Oral Roberts died peacefully at age 91 earlier this month, with
most Americans having forgotten the Pentecostal preacher from
Oklahoma who arguably became the nation’s first prominent
televangelist. Billy Graham was his contemporary, though Graham
never relied as exclusively on television. And where Baptist
Graham was stolid, Pentecostal Roberts was flamboyant. Often
clad in silk suits and gold jewelry, Robert
conducted faith healings, promoted an early version of the
prosperity Gospel, founded a university, briefly
founded a hospital, and ran an over $100 million education and
ministry empire whose television broadcast went globally to
millions.
As a child in the early 1970s, I often viewed his flashy Sunday
morning broadcast when nothing else was on but cooking shows and
art programs. The music, and preaching, were schmaltzy and often
spectacular, far more so than the tame Methodist Sunday school to
which I was dispatched later in the morning. The program’s theme
song, performed by a team of swaying, white-suited entertainers,
was the wonderfully upbeat “Greater Is He,” whose refrain was:
God is greater than the wisest man;
Greater than the power of sin;
Greater than the gates of Hell;
Greater than any drunk can tell;
Greater than the richest king;
Greater than anything!
Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.
My younger brother sang the song as “God is greater than Adam
12,” referring to the popular police program. You can
watch one version of it here,
with lead singers Richard Roberts, Oral’s son, and Richard’s wife
Patti, who later divorced Richard and wrote an embittered
tell-all book about the family. Unsurprisingly sharing the stage
in this version are Johnny and June Cash, as well as Oral
himself. Amid all the 1970s era gloom, apparent even to children,
the Roberts’ blast of upbeat Christian showmanship,
however garish, was much welcome.
Always controversial, Roberts was for decades a sort of cultural
icon. He represented the mainstreaming of rising Pentecostalism,
which previously was often relegated to the south side of the
tracks. Pentecostalism, along with charismatic Christianity, is
now by some estimates the fastest growing religious movement in
the world, perhaps involving 500 million. Its appeal to the
passions, adamant faith in the supernatural, and unapologetic
boisterousness were shocking in the mid-20th century, when staid,
and mostly liberal, Mainline Protestants still dominated
America’s religious life.
Starting his broadcasts in the 1950s, Roberts opened the way to
other televangelists of varying degrees of integrity and
effectiveness. Roberts’ ministry had peaked by the early 1980s,
if not before, when he became overshadowed by Pat Robertson,
Jerry Falwell, Jimmy Swaggart, Jim Bakker, and others. The energy
and populism behind televangelism helped feed conservative
Christian political activism, which Falwell helped coalesce in
the late 1970s with the Moral Majority. Robertson’s run for the
presidency in 1988 was perhaps the zenith of televangelism, or
perhaps the initial afterglow.
Televangelism’s implosion began partly with Roberts the year
before Robertson’s run, when Roberts told his television audience
that God would “take him home” if $8 million were
not raised for Roberts’ ministry. Roberts isolated himself in the
prayer tower of Oral Roberts University pending the fundraising’s
conclusion. The appeal was successful, with $9 million raised,
but widely mocked and discrediting to Roberts. Swaggart referred
to Roberts as a “dear brother” who was claiming God was going to
“kill him” if enough checks did not clear.
Almost concurrent with Roberts’ prayer tower spectacle was the
self-immolation of Jim Bakker, another Pentecostal televangelist
who founded a spectacularly absurd Christian theme park in North
Carolina. Exposure of Bakker’s pre-broadcast tryst with a young
secretary compelled Bakker to temporarily turn his ministry over
to Falwell, himself an arch Baptist not accustomed to Pentecostal
drama. Falwell assembled a new board for Bakker’s Praise the Lord
(PTL) empire that included former Reagan Energy Secretary James
Watt and former actor Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. But upon discovering
Bakker’s widespread financial fraud and allegedly numerous sexual
infidelities, Falwell denounced Bakker as the “greatest scab and
cancer on the face of Christianity
in 2,000 years of church history.”
Swaggart had long denounced Bakker’s theme park and cheesy
PTL Club program, where wife Tammy Faye was
infamous for her copious tears and melting mascara. Himself a
spell-binding entertainer who could fill stadiums around the
world, Swaggart was hailed by no less than Dan Rather as
America’s best orator. A cousin and close friend to both rock and
roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis and country music star Mickey Gilley,
Swaggart had a rich singing voice no less compelling, and he
deservedly sold millions of Gospel albums. He also had an
unfortunate addiction to pornography and to unconsummated visits
with prostitutes, with whom he publicly was exposed not once but
twice, first in 1988, and later in 1991. Swaggart’s ministry,
which included a global television broadcast that purportedly had
reached 500 million, shriveled.
