Patti Roberts,Richard’s First Wife Exposes Heresy of Richard and Oral.
Before Richard married Lindsey,he was married to Patti.He and Patti had two daughters.After Richard divorced Patti,with Oral’s approval,Patti wrote a book,”Ashes to Gold.”In this book,Patti Roberts compares the “seed faith”tactic of former father-in-law Oral Roberts to Johann Tetzel’s practice of selling indulgences.She points out that she had a “very difficult time distinguishing between the selling of indulgences and the concept of seed-faith inflated to the degree to which we had inflated it.
One distinction Patti did observe was that Oral was more subtle than Tetzel.Rather than offering salvation in exchange for money,Oral appealed to such basic instincts as fear and greed.
Hank Hanegraaff in his book,”Christianity in Crisis”exposes the manipulative techniques of Richard Roberts.When Oral told the world that unless he raised millions of dollars God was going to call him home,Richard took pen in hand to warn of his father’s impending doom.Without “the additional $4,500,000,”explains Richard,”God will not extend Dad’s life.”He then pleads,”Partner,we cannot let this man of God die.There is no reason for him to die.”And this is no idle threat,Richard claims.As he puts it,”When he (Oral) says God speaks to him,he’s not bluffing.”And just in case someone should doubt or suspect his motives,Richard offers this stirring assurance:”I feel totally called by God to do this….I’m writing to you as an anointed servant of God-doing what God has called me to do.”
After several pages Richard finally gets to the seed-faith solution.Take the enclosed birthday card,slip in a seed-faith gift “check,”and then RUSH IT TO ME TODAY.”
By the end of the letter,Richard Roberts had done virtually everything to assure his partners that this was a deal they couldn’t afford to pass up.Send your seed-faith gift and Richard will be proud of you.Oral will pray for you,and God will prosper you.
“Without the additional four and one half million dollars,explains Richard,God will not extend Dad’s life.”He then pleads,”Partner,we cannot let this man of God die.There is no reason for him to die.”
—+
n
October 22, 2007 at 1:28 am
Was Patti his wife in the 70’s that would frequently sing on the Sunday morning show? I remember when the divorce happened and even as a church going non-believer, I was aghast that it had few repurcussions against the Roberts and the “ministry.”
Greg
October 22, 2007 at 7:05 am
Yes Patti was the one.She had heard a speaker somewhere tell of Kennedy’s book on Evangelism Explosion and was thrilled with that program.When she questioned Little Richard as to why ORU did not emphasize this aspect of ministry and she began to question their lavish life style she was told by little Richard and Oral that their ministry was a “healing”ministry.
When the divorce was finally inevitable,Little Richard said to Patti, “I don’t know what I’m going to,The women are going to be cominig out of the woodwork.”Well,one did.Her name was Lindsey.By now Little Richard wishes Lindsey had not come out of the woodwork.If half of the charges are true,Little Richard and Lindsey are going to the “woodshed.”
bp
October 22, 2007 at 7:19 pm
Are you saying that Little Richard had active interest in other women while married to Pattie and that the present Mrs. Roberts was one of them?
Don’t answer that. I had always counted them in the well meaning but decieved category…I guess I was wrong.
Greg
October 22, 2007 at 7:49 pm
Little Richared just assumed that when the women found out that he was divorced they would come calling and they did.
The book,”Gold to ashes”or “ashes to gold”is most likely out of print,but it is worth reading if you can find it.
John Hagge is on the Board of Regents at ORU.It will be interesting to see what action he and others will take when and if the allegations are true or not.
bp
October 29, 2007 at 3:08 pm
I don’t believe anything negative about Lindsey, Richard, and/or Oral Roberts. If God has blessed them to be blessed then let them. I love both Lindsey&Richard. And I have watched Oral Roberts since I was little. There ain’t no devil in hell gonna stray me away from them.
October 29, 2007 at 3:39 pm
Angela,
The devil is not in hell.
