SUPER FUNNY UPDATE ON JOEL OSTEEN: Check out Joel Osteen’s super scammy books he sells on Amazon (24!!!) including his self help BS book
and his hilarious book on “Wise Choices”. If only he’d follow his own advice!
LOL! For all you Joel Osteen fanboys – remember he just cynically feeds on you to make money so he can live his fancy lifestyle. He couldn’t care less about you in reality.
Popular televangelist preacher Joel Osteen has been named the “Most Influential Christian in America” in 2006 by the Church Report, was one of
Barbara Walters, “10 Most Fascinating People of 2006 and operates an extraordinarily profitable religious scam operation that probably will one day end in scandal.
So who is this guy who has appeared on 60 Minutes, Larry King Live and has his own television shows?
Who is this guy who thinks he can share the mighty name of Joel?
Joel Osteen has not yet had major sex scandals, drug scandals or molestation scandals like the other megachurch pastors: Pat Robertson, Al Sharpton, Ted Haggard, Paul Barnes, D.E. (Earl) Paulk, Jimmy Swaggert, Jim Bakker, William Dodd and too many others to possibly mention here. What Joel Osteen DOESN’T do is the real question.
In his sermons, Joel Osteen does not talk about God. Joel Osteen instead talks about almost everything except God. He has a television ministry, a massive church, $43 million a year in tithes and another $36 million a year in mailed in donations, but he won’t talk about God. He, like Pastor Kevin Gerald, talks about more pleasant topics, such as donating money to him and positive thinking. He has written two books, the second of which sold 3 million copies, but his books don’t really talk about God either. It’s just his bland and boring advice on how to live a happy life that has been thought of by other people first, “Think positively about yourself” and other such drivel.
What does Joel Osteen say when people ask him about why he does not discuss God or Jesus Christ or sin or what you need to do to go to Heaven? “That’s not my gift.” What are you doing being a freaking megachurch pastor then, bonehead?!
If you are going to try to operate a religious scam, at least make it religious! I actually think that Joel Osteen operating a secular “Christian” church is more of a scandal than Ted Haggard and his transsexual prostitutes and meth! (Though not nearly as funny of a scandal).
Joel Osteen didn’t even found his megachurch; instead the business was handed down to him by his father. When Joel Osteen became the head pastor of his church, he had only preached ONE sermon in his entire life- and that was the week before. Joel Osteen does not have any training in the Bible (seminary, degrees, etc.), which is probably why he doesn’t want to talk about it much.
My loyal readers have pointed out to me many times that the ridiculous actions of leaders in religion do not invalidate their beliefs. They are absolutely correct on this. However, there has never been anything that VALIDATES their beliefs either. The Flying Spaghetti Monster has the same amount of evidence on his side as most other gods. Here is another question I put to you: Please find me a single megachurch pastor who is NOT a scam-running, meth-eating, prostitute-abusing criminal. Anyone?
Update March 3, 2008 on JOEL OSTEEN:
Many people have been discussing Joel Osteen in the comments and making statements about his beliefs, behavior and preaching methods that show a distinct lack of understanding of his profit driven motives. Below I have added a video of Joel Osteen on Larry King Live where he dances around the core question of the Christian faith: What does it take to get to heaven? Joel Osteen hems and haws and won’t even say that people of different religions won’t make it to heaven.
The partial transcript for Joel Osteen’s interview with Larry King is below. I have basically pulled out the most pertinent excerpts to the point I have tried to make on televangelist Joel Osteen.
Televangelist Joel Osteen Discusses Christianity with Larry King
First is Larry King’s impressive introduction of Joel Osteen:
LARRY KING, CNN HOST: Tonight, Joel Osteen, evangelism’s hottest rising star, pastor for the biggest congregation in the United States… Pastor Joel Osteen is here for the hour…. Joel Osteen is the author of the number one “New York Times” best-seller, “Your Best Life Now.” There you see its cover. “Seven Steps to Living at Your Full Potential.” There is now a compendium been published called “Your Best Life Now Journal,” a guide to reaching that full potential. Joel Osteen is pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. His father before him. He has been called the smiling preacher.
