Who is Pat Robertson?

Early Life and Background

Pat Robertson was born Marion Gordon Robertson on March 22, 1930, in Lexington, Virginia. His father, Absalom Willis Robertson, was a U.S. Senator, and his mother, Gladys Churchill, nurtured the family in a home strongly influenced by Christian values. Raised in the American South, he learned early about civic responsibility, public service, and the importance of faith, leading him to pursue a life that combined media, ministry, and philanthropy.

He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War and later attended Yale Law School; however, he decided not to practice law. Instead, he committed his life to Christian ministry after a profound spiritual experience. This commitment ultimately led him into broadcasting and missionary work, shaping his broader vision to use media as a vehicle for sharing the message of Scripture.

Founding of the Christian Broadcasting Network

In 1960, he acquired a small television station in Portsmouth, Virginia, which launched what would later be known as the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN). His goal was to create programs that presented biblical teaching and prayer in an accessible format. This was guided by passages such as:

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).

Over time, CBN’s airtime expanded, and one of its flagship programs—The 700 Club—became a major fixture in evangelical media. This show combined current events reporting, biblical commentary, testimonies of faith, and prayer for viewers. Because of its nationwide influence, CBN became a trailblazer within Christian broadcasting, reaching millions around the globe through satellite and cable networks.

The 700 Club and Ministry Focus

The 700 Club began as a telethon for CBN but evolved into a daily program featuring news analysis, personal stories, and discussions of biblical perspectives on contemporary issues. Frequently, Robertson and co-hosts would emphasize prayer for healing, citing James 5:14–15:

“Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick…”

This mode of ministry, centered upon prayer and trusting in God’s power, became a central part of Robertson’s teaching. He believed strongly in miracles and divine intervention, consistent with the biblical pattern of God demonstrating His power through healings and signs.

Operation Blessing and Humanitarian Work

Outside of broadcasting, Robertson founded Operation Blessing International in 1978. This humanitarian organization channeled support to people in crisis across the world, including assistance during natural disasters and war-torn regions. The emphasis on practical acts of compassion is rooted in verses like 1 John 3:17:

“If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God abide in him?”

Operation Blessing has provided food, water, medical care, and various forms of aid to countless individuals worldwide, reflecting the biblical call to serve the poor and needy.

Regent University

Robertson also established Regent University in 1977 (originally named CBN University). Regent grew into an accredited institution offering degrees in theology, law, government, business, and more, with an aim to educate leaders who would shape culture from a biblical standpoint. Such educational efforts resonate with the directive to “entrust these things to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others as well” (2 Timothy 2:2).

The university’s mission included training future pastors, teachers, lawyers, and professionals to integrate Scriptural truth into their fields, reflecting an understanding that God calls believers to be salt and light in every sphere of society.

Political and Public Influence

Robertson was not only a media figure but also an influential voice in American politics. He ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 1988, seeking to bring biblical values into the public discourse. While he did not secure the nomination, his campaign revealed a strong base of evangelical voters who resonated with his emphasis on moral issues.

He remained a notable commentator on political events, often connecting world affairs to biblical principles. Though he faced both support and criticism, he was unwavering in his stance that believers should remain engaged in civic matters, guided by the example in Scripture, such as when the prophets of Israel spoke to national rulers regarding the ways of God (e.g., Elijah speaking to King Ahab in 1 Kings 18).

Theological Emphases and Teachings

Pat Robertson’s broadcasts and writings emphasized:

• The Authority of Scripture: He upheld the Old and New Testament as the Word of God, consistent with 2 Timothy 3:16: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction…”

• Prayer and Healing: Robertson frequently encouraged prayer for physical and spiritual healing, trusting God to work miraculously in the present day.

• Evangelism and Missions: He championed the call to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19), broadcasting globally and supporting mission fields overseas.

• Christian Involvement in Society: Robertson argued that believers should bring their faith into public life, applying Christian ethics to cultural and political issues.

Select Writings and Publications

Robertson authored multiple books and commentaries on topics such as finances, health, and family. His works often combined personal stories with biblical instruction, seeking to provide practical applications of Scripture for everyday life. While critics at times challenged his theological or political positions, his supporters appreciated his drive to help believers read the Bible as a guide for real-world challenges.

Controversies and Criticisms

Pat Robertson’s public visibility brought scrutiny, and he faced criticism for comments on global events, faith healing claims, and predictions of certain outcomes that some did not see come to pass. Detractors questioned aspects of his theology or sought to link his media presence to political partisanship.

Nevertheless, many found encouragement in how he consistently pointed to the sovereignty of God and the truth of Scripture. In the midst of debate, Robertson often returned to verses such as:

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8),

indicating his belief that God’s power has not diminished in the modern age.

Legacy and Influence

As the founder of CBN, a pioneer of televised Christian ministry, and the architect behind Regent University, Robertson’s influence shaped several generations of evangelicals. While he did not claim any authority beyond what Scripture provides, his faith-based media innovations opened doors for more Christian networks and ministries to follow in using television and digital media to share the gospel.

Numerous Christian leaders credit parts of their own ministry and public engagement to his example of merging broadcast media with biblical teaching. His efforts produced thousands of testimonies from viewers who attribute their spiritual growth or initial faith commitment to programming he hosted or inspired.

Impact on Apologetics and Christian Worldview

While Robertson was not primarily known as an academic apologist, his platforms often hosted discussions with experts in creation studies, archaeology, and Christian philosophy—offering a voice for arguments supporting the existence of God, the resurrection of Christ, and the reliability of biblical manuscripts. Viewers encountered interviews with scholars, scientists, and other individuals who presented evidence for an intelligently designed universe and a historical resurrection event—echoing 1 Corinthians 15:14: “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is worthless, and so is your faith.”

Reports on field excavations in Israel, historical artifacts, and modern-day miracle accounts were frequently viewed on CBN, providing anecdotal support for the authenticity and reliability of the Christian faith.

Biblical Reflection

Robertson’s life stood as a testimony, in his own words, to what he believed was a calling from God. The fruit of his labors—broadcasting, humanitarian work, and educational institutions—reflects passages like Ephesians 4:11–12:

“And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ.”

Though his ministry had its share of challenges and controversies, the overarching theme was to point viewers and readers toward placing trust in Jesus Christ for salvation and carrying out the Great Commission.

Conclusion

Pat Robertson was a defining figure in modern Christian media, blending evangelism and social outreach with political commentary. He established CBN and The 700 Club, oversaw humanitarian efforts through Operation Blessing, and founded Regent University, all aiming to communicate biblical truths and uphold the authority of Scripture. While public opinions about some of his statements and methods varied, his steadfast conviction was that God still works powerfully in the world, that Jesus Christ remains the central hope of salvation, and that the Bible offers a consistent and relevant guide for spiritual and moral living.

His life story underscores a dedication to “serve the Lord with all humility” (Acts 20:19) by leveraging every means available—the printed page, the broadcast studio, and the classroom—to declare a message of faith in the risen Christ. Ultimately, Robertson sought to encourage millions of viewers and supporters to pursue a personal relationship with God and live as disciples who glorify Him in all spheres of life.