Initially Swaggart had criticized Robertson’s run for the
presidency but later was persuaded by Robertson’s personal visit.
Bakker and Roberts had also been supportive. But after
controversies neutralized all three televangelists within months,
Robertson lost some of his political momentum. He performed well
in the Iowa caucuses but afterwards never really threatened Vice
President George Bush, whom Jerry Falwell supported. Falwell’s
own Moral Majority had largely ebbed by then, soon to be
overshadowed by Robertson’s new Christian Coalition, which itself
barely survived the 1990s.
Falwell and Roberts are now gone, Swaggart and Bakker now quietly
run smaller ministries, and Robertson, nearly age 80, still helps
to host his daily 700 Club broadcast. Roberts was
perhaps the progenitor of their movement, and he embodied many of
televangelism’s colorful strengths and foibles. Though he
sometimes lived lavishly, Roberts avoided Swaggart or Bakker
style moral collapses. He also largely shunned the political
temptations to which Robertson and Falwell succumbed. Maybe he is
again singing “Greater is He” with Johnny and June Cash, but now
on a more exalted stage.
Pingback| 12.31.09 @ 7:11AM
Twitter Trackbacks for The American Spectator : Farewell to Oral Roberts [spectator. links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Kelly Staples| 12.31.09 @ 8:18AM
The cold recitation of the facts concerning this character is an indictment in and of itself. Mr. Tooley is to be commended.
Alan Brooks| 12.31.09 @ 7:38PM
Agreed on all critical common-tater counts.
Still, even the worst preacherman (and Roberts was not the worst) isn't worse than a politico.
So strange| 12.31.09 @ 9:39AM
When Oral Roberts claimed that God would take him home if he didn't raise $8 million, I wondered why he was so afraid to go to heaven.
There is no shortage of people calling us to follow them, but Jesus warned us to be as wise as serpents (Matthew 10:16). If anyone claims that their teachings or traditions are truer or more authoritative than what's in the Bible, they aren't for me. The Bereans of Acts 17:10-11 had the right idea.
Alan Brooks| 12.31.09 @ 7:40PM
No one wants to go to Heaven too early.
call it 'dawdling', alrighty?
Pingback| 12.31.09 @ 9:40AM
Gospel Music Songs - Farewell to Oral Roberts - Spectator.org « Gospel Music Songs links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Bulwark| 12.31.09 @ 10:12AM
We must ask ourselves this question: why are tv evengelists so prone to scandals, constant fund-raising, crocodile tears, pink hair, and emotion-driven production? If we compare it with Christian radio's generally superior content, we are left to conclude that Christianity is primarily a word-centered religion, not an image-centered one.
Anneke| 12.31.09 @ 11:44AM
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. " Jn 1:1
;-)
Alan Brooks| 12.31.09 @ 7:41PM
DUH!
Bulwark of what? denseness?
bob | 12.31.09 @ 8:13PM
You are thinking of Protestants. Many other Christians have different approaches. "The word" in both ancient Jewish and ancient Greek traditions was more than auditory. Isaiah 2:1: "The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem." (KJV) The Hereclitian logos was an active force charged with fire.
Pingback| 12.31.09 @ 10:19AM
Gospel Tracks - Email this story - Herald Times « Gospel Tracks links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Michael| 12.31.09 @ 2:12PM
Let's not forget Swaggert's anti-Jewish and anti-Catholic views.
victor| 1.2.10 @ 6:37PM
As opposed to the Catholic's anti-Jewish and anti- Christian views?
Pingback| 12.31.09 @ 2:13PM
First Annual LCL Lefty Awards! « Left Coast Ledger links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Bilwick| 12.31.09 @ 2:32PM
"Oral." Hehehehehehe!
Patrick| 12.31.09 @ 5:51PM
He wasn't quite the first...
Bishop Fulton Sheen was on radio in 1930, on television in 1951, winning an Emmy in 1953, and his broadcasts are still used to this day.
Sandshark| 12.31.09 @ 6:25PM
Please don't denigrate Billy Graham by mentioning him in nthe same breath with Oral Roberts. My first exposure to Roberts, aside from watching his show as a kid, was when a lady I knew who had brain cancer asked Oral in a letter to pray for her. His response, send a contribution and I'll pray for you. Nuff said.
roadmaster| 12.31.09 @ 7:57PM
Sounds about right, Sandshark. It didn't matter how much money these people sucked in - they always needed more, didn't they? A new "crisis" for the flock to tend to, every other week. Worse than the current crop of dhimmicrats.