October 30, 2007 at 12:20 am
Angela:
Look at facts and then look at The Bible. If you measure the Roberts family, I think you will find them having problems that they don’t admit.
Afterall, in your local church, would you not expect your pastor to remove himself if he were to divorce or be divorced for cause by his wife?
If you were to find he had bought a car with the church funds without approval, would you not expect him to acknowledge wrong doing and pay the funds back?
If not, then I advise you watch less TV and read more Bible.
Grace Alone,
Greg
October 30, 2007 at 12:44 am
Angela is as serious as a colonostomy.
October 30, 2007 at 1:50 am
Even with a good shot of a sedative that is extremely serious.
Greg
November 6, 2007 at 4:19 am
Life is something! Patti followed her heart…her mind…and, most importantly of all, her Master; she stood up to the bosses. She was a big threat to the million dollar “snake oil scheme,” that is, send ME your “seed money” and God will bless YOU. Think of the “BLING” they wear–because our Moms and Dads and grandparents believed them good stewerds. (Compare the clothes, cars, homes and, lifestyle they live–to yourself and family.) All those that say Lord … will not enter … the “Kingdom.” Wouldn’t you like to know Patti’s parents … so you could shake their hand and thank them for the good job they did for raising such a good daughter! For myself I ask God for mercy–not justice.
November 8, 2007 at 12:40 am
In words right out of the Bible – We are not to judge.
November 8, 2007 at 9:32 am
Does that mean that we are never to make a judgement about anything or anybody?If you are comfortable supporting Lindsey and “Little Richard”‘all I can say is,”Have a need,plant a seed.”Help “little Richard and Lindsey put in a third swimming pool.”
bp
November 14, 2007 at 12:51 pm
[...] Patti Roberts,Richard’s First Wife Exposes Heresy of Richard and Oral. [...]
November 14, 2007 at 2:19 pm
Dear Hottub,
I agree with you and more importantly, the Scriptures agree with you on the right to make a judgement. Look at what Paul said in 1 Co. 2:15, :But he that is spiritual judgeth all things…”
Maybe the correct way to look at the “judge not, and ye shall not be judged” and what Paul said is this: Eternal judgement (the decision of who goes to Heaven and who goes to hell) is certainly in the hands of the LORD Jesus Christ. However, God has given His Holy Word and his Holy Spirit to guide us to do as Paul instructed and judge all things. Certainly we can judge or choose right and wrong, at least he that is spritual can. We cannot judge or decide the eternal fate of another human being.
November 14, 2007 at 2:54 pm
Don,
you are exactly right.I grow weary of people who use that verse in Matt 7 and have no clue as to what it really means.
November 14, 2007 at 8:49 pm
[...] Patti Roberts,Richard’s First Wife Exposes Heresy of Richard and Oral. [...]
November 26, 2007 at 3:02 am
For those that want to order the book “Ashes to Gold” go to
alibris.com because they have several used books. I just ordered mine for $3.00 plus $3.95 for shipping.
November 26, 2007 at 4:10 am
Thanks Janie,I hope many will order this book.it is an “eye opener.”
November 27, 2007 at 9:00 am
YEARS AGO WHEN ASKED ABOUT HIS $500.000.00 PLUS NEW HOME HE SAID A WOMAN WANTED HIM TO HAVE IT.NOW HE SAYS HIS HOUSE BELONGS TO ORU.DID HE SELL THE FIRST HOUSE TO ORU AND POCKET THE MONEY? THIS SHOULD BE CHECKED INTO.
November 27, 2007 at 12:07 pm
Gene,
If Baptists could “bet”,I would bet thats what “Little Richard” did.
November 27, 2007 at 1:03 pm
[...] Patti Roberts,Richard’s First Wife Exposes Heresy of Richard and Oral. [...]
