PTL Audiobook By John Wigger cover art

PTL

The Rise and Fall of Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker’s Evangelical Empire

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PTL

By: John Wigger
Narrated by: L.J. Ganser
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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.

©2017 Oxford University Press (P)2021 Tantor Biographies & Memoirs Christian Living Christianity Evangelism Ministry & Evangelism Religious Spiritual Growth
All stars
Most relevant
A spectacular and amazing read. firstly, the narrator is perhaps one of the best narrators I have ever listened to in my life, he truly has wonderful talent. secondly the book itself is incredible. the book is written amazingly and the author doesn't spare a single detail. the author assembled information about every claim and elaborated on every single thing that happened. This has been one of the best books I've ever read. The characters boom with personality, from the cold and calculating Jim Moss, to the obscenely vile Taggert Brothers. This story is amazing and the narrator powerful.

amazing

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I've read "i Was Wrong" by Bakker and "Integrity" by Dortch. This gives far more detail and does it credibly.

Excellent

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Narration is clear and in all other ways excellent.

Story is revelatory, interesting, and important.

Tammy’s support of homosexuals and HIV patients is commendable.

Recommended.

Well done history of the Bakker’s tv scam.

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There is no god . Religion is a farce. Do yourself a favor and read this book.

superb

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I was amazed of the amount of accurate detail in this book. This may have been one of the very best books written about PTL and Jim Bakker

Wow

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