Jim Bakker, the televangelist who built and lost the PTL empire, dies at 86

Key points

• Jim Bakker died on Monday at age 86, according to his second wife, Lori Bakker, who did not specify a cause of death.
• Bakker and his first wife, Tammy Faye, built a media empire in the 1980s that included 'The PTL Club,' which drew 13 million nightly viewers, and the Heritage USA theme park in Fort Mill, South Carolina.
• The empire collapsed in 1987 after Bakker admitted to a sexual encounter with church clerk Jessica Hahn and was subsequently convicted of mail fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy.
• Bakker was sentenced to 45 years in federal prison but served less than five years before being paroled in 1994.
• He later returned to ministry with 'The Jim Bakker Show' in 2003 and settled a lawsuit in 2021 for falsely claiming a health supplement could cure COVID-19.

Background

Jim Bakker's life and career have been the subject of extensive media coverage, including the 2021 film 'The Eyes of Tammy Faye,' which depicted his relationship with Tammy Faye and their rise to fame. His legacy is often discussed in the context of the prosperity gospel movement and the evolution of Christian television. His son, Jay Bakker, has also become a prominent figure in Christian ministry, though with a more liberal approach than his father's.

How outlets are covering it

The Associated Press and WRAL.com emphasize Bakker's role as a pioneer of Christian television and the impact of his scandals on his empire. The New York Times highlights the financial aspects of his ministry, noting that it brought in as much as $129 million annually before his fall. Fox News focuses on his religious contributions and the statement from his second wife, Lori Bakker. NBC News provides a detailed account of the scandal, including the $250,000 payment to Jessica Hahn and the lavish spending on the Bakkers' behalf. All sources agree on the basic facts of his death and the collapse of his empire, but they differ in their emphasis on the financial, religious, and personal aspects of his life.

Why it matters

Jim Bakker's death marks the end of an era in American televangelism. His rise and fall serve as a cautionary tale about the intersection of religion, media, and money. His legacy continues to influence contemporary Christian media and the prosperity gospel movement. The legal and financial scandals that ended his empire also highlight the importance of accountability and transparency in religious institutions.

What to watch

There is no immediate next step, as Bakker has died. However, his legacy will continue to be discussed in the context of Christian media and the prosperity gospel movement. His son, Jay Bakker, may continue to speak about his father and their relationship, potentially providing further insights into the Bakker family's history.