Larry King knows Joel Osteen Ministries is huge and tries to play nice with him throughout the interview.
KING: Why are you a preacher?
JOEL OSTEEN: You know, I never was for 17 years. I worked with my dad there at the church. He tried to get me to minister. I didn’t have it in me. I worked behind the scenes. I loved doing production and things. But when my father died, I just knew — I don’t know how to explain it, it sounds kind of odd, but I just knew down to here I was supposed to step up to the plate and pastor the church. And it was odd because I had never preached before. But I just knew I was supposed to do it.
Hmmm… either God gave him the “calling” or he was scared of losing his father’s multi-million dollar preaching business.
KING: But don’t you think if people don’t believe as you believe, they’re somehow condemned?
JOEL OSTEEN: You know, I think that happens in our society. But I try not to do that. I tell people all the time, preached a couple Sundays about it. I’m for everybody. You may not agree with me, but to me it’s not my job to try to straighten everybody out. The Gospel called the good news. My message is a message of hope, that’s God’s for you. You can live a good life no matter what’s happened to you. And so I don’t know. I know there is condemnation but I don’t feel that’s my place.
Joel Osteen comes right out and says that he will refuse to condemn sinners. He is too afraid, it’s not his place, he just wants to spew bland niceties… hmmm.
LARRY KING: Where were you ordained? OSTEEN: I was ordained from the church there, Lakewood, under my dad’s ministry.
LARRY KING: So you didn’t go to seminary?
JOEL OSTEEN: No, sir, I didn’t.
LARRY KING: They can just make you a minister?
JOEL OSTEEN: You can, you can.
Wow. Joel Osteen never even attended Bible school or classes for future preachers. No wonder he is so clueless about Biblical theology.
LARRY KING: Is it hard to lead a Christian life?
JOEL OSTEEN: I don’t think it’s that hard. To me it’s fun. We have joy and happiness. Our family — I don’t feel like that at all. I’m not trying to follow a set of rules and stuff. I’m just living my life.
LARRY KING: But you have rules, don’t you?
JOEL OSTEEN: We do have rules. But the main rule to me is to honor God with your life. To life a life of integrity. Not be selfish. You know, help others. But that’s really the essence of the Christian faith.
Of course its not hard for Joel Osteen to lead a Christian life. BECAUSE HE’S NOT!!!
LARRY KING: What if you’re Jewish or Muslim, you don’t accept Christ at all?
JOEL OSTEEN: You know, I’m very careful about saying who would and wouldn’t go to heaven. I don’t know …
LARRY KING: If you believe you have to believe in Christ? They’re wrong, aren’t they?
JOEL OSTEEN: Well, I don’t know if I believe they’re wrong. I believe here’s what the Bible teaches and from the Christian faith this is what I believe. But I just think that only God with judge a person’s heart. I spent a lot of time in India with my father. I don’t know all about their religion. But I know they love God. And I don’t know. I’ve seen their sincerity. So I don’t know. I know for me, and what the Bible teaches, I want to have a relationship with Jesus.
The last exchange between Larry King and Joel Osteen hits the nail on the head of everything that is wrong with the Joel Osteen Ministry. All it is is fluff. He can’t even defend the single core belief of Christianity- that a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is a requirement to gain access to Heaven.
Below is more Joel Osteen preaching videos. Joel Osteen preaches on cheesy, transparent topics that have nothing to do with the Bible. He twists scripture around to serve his own purposes of mass produced drivel. My question to Joel Osteen is where in the Bible does it say Christians have a “right to total victory” over physical pain, financial problems and other issues? Did he completely miss the book of Job or the trials and tribulations that the early Christians had to suffer under the Romans? I don’t think that Joel Osteen has ever even read the Bible.
DO NOT LET JOEL OSTEEN CONTINUE TO GET AWAY WITH HIS BIBLE-CONTRADICTING, POLITICALLY CORRECT AND PROFIT SEEKING DRIVEL! JOEL OSTEEN’S SCANDAL IS OUTRAGEOUS!
Jesus once went into a temple and threw out currency traders and salespeople…. WHO WILL THROW THE SCANDAL CREATING JOEL OSTEEN OUT OF GOD’S ASTRODOME TEMPLE?
