televangelism — Bunk History

Jimmy Swaggart

How Jimmy Swaggart Changed American Christianity

The disgraced televangelist built his career on an undeniable talent. His downfall contributed to a major shift in how Americans viewed religious leaders.

by Daniel N. Gullotta via The Bulwark on July 3, 2025

Elder Lightfoot Solomon Michaux.

New Documents Reveal How the FBI Deployed a Televangelist to Discredit Martin Luther King

Elder Michaux, a popular black evangelist, aided the bureau's campaign to destroy King's reputation.

by Lerone A. Martin via Arc: Religion, Politics, Et Cetera on April 3, 2018

Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker: A Scandal of the Self

The long historical roots and continuing relevance of the disgraced preacher's story.

by Martyn Wendell Jones via Weekly Standard on March 2, 2018

Jimmy Swaggart holds up a bible. The word "legacy" is superimposed over him.

‘The LORD Told Me It’s Flat None of Your Business’: Jimmy Swaggart’s Scandalous Legacy

Jimmy Swaggart utilized his charisma to overcome not one, but two sex scandals.

by Suzanna Krivulskaya via Religion Dispatches on July 2, 2025

Photo of Marion "Pat" Robertson

How Pat Robertson Shepherded His Flock Into Politics

Farewell to the senator's son who pioneered a TV genre, helped create the Christian right, ran for president, and earned the grudging respect of Abbie Hoffman.

by Jesse Walker via Reason on June 9, 2023

The Roots of Evangelicals’ Political Fervor

White evangelical Christians are among President Trump’s most important supporters. But more than 40 years ago, they were on the margins of American politics.

via Retro Report on October 28, 2018

Donald Trump shaking hands with Mike Huckabee.

Church of The Donald

Never mind Fox. Trump’s most reliable media mouthpiece is now Christian TV.

by Ruth Graham via Politico Magazine on May 17, 2018

A man walks down the street dressed as Uncle Sam and carries a large baby Donald Trump doll.

Cracked, Costly Fantasies

The legacy of right-wing ideologies in California.

by Dan O’Sullivan via Los Angeles Review of Books on June 28, 2025

Aimee Semple McPherson in front of her Gospel Car, painted with the words "Jesus is coming soon - get ready."

The “Lady Preacher” Who Became World-Famous—and Then Vanished

Aimee Semple McPherson took to the radio to spread the Gospel, but her mysterious disappearance cast a shadow on her reputation.

by Casey N. Cep via The New Yorker on April 14, 2025

Zoomed in picture of Pat Robertson's face.

Pat Robertson’s Genocidal God Has Called Him Home

The political preacher who made the religion look bad.

by Jeet Heer via The Nation on June 9, 2023

Reverend Jerry Falwell, speaking from a pulpit.

Evangelical Groundhog Day

The NYT identifies the 'religious fervor in the American right' — around four decades late.

by Diana Butler Bass via Religion Dispatches on April 7, 2022

God Gave Rock and Roll to You

Fiery, energetic and preached by charismatic frontmen, Pentecostal Christianity had a big influence on rock and roll in its formative years.

by Randall J. Stephens via History Today on May 16, 2018

Lakewood megachurch.

Supersized Christianity: Protestant Megachurches in America

Megachurches represent an enduring model of ecclesial organization in Protestantism.

by Joshua D. Ambrosius via Dissertation Reviews on April 26, 2016

When Dungeons & Dragons Set Off a ‘Moral Panic’

D&D attracted millions of players, along with accusations by some religious figures that the game fostered demon worship and a belief in witchcraft and magic.

by Clyde Haberman via Retro Report on April 17, 2016

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