Kathryn Kuhlman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kathryn Johanna Kuhlman
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Richard Roberts and Kathryn Kuhlman ministering.
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| Born | May 9, 1907 Johnson County, Missouri, U.S.
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| Died | February 20, 1976 (aged 68) Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.
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| Occupation | Evangelist |
| Known for | Miraculous healings |
| Spouse(s) | Burroughs Allen Waltrip ("Mister"), October 18, 1938– ? 1948 (divorced) |
Kathryn Kuhlman (May 9, 1907 – February 20, 1976) was an American evangelist. She was well-known for leading special services where people reported miraculous healings.
Contents
Early Life and Beginnings
Kathryn Johanna Kuhlman was born in Johnson County, Missouri. Her parents were of German-American heritage. When she was 14, she had a spiritual experience. After this, she began traveling and preaching. She worked with her older sister and brother-in-law in Idaho. Later, she was officially recognized as a minister by the Evangelical Church Alliance.
Kathryn Kuhlman married Burroughs Waltrip in 1938. They later divorced in 1948. She often spoke about feeling regret for the pain caused by her marriage.
In 1955, when she was in her late 40s, Kuhlman was diagnosed with a heart problem. Even with this health issue, she kept a very busy schedule. She often traveled across the United States and around the world. Her meetings would last for several hours.
Her Ministry Work
Kuhlman traveled widely between the 1940s and 1970s. She held many "healing crusades" in the United States and other countries. She became one of the most famous healing ministers in the world.
Kathryn Kuhlman had a weekly TV program in the 1960s and 1970s. It was called I Believe In Miracles and was shown across the country. She also had a 30-minute radio show. On her radio show, she taught from the Bible. She often shared parts of her healing services, including music and messages.
Her foundation was started in 1954. A Canadian branch was added in 1970. Later in her life, she supported the new Jesus movement. Important leaders like David Wilkerson and Chuck Smith supported her work. By 1970, she moved to Los Angeles. There, she held healing services for thousands of people. She became known for her "gift of healing." This was true even though she had no formal religious training. She was also friends with Christian television pioneer Pat Robertson. She appeared as a guest on his Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN). She was also on their main show, The 700 Club.
In 1975, a disagreement arose with her personal administrator. He claimed she had hidden valuable items. Kuhlman denied these claims. The issue was resolved before going to court.
Reports of Healing
Many people believed they were healed at Kathryn Kuhlman's meetings. It is estimated that about two million people reported healings over the years.
After a meeting in 1967, a doctor named William A. Nolen studied 23 people. These people said they had been cured during one of her services. Dr. Nolen followed up with them over time. He concluded that these specific cases did not show lasting cures.
However, many people disagreed with Dr. Nolen's findings. Other doctors and professors supported the claims of miraculous healings. Dr. Richard Casdorph wrote a book with evidence for healings by Kuhlman. Hendrik van der Breggen, a philosophy professor, also argued for the claims. Author Craig Keener noted that not everyone was healed. But he said it was hard to deny that important recoveries happened. These recoveries seemed to be connected to prayer.
Dr. Richard Owellen, a cancer researcher, often attended Kuhlman's services. He spoke about various healings that he had investigated himself.
Later Life and Passing
In July 1975, Kathryn Kuhlman's doctor diagnosed her with a minor heart problem. In November, her condition worsened. She had open-heart surgery in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She passed away on February 20, 1976. It was reported that a bright light was seen over her body in the hospital.
Kathryn Kuhlman was buried in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery. This cemetery is in Glendale, California. There is also a plaque in her honor. It is in the main city park in Concordia, Missouri.
After she died, her will caused some discussion. She left most of her money to family members and employees. The Kathryn Kuhlman Foundation continued for a while. However, it eventually closed its doors in April 2016 due to a lack of money.
Her Lasting Influence
Many believers see Kathryn Kuhlman as an important figure. She helped shape the modern charismatic movement. She influenced other faith healers like Benny Hinn and Billy Burke. Benny Hinn has used some of her methods. He also wrote a book about Kuhlman, even though he never met her. Billy Burke, however, did meet her. He said he was miraculously healed at one of her services as a young boy. She also gave him advice.
In 1981, musicians David Byrne and Brian Eno used a part of one of Kuhlman's sermons in a song. This song was for their album My Life in the Bush of Ghosts. They could not get permission to use her voice from her estate. So, they changed the song to use audio from a different source.
Books About Kathryn Kuhlman
- Wayne E. Warner, Kathryn Kuhlman, The Woman Behind the Miracles --- Servant Publications/New Wine Press (1993)
- Artman, Amy Collier, The Miracle Lady: Kathryn Kuhlman and the Transformation of Charismatic Christianity --- Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.; (2019)
See also
In Spanish: Kathryn Kuhlman para niños