Further discussion: Joel Osteen megachurch building – Joel Osteen paid the city of Houston $90,000,000 to remodel the former home of NBA team Houston Rockets and an additional $14,000,000 to lease the building for 30 years. Preacher Joel Osteen’s megachurch does not even own the building! Pastor Joel Osteen doesn’t care though- he’ll be dead by then and this church is all about him. The most interesting thing about the new church is that there is not a SINGLE cross in the whole building! Want to know why? Joel Osteen says that he wants to remove all “stumbling blocks” from the way of people coming to his church and being comfortable. Since when has Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross been a STUMBLING BLOCK for faith?! The scandal here is that the Joel Osteen is doing and saying blasphemous things… and no one is calling him out on it. The pastor of the largest church in America won’t even follow the basic tenets of Christianity!
Visit the Prayer Helpers site here to buy prayers for sale.
Joel Osteen is unable to even keep his own family under control. Pastor Joel Olsteen’s wife, Victoria Osteen, has been fined $3,000 and is being sued for assaulting a flight attendant on her first-class trip to the playground of the rich and famous Vail, Colorado.
Bible Verses that Condemn Megachurch Pastor Joel Osteen
I have had quite a few people post in the comments asking what does it really matter what Joel Osteen believes if he’s helping people? If Joel Osteen teaches nice things, isn’t it okay for him to be a Christian pastor? I understand that my opinions of right and wrong should not sway you, but I ask you to consider what the Bible says on the matter. First, let’s take the Bible verses that are the standard definition of who is a Christian:
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NIV)
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 (NIV)
For the wages of sin is death. Romans 6:23 (NIV)
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faithand this not from yourselves, it is the gift of Godnot by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)
To summarize, the only way to be saved and go to heaven is by the grace of Jesus and by faith in God. These are the basic verses that every Christian who has accepted Christ knows. Now for the verses that clearly state that only Christians who believe the above will go to Heaven:
-John 3:3: no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.
-John 3:15: everyone who believes in him [Jesus] may have eternal life.
-John 3:18: whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of Gods one and only Son.
-John 14:6: Jesus answered: No one comes to the Father except through me
-Acts 3:23: And it shall be, that every soul that shall not hearken to that prophet, shall be utterly destroyed from among the people. (ASV)
-Acts 4:12: Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved
-Romans 10:9: Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved
-Hebrews 9:28: he [Christ] will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him
-1 John 5:12: he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
The nine quoted verses above clearly state that only Christians can go to Heaven. Now, if Joel Osteen truly believed and was a pastor of a Bible-based church, would he preach a false message of hope to people? Joel Osteen is essentially subverting the word of God, which motivated me to write this post. I am not sure why Joel would do this, but my postulation (as above) is that he is doing it for financial gain. Joel Osteens father was a pastor and he has been a pastor for a long time now and he should know better than most people the MOST basic tenets of Christianity. Ignorance is an excuse for new Christians (as long as they work at it), but not for a shepherd of the flock.
Do you know what the Bible says about false teachers like Joel Osteen?
-2 Timothy 4:3,4 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth , and be turned aside to fables.
-Matthew 7:15,16 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheeps clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.
-Acts 20:29-31 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves . Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.
-2 Peter 2:1 But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
-2 Peter 3:16,17 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked;
-Colossians 2:8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.
-Hebrews 13:9 Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them.
The Bible is very, very harsh in its condemnation of people who change, twist or leave out parts of its doctrine. False leaders (Joel Osteen), to me, are more disgusting than someone who is a hypocrite (Ted Haggard).
For more information on mega church pastor Joel Osteen you can search Google with the terms joelosteen.com or joel osteen.com to find the man’s website. You could also use terms such as Joel Osteen Website or Joel Osteen Lakewood Church for other sorts of information on him.
Why do I care what Joel Osteen does or doesnt do in his church, especially seeing that I am not religious? People who are cheats, fakes, and phonies really bother me. I have written quite a few other posts on various community leaders who lead people astray for their own personal gain. My tax dollars go to support Joel Osteen (every church in America is exempt from taxes, but Joel Osteen is making millions tax-free teaching his Prosperity Message when he is basically just another self-help guru). I also am very wary of megachurch pastors (I used to attend one and have seen many on television)- they often seem to be some of the craziest people (Jim Jones-Want some Kool Aid?)
