The Television Evangelists-- What are Our People Hearing?"

Abstract

In this 1984 conference paper, Pastor Arno J. Wolfgramm examines the theological content and influence of popular television evangelists on WELS members. Drawing from personal viewing and surveys, Wolfgramm analyzes figures such as Billy Graham, Jimmy Swaggart, Oral Roberts, and Robert Schuller across ten doctrinal categories, including views on Scripture, faith, conversion, sacraments, miracles, and eschatology. While acknowledging that many evangelists proclaim elements of the gospel, he critiques their frequent subjectivism, synergism, emotionalism, and doctrinal errors—especially regarding justification, original sin, and the means of grace. Wolfgramm warns against regular viewing due to the risk of spiritual confusion and false teaching, yet encourages pastors and teachers to learn from the evangelists’ communication skills and public reach. The paper concludes with a call for faithful Lutheran preaching rooted in Scripture and centered on Christ. —Abstract created by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)