VIRGINIA BEACH, USA — Pat Robertson, a prominent Baptist minister who wielded his religious influence to forge a powerful conservative Christian political bloc, died on Thursday, June 8, 2023 at his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia, at the age of 93.
His death was announced by the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), which Robertson founded in 1960.
Robertson was a blend of entrepreneur and evangelist. With a family background rooted in politics, he built an empire encompassing a university, a law school, a widely viewed cable channel, and other ventures, all anchored by his Christian faith.
Robertson’s foray into politics peaked when he ran an earnest but ultimately unsuccessful campaign for the Republican presidential nomination in 1988.
Amid criticism for mixing church and state, he resigned from his position as a Baptist minister during the campaign.
Despite his loss, Robertson’s zeal for political engagement remained unwavering. He subsequently founded the Christian Coalition, which played a critical role in revitalizing conservative faith-based politics in the 1990s and beyond.
Though he often exhibited the demeanor of a congenial local pastor with an infectious smile and an ever-present twinkle in his eye, Robertson also had a penchant for making controversial and incendiary statements.
He once suggested that the tragic September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks were brought upon the United States due to Americans’ sinfulness and claimed that the devastating earthquake in Haiti in 2010 was divine punishment for an alleged pact with the Devil made by Haitians in 1804.
Robertson’s controversial remarks extended to various groups and international figures. He labeled liberal Protestants as embodying “the spirit of the Antichrist,” claimed that feminism led women to witchcraft, and called for the assassination of Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez. He also believed that his prayers could avert hurricanes.
In December 2020, as efforts intensified from then-President Donald J. Trump and his supporters to challenge the outcome of the November election, Robertson referred to a lawsuit filed by the Texas Attorney General challenging results in four states as a “miracle.” He asserted that “God himself” would intervene in the election, which he claimed was rigged.
However, less than three weeks later, Robertson’s stance shifted. He criticized President Trump for living in an “alternate reality” and stated, “I think it would be well to say, ‘You’ve had your day and it’s time to move on.’”
Pat Robertson’s legacy is a complex tapestry woven through decades of religious broadcasting, entrepreneurial ventures, and a deeply ingrained involvement in conservative politics. His contributions to the political landscape, particularly through the mobilization of Christian conservatives, will be analyzed and debated for years to come.
Pat Robertson – A Brief Bio
Marion Gordon “Pat” Robertson, born on March 22, 1930, in Lexington, Virginia, was a compelling force in media, politics, and religion. His passing has left a significant imprint on various aspects of American life. After graduating magna cum laude from Washington and Lee University, he embarked on a journey that saw him establish himself as a household name in Christian media and beyond.
As a proud product of the Southern United States, Robertson’s early education was shaped by his time at The McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tennessee. His intellectual curiosity and leadership traits, which were noticeable even then, would guide his career in the years to come.
Robertson’s broad reach was most evident in his role as the host of the Christian news program, “The 700 Club”. A beacon of Christian broadcasting, this program showcased his unique ability to combine theology and current events, earning him a dedicated following.
Proving to be more than a charismatic host, Robertson displayed remarkable entrepreneurial spirit by founding the Christian Broadcasting Network and CBN University. These ventures had a profound impact on Christian media and education, providing resources and knowledge to countless people.
As an author, Robertson penned the New York Times bestseller, “The New World Order”, a testament to his ability to engage with complex theological and geopolitical issues.
By mid-2018, his successful endeavors had led to an estimated net worth of over $30 million, demonstrating that his spiritual pursuits had brought him significant material prosperity.
Outside his professional life, Robertson was a devoted family man. He was married to Adelia “Dede” Elmer, with whom he had four children, 14 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. His family values, echoed throughout his life and work, were a testament to his profound belief in the importance of familial bonds.
Pat Robertson, the media mogul, theologian, and family man, leaves behind an indelible mark on American society. His life’s work, particularly in the spheres of Christian media and education, will continue to influence generations to come.