I’d like to see Jesus and Mary Magdalene holding hands and walking on water across the Ohio river.
Joel Osteen is a New Age minister. I saw one of his sermons today. He mentioned that one should not gossip or find fault with others – and uses Biblical verses to back it up. What he was explaining was Karma (what goes around, comes around). I doubt he will come out of the closet on this as it would most definitely be the end of his ministry. He is a “New Age”, “Law Of Attraction”, “The Secret” believer who puts on the cloak of Christianity. I don’t think he means any harm in this. It is his way of getting the message out in a palatable form.
In his books Joel Osteen tells us to love others unconditionally.
No thanks Joel, I’m not an animal.
Does God love us unconditionally Joel?
Then why did Jesus tell us there is a Place called hell for bad people?
Geeezzz! Why do people believe his stupid bullshit?
“let the Holy spirit abide; Let your soul come alive”
The Holy Spirit abiding in you will make judgments and point out the faults and the misgivings of the false preacher just as the Holy Spirit in Jesus pointed out the faults and the misgivings of those around him when he walked on earth during his earthly ministry.
The Holy Spirit called the money changers at the Temple snakes.
The Holy Spirit called those who accused Jesus of working on the sabbath hypocrits.
The Holy Spirit called the Canaanite woman a dog when she ask Jesus to expel the demon from her daughter.
The Holy Spirit called the false preachers wolves in sheeps clothing.
The Holy Spirit said that it would be better for those who scandalize and teach heresy if a millstone be tied about their neck and they be thrown into the sea.
The Holy Spirit said it would be better for for people like Judas who betrayed Jesus if they never would have been born.
“Judge not lest you be Judged” Let the Holy Spirit abiding in you make the judgements for you.
The Holy Spirit will bring remembrance to all the things that Jesus said. Jn.14:26
Why do the bloggers on this website say it’s wrong for the Holy Spirit to make Judgements about those whose teachings contradict the teachings of our one and only teacher of God’s law; Jesus Christ? Duhhh!
I wonder if Joel realizes what a NEGATIVE effect it will have on the USA when he’s seen time and time again in the company of oprah? She states LOUD and clear who she supports…..obama
So that makes it look like Joel supports obama too! He needs to distance himself from her unless he agrees with her…and he may very agree with her, which would be SOOOO sad!
Most all religions are a snare and a racket and should be taxed on their gross donations…….Owl
I handle estates, and recently a clients family became homeloess due a bad apartment with mold, which the city of chula vista california, code supervisor perjured himself on the stand claiming there wasnt any mold, even though we have the official report where the owners admitted to have prior knowledge, the owners are a church, and this supervisor a member of this same church, then when the clients daughter went to her mothers church for help, the pastors assistant said to go to a mega church for help that they do not help, and this assistant said she could cold not explain where does the help donations are distributed for help this church is, then the 7th day adventist church pastor of chula vista said that she should go to the other church. Also after further investigation a rep from the maryland headquarters told our paralegal that the pastors have funds to help since the main office has a fund to help fix windows and other items in the churchs as did not know what the pastors are claiming that they have no way to fix a allege broken window. Sadly the trust towards churchs have fallen on a low level due to these acts by pastors from the 7th day adventist church and others when others did start out with actually helping people. Our office is handling the estate of this poor womens mother as fast as we can so they will have a home since the church seems to be caring about money. In fact when you call their sandy hrruicane donation line for the 7th day church, the persons akeing donations do not know where for victims to go. We are sad to report this about a church, but these pastors in chula vista and san diego seem to be frauds.
You sir are an idiot. What the heck is wrong with you. Only an idot could listen to Joel Olsteen and gleen what you have gleened. He is a very talented leader and speaker. I have been inspired to live for God in ways I hadn’t previously thought of. I can’t wait to join his church! I also think you are an idiot because you think a pastor is suposed not be wealthy. If a pastor practices what he preches, HE SHOULD BE RICH!!!!! YOU IDIOT!!
