Pat Robertson

Definition

Pat Robertson is an American media mogul, religious leader, and politician known for founding the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) and running for president in 1988. He played a significant role in the rise of the Christian right in American politics during the late 20th century, influencing the relationship between religion and politics in the United States.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Pat Robertson founded the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) in 1960, which was one of the first Christian television networks and played a key role in shaping Christian media.
2. He gained national attention during his 1988 presidential campaign, where he emphasized social issues such as abortion and traditional family values, appealing to evangelical voters.
3. Robertson's influence extended beyond broadcasting; he mobilized grassroots support among conservative Christians, significantly impacting Republican politics.
4. In addition to politics, Robertson has been involved in philanthropic efforts, establishing organizations like Operation Blessing International to provide humanitarian aid.
5. He has been a controversial figure, often criticized for his outspoken views on social issues and for making statements that sparked public outrage and debate.

Review Questions

• How did Pat Robertson's founding of CBN contribute to the growth of Christian media and its impact on American culture?
  • Pat Robertson's establishment of CBN marked a pivotal moment for Christian media, as it provided a platform for evangelical voices and messages to reach a wider audience. Through programming that included religious teachings, news, and fundraising efforts, CBN helped shape the cultural landscape by promoting Christian values. The success of CBN also encouraged other religious broadcasters to enter the media space, further solidifying the presence of evangelical perspectives in American culture.
• Analyze how Pat Robertson's political activities influenced the emergence of the Religious Right during the late 20th century.
  • Pat Robertson was instrumental in mobilizing evangelical Christians into the political sphere, leading to the rise of the Religious Right. By connecting social issues like abortion and family values with political action, he encouraged conservative Christians to engage in electoral politics. His formation of the Christian Coalition provided organizational support that allowed evangelicals to exert influence on local, state, and national elections, fundamentally changing the dynamics of American politics.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of Pat Robertson's presidency run on subsequent Republican candidates and their strategies to appeal to evangelical voters.
  • Pat Robertson's presidential campaign in 1988 laid groundwork for future Republican candidates to consider evangelical voters as a crucial demographic. By addressing social issues important to this group and integrating religious rhetoric into their platforms, subsequent candidates learned from Robertson's approach. This shift encouraged Republicans to forge stronger ties with religious organizations and mobilize grassroots support among evangelicals, ultimately shaping party strategies and policies in the years that followed.

Related terms

Christian Coalition: A political organization founded by Pat Robertson in 1989 aimed at promoting conservative Christian values in American politics.

Religious Right:

A coalition of conservative Christian groups that emerged in the late 20th century, advocating for a return to traditional moral values and greater political engagement.

700 Club: A long-running television program created by Pat Robertson that blends news with religious commentary and fundraising for CBN.