Pat Robertson
Pat Robertson – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes
Pat Robertson (March 22, 1930 – June 8, 2023) was an American televangelist, minister, media mogul, and political activist. Explore his biography, theological views, media ventures, controversies, famous sayings, and his legacy in religious and public life.
Introduction
Pat Robertson was a towering figure in 20th- and early 21st-century American evangelicalism. Over more than half a century, he built a media empire, launched a university, championed conservative political causes, and became a household name through The 700 Club. His life was marked by ambition, controversy, conviction, and influence. Understanding Robertson’s journey offers insight into the intersections of religion, politics, media, and public morality in modern America.
Early Life and Family
Marion Gordon “Pat” Robertson was born on March 22, 1930 in Lexington, Virginia.
Robertson came from a lineage of religious and clerical influence. One of his ancestors, James Robertson, who arrived in Virginia in 1695, was an Anglican clergyman; several of his Virginia ancestors (Churchill, Gordon lines) also held clerical roles.
As a boy he was nicknamed “Pat” by his older brother, who would pat him on the cheeks while saying “pat, pat, pat”—Robertson later preferred that childhood name over his given names.
For schooling, he attended preparatory and military-style schools: McDonogh School (Maryland) at age ~11, then The McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, from about 1940 to 1946, graduating with honors.
Youth and Education
After completing prep school, Robertson entered Washington and Lee University in 1946, where he studied history and graduated magna cum laude in 1950. He became a member of Phi Beta Kappa and also joined the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.
During the Korean War era, Robertson served in the U.S. Marine Corps beginning in 1948. He described being part of the First Marine Division, participating in tough training and “grueling marches,” and earned three battle stars.
Upon return, he pursued law, enrolling in Yale Law School, from which he graduated in 1955 (though his attempt to pass the New York Bar was unsuccessful).
Then Robertson underwent a religious conversion and shifted direction toward ministry. He studied theology at The Biblical Seminary (in New York), earning a Master of Divinity in 1959.
Career and Achievements
Founding of CBN & The 700 Club
In the early 1960s, Robertson launched what would become his central platform—Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN). He purchased a defunct UHF TV license in Portsmouth, Virginia, and the station (WYAH-TV) began broadcasting in October 1961. The 700 Club premiered, becoming the flagship daily show of CBN and forming the core of Robertson’s public presence.
Over time, CBN expanded: in 1977 it launched a satellite cable service, which evolved into The Family Channel (later sold) and other cable/TV ventures. The 700 Club was still aired on the successor networks.
Educational & Nonprofit Enterprises
In 1977 Robertson founded CBN University, later renamed Regent University (in 1990).
Robertson also co-founded or led organizations such as:
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Operation Blessing International Relief & Development Corporation, a humanitarian relief agency.
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The Christian Coalition of America, a conservative political advocacy group.
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American Center for Law & Justice (ACLJ), a legal advocacy group defending conservative Christian positions.
He also had interests in media and entertainment firms; one prominent business move was selling The Family Channel to News Corporation (for ~$1.9 billion) in 1997.
Political Engagement & 1988 Presidential Run
Robertson was deeply involved in conservative politics. In 1988 he ran for the Republican nomination for U.S. President, temporarily resigning his ministerial credentials and distancing himself from the Southern Baptist Convention.
After the campaign, he founded the Christian Coalition to sustain political mobilization of conservative Christians.
Later Years & Retirement
Robertson remained active in broadcasting The 700 Club and his ministries for decades. In October 2021, at age 91, he officially retired from daily hosting.
He faced health challenges, including a stroke in 2018 and injuries in falls (e.g. broken ribs in 2019).
Historical Context & Influence
Pat Robertson’s life unfolded at a time when American evangelicalism was becoming a potent force in politics and media. The rise of televangelism in the 1960s and 1970s gave religious figures a direct conduit to mass audiences; Robertson leveraged that trajectory adeptly.
He is often considered a key voice in the Religious Right—advocating for the blending of conservative Christian values into public policy and supporting mobilization of believers to vote and influence legislation.
His media strategy—founding a broadcasting network, producing Christian programming, and expanding into cable entertainment—anticipated how religious ideas could be packaged in modern formats. The sale of The Family Channel and related ventures also illustrate how religious media became entwined with the commercial entertainment industry.
Robertson’s public statements on social issues—abortion, homosexuality, feminism, Islam, natural disasters (as divine judgment), and geopolitical events—sparked frequent controversy. His positions became emblematic of the tensions between conservative Christian activism and pluralist secular society.
