Christian Broadcasting Icon Pat Robertson Dies at 93
Christian broadcasting giant Pat Robertson, who created the iconic Christian Broadcasting Network in 1960, died Thursday morning at his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia, at age 93.
Robertson was best known for hosting The 700 Club, the flagship program of his media ministry. He also founded a Christian university—Regent University in 1977—wrote several Christian books and began a legal advocacy group and an international ministry specializing in disaster relief.
CBN tweeted Thursday morning, “With great sadness, we announced that Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson has gone home to be with his Lord and Savior today, June 8, 2023. Thank you for your prayers for the Robertson family and the ministry of CBN at this time.
With great sadness, we announce that Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson has gone home to be with his Lord and Savior today, June 8, 2023. Thank you for your prayers for the Robertson family and the ministry of CBN at this time. For more details on Pat’s life and legacy, visit… pic.twitter.com/vxbvrNxEG8
— CBN News (@CBNNews) June 8, 2023
As reported by CBN News:
“He expanded his political influence by bringing thousands of evangelicals into the electoral process through the founding of the Christian Coalition. He also created the American Center for Law and Justice with a mandate to protect religious freedoms.
“‘Pat always had this vision to go where a lot of people don’t go. When you do that, sometimes you’re criticized by people,'” Pastor Greg Laurie said. ‘He’s been a risk taker in the best sense of the word. A visionary. A dreamer. But someone whose message was the Gospel.'”
Robertson also ran for the presidency of the United States as a Republican in 1988.
In 2021, Robertson published his final book with Charisma Media titled, “I Have Walked with the Living God,” where he gave readers an inside look at his life and legacy, and shares about the power that dwells behind what’s visible. The book “lays bare Robertson’s deepest feelings about God, who brings miracles into the daily lives of those who trust Him.”
“I didn’t think of myself as much of a pioneer. I just knew that whatever the prejudices of the day, we were not going to submit to any of them. . .I believe the Bible had instructed that whether rich or poor, male or female, African American or white, we all were one in Christ Jesus.” – an excerpt from Robertson’s “I Have Walked With the Living God.”
Robertson also appeared on the cover of Charisma magazine multiple times.
Charisma Media Founder and CEO Stephen Strang paid this tribute to the broadcasting legend: “Pat Robertson will be remembered as a giant among other Christian leaders. His legacy in media, his support of conservative values in the political realm and his founding of Regent University mean his influence will continue for generations. he was an early charismatic and helped that movement get off the ground.
“Then, over the years, he was a voice of reason. He was also an example of integrity. Even though his critics loved to trash him, he lived a life of virtue and righteousness. This comes out in his book, “I Have Walked With the Living God,” which is his autobiography that I had the privilege of publishing. Even though I’m a generation younger, I got to know him well and always considered him an example to emulate.”
Kenneth Copeland Ministries posted this about Robertson on its Facebook page: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Pat Robertson, longtime friend of Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, transitioned to heaven today, and these are the words we imagine he heard from Jesus the moment he entered into His presence. A pioneer in Christian television, Mr. Robertson’s life and ministry impacted millions of people the world over.”
Stay tuned to Charisma News for more on this story and on the life of Pat Robertson. {eoa}
Shawn A. Akers is the online editor at Charisma Media.
