a statement that “Dr. Robertson was a globally renowned leader, broadcaster, and — most importantly — a faithful servant of God who dedicated his life to glorifying the Lord and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
