“Canadian reaction to the passing of Pat Robertson, religious icon and TV host of ‘700 Club’, at age 93”

Pat Robertson, a Religious Icon and TV Host, Dies at 93

Pat Robertson, a prominent religious broadcaster and the founder of the Christian Broadcasting Network, passed away on Thursday, September 2, 2021 at the age of 93. The cause of his death was not announced by his broadcasting network. Robertson played a crucial role in making religion central to Republican Party politics in America through his Christian Coalition. In addition to religious broadcasting, Robertson’s enterprises also included Regent University, an evangelical Christian school in Virginia and Operation Blessing, an international humanitarian organization, among others.

Impact on Religious and Political Arena in America

For over half a century, Robertson was a familiar figure in American households known for his 700 Club television show, where he gained a huge following. He was also known for his televised pronouncements on God’s judgment and blaming natural disasters on everything from homosexuality to the teaching of evolution. As a presidential candidate in 1988, Robertson garnered support from Iowa’s network of evangelical Christian churches, a strategy that became commonplace among the Republicans in subsequent election cycles. Robertson’s greatest masterstroke was his insistence on having three million followers across the United States sign petitions before he would decide to run for the presidential nomination. This tactic gave him a vast army, and his influence soared when he garnered a significant following that brought him directly into politics. His impact on both religion and politics in the US was enormous, according to John C. Green, an emeritus political science professor at The University of Akron.

Robertson’s Legacy

Marion Gordon “Pat” Robertson was born in Virginia in 1930. He got a law degree from Yale University Law School, but he failed the bar exam and chose not to practice law. He entered the religious arena after finding his calling in ministry and became a Southern Baptist. He met his wife, Adelia “Dede” Elmer, at Yale in 1952. Robertson pioneered the use of the secular talk-show format on his network’s flagship show, the 700 Club. The show was more suited to television than traditional revival meetings or church services. Although his on-air comments sometimes drew criticism for their outrageousness, he remained relevant for many Americans with conservative views, particularly Evangelical Christians. He also helped to cement an alliance between conservative Christians and the Republican Party in American politics. Robertson continued to be associated with Christian broadcasting until his death.

Conclusion

Robertson’s death is a significant loss for the religious and the broadcasting world. His legacy will continue to shape American politics and religion through his evangelical and conservative views, which have remained significant even in modern times, particularly among Evangelical Christians. Although he was known for his controversial comments on issues such as abortion, homosexuality, and natural disasters, his contributions to religious broadcasting and politics cannot be overstated. We extend our condolences to Robertson’s family, his associates, and his followers across the United States and around the world.