Pat Robertson (1930–2023) was a well-known televangelist, media mogul, and founder of the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN). He was also a significant figure in the political and religious landscape of the United States, frequently blending Christian teaching with conservative politics. As the long-time host of "The 700 Club," Robertson became one of the most recognized voices in charismatic Christianity, but his teachings and views have often been controversial and deviate from confessional Christianity, especially in the areas of prosperity theology and sensationalist prophecy,
Key Beliefs and How They Differ from Confessional Christianity
1. Prosperity Gospel and Wealth:
- Pat Robertson's View: Robertson often promoted elements of the prosperity gospel, teaching that financial blessings, health, and success are part of God’s will for believers. He encouraged viewers to "plant financial seeds" by donating to his ministry, promising that God would reward their generosity with financial prosperity and answered prayers. This idea of giving to receive more is a hallmark of the prosperity gospel.
- Confessional Christianity: Confessional Christianity rejects the prosperity gospel, teaching that God’s blessings are not primarily material and that believers are called to be content regardless of their financial situation (1 Timothy 6:6-10; Philippians 4:11-13). Christians are to trust in God’s provision and focus on spiritual, rather than emphasize material, riches. Reformed theology warns against the idea that giving money or following certain principles guarantees financial returns, viewing it as a distortion of the biblical message.
2. Sensationalist Prophecy and Predictions:
- Pat Robertson's View: Throughout his career, Robertson made numerous predictions and prophecies about political events, natural disasters, and world affairs. For instance, he predicted the end of the world in 1982, a catastrophic terrorist attack in 2007, and the re-election of certain political figures. Many of these predictions did not come to pass, leading to criticism and questions about his credibility as a teacher or prophet.
- Confessional Christianity: The Bible teaches that true prophecy is always accurate, as God’s Word is infallible (Deuteronomy 18:20-22). When someone claims to speak on behalf of God but makes false predictions, Scripture labels them a false prophet. While God has revealed all that is necessary for faith and life through His Word (Hebrews 1:1-2; 2 Timothy 3:16), believers should be wary of those who claim to have special prophetic insight, especially when their predictions fail to align with reality. The canon of Scripture is closed and that God's guidance today comes through His Word, not through modern-day prophecies.
3. Teachings on Healing and Miracles:
- Pat Robertson's View: As a charismatic preacher, Robertson frequently claimed that God desires to heal all who have enough faith. On his television show, "The 700 Club," he often encouraged viewers to believe in and expect miraculous healings and would frequently declare that specific illnesses were being healed during his broadcasts. This emphasis on miraculous healing is consistent with the Word of Faith movement.
- Confessional Christianity: God can and does heal according to His sovereign will but teaches that physical healing is not always guaranteed (2 Corinthians 12:7-10; James 5:14-15).Believers are called to trust in God’s goodness and sovereignty, even in times of sickness or suffering. While God may perform miracles, the primary focus of the Christian faith is on the spiritual healing and restoration found in Christ.
4. Theology of Dominion and Influence:
- Pat Robertson's View: Robertson often taught that Christians should take dominion over every aspect of society, including government, education, and the media, advocating for a form of dominion theology. He believed that Christians should exert influence and authority over cultural institutions to bring about a more “Christian” society.
- Confessional Christianity: While believers are to be salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13-16), and while all Christians should seek to put their faith into practice in all areas of life, including politics, it becomes problematic when we conflate the kingdom's of men with the Kingfom of God and forget that the ultimate fulfillment of God’s kingdom awaits Christ’s return. The church’s mission is spiritual in nature, centered on proclaiming the gospel and making disciples, not focusing our message on establishing a political or societal kingdom. Cultural change will be a fruit of the growth of the church, not the root.
Summary of Differences
Why Pat Robertson should be regarded as a false teacher and why his teachings should be avoided:
1. Promoting the Prosperity Gospel
One of the most problematic aspects of Pat Robertson's teachings is his association with the Prosperity Gospel, which teaches that God’s will for every believer is to experience financial wealth, physical health, and material success. Robertson has often claimed that giving financially, especially to his own ministry, will lead to God’s blessings and increase in wealth. He promotes the idea that faith is a means to achieving financial prosperity and that financial success is a sign of God’s favor.
However, the Bible does not teach that financial prosperity is a guarantee for believers. Jesus warned against storing up treasures on earth and equated the pursuit of wealth with spiritual danger, saying, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal" (Matthew 6:19). Paul also cautioned that "the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils" (1 Timothy 6:10) and that contentment, not wealth, is the mark of godliness (1 Timothy 6:6-8).
