One of the most common questions I have been asked in my role as a historian and archivist at Oral Roberts University is, “Why the futuristic look of the university?” Some architecture scholars have studied the campus trying to divine its secrets, noting it as a classic example of Mid-Century Modernist style.[1] But where did … Continue reading The Architectural Inspiration for Oral Roberts University
Why You Don’t Have to Worry About the Mark of the Beast
2020 has been a crazy year. In times like these, many Christians look to end times prophecy voices to try to make sense of it. This is illustrated in the shortage of coins in America in July, which has predictably triggered a new wave of speculation that this may be the signs of a new … Continue reading Why You Don’t Have to Worry About the Mark of the Beast
Oral Roberts University vs. Bob Jones University: Two Different Responses in History to Racial Moments
There is an interesting article in Politico that demonstrates how Oral Roberts University's history is different than other conservative Christian universities on racial justice. In the article, Professor Randall Balmer of Dartmouth College notes that one of the galvanizing issues that helped to eventually form the religious right of the 1980s was the debate over … Continue reading Oral Roberts University vs. Bob Jones University: Two Different Responses in History to Racial Moments
Bishop Travis B. Sipuel: A Pentecostal Survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre
During my research on the history of the Pentecostal movement in Tulsa, I discovered the story of a Church of God in Christ pastor, Bishop Travis B. Sipuel, who survived the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. His story we know because of his daughter Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher, the famous Oklahoma Civil Rights leader. This is … Continue reading Bishop Travis B. Sipuel: A Pentecostal Survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre
Oral Roberts: The (almost) Missionary to Palestine
Oral Roberts has a famous life story. In fact, he rehearsed this story over and over in his preaching and in his five autobiographies. But there is one story that has never been told. Oral Roberts was almost a missionary to Palestine. Oral Roberts was ordained in the Pentecostal Holiness Church by Bishop Dan T. … Continue reading Oral Roberts: The (almost) Missionary to Palestine
Aimee Semple McPherson and the Spanish Influenza In Tulsa
In conducting my earlier research on Pentecostals and the Spanish Flu in 1918-1919 (that has since gone viral around the world through Influence Magazine ), I had wondered if there was anything about the epidemic tied to Tulsa. At that point, my searches had come up empty. However, I decided to look back on some … Continue reading Aimee Semple McPherson and the Spanish Influenza In Tulsa
How Pentecostals Responded to the 1918 Spanish Influenza Pandemic
(Note: This blog was also published in Influence Magazine and can be viewed on their website https://influencemagazine.com) Hear a podcast about this topic with Steve Strang of Charisma Magazine. Right now the whole world is feeling the effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic. It seems like every institution in our society is closing down to protect … Continue reading How Pentecostals Responded to the 1918 Spanish Influenza Pandemic
The Origin, Development, and Future of Assemblies of God Eschatology: A PhD Thesis
Last May I completed a my journey through my PhD program. For 10 years I have immersed myself in the world of Assemblies of God history and doctrine in order to produce the first comprehensive study of AG eschatology that looks at 100 years of official, popular and scholarly expressions of the AG's position on … Continue reading The Origin, Development, and Future of Assemblies of God Eschatology: A PhD Thesis
Interview on the Deborah Sweetin Show
A few weeks back I was invited to be on the Deborah Sweetin Show, which airs on KGEB. It was a delight. Deborah is a very gracious host and a skilled interviewer. We talked about ORU, the healing movement, and some of the treasures in the Holy Spirit Research Center. I am grateful to Deborah … Continue reading Interview on the Deborah Sweetin Show
Reclaiming Racial Spaces in Tulsa: Oral Roberts and Beno Hall
In the aftermath of the 1921 Race Massacre in Tulsa, many of the residential areas surrounding the Greenwood District were still in ruins. Into one of those spaces, the Tulsa KKK built a giant white building in 1923 at 501 N Main called Beno Hall. The new building that housed the 3,000 member klavern served … Continue reading Reclaiming Racial Spaces in Tulsa: Oral Roberts and Beno Hall
