Televangelist Jim Bakker, who built a faith-based empire before resigning amid scandal, dies at 86
His ministry drew up to 13 million nightly viewers before scandals led to fraud convictions and prison time.
- On Monday, televangelist Jim Bakker died at age 86, his wife, Lori Bakker, announced. No cause of death was immediately disclosed.
- Bakker rose to prominence in the 1970s as co-host of "The PTL Club," which he launched with Tammy Faye Bakker, becoming a pioneer of Christian television and developing the PTL Satellite Network.
- Following his 1987 resignation after paying hush money to a church secretary, Bakker was indicted on fraud and conspiracy charges, receiving a 45-year prison sentence before his parole in 1994.
- After his release, Bakker hosted "The Jim Bakker Show" alongside Lori from Branson, Missouri. His church paid $156,000 in 2021 to settle a lawsuit over coronavirus supplement claims.
- Lori stated her husband devoted 66 years to preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His life inspired portrayals by actors including Andrew Garfield and Kevin Spacey in theatrical productions.
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Jim Bakker’s Long Con
Televangelist Jim Bakker’s death revives memories of the PTL Club scandal, prosperity gospel preaching, and financial fraud. His legacy of exploiting religious devotion for personal enrichment offers a parallel to Donald Trump’s political promises, fundraising, and relationship with Evangelical Christians.
US Televangelist Jim Bakker Dies At 86 After Scandal, Prison And Spiritual Transformation
by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent WASHINGTON (Worthy News) – Jim Bakker, the American televangelist who built a multimillion-dollar Christian broadcasting empire before his career collapsed amid sexual and financial scandals, has died at age 86, his family announced. Bakker, whose television programs reached millions of viewers and helped transform faith-based broadcasting in the United States, died Monday, October …
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