A well-known figure in American religious history, Oral Roberts was a fervent televangelist and faith healer whose ministry lasted for many years. Roberts was born in 1918 in Oklahoma, and his life was characterized by both personal sorrow and a strong spiritual commitment.
Early Life
Growing up in a low-income household, Roberts underwent a significant religious awakening during his early years. He started a career as a traveling evangelist after graduating from college, becoming well-known for his potent preaching and healing ministry. He established two important organizations within the Pentecostal movement: Oral Roberts University and the Oral Roberts Evangelistic Association.
Ministry
In order to reach a large audience, Roberts invented televangelism. Dynamic sermons, heartfelt pleas, and spectacular accounts of healing and divine intervention were all part of his television shows. Through these broadcasts, he developed a devoted fan base and generated a sizable sum of money for his ministry.
The prosperity gospel, which promotes the idea that God wants Christians to be financially successful, was a fundamental component of Roberts’ theology. He frequently spoke on the importance of seed faith and positive confession, urging his followers to plant money seeds in order to get both material and spiritual rewards. Roberts was also a strong supporter in divine healing, believing that with prayer and faith, God could cure any ailment.
Accusation
Even though he was well-liked and powerful, Roberts’ ministry was not without controversy. Both religious and secular communities criticized his fundraising strategies, especially his flamboyant pleas for money. His organization’s financial management, notably that of Oral Roberts University, was also questioned.
The building of the City of Faith Medical and Research Center was one of the biggest debates. In order to construct this grandiose undertaking, which tried to integrate faith and medicine, Roberts claimed to have received a supernatural revelation. However, the initiative eventually collapsed due to financial issues.
In addition, Roberts’ and his family members’ private life were in the public eye. Richard Roberts, his son, was accused of unethical behavior and financial mismanagement while he was president of Oral Roberts University. The public’s support for the ministry decreased as a result of these controversies, which also damaged the family’s reputation.
Published Books
These are some of the books by him:
- All You Ever Wanted to Know About Angels – Oral Roberts
- Attack Your Lack – Oral Roberts
- How to Resist the Devil and His Demons – Oral Roberts
- If You Need Deliverance from Alcohol Do These Things – Oral Roberts
- If You Need Healing Do These Things – Oral Roberts
- Seed-Faith – Oral Roberts
- The Holy Spirit in the Now I – Oral Roberts
- The Holy Spirit in the Now II – Oral Roberts
- The Holy Spirit in the Now III – Oral Roberts
- The Holy Spirit in the Now V – Oral Roberts
- The Second Coming of Jesus – Oral Roberts
- Unleashing The Power of Praying in the Spirit – Oral Roberts