December 2, 2007 at 1:58 am
I was one of those who, when the divorce was announced, was devastated. I loved listening to Richard & Patti sing duets together (still do enjoy the records). I couldn’t fathom why they suddenly split. So when Patti’s book, “Ashes to Gold” came out I did something I don’t usually do: I purchased the hard copy and didn’t wait for the paper back (which I don’t think ever was published.)
I devoured that book and found it very informative and honest. And she did not try to throw all the blame on ‘them’ – she acknowledged her part in a lot of the problems. One statement she made, in reflection on advise from Franky Schaeffer was she wondered what would have happened if they could have left the whole scene for at least a year the first year or so of marriage and be an ordinary married couple. Would things have been different. (I have often thought of that when thinking of other high profile marriages like, for example, the Royal Family…)
I highly recommend y’all (coming from a Canadian that’s not bad!) find a copy of that book and read it. Some very great insights.
December 7, 2007 at 12:26 am
I just don’t understand why Richard and Lindsey cannot admit anything they’ve done wrong. We all make mistakes. It just seems like they’d have more credibility if they’d admit something they’ve done wrong in all this. Our President is the same way. Why can’t these people accept blame for anthing? I don’t get it?
December 26, 2007 at 5:06 pm
I just finished reading Patti’s book (Ashes to Gold) and I see the thread that connects Richard’s early behavior to the situation he’s currently wrestling with. It is crystal clear that he’s never broken the psychological “apron strings” that tie him to his parents’ protectiveness. He’s inherited a regal air of unaccountability that inevitably leads to the kind of excesses that brought about his downfall. Gives new credance to the old adage “power corrupts and absolute power corrupts ebsolutely”…
December 27, 2007 at 7:44 pm
Very interesting and informative blog. Yes,”Little Richard” does act “above reproach”. Remember first time I saw his program in the ’80s as new believer and wanting to vomit. Amazed me then and to this day how blind so many in the “church” can be.
December 30, 2007 at 2:26 pm
I was in “word of faith” for many years. Got saved in word of faith. I was taught never to question the man of God. I fell for the whole thing, hook, line and sinker.
Now I read a new Bible without my “word of faith” notes in it.
I was indoctrinated and never thought I would leave Word of Faith. I came to the mountains and got alone with God and “viola” I am delivered.
There is a balance in God’s word. You cannot use the word “balance” in word of faith circles, it means compromise. No, balance is what God does to keep the universe going. God doesn’t want us poor but this nonsense is out of control.
I believe in healing, I believe in true prosperity, peace under all circumstances. If you pray, God will show you the truth but we must be teachable and open to His Holy Spirit.
January 21, 2008 at 3:20 am
Amen, Shirley. It is the Holy Spirit that was sent to bring all truth. Man has grafted himself between us and the Vine, taking the place of the Holy Spirit. Like those who put Jesus on the cross, they know not what they do. I had read that verse many times, but it meant little until God put me thru trials at my church, then it became revelation. They really do not know their own motives.
Back in ‘93, God told me that their is evil in every Christian organization, without exception. Then He began sending many to me that told of their experiences under church leadership. I was dismayed. Then He put me thru a persecution and trial at my church so what I learned would not all be from second-hand. Even after they found out I was innocent, they let their guilty pronouncements on me stay in place. And thru it all, I found out they indeed do not know what they do.
Jesus said we would experience His experiences. I was betrayed by a young man I had taken in to disciple. I was accused of false charges. I was found guilty, and my ministries there were cut off. I was spiritually “crucified.” Later, the young man repented and told the truth. Even so, they let the findings stand. Even tho I had forgiven him, the young man hung himself.
Some just do not know how seriously their deeds are looked at by God. God told me to write a book about what I found going on behind the scenes in churches, and I did.
January 29, 2008 at 9:42 pm
These Charlatans MUST be exposed. They are hiding behind the subjective argument that God sent them. If they are genuine they are genuinely misled. I have been a christian for many years but recently have been reading what most christians call Liberal books. Sometimes we need to see that people are all the same. Give them Power and they will abuse it. very few do not.