By promoting a gospel that equates financial success with God’s blessing, Robertson leads people away from the true message of the Gospel, which is about following Christ, often in the midst of suffering and trials. This false teaching encourages greed and materialism, which are contrary to the humility and self-denial that Christ calls His followers to embrace (Matthew 16:24).
2. Misusing Prophecy and Making False Predictions
Pat Robertson has a history of making prophetic declarations and predictions about future events, many of which have proven to be false. Over the years, he has predicted various events such as natural disasters, political outcomes, and even the timing of Christ’s return, none of which came to pass. According to Scripture, a true prophet of God speaks accurately and truthfully, and any prophecy that does not come to pass is an indication that the person is not speaking from God.
Deuteronomy 18:20-22 clearly warns against false prophets, stating, "When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously." Jesus also warned against false prophets who would come in His name and lead people astray (Matthew 24:11). By making false predictions, Robertson demonstrates that he is not a reliable teacher of God’s Word, and his misuse of prophecy leads people away from trusting in the certainty of Scripture.
3. Engaging in Political and Cultural Controversy at the Expense of the Gospel
Pat Robertson has often been known for mixing political commentary with his religious teachings, frequently using his platform to make controversial statements about political events, natural disasters, and societal issues. While Christians are defintely called to engage with culture and politics, Robertson’s approach often places politics above the clear proclamation of the Gospel. His inflammatory statements and predictions about disasters being the result of God’s judgment on certain groups or nations have often led to confusion, fear, and resentment, rather than pointing people to the hope and redemption found in Christ.
The Bible teaches that the primary mission of the church is to make disciples of all nations by proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20). While believers should be concerned about justice, morality, and cultural issues, our ultimate message is that Christ died for sinners and offers eternal life to all who repent and believe. When politics or cultural commentary takes precedence over the Gospel, it distracts from the central message that all people need to hear. Paul reminded the Corinthian church, "For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:2). Robertson’s focus on political matters often overshadows this essential truth.
4. Twisting Scripture to Support His Views
Pat Robertson has often been accused of taking Bible verses out of context to support his teachings on health, wealth, and societal issues. This practice leads to a distorted understanding of God’s Word and encourages others to approach Scripture in a way that suits their own desires rather than submitting to the truth of the text. The Bible warns against those who "twist the Scriptures to their own destruction" (2 Peter 3:16) and calls believers to handle God’s Word accurately and faithfully (2 Timothy 2:15).
By taking verses out of context or using Scripture to justify his personal opinions, Robertson fails to present the full counsel of God’s Word. This approach leads people into error and encourages a superficial and misguided understanding of biblical truth.
5. Encouraging a Man-Centered Faith Rather Than a Christ-Centered Gospel
Much of Pat Robertson’s teaching focuses on what individuals can do to secure God’s favor, blessings, and prosperity, rather than emphasizing the sufficiency of Christ’s work on the cross. This man-centered approach places the emphasis on human effort, positive thinking, and financial giving as the means of experiencing God’s blessings, rather than pointing to Christ as the source of all spiritual blessings.
The true Gospel calls us to trust in Christ alone for salvation and to recognize that we can do nothing to earn God’s favor (Ephesians 2:8-9). Paul wrote, "But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Galatians 6:14). By teaching a message that shifts the focus from Christ to human effort and worldly success, Robertson promotes a distorted version of Christianity that does not align with the Gospel’s call to repentance, faith, and surrender to Jesus as Lord.
Conclusion from Scripture
The Bible consistently warns believers to be vigilant against false teachers who distort the truth for personal gain or to suit their own agendas. In 2 Peter 2:1-3, Peter writes, "But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies… And in their greed they will exploit you with false words." Pat Robertson’s promotion of the Prosperity Gospel, false prophecies, political distractions, and twisting of Scripture align with this warning.
Jesus warned against those who would say, "Lord, Lord," but fail to do the will of the Father (Matthew 7:21-23). True faith in Christ leads to a life that is marked by obedience, humility, and a commitment to the truth of God’s Word. By promoting a gospel of health, wealth, and political power, Robertson diverts attention away from the true message of the cross, which is the power of God for salvation to all who believe (Romans 1:16).
For these reasons, based on the authority of Scripture, Pat Robertson should be regarded as a false teacher, and his teachings should be avoided. Christians are called to "test everything; hold fast what is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21) and to remain grounded in the unchanging truth of God’s Word, which is "a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105).
The true Gospel is about Christ, not about financial gain, political power, or personal success. It calls us to repent, trust in Christ’s finished work on the cross, and follow Him with all our hearts. Therefore, believers should reject Robertson’s teachings that distort this message and remain steadfast in the true Gospel that offers forgiveness, transformation, and eternal life through Jesus Christ alone.