| Bill Keller | |
|---|---|
| Born | Dayton, Ohio |
| Occupation | Televangelist |
William Herbert Keller[1] is a television evangelist and the host of Live Prayer.
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Keller was born in Dayton, Ohio, raised in the United Methodist Church, and has identified himself as an evangelical Christian since the age of 12.[1][2] Keller worked through high school to save for his post-secondary education because his father—who had owned a Standard Oil gas station—died when he was only 16.[1] Keller went to Ohio State University for three years with the goal of becoming a Christian minister.[2] While at Ohio State however, Keller began a successful computer sales business.[1] After earning millions of dollars, Keller was convicted of insider trading and spent nearly three years in prison.[2]
During his time in prison, Keller attended Jerry Falwell's Liberty University through its distance learning program. Keller earned a B.S. in General Studies with concentrations in Biblical studies and journalism.[2]
In August 1999 Keller began writing material for a ministry show he planned on starting. The Live Prayer television program debuted in March 2003. Sponsorship of the program fluctuated during the programs run which affected syndication of the show. During most of the shows run, it aired in the Tampa bay market but enjoyed nationwide syndication for a time due to available funds.[2] The show originally aired at midnight EST, but the night-time show was cancelled in August 2007 after the local chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations complained of the anti-Islamic views Keller expressed. Keller was offered the chance to remain with the studio on condition that he cease making anti-Islamic statements. Keller elected to terminate his contract with the studio because he believed the statements were too critical to the overall mission of Live Prayer. After the affair, Live Prayer aired in the mornings for a short time under contract with a different studio. [3] Currently, Live Prayer is broadcasted online through the show's official website.[4][5]
Keller has been on The Howard Stern Show three times. He first appeared on March 1, 2007, for a short appearance where he discussed his history and beliefs. He appeared twice more for two one-hour Live Prayer specials on Howard 101 on March 26, 2007, and April 1, 2007. While on the show he counseled wack packers (including "Jeff the drunk" for whom Bill Keller offered to find work as a carpenter's apprentice),[6][7] and took live phone calls.[8][9] On his last appearance he challenged Rosie O'Donnell to defend her anti-Christian views, specifically her statement that "fundamentalist Christianity is no different from radical Islam". Howard Stern offered to host a debate between the two; however O'Donnell has not replied to his challenge.
Keller was interviewed and featured in the documentary film Article VI: Faith.Politics.America. In the film he is shown saying that he likes Mitt Romney, but that he is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and "following a false theology straight to hell."[10] He also believes Islam is a religion of violence and condemns the Park51 Manhattan project.[11] Perhaps Keller's most infamous anti-Mormon comment, which he made in 2007, was "A vote for Romney is a vote for satan!", in specific reference to Romney's faith as a Latter-day Saint.
Keller used the suicide of Jamie Hubley, a 15 year old gay teenager from Ottawa, to rant about gays.[12][13] The suicide has been widely reported and the teenager was a victim of a systematic bullying campaign.
On March 8, 2004, Keller prophesied that George W. Bush would not be re-elected president due to his perceived lack of support for the State of Israel, among other issues.[14] Keller erroneously predicted the election of Democratic contender John Kerry.[14] Keller reiterated his statements on March 10, denying allegations that he was working for Kerry and discouraging Republicans from voting.[15] Furthermore, Keller wrote that he was willing to be stoned to death should his prediction prove incorrect.[15] Finally, on November 4, Bill Keller admitted his mistake while continuing his assertion that he was willing to be stoned to death.[16]