Throughout history those who claim to have authority whether it be political or religious have always corrupted and misled people. I refuse to be led by these liers. There is nothing to fear than fear itself. Fear has been used to control people for ions.
I hope we can give each other the open truth and admit to our mistakes.
hugh
hugh_lowe@yahoo.ca
February 11, 2008 at 6:33 pm
I found it more than confusing that durring the period when Richard and Patti split, married students at ORU that were having marital difficulty that resulted in seperation or divorce were asked to leave school. Richard was never pulled off the platform and just moved onward and upward. There has always been a double standard for those who are on the platform and those who sit in the pews.
February 29, 2008 at 10:37 pm
Don’t you think his surname was “Roberts” had something to do with his different treatment?
April 18, 2008 at 10:24 am
My husband and I got married in 1985, we came to Tulsa for our honeymoon. We had a friend who had been treated at the City of Faith hospital for cancer,and my husband was a Res Therapist so we went down there and he ended up getting a job. Our first son was born in the City of Faith. We used to go to the Television show on ORU, I have to say that I read Patti’s book after we moved down there and we were sorry that we did had moved. We got disgusted with the ministry and all of it’s tactics. One day on the television show Lindsay questioned something that the ministry did in relation to money and surprise surprise, she wasn’t on the show the next day,,no explanation given that I can remember. The City of Faith is no longer running. The only thing I can say about our time in Tulsa is that we spent the first 2 years of our marriage away from all family, which made us depend on each other instead of them,,it was good for us. God did many miracles in our lives while we lived there. Patti’s book is very good, I wish that I still had my copy, I would read it again.
April 26, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Why have my comments not been posted?
April 26, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Kathy,Gloria has already expressed your sentiments.However,if you will re-send your comments,I will gladly post them. Gloria Says:
March 7, 2008 at 7:48 am e
Hello Bill,I can tell by looking at your website that you know very little about God,Jesus or the Holy Spirit.I can also tell that you have no respect for many of God’s servants and have no problem with bearing false witness and misinterpreting and spreading idle gossip on your site.You sicken me.You hypocrite! Who do you think you are? With all your degrees you are ignorant. And you think you can teach and answer peoples questions?What a joke you are,but not at all funny.I feel sorry for the poor people who would look to you for advice.Remember that pride goeth before a fall and you are headed right for one,a fall that is. I hope you learn from it and that you remember that you were warned. You are probably too much of a coward to post my comment you viper,I believe that is what Jesus called people like you.
May 13, 2008 at 2:49 am
I am sure no one out there will believe me but as a child i was often taken to ORU and sexually as well as ritually abused……
That place was created by Satan and GOD is not in it…… it is a mind control programing center and oral has been paid well by his Lord, Satan! He is a child molester and Satanist!
I am an eye wittness/victim so I am not baring false wittness against anyone!
June 14, 2008 at 2:36 am
Judy, I think u should see a counselor along with gloria and the other angry lady who posted that nice “christian” message above. Nice.
June 17, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Why should I see a counsler? I have the best of the best, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ..
If not for Him and His mercy i would be dead and the truth of what I know would be dead with me… besides a lot of others out there know what that place is and are speaking out as well!
People who choose not to believe the truth will find it out n the end, all i know is I am alive to speak out and validate the survivors and show them the way to the Savior Jesus Christ so they can be set free and heal from what was done to them there.
Praise GOD I am Free!!!!!!!!!!!!
June 19, 2008 at 2:45 am
Hey Judy:
We all need counselors, that is why we are put together in the church. However, your observations about some of the problems with ORU and the governing family aren’t a pressing reason to do so. On this many others need your counsel.
IN Christ Alone,
Greg
June 20, 2008 at 2:48 am
Thank you much Greg and please keep the victims/survivors in your prayers….
Jesus is their only hope for healing.
