Well, folks, I almost spilled my coffee reading this one. Televangelist Jim Bakker, the infamous face of the PTL Club, has passed away at the age of 86. I’m not sure what’s more surprising, the fact that he’s gone or that he made it to 86 after all the drama he’s been through. His wife, Lori Bakker, announced his passing on the Jim Bakker Show’s Facebook page, saying “it is with a broken heart that I share that my beloved husband, Jim Bakker, went home to be with the Lord this evening.” Aww, bless their hearts.
According to Lori, Jim gave his life to preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ for 66 years, and she’s not wrong. The man was a pioneer of Christian television, and his show, The PTL Club, was one of the most popular Christian TV programs of its time. He and his first wife, the late Tammy Faye Messner, hosted the show, which was known for its casual and conversational style, similar to daytime talk shows today, but with a Christian focus.
Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Big Elephant, what about all the scandals?” Well, let me tell you, Jim Bakker’s life was not without controversy. He resigned from the PTL ministry in 1987 amid a financial and sex scandal involving a secretary, Jessica Hahn, who he had paid to keep quiet about their affair. He was later charged with fraud and sentenced to 45 years in prison, though he only served about five years.
After his release from prison, Bakker returned to television with a new show, The Jim Bakker Show, which he co-hosted with his second wife, Lori. However, he faced controversy again in 2020 when he and a guest on his show discussed a product called “Silver Solution” that they claimed could eliminate the coronavirus from the body within hours. The Missouri attorney general sued Bakker and his production company for misrepresenting the product as a coronavirus cure.
Despite all the ups and downs, Jim Bakker remained a figure in the Christian television world until his passing. His wife, Lori, said that even in his final days, his heart was still for the work of God and for the Gospel to continue reaching the world.
In a 2000 interview with CNN’s Larry King, Bakker reflected on his life and ministry, saying “I wanted people to believe in my dream, and my dream became more important than the people… When the dream of Christian community becomes more important than the community, that’s when it’s a sin.” It’s clear that Jim Bakker was a complex figure, full of flaws and mistakes, but also full of passion and dedication to his faith.
As I finish writing this, I have to chuckle at the thought of Jim Bakker’s life being made into a movie, which it was, by the way. The 2021 film “The Eyes of Tammy Faye” starred Jessica Chastain and Andrew Garfield as the infamous couple. I guess you could say that Jim Bakker’s life was a real-life soap opera, full of drama, scandal, and redemption.
In conclusion, Jim Bakker’s passing marks the end of an era in Christian television. Love him or hate him, the man was a pioneer in his field, and his legacy will continue to be felt for years to come. As I always say, “you can’t make this stuff up,” and Jim Bakker’s life is certainly proof of that. Rest in peace, Jim Bakker, and thanks for the entertainment.
Armchair patriot. Believes in the free market, cold beer, and that there’s always a guy named George behind every CNN segment.
Former remote-throwing champion turned #1 couch commentator on liberal panic in the media. Born in Texas (or so his mug says), he earned a degree in Fake Newsology & Beer Philosophy from YouTube University.
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