Billy James Hargis

Billy James Hargis (1925-2004) was an American televangelist and religious broadcaster who founded the Christian Crusade ministry in 1948. Based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Hargis became one of the most prominent voices of fundamentalist Christianity during the Cold War, using radio and television to broadcast his anti-communist, conservative Christian message to millions of viewers and listeners across North America. His ministry produced radio broadcasts, television programs, and published materials that promoted traditional Christian values combined with staunchly anti-communist political ideology. Hargis's influence extended beyond religious circles into conservative political activism, where he mobilized supporters around both religious and political causes. However, his reputation was significantly damaged in the late 1970s when scandals involving sexual misconduct came to light, leading to the decline of his ministry's influence and prominence. Despite these controversies, Hargis remains a notable figure in the history of American evangelicalism and the intersection of religious and political broadcasting during the mid-20th century.