In Christ Jesus,
Judy
June 23, 2008 at 3:39 pm
I have had a few friends who have “drunk the kool-aid” of some of these health and wealth guys. They can change their opinions in midstream and still be hailed as prophets, change biblical moral standards and still be left in ministry when any God respecting small church pastor would say that I am in need of time away or possibly entirely disqualified for future ministry.
I will pray for those who have been decieved and abused by these folks.
IN Christ Alone,
Greg
August 18, 2008 at 12:11 am
I called their prayer line one time asking for prayer for a very ill family member. The next thing I knew there was an envelope in the mail with a request for “seed faith” money. When someone I love with all my heart is extremely ill with an undiagnosed illness, I don’t have time to think about money. Now I call their TV show “Pay to Pray” instead of “Hour of Healing.”
August 22, 2008 at 5:45 pm
Pay to pray….. very fitting. Sigh….
A lot of people will have a lot to answer for , hope they have their excuses all ready to be blown apart.
Pray your family member made out ok in spite of the prayer line…
Aren’t you glad that we have a direct line in prayer even when we can not find others to pray with us?
Blessings in Christ Jesus,
Judy
September 6, 2008 at 10:47 pm
I had sent money as seed faith to ORU, but later on I was greatly convinced that
the seed faith has to go the most needed area where a Pastor and his family can
live on $ 50.00/month. God wants His children to be blessed but the theology
of prosperity preaching and the preacher’s lifestyle became totally worldly and
extravagant. These preachers are simply marketing the positive messages of
hope and faith and getting rich faster. As believers in Christ, we must share our
blessings with the body of Christ, and we must do it only after thorough investigation.
September 11, 2008 at 2:15 am
I find it hard to believe what I’m reading. Oral Roberts is a man of God and it’s hard for me to understand how so many false statements are being said about him here.
This is amazing to me that you can’t see all the good that man has done over the years. He was a man God used to heal many many people. I don’t think God would have used him that way if he was the horrible person some of you think he is.
If he is the way you say, then please, put him at the top of your prayer list and pray for him everyday. Isn’t that what the Bible tells us to do?
Let me warn you of somthing. It’s a dangerous thing to speak against one of God’s anointed. Watch what you say. It can bring consequences that you won’t like.
September 11, 2008 at 6:27 am
Ruth,
Give me a break!!
September 11, 2008 at 8:04 pm
hottub,
Touch not the anointed!
September 11, 2008 at 9:14 pm
Poor Oral Roberts recently fell and broke his hip.Guess where he went??To the hospital.Any believer who cannot see that Richard is a fraud defies my imagination.In my humble opinion the “gifts”of healing passed away with the completion of the scriptures.Paul could not heal himself orTrophimus2.Tim.4:20 or Epaphroditus,Phil.2:26-27.
I have seen consecrated christians with terminal cancer thanking God that they were already healed before they died and went to glory.Imagine someone claiming their healing while there nose is bleeding profusely.
So called faith healers like Oral and Richard have destroyed people’s faith while they became rich sucking money out of people who were poor and deluded.Common sense tells us that if we got healed everytime we got sick..we would never die.Somebody would have to shoot us with a double barrled 12 guage shot gun.Read the comments on this blog of people who know the Roberts boys and have seen them in action..and weep with them.
For those who follow the Robert boys heresy,don’t bother to comment on my blog.Just send your money to the fraudulant Roberts boys.Richard needs another swimming pool.
ps/All true believers are God’s anointed
September 16, 2008 at 1:37 pm
I am sorry for all the people who are being decieved by these people….. I have tried to warn people and that is all I can do. Oral Roberts is not God’s annointed. If he is then I guess God condones child rape? I think not! God is my witness to the truth of my testimony. I do not care how much good Oral has suppose to have done. All satanists do good to a certain degree. They believe it balances out things……
Believe whatever you want out there, in the end the truth will out. So do not whine to God when it does that you were not warned…. you were….
And I want to thank all the believers out there who are awake!
