Pat Robertson, who founded the Christian Broadcasting Network and popularised Christian televangelism in the US, has passed away at his home in Virginia aged 91. Robertson, who was known for his conservative religious views and political activism, had been a prominent figure on television and radio for over 60 years. His weekly political commentary on “The 700 Club” show was watched by millions of Americans and he played a key role in the political mobilisation of the Christian right during the 1980s and 1990s.
Critics of Robertson have accused him of making incendiary and often controversial statements on issues like homosexuality, race and politics. Robertson once claimed that Hurricane Katrina was God’s punishment for America’s tolerance of homosexuality, and also suggested that Jews were financially powerful due to their control of the US Federal Reserve. Despite these controversies, Robertson’s supporters praise him for his philanthropic work through his organisations like Operation Blessing and his contributions to Christian education through Regent University.
Robertson’s legacy as a Christian leader and political activist cannot be denied. He was an influential force in a movement that sought to bring Christian values and beliefs into the political mainstream, and helped to shape the politics of the US during a time of great social and political change. His death marks the end of an era, and the beginning of a new chapter in the relationship between religion and politics in America.
