Evangelist Oral Roberts dies in Calif. at age 91

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

By JUSTIN JUOZAPAVICIUS, Associated Press Writer – Tue Dec 15

TULSA, Okla. – Oral Roberts, who helped pioneer TV evangelism in the 1950s and used the power of the new medium — and his message of God's healing power — to build a multimillion-dollar ministry and a university that bears his name, died Tuesday. He was 91.

Roberts died of complications from pneumonia in Newport Beach, Calif., according to his spokesman, A. Larry Ross. The evangelist was hospitalized after a fall on Saturday.

Roberts rose from humble tent revivals to become one of the nation's most famous and influential preachers. Along with Billy Graham, he pioneered religious TV, and he played a major role in bringing American Pentecostalism into the mainstream.

He also laid the foundation for the "prosperity gospel," the doctrine that has come to dominate televangelism. It holds that God rewards the faithful with material success. Its critics say it is used by preachers to enrich themselves at the expense of their followers.

the rest of the story

[Gail]

Tell me, is he the one who said once that if he didn't raise so many millions of dollars that God would strike him dead?

I do know there is a university named for him.

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

The thing I remember most about Oral Roberts is that a family friend had a daughter with polio and wanted to take her to one of Oral Roberts' healing evangelistic meetings. When it was asked who had need of healing, they answered, but were told they were not *acceptable* candidates for the healing.

I understand Oral Roberts mellowed down in his later years regarding his healing performances and did more preaching. Hopefully, he helped some people find the Lord despite the way he was doing it.

R.I.P.

[John317]

Tell me, is he the one who said once that if he didn't raise so many millions of dollars that God would strike him dead?

Yes, he's the one. He got a lot of criticism for that, even from those who usually supported him.

Toward the end of his ministry, he changed denominations, becoming a Methodist, although he didn't seem to change any of his beliefs. Doctrinal considerations didn't apparently play a part in his decision to make the change.

[Gail]

Interesting notes!

I will most likely do an article about him one day in the "Facts of the Faith" forum. He was certainly a well-known name in the mainstream Christian circles.