Religious broadcaster Pat Robertson, known for his influential role in American politics and his Christian Broadcasting Network, has passed away at the age of 93. The news of his death was confirmed by his broadcasting network, although the cause was not specified.
Robertson's impact extended beyond broadcasting, as he founded Regent University, an evangelical Christian institution, and the American Center for Law and Justice, an organization focused on protecting the rights of religious individuals. Additionally, he established Operation Blessing, an international humanitarian group.
For over five decades, Robertson was a familiar face in American households through his television show, the "700 Club," where he made declarations about God's judgment, attributing natural disasters to various factors such as homosexuality and the teaching of evolution.
Robertson's influence in politics became evident when he ran for the Republican Party's presidential nomination in 1988. He strategically courted Iowa's evangelical Christian churches and secured a second-place finish in the state's caucuses, ahead of Vice President George H.W. Bush. His approach of gathering petitions from three million supporters before deciding to run was hailed as a brilliant political move.
Later, Robertson founded the Christian Coalition in 1989, which played a significant role in mobilizing conservative voters during the 1990s. His efforts solidified the alliance between conservative Christians and the Republican Party, leaving an enormous impact on both religion and politics in the United States.
Born Marion Gordon "Pat" Robertson in 1930, he hailed from a politically active family in Virginia. After initially pursuing a career in law, Robertson experienced a religious awakening and devoted himself to ministry. He established CBN in 1961, transforming it into a prominent religious nonprofit organization.
Robertson's innovative approach included utilizing a talk-show format for the "700 Club," attracting a wide range of guests and addressing everyday concerns with a religious perspective. The show gained a massive audience, and Robertson had the opportunity to interview several U.S. presidents over the years.
While his on-air statements sometimes drew criticism, such as his controversial remarks about the causes of the September 11 attacks and his call for the assassination of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, Robertson also surprised observers with his changing stances. He called for the end of mandatory prison sentences for marijuana possession in 2010 and later advocated for the legalization of marijuana.
Robertson's influence continued in recent years as he supported and interviewed former President Donald Trump. However, following Trump's loss to Joe Biden in the 2020 election, Robertson advised the former president to accept the outcome and move on.
Robertson's son, Gordon, succeeded him as the CEO of CBN in 2007. Pat Robertson retired as the host of the "700 Club" in 2021, with his son taking over the show.
Throughout his life, Pat Robertson authored 15 books and left a lasting legacy through his various enterprises. He was survived by his four children, 14 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren.