God Bless in Christ Jesus,
Judy
October 2, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Swaggart, Hinn, Roberts, Baker……………….ALL are heading to hell if they do not repent and confess. Christians are repeatedly warned in scripture about false prophets and teachers. God gave us (some of us) brains with which to think, eyes with which to see and ears to hear. Those idiots who always quote the scripture about judging neglect to read where the apostle Paul wrote “what, do you not judge even among yourselves?” When you look to crooks, liars, thieves and hypocrites for spiritual guidance you will surely be deceived. You know the quote “there is a sucker born every minute” do you not? Well, these hypocrites who pick your pockets have learned very well how many blind and stupid people there are in this world.
October 7, 2008 at 7:56 pm
A-men my brother!!!
And again I say A-men!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In Christ jesus,
Judy
November 24, 2008 at 1:15 am
I believe in the five fold ministry as listed in Ephesians and it is clearly for today as these ministries are listed to build up the body of Christ until we all come in the unity of the faith and to the full stature of the Christ, not until the Bible is written. The healing gifts also are for today and the gifts are given as the spirit wills as listed in I believe I Corinthians 12. As for the Roberts I know people who worked on their compound and I can vouch that the allegations concerning Lindsay and young men are true. I even met a young man who said he had serviced her. I prayed with him that if that was true that God would expose their hypocrisy and I believe I asked Him to reveal himself to this man. They clearly took their position for granted and lived in luxury while the school went deeper into debt (even though Richard lied and said it was coming out of debt). The biggest mistake the new management made was to give them a severance package and allow Richard a seat on the board. They joined several dorms together and made it one room for their daughter and several other such wastes of money while other students rooms went without much needed repairs. Most people there are glad to be almost rid of them.
November 30, 2008 at 12:04 am
It makes me ill to think of how hard my daughter has to work to finish college and here you have Phoney Baloneys like the Roberts living the life of Kings and Queens.
Back in the early 80s couldnt anyone see how lavishly they lived and how Lindsey
never wore the same million dollar outfit twice on television
In the meantime so many are going without…
March 4, 2009 at 9:25 pm
I watched Patti and Richard on TV many years ago and thought she was so pretty and seemed so genuine, and they seemed so “in love” and the first thing I knew, they were divorcing. I did not watch their program for several years, but did call for prayer and was very inspired. I do believe in healing and am asking for that right now. I watch Richard and Lindsey and have been puzzled by all this talk and really don’t know what to believe in their regard.
March 4, 2009 at 9:26 pm
Thank you very much.
April 25, 2009 at 2:02 am
[...] Patti Roberts,Richard’s First Wife Exposes Heresy of Richard and Oral. [...]
May 18, 2009 at 5:41 am
This message is for Angela Freezor, one of the bloggers on this page, It really doesn’t matter if you believe any of the negative things about Rivhard and Lindsey or not. There was Patti his godly wife. Lindsey had a husband. I remember it all. All of my childhood my dad would send Oral Roberts money even if we did not have food in the house. I also remember as an adult when Richard made the infamous claim that his father would die if a certain amount wasn’t collected in a certain time period.
And what about Cheryl Pruitt Blackwood? She left her christian husband to marry Lindsey’s brother. All done in the name of God. So many make others in the family of God stumble. I believe there will be a day of reckoning and I belief it is going to be tougher on christians that committed these acts than it will heathens that never accepted the Lord. God is not mocked and I think he is fed up with being merchandised. Remember the son of God didn’t even have a place to lay his head.
June 6, 2009 at 6:15 pm
I would not have anything to do with Richard or Oral Roberts. They have always been out for nothing but money. If you want to hear a good pastor, listen to Charles Stanley, He comes on fox at 9 a.m. sundays. Now he is a real christian. Laura Climer
June 20, 2009 at 2:08 am
NEVER suspend critical judgment. God gave it to us for a reason. He wants us to seek the truth. Many are deceived and misleading others because of false teaching. They say we are not to question them, but he Word tells us to “prove all things and hold fast to that which is good.”