Jim Bakker Dies at 86
Televangelist built a Christian television empire before resigning amid scandal. He spent four and a half years in prison for defrauding followers.
Global Newsflix 2 min read
Jim Bakker, a televangelist who rose to national prominence in the 1970s and 80s, has died at the age of 86. His death was announced by his second wife, Lori Bakker, on social media.
Bakker built a multimillion-dollar empire and lived in opulence before being disgraced by a sex scandal, a conviction for defrauding followers, and divorce from his television co-host Tammy Faye.
He spent four and a half years in prison after being convicted in 1989 of defrauding followers in a scheme involving holidays at his Christian theme park and resort.
Bakker revived his career as a television preacher after prison with a new wife and new television show in 2003, later becoming a staunch supporter of Donald Trump.
Bakker had been among the most popular of the Christian preachers who thrived on US television in the 1980s, achieving fame on the show The PTL Club.
He quit the PTL ministry in 1987 after revelations of a 1980 sexual encounter with Jessica Hahn, a former church secretary, and a subsequent $265,000 payoff with ministry funds to gain her silence.
Bakker was later defrocked and his son, Jay Bakker, became a prominent evangelist in his own right.
Key facts
- Jim Bakker died at the age of 86.
- He spent four and a half years in prison for defrauding followers.
- Bakker built a multimillion-dollar empire before being disgraced by scandal.
- He revived his career as a television preacher after prison.
Three perspectives
Neutral
Jim Bakker's death marks the end of a complex and controversial career. His legacy will be watched closely by those in the Christian television community. The cause and circumstances of his death were not revealed.
Positive
Bakker was a pioneer of Christian television and achieved great success with The PTL Club. He was able to revive his career after prison and become a staunch supporter of Donald Trump.
Negative
Bakker's career was marred by scandal, including a sex scandal and a conviction for defrauding followers. He spent four and a half years in prison and was later defrocked.
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