Many people want to know when did Carlton Pearson die. He was an important preacher who changed his views and faced a lot of trouble for it. Carlton Pearson passed away on November 19, 2023, after fighting cancer.
This blog will tell you about his life, what he believed, and how others reacted.
We will look at everything from his start in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to the big church he built. You’ll learn why some people didn’t like his ideas and how this affected him. Keep reading to find out more about this interesting man’s journey.
It’s quite a story!
When Did Carlton Pearson Die?
Carlton Pearson passed away on November 19, 2023. He fought a tough battle with cancer before his death.
Date and circumstances of his passing
Carlton Pearson passed away on November 19, 2023. He was 70 years old. His fight with cancer was short but tough. He had shared in August that he had prostate and bladder cancer. Before this, he fought cancer for 20 years.
Pearson died at night, with his family around him in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Will Bogle, his agent, told people about his death.
The news came out through a post on his Facebook page. This marks the end of a chapter for the man who founded Higher Dimensions and taught about universal salvation.
Carlton Pearson’s Early Life and Ministry
Carlton Pearson‘s journey started in San Diego, California. He grew a big church named Higher Dimensions Evangelistic Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This place became a home for many seeking faith and guidance.
Explore how this young man became a leading voice in the community.
Founding of Higher Dimensions Evangelistic Center
In 1981, Gary McIntosh and a pastor started Higher Dimensions Evangelistic Center. Their first meeting was in Jenks, Oklahoma, with 75 people coming. This church later became a big family with more than 5,000 members.
It stood out because people from different races joined together there.
The center started small but grew quickly. People liked its messages and the way it brought folks together. Over time, it became very important in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The church showed how love and faith could connect many different people as one big group.
The Gospel of Inclusion and Controversy
Carlton Pearson took a bold step. He started teaching the Gospel of Inclusion. This belief says everyone is saved, no matter their faith or actions. It sparked big debates in the Christian world.
People from many churches talked about it, including those from the Pentecostal and Methodist communities. Some called his ideas fresh and brave; others labeled them wrong and dangerous.
His shift touched deep roots—faith, salvation, heaven, and hell were all questioned. This change cost him friends and followers but also won him new supporters across different faiths, even reaching those outside traditional church circles like gay rights advocates and universalists interested in a more inclusive Christianity.
His shift in theology and its impact
Pearson’s new way of thinking, known as the Gospel of Inclusion, changed many things. He began saying that everyone is saved, not just some people. This idea made a big difference in how others saw him and his church.
Oral Roberts University and the Oral Roberts Evangelistic Association, where he once had strong ties, no longer supported him because of these views.
This change also led to his Higher Dimensions Church closing down. It later joined with All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa. Many called Pearson’s ideas wrong and left his church. But at the same time, this shift opened doors for him to talk at places that welcomed different thoughts on faith, like All Souls Unitarian Church.
His last sermon was in September 2008 after many years of sharing his beliefs with others.
Media and Cultural Legacy
Carlton Pearson’s story reached many through movies and radio. Netflix’s “Come Sunday” brought his life to screens, starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, while programs like “This American Life” shared his journey with listeners everywhere.
Netflix’s “Come Sunday”
Netflix made a movie called “Come Sunday” in 2018. It shows the life of Bishop Carlton Pearson and how his beliefs changed. The story comes from a “This American Life” episode from 2005.
People saw it first at the Sundance Film Festival.
The movie stars Chiwetel Ejiofor as Pearson. It tells about his tough times after he started preaching the Gospel of Inclusion. Martin Sheen, Danny Glover, and Lakeith Stanfield also act in it.
This film takes a close look at what happened to Pearson and how it affected those around him.
Health Battles and Final Days
Carlton Pearson fought hard against cancer before his final days. For more insights, keep reading.
His fight with cancer
He fought cancer for 20 years. It was a hard battle with prostate and bladder cancer. In August 2023, doctors told him the news. He then spent his final days in hospice care, finding peace at night on November 19, 2023.
His wife and family stood by him during this time. They saw how strong he stayed through it all. After dealing with cancer, Pearson showed courage until the end.
Next, we look into his personal life and family details.
Personal Life and Family
Carlton Pearson married Gina Marie Gauthier in 1993. They have two children together, a son and a daughter.
Who is Carlton Pearson married to now?
Carlton Pearson is not married now. His former wife was Gina Marie Gauthier. They are no longer together. He has two kids, Prince Julian Pearson and Majeste Amour Pearson. They are a big part of his life today.
Remembering His Legacy
Carlton Pearson left a mark on modern faith. His ideas changed how some people see God and each other.
Influence on modern Christianity
Carlton Pearson’s ideas changed how some people see Christianity today. His Gospel of Inclusion said that God loves everyone, no matter what. This idea was big because it included gay rights and made many question their beliefs.
He wrote books like “The Gospel of Inclusion” that spread his thoughts far.
He also talked to U.S. Presidents and leaders around the world about his ideas. In 2007, he pushed for laws to protect LGBTQ+ people. His words made a big impact on religion and politics.
Now, let’s look at tributes and memorial services for him.
Tributes and Memorial Services
Tributes and memorial events showed how much people valued Carlton Pearson’s work. These acts of honor came from friends, followers, and churches. They spoke, sang, and shared stories about how he touched their lives.
For more insights into his impact and legacy, keep reading.
Public and community responses
People came together to honor Carlton Pearson. They held visitations on November 29 and 30, 2023. After that, they had an Interfaith Celebration of Life. Also, there was a Musical Celebration of Life on the same day.
The Episcopal Celebration of Life happened on December 1, 2023. Many saw him as a key figure in modern Christianity for his gospel of inclusion views.
Fans and followers shared their feelings too. Some spoke at the services while others sent messages from far away places. His impact was clear through the diverse group that gathered to remember him.
Musicians played songs that reflected his love for gospel music at these events. This showed how much people respected him and his work within the community and beyond.
Takeaways
Carlton Pearson passed away on November 19, 2023. He changed how many think about faith. His message of love reached beyond church walls. Carlton’s story shows us that asking tough questions can lead to new truths.
The film “Come Sunday” shares his journey with the world. We can learn from his courage to stand firm in what he believed was right—even when it was hard. Let his legacy inspire us to live with such bravery and openness in our own beliefs and actions.
