I just found out that Oral Roberts passed away at the age of 91. I never sent him any money, or attended any of his crusades, but I liked listening to him because he seemed genuine to me.
He was old school. Never in your face about whether your theology, faith and belief was correct in his eyes. He often said, “I’ll leave them to their theology. I’m out to save souls. I have more friends among doctors than among ministers.” I can’t imagine a media preacher having the same kind of tolerant tone in today’s I’m right, You’re wrong environment.
A far cry from the charismatic Pentecostal preachers of today, Roberts was a man who was sought after by Presidents because he stayed out of the political fray. At the height of his popularity, way before the infamous January 1987 prediction of his own demise, Roberts could have inserted himself in the Roe v. Wade political debate but for whatever reason did not make a public statement on the Supreme Court decision.
Rest In God’s Hands, Oral Roberts. You gave people hope and followed God’s will upon you life while being wise enough to keep your mouth and your ministry out of the policy making arena.
Faculty, Department of Political Science, Towson University. Graduate from Liberty University Seminary.