Who Was Oral Roberts?

Oral Roberts (1918–2009) was an influential American Pentecostal televangelist, charismatic Christian minister, and founder of the Oral Roberts University (ORU) in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is remembered for his dynamic preaching, faith healing ministry, and his pioneering efforts in televangelism.

Miracles and Healing Ministry

Oral Roberts is perhaps best known for his healing ministry. He claimed to have witnessed and facilitated numerous miracles, including physical healings, by the power of prayer. He often held healing crusades and prayer services in large arenas, where he would pray for people to be healed of various ailments, from chronic diseases to physical disabilities. Some notable miracles include:

1. Healing of Cancer: Roberts often spoke about individuals who were healed of terminal cancers and other serious diseases.

2. Paralyzed People Walking: There were numerous reports of people who were healed of paralysis and other debilitating conditions, with some claiming that they could walk or move after years of being unable to do so.

3. Blindness Restored: Numerous accounts surfaced of individuals who regained their sight after being blind.

Famous Quotes

Oral Roberts was known for his inspiring words and affirmations of faith. Some of his most well-known quotes include:

• “Expect a miracle.” This became one of his signature sayings, encouraging people to believe that God could perform miracles in their lives.

• “Something good is going to happen to you.” Roberts used this phrase to build hope and anticipation among his followers.

• “God is a good God.” He often emphasized that God desires to bless His people with health, prosperity, and success.

Known For

Oral Roberts was known for several key aspects of his ministry:

1. Televangelism Pioneer: He was one of the first to take full advantage of television for religious broadcasting, with his “The Oral Roberts Show” and later “Oral Roberts’ Miracle Crusades.” These programs reached millions across the world and made Roberts a household name, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s.

2. Faith Healing: Oral Roberts gained international fame for his emphasis on healing, prosperity, and divine intervention through faith. He is often associated with the “Healing Movement” within Pentecostalism and Charismatic Christianity.

3. Oral Roberts University: Founded in 1963, ORU became a major part of his legacy. The university is known for its emphasis on Christian education, healing, and charismatic teachings. It has produced a significant number of graduates who have gone on to work in ministry, education, and various professions.

4. Prosperity Gospel: Roberts was a key proponent of the “Prosperity Gospel,” which teaches that faith, positive confessions, and giving to God will lead to wealth and success. This teaching has been highly influential in many segments of American Christianity.

Legacy

Oral Roberts left a profound impact on the world of faith healing and televangelism. His legacy includes:

1. Global Influence: His healing crusades and televangelism brought Christianity into millions of homes worldwide, especially through satellite broadcasts. He was an early pioneer of religious media that continues to shape modern Christian broadcasting.

2. Oral Roberts University: The university he founded continues to thrive today, offering a combination of academic programs with a strong Christian foundation. It is particularly known for its medical and arts programs.

3. Controversy and Criticism: While Roberts was beloved by millions, he also faced criticism, particularly surrounding his financial practices. In the 1980s, he was involved in a highly publicized scandal where he claimed that God had told him he needed to raise $8 million to avoid “dying.” Many found his fundraising tactics controversial, and it led to public scrutiny.

4. Continuing Influence: Oral Roberts’ teachings, particularly his focus on healing and prosperity, influenced many later charismatic preachers, including figures like Kenneth Copeland, Benny Hinn, and others within the prosperity gospel movement.

5. Faith and Prayer: Roberts emphasized the power of prayer and faith, and his emphasis on healing and the supernatural became a hallmark of his ministry.

Oral Roberts remains a significant figure in the history of modern Christianity, especially in the context of charismatic and Pentecostal movements.