My Grandmother was "addicted" to all of these charlatans, beginning with Roberts in the 50's. I used to watch with her but even as a little kid I was skeptical of the faith healing. Looked pretty phony, and my friends and I would mock Roberts by suddenly grabbing each other forcefully and yelling, "HEAL! HEAL!"
Later Gram was drawn in by Jimmy Swaggert (who is a really good preacher) and especially Jim and Tammy Fae Bakker. I warned her many times not to send so much money, but she persisted, probably in an attempt to buy her way into Heaven. It saddens me to think of her now (died 12 years ago), as I'm not sure she ever repented her sins and accepted Jesus as her personal Savior.
There is a special place in He11 for those who use Christianity to enrich themselves on earth.
MattSwartz| 1.1.10 @ 1:22AM
I won't speculate on any of these men's sincerity, since that isn't my job, but I can say without a doubt that television in general, and television "ministries" in particular, have been very bad for Christianity.
Christianity without the Church is a disaster and a freak, and that's what these shows were, no matter how sincere their founders might have been.
It has been bad politically as well, since the (ahistorical, unbiblical) eschatology of these guys has ruined conservatism by allying it to Israel in absurd (and bloody) ways.
Margie| 1.1.10 @ 12:42PM
Here we have yet another anti-Semite.
And an anti-Christian as well.
"The Church?" What "Church" do you speak of? One must belong to a certain Religion that you don't mention?
"For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them." Mt. 18:20.
Whether you like it or not, one is free to practice Christianity with other individual Christians, who make up the Body of Christ, and to also acknowledge Israel as our friendly ally.
While I've never been a fan of tele-Evangelism it seems to me I'd rather associate myself with the millions of believers than with this fellow.
MattSwartz| 1.1.10 @ 5:41PM
I'll leave the "anti-semitic" slur alone, because of how absurd it is, but I'll assure you that I'm quite ecumenical.
Christian Churches, however, are gatherings of believers who baptize, teach the Word, and share in communion with one another. Watching a television broadcast of some putatively "holy" man does not approximate this adequately.
Margie| 1.1.10 @ 7:48PM
Yr. 2nd paragraph is basically repeating what I said.
But just to be clear~ Church = individuals, not a Religion or a Denomination or a building. There are no Denominations in the New Testament, only disciples.
Patrick| 1.1.10 @ 9:54PM
Actually, Church refers to a sacred assembly. This, along with an ironic (from a Catholic perspective) reading of Scripture, is why the denomination "Assembly of God" took such a name.
The idea of splinters, sects, and denominations were the last thing on the minds of the Apostles, what with martyrdom awaiting them from every corner. The closest thing to a separate denomination was the Gnostics and well, only John lived long enough to observe their ghastly behavior (Revelation 2:6).
As for the modern state of Israel, well, it will all end in tears. It is a wholly modern, secular state with a strong minority of orthodox to ultra-orthodox Jews, many of which hold their leanings for nationalistic purposes. I would take the current state of Israel far more seriously if they actually did what bar Kokhba or Julian the Apostate couldn't, and build the Third Temple. As it currently stands, I will mourn for those who will be lost in the Second Shoah.
Margie| 1.1.10 @ 11:08PM
Hi,
I appreciate your post! As for Israel, I only mean to say that as a free country we generally back her as another free country. I know she's secular, so are we for the most part.. but my point isn't about their Religion, but their freedom.
Others try making that the issue, though it is Biblical that there will be a remnant that God is saving or will save, and many are being saved by Christ even now... as in our own country.
But those who have a prejudice against Israel and Jews in general is what bugs me.
Son of Taz| 1.1.10 @ 11:29AM
One name not mentioned - and one that doesn't belong in the rogue's gallery of televangelists - is Dr. Robert Schuller. He is an inspirational speaker and unlike the false prophets, uses word to encourage, not just raise money.
Jeremiah| 1.1.10 @ 2:54PM
One little trick I used to use was to initially watch such things with the sound down. If the guy's face was contorted with rage and anger, I didn't much care what he had to say about love and charity. Billy Graham's face wasd never contorted with rage and hate.
In the end, I think that anything noble, true or just, no matter what name it is offered in, is accepted by Christ as offered to Him - for Christ is the source and owner of all that is noble, true or just. Similarly, anything filled with malice or deception, even when offered (blasphemously) in the name of Christ, is a service rendered unto satan.