His influence extended into judicial and legal advocacy (via ACLJ), higher education (Regent University), global humanitarian work (Operation Blessing), and political organizing (Christian Coalition).
Legacy and Influence
Pat Robertson’s legacy is complex and multifaceted:
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Media and Religious Broadcasting: He helped normalize Christian television as a daily fixture, bridging the pulpit and the screen for millions of viewers.
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Institution Building: Through CBN, Regent University, and related organizations, he institutionalized a space for Christian education, legal advocacy, and relief work.
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Political Mobilization: His efforts contributed to the rise of the Christian conservative voting bloc in the U.S., influencing elections, public policy, and moral debates.
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Polarization and Criticism: Robertson’s outspoken views made him a polarizing figure. Critics condemned some of his remarks as homophobic, Islamophobic, or dismissive of science, and questioned some of his business and humanitarian dealings.
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Inspirational & Cautionary Model: To supporters, Robertson modeled bold faith, risk-taking, and institutional vision. To detractors, he exemplified the perils of mixing religion and political power too tightly.
His life continues to be studied by scholars of religion, politics, media, and American history as a case study in influence, faith, and controversy.
Personality and Beliefs
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Charismatic theology: Though ordained as a Southern Baptist minister, Robertson embraced charismatic and Pentecostal-style emphases—miracles, healing, prophecy—setting him apart from many in the Baptist tradition.
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Authoritative style: He spoke with confidence and often with prophetic diction, believing that God directly spoke through him at times.
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Conservative social views: Robertson opposed abortion, same-sex marriage, feminism, and religious pluralism—frequently framing social issues in terms of biblical morality.
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Prophetic worldview & eschatology: He frequently discussed end-time prophecy, the coming of a “New World Order,” and divine judgments. His 1991 book The New World Order exemplifies these themes.
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Controversial pronouncements: Robertson sometimes used disaster events (earthquakes, famines) as evidence of divine wrath or judgments on nations. He made polarizing statements about other faiths, global politics, and social trends.
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Determination & ambition: His endeavors across media, education, politics, and relief work show a relentless drive to build institutions and influence spheres of culture.
Famous Quotes of Pat Robertson
Here are a few illustrative quotes attributed to Robertson, reflecting his worldview and communication style:
“The great thing about prayer is that it’s never too late — and it’s never too early.”
“If the Lord can do it through me, then He can do it through you.”
“Hope is the oxygen of the soul.”
“Why should we have a government that looks like us but doesn’t act like us?”
“Are you ready for the Lord’s return? And are you really ready? Because anything short of being ready is unwise.”
“We have one purpose in life — to glorify God.”
“If you don’t back off, He’ll send a 10-ton weight to scare you off.”
(Some quotes are paraphrased or commonly attributed; Robertson spoke frequently on The 700 Club and in his writings.)
These quotes often invoke urgency, faith, conviction, and spiritual accountability.
Lessons from Pat Robertson
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Vision with institutional backing
Robertson’s impact shows that spiritual influence is often sustained not just by words, but by building institutions—media networks, schools, legal organizations—that can persist beyond a person’s lifespan. -
Power and responsibility
Mixing religion with political advocacy carries potential for influence but also for backlash, polarization, and unintended consequences. -
Media matters
Robertson’s life illustrates how control of communication platforms (TV, satellite, digital) can amplify religious and ideological ideas widely. -
Critique and humility
His controversies remind us that public religious figures should be open to critique, reflection, and accountability — especially when beliefs intersect with public policy, social justice, and diverse societies. -
Legacy is layered
A public figure like Robertson leaves a complex legacy: supporters remember spiritual boldness, critics remember social harm. True assessment must consider both.
Conclusion
Pat Robertson’s life was emblematic of the modern evangelical juggernaut: ambitious, media-savvy, politically engaged, and controversial. From humble beginnings in Virginia to the heights of religious broadcasting and political activism, he embodied a vision of Christian influence in every sphere of public life. His projects—CBN, The 700 Club, Regent University, Operation Blessing, and many more—remain active, perpetuating his ideas and reach even after his passing in 2023.
Though his views often sparked debate, understanding Robertson helps us grapple with how faith, media, and power intersect in contemporary society. Whether one views him as a visionary leader or a polarizing figure, his imprint on American religious and cultural life is undeniable.
If you’d like a timeline, annotated list of his books, or deeper focus on his political or theological controversies, I can prepare that next.