What was the religious message that Jim Bakker and other PTL ministers preached?
Although PTL fell under the Assemblies of God through a loose affiliation, the ministry was largely evangelical and pentecostal/charismatic. Evangelicalism is largely defined by belief in being “born again”, Biblical authority, and in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.5. The Charismatic movement is largely defined by belief in glossolalia (speaking in tongues), prophesying, supernatural healing, and miracles.6 Pentecostal and charismatic adjectives are often used interchangeably since the central beliefs in both movements revolve around the Baptism in the Holy Spirit and the gifts of the spirit, but they have slight differences as well. I have heard both used in connection with Jim Bakker and PTL. Much of the philosophy behind Jim Bakker’s teachings included prosperity theology and a focus on God’s love. Often he would end his broadcast with the phrase, “Jesus loves you and so do I (or we).” Jim and Tammy were very accepting of people no matter what trial or problems they expe
