Meaning: The quote "There were no bigger stars in the new evangelism than the Bakkers" by Kathie Lee Gifford, an American television presenter, singer, and actress, refers to the prominence and impact of Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker in the world of evangelism during the 1970s and 1980s. The Bakkers were influential figures in the rise of televangelism, a form of religious broadcasting that gained significant popularity and controversy during this period.

Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker co-founded the PTL (Praise The Lord) Club, a Christian television program that reached millions of viewers across the United States. Their charismatic and engaging on-screen presence, combined with their message of faith and prosperity, propelled them to celebrity status within the evangelical community. The Bakkers' televangelism empire included a theme park called Heritage USA and various business ventures that generated substantial income.

The quote reflects the Bakkers' larger-than-life status within the evangelical movement, as they became symbols of the fusion of faith, media, and commerce. Their influence was felt not only within religious circles but also in the realm of popular culture, where they became recognizable figures to a wide audience.

However, the rise of the Bakkers was accompanied by controversy and scandal. In 1987, Jim Bakker was embroiled in a widely publicized sex and financial scandal that led to the downfall of the PTL Club and the Bakkers' empire. The scandal tarnished their reputation and exposed the darker side of the televangelism industry, leading to public scrutiny and legal repercussions.

The quote by Kathie Lee Gifford captures a moment in time when the Bakkers were at the pinnacle of their influence, before their dramatic fall from grace. It acknowledges the significant impact they had on the landscape of evangelism and the media, as well as the subsequent unraveling of their legacy.

The story of the Bakkers serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities of faith, fame, and the intersection of religion and entertainment. It highlights both the potential for genuine spiritual impact and the dangers of unchecked power and ambition within the realm of televangelism.

In the decades since the Bakkers' heyday, the landscape of evangelism and religious broadcasting has continued to evolve, with new figures and organizations rising to prominence. The legacy of the Bakkers, with all its triumphs and tribulations, remains a part of the ongoing narrative of televangelism and its enduring impact on American culture.

In conclusion, Kathie Lee Gifford's quote encapsulates the larger-than-life presence of the Bakkers within the world of evangelism and televangelism, acknowledging their influential status and the subsequent controversies that defined their legacy. The story of the Bakkers continues to serve as a compelling and cautionary chapter in the history of faith, media, and celebrity.