This is why it is written that many will ask the Lord on judgment day, "When did I ever feed you..." and be told that '..whenever you did to the least of these...' and others will querously demand, "Didn't I always speak in your name..." and the Lord will tell them, "Depart from me. I never knew you."
Margie| 1.1.10 @ 3:18PM
Beware the "nice" preacher.
Billy Graham also went to Russia and came back saying there was Religious freedom.
Either he was lying, or he is deceived.
God hates deceit.
MattSwartz| 1.1.10 @ 5:44PM
"God hates deceit."
Which should not, of course, prevent you from asserting that a stranger (me) hates the Jews just because he questions some US foreign policy decisions...
Margie| 1.1.10 @ 7:53PM
Of course not, Matt, You obviously adore Israel.
Jorge| 1.1.10 @ 7:35PM
Man's purpose on earth is to glorify God. To often it is easy for us as humans to miss this purpose and through pink hair or other means of self glorification we prove what we are to other men. It is sad to watch this happen on at a personal level. It is much worse when we see it on any media. What a misdirected life.
Mark| 1.1.10 @ 9:04PM
Bob schuller is just a Norman Vincent Peale wannabee. As I once heard it said "The Apostle Paul is appealing but the Apostle Peale is appalling".
Happy New Year to all!
Steve Hansmann| 1.3.10 @ 3:51AM
Criminey,
For those of us in reality, happily married, raising our children, working hard, atheists, (who have the lowest divorce, mental illness, and crime rate of any "faith"), we could give a tinker's damn this horrid old mullah of the hookworm belt is dead. Falwell was sweet, this monstrosity is sweeter yet, Dobson and Robertson demise, hopefully soon, will be ecstatic!
Margie| 1.3.10 @ 2:25PM
"Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints." Ps. 116:15
Mr. Athiest,
First 0f all, your statistics are a joke. But most of all since you reveal what you are for all to see, we will always know from what spirit you speak.
Secondly~ You obviously rejoice in the death of these men, as you think they were Christian believers, .. so that begs the question~if the death of God's saints are precious in His sight, where does that leave you?
Patsy Shaffer| 1.3.10 @ 4:01PM
Margie ... I love your sense of integrity! Reading TAS 's authors and watching (and enjoying) readers comments is a fun way to spend time really learning! Keep up the feisty retorts. Their priceless.
Howie| 12.10.10 @ 9:51AM
The lowest mental illness & crime rate? Where'd you get those figures from? Probably the lowest divorce rate since few atheists ever matty. I have come across figures entirely opposite of yours.
Margie| 1.3.10 @ 4:55PM
Patsy,
Wow. What a totally kind (and undeserved) comment. You really cheered me up, thanks! If you actually learn from reading anything I and others say then that is just the best compliment both the authors and commentors could ever wish to receive, at least it is for me.
I'll keep posting as long as they'll have me, which could be any day. :^) You're so kind to say what you did. Thanks again!
Jeremy| 1.3.10 @ 11:02PM
What is with the anti-Catholic slams on some supposedly "conservative" sites, e.g., a couple of the postings on here?
For instance, the anti-Catholic venom of late on Free Republic has been truly disappointing for its vastness and vehemence. Let's not start seeing it here too!
Jthomas| 1.4.10 @ 4:03AM
I moved to Tulsa 2 years ago for grad school. My wife works at a medical clinic across the street from Oral Roberts University (ORU). I was driving to the clinic the day of Roberts funeral at the Mabee Center and who do I see?! The "God Hates Fags" preacher Phelps and his band of nitwits. They had signs indicating that Oral Roberts was "already burning in hell!" Jeeze! Some people's kids!
wes jh| 1.5.10 @ 11:36AM
And for every complaint against their flamboyant style failings and personal failings, every one of these men(and women) who have been derided have also done much for the lowly in our society(unwed mothers, widows and orphans) than the libs who steal our money and are stingy with their own.
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Howie Gardner | 10.2.10 @ 2:19PM
Oral Roberts was never the pioneer of the Prosperity Gospel. That title belongs to either E. W. Kenyon or Kenneth Hagin. It was the latter who piously came to Oral under the guise of comforting him when Oral's daughter, son-in-law, son and two grandchildren all died within a period of a few years. Hagin even prophecied that Oral's son (who had a drug addiction) was nonetheless in heaven and Oral, who was originally not supportive of the Prosperity Gospel, found it very hard to take issue with the only indiviudal who was offering him comfort. Oral's subsequent pronouncements (the death threat from God, the 900 foot Jesus, the command to build the City of Faith, etc.) seem more the result of stress and confusion, possibly even a nervous breakdown, than gimmicks to raise money.
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