The Influential Legacy of Pat Robertson, the Broadcaster Who Shaped Modern Evangelicalism.

The Rise and Fall of Religious Conservatism and Televangelism

Introduction

In the 1970s and 80s, televangelism was a major force in American culture, shaping political discourse and the religious beliefs of millions of Americans. Pat Robertson, the founder of the Christian Broadcasting Network, was a leading figure in this movement. Robertson’s fusion of media and religious conservatism appealed to a broad swath of the American public, and his influence extended well beyond the pulpit. Today, however, televangelism has fallen out of favor, and religious conservatism has become increasingly marginalized. In this report, we will examine the rise and fall of televangelism and evangelicalism in America, and what this might tell us about the future of religion and politics in the United States.

The Rise of Televangelism and Religious Conservatism

Televangelism emerged in the 1970s as a new form of religious expression that combined the power of mass media with the traditional message of evangelical Christianity. Pat Robertson, an entrepreneur and former Republican presidential candidate, was one of the most successful televangelists of this era. With his show “The 700 Club,” Robertson became a household name, and his Christian Broadcasting Network became a major media conglomerate.

Robertson’s message was a potent mix of religious conservatism and political activism. He embraced a literalist reading of the Bible that rejected evolution, gay rights, and women’s reproductive rights. He also advocated for a strong military, hawkish foreign policy, and free-market economics. His message was supported by millions of Americans, especially those in the South and Midwest who felt alienated from the liberal establishment.

The Fall of Televangelism and Evangelicalism

Despite its initial success, televangelism began to lose its grip on American culture in the 1990s. The scandals that engulfed some of the most prominent televangelists, including Jim Bakker and Robert Tilton, undermined public trust in the movement. With the rise of the internet and social media, televangelism also lost its monopoly on religious discourse, as alternative voices emerged and challenged its hegemony.

At the same time, religious conservatism began to lose its appeal to a younger generation of Americans who were more accepting of LGBT rights, women’s reproductive rights, and progressive economic policies. The demographic changes in America, with the increasing diversification of the population and the decline of white Christian dominance, have also played a role in the marginalization of religious conservatism.

The Future of Religion and Politics in America

The decline of televangelism and religious conservatism does not mean that religion and politics are no longer intertwined. Religion continues to shape American politics, and some religious conservatives, such as Jerry Falwell Jr. and Franklin Graham, still wield significant influence. However, the influence of religious conservatives has become increasingly limited, as the political and cultural landscape has shifted.

Looking ahead, the challenge for religious conservatives is to adapt to the changing world, and to find new ways to communicate their message to a diverse and skeptical population. This may require rethinking their approach to social issues, and finding new ways to engage with younger Americans who have different priorities and values. It may also require a shift away from the old guard of televangelism and toward new forms of media and communication.

Conclusion

The rise and fall of televangelism and religious conservatism is a cautionary tale for those who seek to shape the intersection of religion and politics in America. It shows the dangers of relying too heavily on a single medium or messenger, and the challenges of adapting to a changing cultural and political landscape. As America continues to evolve, it is likely that religion will continue to play a role in politics, but the nature of that role is likely to be very different from what we have seen in the past. As philosopher Edward Said said in his book Beginnings: “Tomorrow belongs to those who can hear it coming.” It’s time for religious conservatives to start listening.