PTL, John Wigger
PTL, John Wigger
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PTL
The Rise and Fall of Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker’s Evangelical Empire

Author: John Wigger

Narrator: L.J. Ganser

Unabridged: 17 hr 13 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Tantor Media

Published: 12/07/2021


Synopsis

In 1974, Jim and Tammy Bakker launched their television show, the PTL Club, from a former furniture store in Charlotte, North Carolina, with half a dozen friends. By 1987, they stood at the center of a ministry empire that included their own satellite network, a 2300-acre theme park visited by six million people a year, and millions of adoring fans.

When it all fell apart, after revelations of a sex scandal and massive financial mismanagement, America watched more than two years of federal investigation and trial as Jim was eventually convicted for fraud and conspiracy. He would go on to serve five years in federal prison.

PTL is more than just the spectacular story of the rise and fall of the Bakkers. John Wigger traces their lives from humble beginnings to wealth, fame, and eventual disgrace. PTL is the story of a group of people committed to religious innovation, who pushed the boundaries of evangelical religion's engagement with American culture.

Drawing on trial transcripts, videotapes, newspaper articles, and interviews with key insiders, dissidents, and lawyers, Wigger reveals the power of religion to redirect American culture.

About John Wigger

John Wigger is professor of history at the University of Missouri. His research focuses on American religious and cultural history. He is the author of American Saint and Taking Heaven by Storm.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Eric_W

Review: The Rise and Fall of Jim and Tammy Bakker's Evangelical Empire by John Wigger The sex and financial scandal of PTL creator and leader devolved into a battle between two versions of Christian evangelicalism: Pentecostal (represented by Jimmy Swaggert who wanted to bring down Bakker’s Empire)......more

Goodreads review by Dawn

Being someone who lived in the area growing up and watched this play out not only at home but through the news and newspapers, this book expands on that and also gives a new perspective of the whole thing. I visited Heritage USA for their Christmas extravaganza and it was stunning. It's such a shame......more

Goodreads review by Alex

3.5/5. I am eagerly anticipating 'The Eyes of Tammy Faye' starring Jessica Chastain and Andrew Garfield which is set to be released this September and I read this book in preparation. Overall, as many other readers have remarked, John H. Wigger's book is meticulously researched but too long and fille......more

Goodreads review by Gaétan

One of the most captivating ... and disturbing book that I ever read.......more