Pat Robertson

Definition

Pat Robertson is a prominent American media mogul, religious leader, and political commentator known for founding the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) and the 700 Club. He became a key figure in the rise of the Religious Right, advocating for conservative Christian values and influencing gender politics through his interpretations of biblical teachings and activism in political arenas.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Pat Robertson founded the Christian Broadcasting Network in 1960, which became one of the first television networks dedicated to religious programming.
2. He gained national attention during his 1988 presidential campaign, which helped solidify the connection between evangelical Christianity and American politics.
3. Robertson's views on gender roles often reflect traditional beliefs, promoting a family structure where men are leaders and women are caretakers.
4. He has been involved in various political causes, including opposing abortion and advocating for school prayer, which align with the broader agenda of the Religious Right.
5. Through his influence, Robertson helped mobilize evangelical voters, significantly impacting elections and political discourse regarding gender issues in society.

Review Questions

• How did Pat Robertson's establishment of the Christian Broadcasting Network contribute to the growth of the Religious Right in American politics?
  • Pat Robertson's establishment of the Christian Broadcasting Network provided a platform for disseminating conservative Christian values to a wide audience. By reaching millions through television programming like the 700 Club, he was able to mobilize evangelical Christians and encourage them to engage politically. This helped lay the groundwork for the Religious Right's significant influence in American politics, particularly during key elections where issues related to gender and family values were at the forefront.
• Evaluate how Pat Robertson's views on gender roles reflect broader trends within the Religious Right movement.
  • Pat Robertson's views on gender roles epitomize the traditionalist perspective that is prevalent among many in the Religious Right movement. His advocacy for a family structure where men lead and women support aligns with a broader cultural push for maintaining traditional family values. This viewpoint not only influences personal relationships but also seeps into public policy debates, affecting legislation related to women's rights, reproductive health, and education.
• Assess the long-term impact of Pat Robertson's contributions to both media and politics on contemporary discussions about gender equality in America.
  • The long-term impact of Pat Robertson's contributions is significant as they have shaped contemporary discussions about gender equality through a lens that often prioritizes traditional family structures over progressive ideals. His role in merging media with political activism has allowed conservative perspectives on gender roles to gain traction, leading to ongoing debates about women's rights and representation. As a result, Robertson's legacy continues to influence both social attitudes and legislative agendas regarding gender issues in modern America.

Related terms

Christian Right: A political movement that seeks to promote conservative Christian values and influence public policy in the United States, often associated with the Republican Party.

Religious Broadcasting: A genre of media programming that focuses on religious content, often including sermons, religious teachings, and discussions of faith-related issues, popularized by figures like Robertson.

Family Values: A set of traditional values that emphasize the importance of family, often linked to conservative social policies and championed by figures in the Religious Right.