Televangelism Reconsidered

This book considers the attraction of televangelism for its conservative Christian audience. Bobby C. Alexander argues that televangelism, as ritual performance, both legitimates the beliefs of viewers and at the same time adapts other of their beliefs to the broader culture. In this way the audience is provided strategies for obtaining greater inclusion within mainstream society. Four television programs are examined in detail: Jerry Falwell's "The Old-Time Gospel Hour," Pat Robertson's "700 Club," Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker's "PTL Club," and the telecasts of Jimmy Swaggart. An appendix presents the results of a national survey of televangelism's viewers.