Scamfluencers: ENCORE - Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker: The God Fraud | Part 2

Hosts: Sachi Cole and Sarah Haggie
Release Date: December 31, 2024

Introduction: The Aftermath of Scandal

In this compelling second part of "The God Fraud," hosts Sachi Cole and Sarah Haggie delve deeper into the tumultuous lives of Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker following their downfall. This episode meticulously traces their attempts at redemption, personal transformations, and the enduring impact of their actions on their followers and themselves.

Jim Bakker's Conviction: A Turning Point

The episode opens on October 5, 1989, in Charlotte, North Carolina, marking the conclusion of Jim Bakker's highly publicized trial. After enduring two months of delays and turbulent weather, the jury delivers a unanimous guilty verdict on all 24 counts of mail fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy. Sachi narrates:

"Jim holds Tammy's hand as they walk through the crowd... [02:23]... After the verdict is delivered, Tammy Faye steps up to a bank of microphones... [04:02]"

Jim's unwavering declaration of innocence is highlighted:

Jim Bakker (04:32): "I went into the courtroom innocent of the charges against me, and I come out today still innocent of the charges against me. My faith is in God, and Romans 8:28 says that all things work together for good."

Despite his claims, the court imposes a hefty fine of half a million dollars and a 45-year federal prison sentence, a decision delivered harshly by Judge Robert Potter, known as "Maximum Bob" for his stringent sentencing.

Tammy Faye's Public Struggles and New Beginnings

Following Jim's conviction, Tammy Faye grapples with the collapse of their once-thriving ministry and personal life. In March 1992, she publicly announces her divorce from Jim, citing severe health issues exacerbated by stress:

Tammy Faye (10:34): "For years I have been pretending that everything is all right, when in fact I hurt all the time..."

Tammy quickly moves forward, marrying Kansas construction magnate Roe Mesner in 1993. However, her second marriage is short-lived when Roe is convicted of bankruptcy fraud just two years later, mirroring the legal troubles of her first husband.

Determined to redefine herself, Tammy Faye ventures into mainstream entertainment. In late 1995, she launches "The Jim Jay and Tammy Faye Show" on Fox alongside sitcom star Jim J. Bullock. This marked her shift from conservative Christianity to a more progressive, compassionate persona, advocating for marginalized communities during the AIDS crisis.

Jim Bakker's Appeal and Second Marriage

While Tammy Faye rebuilds her life, Jim Bakker pursues an appeal against his conviction. Securing high-profile attorney Alan Dershowitz proves pivotal, leading to the overturning of his 45-year sentence in February 1991 due to perceived judicial bias. Jim’s reduced sentence of 18 years opens the door for potential parole within four years.

In a strategic move to rehabilitate his image, Jim marries Lori Graham in 1998, a Pentecostal woman with her own redemption narrative. Together, they relocate to North Carolina, plotting Jim's return to the Christian spotlight. Their partnership and new marriage symbolize Jim's relentless pursuit of power and influence.

Reestablishing Legacy: Studio City Cafe and Morningside

With the support of wealthy benefactor Jerry Crawford, Jim relocates to Branson, Missouri, in 2003, inaugurating the "Jim Bakker Show" from Studio City Cafe. This revival mirrors his PTL Club days but introduces a more commercialized approach, resembling a QVC-style format with constant product promotions.

By 2008, Jim and Lori expand their operations, establishing "Morningside," a sprawling 600-acre compound near Arkansas. This ambitious project includes a lavish home, TV studio, and a theme park styled as an indoor city, complete with a "Grace Chapel" centerpiece. Morningside represents Jim's ultimate attempt to regain control and influence within the evangelical community, albeit with dark undertones of doomsday prepping.

Commercial Exploits and Continued Controversies

Jim and Lori's enterprise thrives on selling overpriced disaster kits and freeze-dried meals, capitalizing on fears of impending catastrophes. Despite legal challenges, including FDA and FTC warnings, and state lawsuits resulting in substantial fines, they persist in their sales tactics, perpetuating their scamfluencer status.

Sarah Haggie (28:37): "She says, what if California falls into the ocean?... I mean, valid questions."

Their products, often ridiculed for their quality, exemplify the unethical practices that define scamfluencers—exploiting followers' fears for financial gain.

Tammy Faye's Continued Influence and Untimely Demise

Tammy Faye's influence persists as she becomes a beloved queer icon, appearing on various television shows and solidifying her legacy as a compassionate figure within the LGBTQ+ community. However, her health takes a severe downturn:

Sarah Haggie (23:58): "I feel like Tammy's role on the show was kind of a strange woman from another world."

In 1996, Tammy's battle with colon cancer leads to surgery and the publication of her memoir, "Tammy Telling it My Way." Despite a brief resurgence, her cancer returns, metastasizing to her lungs, culminating in her death at age 65. Her passing marks the end of an era, leaving behind a complex legacy of redemption and exploitation.

Final Reflections: The Enduring Legacy of Scamfluencers

In their concluding discussion, Cole and Haggie reflect on the mechanisms of religious scams, noting their repetitive patterns and the charisma that enables their manipulation. They ponder the stark contrasts between Jim and Tammy Faye’s paths—one entrenched in deceit, the other striving for genuine reinvention despite her complicity.

Sachi Cole (38:30): "Doesn't it feel right for scamfluencer as hell that Jim is still alive and Tammy is not here?"

Their conversation underscores the moral complexities and the enduring fascination with figures like Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, who navigate the thin line between influence and exploitation.

Notable Quotes

• Jim Bakker (04:32): "My faith is in God, and Romans 8:28 says that all things work together for good."

• Sarah Haggie (28:37): "What if California falls into the ocean? ... I do want to be a realist."

• Jim Bakker (30:53): "Day and spinach and blueberry and strawberries."

Conclusion

"Scamfluencers: The God Fraud | Part 2" offers a thorough exploration of Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker's post-scandal lives, highlighting their relentless pursuit of redemption and influence. Through engaging storytelling and critical analysis, Cole and Haggie present a nuanced portrait of two individuals whose legacies continue to evoke both fascination and disdain.

Listen to Scamfluencers on the Wondery App or your preferred podcast platform to uncover more stories of deception and influence in the modern world.