ENCORE: Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker: The God Fraud | Part 2 | 139
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Dec 31, 2024
In a riveting tale, Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker navigate their post-scandal lives. Tammy reinvents herself as a beloved TV personality, while Jim returns to televangelism with a twist—selling apocalypse products. Legal battles and personal crises shape their paths, revealing their complex legacies. From courtroom drama to Tammy's rise as a queer icon and Jim's dubious health claims, the podcast explores the absurdity and tragedy of their journeys. Tune in for insights on survival humor and the ethical dilemmas of faith exploitation.
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Trial and Verdict
Jim Bakker's trial concludes with a guilty verdict on 24 counts of fraud and conspiracy.
Tammy Faye sings a hymn outside the courthouse after the verdict.
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Reactions to Verdict
Despite facing serious consequences, Jim maintains his innocence after being found guilty.
Tammy Faye sings outside the courthouse, and they both look surprisingly joyful in photos.
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Sentencing and Divorce
Jim Bakker's initial 45-year sentence is reduced to 18 after a successful appeal.
Tammy Faye divorces Jim while he's in prison and marries Roe Messner.
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Jim Bakker's memoir, "I Was Wrong," recounts his experiences leading the PTL Club, his subsequent downfall due to financial scandals, and his time in prison. The book delves into his reflections on the prosperity gospel, his realization of its flaws, and his spiritual transformation during his incarceration. It also covers his post-prison life, his renewed ministry, and his views on his past actions. The memoir offers a personal perspective on his life and the events that shaped it.
Tammy Telling It My Way
Tammy Telling It My Way
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Tammy Faye Bakker
Tammy Faye Bakker's autobiography, "Tammy Telling It My Way," offers an intimate look into her life, from her humble beginnings in a small town without indoor plumbing to her rise as a global celebrity alongside her husband, Jim Bakker. The book details their journey through the PTL Club, the scandals that rocked their ministry, and Tammy Faye's personal struggles. It also chronicles her battle with cancer and her transformation into a compassionate advocate for people living with HIV/AIDS. The book provides a candid and emotional account of her life, revealing her vulnerabilities and resilience.
PTL, The Rise and Fall of Jim and Tammy Faye Baker's Evangelical Empire
PTL, The Rise and Fall of Jim and Tammy Faye Baker's Evangelical Empire
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John Wigger
John Wigger's "PTL: The Rise and Fall of Jim and Tammy Faye Baker's Evangelical Empire" offers a comprehensive account of the Bakers' meteoric rise and spectacular fall from grace. The book delves into their early lives, their ascent to television stardom, and the financial and sexual scandals that ultimately led to their downfall. Wigger meticulously details the Bakers' business practices, their use of the prosperity gospel, and the controversies surrounding their ministry. The book provides insights into the culture of televangelism and the complexities of faith, power, and wealth. It also explores the lasting impact of the Bakers' story on American culture and religion.
In the second part of this two-part epic, Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker go their separate ways and carve out very different paths — but they both still love being in the spotlight. Tammy becomes a fixture on daytime and reality TV, while Jim gets out of prison and goes right back to televangelizing. This time, he’s embracing a whole new scheme: shilling products for the apocalypse.
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