Pat Robertson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pat Robertson
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Robertson in 2006
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| Born |
Marion Gordon Robertson
March 22, 1930 Lexington, Virginia, U.S.
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| Died | June 8, 2023 (aged 93) Virginia Beach, Virginia, U.S.
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| Education |
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| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1961–2023 |
| Television | The 700 Club (1966–2021) |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) |
Dede Elmer
(m. 1954; died 2022) |
| Children | 4, including Gordon |
| Parent(s) |
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Marion Gordon "Pat" Robertson (March 22, 1930 – June 8, 2023) was an American religious leader and media expert. He was known for his work as a religious broadcaster and his involvement in Republican Party politics. Robertson led Regent University and the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN).
His career lasted over 50 years. He started many organizations, including CBN, Regent University, Operation Blessing International, and the Christian Coalition. Robertson was also a best-selling author and hosted The 700 Club, a Christian TV show. He retired from The 700 Club in October 2021, after 60 years.
Pat Robertson was the son of U.S. Senator A. Willis Robertson. He was a Southern Baptist minister for many years. He tried to become the Republican candidate for president in the 1988 election, but he was not successful.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Marion Gordon Robertson was born on March 22, 1930, in Lexington, Virginia. He came from a well-known political family. His father, Absalom Willis Robertson, was a Senator. When he was a baby, his older brother nicknamed him 'Pat' by gently patting his cheeks. Later, he decided to use 'Pat' as his main name.
Pat attended The McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and graduated with honors. He then went to Washington and Lee University, where he earned a degree in History. He graduated with high honors and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, a top academic honor society.
In 1948, Robertson joined the U.S. Marine Corps. He served during the Korean War and was awarded three Battle Stars for his service. After returning to the U.S. in 1952, he became a First Lieutenant.
He later earned a law degree from Yale Law School in 1955. However, he decided not to practice law. Instead, he chose to go into ministry. He studied at The Biblical Seminary in New York, earning a Master of Divinity degree in 1959. He became a born-again Christian and dedicated his life to religious work.
Christian Broadcasting Network
In 1956, Robertson met a missionary named Cornelius Vanderbreggen. This meeting greatly influenced him. In 1961, Robertson became an ordained minister.
In 1960, Pat Robertson started the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The first broadcast was on October 1, 1961. In 1977, CBN launched a religious cable network called the CBN Satellite Service. This network later became The Family Channel. It was the first satellite television channel in America. The Family Channel became very successful. Robertson later sold it to News Corporation for a large sum of money in 1997.
Regent University
Robertson founded CBN University in 1977. It was a private Christian university located on CBN's campus in Virginia Beach. In 1990, the university was renamed Regent University. A "regent" is someone who represents a leader, and for the university, it means representing Christ.
Regent University has grown a lot since it started. It offers many different degrees, from associate to doctoral levels. More than 11,000 students attend the university today. It has been recognized as a top online bachelor's program in Virginia by U.S. News & World Report for many years. Robertson served as the university's leader, known as its chancellor and CEO.
Robertson also founded the American Center for Law & Justice. This organization works to protect constitutional freedoms and Christian values.
Operation Blessing
Operation Blessing is an organization founded by Pat Robertson. Its main goal is to send medical teams to developing countries. These teams help people who do not have access to medical care.
In 2021, Forbes magazine ranked Operation Blessing/CBN among the "100 Largest Charities." It received a high efficiency rating, showing that most of its money goes directly to its programs.
Other Projects
Pat Robertson founded many different organizations. These include The Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), International Family Entertainment Inc., Regent University, Operation Blessing International, and the American Center for Law and Justice.
International Family Entertainment Inc. (IFE) was formed in 1990. It created and shared family-friendly TV shows around the world. IFE's main business was The Family Channel, a cable TV network. This company was sold in 1997 for $1.9 billion. The channel was renamed Fox Family Channel, and later ABC Family. Today, it is known as Freeform. Even after the sale, the agreement requires Freeform to show four hours of CBN/700 Club programming each weekday.
Political Involvement
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Robertson was involved in politics for many years. He served on the Council for National Policy and on a task force for President Reagan. In Virginia, he advised the Governor on economic matters.
After his presidential campaign, Robertson started the Christian Coalition. This large organization worked to support conservative political candidates. Robertson left the Coalition in 2001.
In 2007, Robertson supported Rudy Giuliani for the Republican presidential nomination. While often linked to conservative politics, Robertson also supported environmental causes. He even appeared in a commercial with Al Sharpton to encourage action against global warming.
1988 Presidential Campaign
In September 1986, Pat Robertson announced he wanted to run for president. He said he would only seek the Republican nomination if three million people volunteered for his campaign. Three million people did volunteer, and he also raised millions of dollars. He officially announced his candidacy in September 1987.
Robertson ran on a conservative platform, similar to Ronald Reagan. He supported lower taxes, a balanced budget, and a strong national defense.
His campaign did well in the Iowa caucuses, finishing second. However, he did not do as well in later primary elections. Robertson ended his campaign before all the primaries were finished. He then returned to his work as a religious broadcaster at CBN.
Personal Life
Family
In 1954, Pat Robertson married Adelia "Dede" Elmer. She was a fashion model and a student at Yale University. They were married until her death in 2022. They had four children, including Gordon P. Robertson.
Later Years and Passing
In August 2017, Robertson was hospitalized after a minor fall from a horse. In February 2018, he had a stroke at his home. He recovered and returned to hosting The 700 Club soon after. In June 2019, he broke three ribs in another fall but continued his work.
Pat Robertson passed away at his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on June 8, 2023, at the age of 93.
Reactions
Many people shared their thoughts after Robertson's passing. Former president Donald Trump said that Robertson was "an incredible and powerful Voice for Faith and Freedom." He added that Robertson's "legacy lives on." Other people, however, had different views on his impact.
Publications
Robertson wrote several books. His book The New World Order (1991) became a New York Times best seller.
Images for kids
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Robertson in 2006
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Regent University – Robertson Hall, home to the School of Law and Robertson School of Government
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Robertson meets with President George H. W. Bush in 1991.
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Robertson speaking at the Florida Economics Club in 1986.
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Bumper sticker from Robertson's campaign
See also
In Spanish: Pat Robertson para niños
