Oral Roberts Dead at 91

I went to ORU at a time when things were really going poorly. The school had just finished construction on the exterior ( and some of the interior ) of the City of Faith, a hospital whose vision was to combine both faith and medicine as the conspirators of healing the body. The City of Faith was draining money from the university in astounding amounts, making it difficult to operate. During this same time period, Oral was convinced that his time had come, and sequestered himself in the Prayer Tower on campus until enough money was raised to keep the school going. Oral received much publicity ( most of it bad ), and was lampooned nationally during a time when so-called “televangelists” were making idiots of themselves almost weekly.

Perhaps I am biased, but I never put Oral Roberts in the category of Jim Bakker or Jimmy Swaggart. He never had a moral failure with regard to fidelity to his wife, and though you may criticize him for his tactics or handling of certain situations, he was a true visionary. He built ORU from nothing, in a city that most people would never go to if they had the choice. Not only did students show up from around the country, but also from around the world. The institution is thriving again today due to his willingness to turn loose of the reigns, remove his son from leadership, and put the school on a new course. I can’t imagine that it was easy for him to watch as his son made a mockery of his legacy, but in the end he did the right thing and was ( thankfully ) able to see the school returning to it’s true mission before he passed away.

If you went to ORU, you generally walked away with at least two things. First, the friends you make there are unlike any other, and I can’t explain why that is, but its almost universally true. Second, you understand that the career you choose has a purpose and meaning beyond just making a living, and that ALL work has intrinsic value. You don’t have to be a pastor to make a difference. Oh, and you know who “The Fourth Man” is.

I am grateful for Oral, his life’s work, and the school that he founded. Without him, I would not have the life I have today. It’s that simple.

Rest in peace, Oral. Well done, good and faithful servant.