Televangelism

Televangelism involves the use of television broadcasting for religious purposes, especially as an outreach by evangelical Protestant groups to teach their version of the Christian Gospel. While multiple religious groups use television to share their faith, televangelism is commonly associated with conservative Protestantism. Conservative Protestants often draw on Mark 16:15, a biblical passage [Page 1268]known as the Great Commission, as evidence that it is their duty to spread the word of Jesus around the world. Mass media provides the opportunity for mass evangelism; however, many scholars acknowledge that televangelism is more likely to attract committed Christians than potential converts. Common themes of televangelism include “born-again” conversions, biblical literalism, conservative morality, Christ's imminent return, and the influence of the Devil.

While televangelists tend to reject aspects of ...