Pat Robertson, Christian Broadcasting Network Founder, Dies at 93

In a saddening announcement, the Christian Broadcasting Network reported on Thursday that Pat Robertson, a highly influential religious broadcaster who transformed a small Virginia station into a global network and played a significant role in shaping the intersection of religion and Republican Party politics in the United States, has passed away at the age of 93, per CBS News.

Robertson peacefully passed away at his residence in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on Thursday morning, according to the network. No specific cause of death was provided in the report.

Pat Robertson left an indelible mark on religious and political landscapes throughout his illustrious career. In addition to his broadcasting ventures, he founded Regent University, an evangelical Christian institution in Virginia Beach.

He was also the visionary behind the American Center for Law and Justice, a prominent organization dedicated to religious freedom advocacy, and the global relief agency known as Operation Blessing.

Robertson's television program, the "700 Club," and subsequent broadcasts warning of divine judgment on America, often relating to issues such as homosexuality and the teaching of evolution, made him a household name and a fixture in American living rooms for over five decades.

Through these platforms, he garnered considerable support, both in terms of viewership and donations.

In 1988, buoyed by his influential standing and a significant support base, Robertson decided to run for president as a Republican candidate. His campaign was fueled by a substantial following from his vast network and sincere beliefs.

Pat Robertson's Controversial Opinions

Throughout his lengthy existence, Pat Robertson was a figure who both captivated and polarized audiences with his outspoken beliefs, CNN reports.

From attributing acts of terrorism and natural disasters to divine retribution for human sin to his political commentary, his views often sparked intense debate and scrutiny.

Alongside televangelist Jerry Falwell, Robertson asserted that America's leftward shift and secularization of Christianity were responsible for God allowing the triumph of the 9/11 terrorists.

On "The 700 Club," Falwell declared, "I point the finger in their face and say, 'You helped this happen,'" to which Robertson responded, "I totally concur." He further asserted that the nation had embraced this agenda at the highest levels of government.

In controversial statements, Robertson connected Hurricane Katrina to abortion and claimed that Haiti's devastating earthquake resulted from a historical "pact with the devil" during its fight for independence from French colonists in 1804.

In recent years, Robertson aligned himself with former President Donald Trump, supporting his political endeavors. However, he did criticize Trump's handling of Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, stating that the president was living in an "alternate reality" and should "move on" following his election defeat.

In 2018, Robertson suffered a stroke, which led to his inability to continue hosting "The 700 Club." His son Gordon has since taken over the program.

Additionally, the passing of Robertson's wife of 70 years, Dede Robertson, in the previous year marked a significant loss in his personal life.

Pat Robertson

Marion Gordon "Pat" Robertson, born on March 22, 1930, in Lexington, Virginia, had an impressive background as the son of Gladys Churchill Robertson and Absalom Willis Robertson, a long-serving senator, and representative from Virginia, AP noted.

After completing his education at Washington and Lee, Robertson joined the 1st Marine Division in Korea. Despite earning a law degree from Yale University, he opted not to pursue a legal career after failing the bar exam.

Robertson met Adelia "Dede" Elmer at Yale, and they began dating in 1952. Both from Southern Baptist backgrounds faced disapproval from their families, so they secretly married in front of a justice of the peace after 18 months of dating.

Dede later revealed that Robertson's involvement in politics preceded his religious awakening when he claimed to have found God and was compelled to give away his wealth and serve the needy. This led the family to relocate to a commune in New York City's Bedford-Stuyvesant district.

In 1959, Robertson obtained a master's in divinity from New York Theological Seminary. He then moved with his family to Portsmouth, Virginia, where he purchased a struggling UHF television station.

Robertson claimed to have started the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) with a mere $70, but he quickly secured investors, and the station went live on October 1, 1961. As a religious organization exempt from taxes, CBN reported $321 million in "ministry support" in 2022, highlighting its substantial financial backing.

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Written by: Bert Hoover

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