Tammy Faye Messner—formerly Tammy Faye Bakker, wife of the disgraced televangelist Jim Bakker—is dying of cancer. In a moving letter to her fans, she recently revealed that doctors have stopped trying to treat the cancer. It sounds pretty grim. (See also one of several news stories about her apparently losing struggle with cancer.)
I find myself strangely moved by this news, although I haven’t followed Messner’s life or ministry at all since the big scandal in the 80s. In fact, I was yet a youngster when the Bakker scandal broke, and wasn’t much aware of the event or of the huge impact it would have on the entire concept of televangelism. If, like me, you need a refresher course, take a look at the Wikipedia entries for Tammy Faye and and Jim Bakker. It sounds as though Tammy Faye hasn’t slowed down since the scandal—although now, the ministry she pursues is a radically different approach than the PTL Club and its ilk. She has been the subject of a film charting her life after the disgrace, and in interviews she has focused on ministry to AIDS victims and segments of society overlooked by the mainstream church.
While searching around for information on televangelism scandals, I also came across an article from earlier this year looking back at the Bakker scandal and its continued influence on evangelism to this day. You may (or may not) be surprised to learn that most of the televangelism shows disgraced by scandal back in the day are still on the air—most of them reformed, or at least preaching heavily revised versions of their old messages.
It’s interesting, and a bit depressing, to reflect back on all those scandals and the way they (unfortunately) shaped the public perception of Christianity. But I’m glad to see that Tammy Faye seems to have more than atoned for the PTL days, and I wish the best for her and her family in an extremely painful time.
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May 11, 2007 at 12:35
For a really fascinating look at Jay Bakker, Jim and Tammy’s son who is leader of Revolution Church, see the Sundance Channel series “One Punk Under God.” It ran earlier this year and can be purchased on I-Tunes. Jay talks about his relationship with his parents and what happened with PTL, plus visits with his mom as she battles cancer.
May 12, 2007 at 18:08
I was a follower of PTL,for many years and along the way, before The Lord brought to light, what was really going on in the ministry, I had a discernment and was no longer interested in hearing them “talk” about the “good” they were doing as so called christians, But, all in all, God is a forgiving God and when we whole heartly repent, Our Forgiving God Truly forgives “all” of us. But, we will still be accountable on the Great Day Of Judgement”. So, Tammy good luck and may the Lord, be gracious and allow you into His Kingdom, We all fall short in this life. The only thing is that when we know we are doing wrong and continue to do it, then we will be accountable.
God Bless and Heal You, if it is HIS WILL.
May 13, 2007 at 17:49
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. I know Tammy has fought the good fight. God bless and use this family to bring Him glory!
May 14, 2007 at 10:37
We are praying for Tammy Faye and family, that God’s will be done in her life and her family’s lives. He promised that “He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Remember that He is not like man to lie.
God bless and keep you!
May 18, 2007 at 05:23
Tammy Faye has one of the most precious hearts I know of, she makes me think so much of my mother that I lost to cancer way to soon in her young life. She too fought the good fight of faith, it was a long hard battle. My heart aches for Tammy’s children I know the anguish they feel seeing their mother go through this. Just a side note, Tammy Faye has always been a ray of sunshine in my life. I felt like I had been touched by an angel after hearing her speak. God bless her and her family. They are in my prayers.