Oral Roberts

Definition

Oral Roberts was an influential American Pentecostal televangelist and faith healer, known for founding Oral Roberts University and popularizing the prosperity gospel movement. His ministry emphasized the belief that God rewards faithfulness with material wealth and physical well-being, which became a central theme in his teachings and sermons. Roberts played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of modern evangelism and drew both fervent support and criticism for his views on faith and prosperity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Oral Roberts was born on January 24, 1918, in Pontotoc County, Oklahoma, and faced numerous health challenges in his early life that shaped his later ministry focus on healing.
2. He founded Oral Roberts University in 1963 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which has become a prominent institution for Christian education.
3. Roberts was known for his large-scale revival meetings and healing crusades, drawing thousands of attendees seeking physical and spiritual healing.
4. He popularized the phrase 'Something good is going to happen to you!' which became synonymous with his optimistic approach to faith and prosperity.
5. Critics of the prosperity gospel, including some within Christianity, argue that it promotes a transactional view of faith that can exploit vulnerable individuals seeking hope.

Review Questions

• How did Oral Roberts' background influence his ministry and the development of the prosperity gospel?
  • Oral Roberts' early life was marked by significant health issues and poverty, which influenced his belief in healing and divine provision. His experiences led him to emphasize faith as a means to overcome adversity, ultimately shaping his teachings around the prosperity gospel. By advocating that God rewards faith with financial success and health, he connected deeply with audiences looking for hope in their struggles.
• What role did Oral Roberts play in the rise of televangelism, and how did this impact American religious culture?
  • Oral Roberts was a pioneer of televangelism, using television to reach wider audiences with his message of faith healing and prosperity. His dynamic preaching style attracted millions of viewers and set the stage for future televangelists. This shift significantly impacted American religious culture by merging entertainment with evangelism, leading to an increase in fundraising techniques that emphasized viewer participation.
• Evaluate the criticisms surrounding the prosperity gospel as promoted by Oral Roberts and its implications for contemporary Christianity.
  • Critics argue that the prosperity gospel promotes a shallow interpretation of faith that prioritizes material wealth over spiritual depth. Oral Roberts’ teachings have been seen as reinforcing this transactional view, potentially exploiting those in financial distress by suggesting that faith alone can lead to wealth. This debate raises important questions within contemporary Christianity about the ethics of faith-based fundraising and the message conveyed to believers struggling with real-life challenges.

Related terms

Prosperity Gospel: A religious belief that financial blessing and physical well-being are manifestations of God's favor, often promoted by televangelists.

Televangelism: The use of television to communicate religious messages and raise funds for ministry, often associated with charismatic leaders like Oral Roberts.

Faith Healing: A practice within certain religious traditions where healing is sought through prayer and faith, often performed by charismatic leaders like Oral Roberts.