Not a big fan of Osteen or any TV preacher. I do think, however, his message is closer to what real christians (small case intentional) should be about. The bible is so full of contradiction and gibberish as to not be taken seriously by any thinking person. If there is a god he gave you a brain. For the love of Pete, use it!
Joel Osteen is a heretic. all televangelist are bound to hell. Joel Houston and Joel Osteen are an apostate. BEWARE.
A message of hope and peace in todays world is a refreshing breath of life. Finding fault and picking apart others seems far from the true meaning of Christ’s message. Jesus spoke of hope and good things, was he a false one also? Forgiveness and love were and are central to the greatest commandment..to love one another. Jesus came that we would have the spirit of god and be saved from the Law. Don’t be so quick to with yr charges Mr Gross. The priests of the “recognized church” did the same to Jesus and then looked to Ceaser to do what they were too much of cowards to do themselves because they would stay “clean” according to the Law. The gift of love is living in the spirit of the Law and not in the absolute implementation of it. I am sure in your versus that you know the one about noone is guitless or will be saved by the Law. Please forgive errors in spelling, I may be “blinded”. Hold all things up to the light of truth and look with eyes of love and you will see God’s word.
Every religion has its riches. Has anyone bothered to look at at all of the jewels and riches that The Catholic Pope has? Oh and how did the Catholic church get those!? Some of you may not want to hear the answer to that. What I am saying is how you use what you have is what is important. Joel has brought alot of people closer to God. He does mention God in his sermons. I think that is what God would like to see is that he is indeed bringing people closer to God. There has not nor will there be not one religion without fault. It is the end results that we need to focus on.
Google, near death experiences, if you do this, you are makin you’re making a huge mistake judging Joel Olsteen. Joel has brought millions of people to the lord jesus. If you google, near death experiences, you will see that jesus requires all if us to work for him in one way or another. I never heard one word about education.
I am 79 years old, and was raised in the Catholic church.– which I got away from early in life since I do not believe in many of their teachings. I have tried for years to find a church and pastor that I can relate believe in and relate to. Many preachers are “downers’, they play on people’s guilt— saying “you are going to die!!!! Get right with God!!!! All fire and brimstone- – who doesn’t know that they are going to die, this isn’t something that has to be taught!!!! – according to them, the only way to be saved is to send in your donation. (the more you send, the more we will pray for you). People should be taught to LIVE, and do good deeds. not be riddled with guilt and sorrow. I have actually left sermons with a heavy heart— depressed and thinking “what’s it all worth”? Now I have found Joel Osteen— Glory to God!! Regardless of what Larry King thinks, Joel has a good heart, and he gives very uplifting sermons. You leave his sermon feeling good about yourself and others, and that is the real teaching of God and Jesus. Through Joel’s sermons I have changed a lot of my attitudes, have learned to cope with a lot past hurts and griefs, and to live a calmer and more satisfying life. I look forward to his sermons on the TV. and will watch him every chance I get. Would like to some day meet him in person and thank him for changing my life.
I lived in Houston Texas right before they moved to their megachurch. There was a tropical storm called Allison this storm had 80% of Houston under around 6 to 10 feet of water. My sister lost everything including her identification card. It just floated out. We took her and her kids to Joel Olsteen’s church and asked for help a can of beans a package or noodles something to help my sister and her 3 kids. They were turned away and the reason was you don’t have ID! Hundreds of thousands were affected yet a multi million dollar maybe even billion dollar church turned a 4,5, and 6 year old away that had not eaten in days. You know they will meet god one day and that evil lady and Joel Olsteen will NEVER go through those gates of glory. They will be shipped on the elevator to HELL.
To the author of this article. I think was really angers you is the fact you have nothing factual to prove this man is evil. I would assume you have no relationship with God. It is easy to take.pen and paper and write verses. There must be over seven million idiots out there. We are the idiots and you have all the answers …what you say is the truth. Fear prompts people to do and say negative things. Maybe you need to be “positive”.
I think a compromised gospel is a weak gospel. My husband is a Pastor and we most definitely mention Jesus in every sermon. The bible does say that we don’t have to suffer poverty and disease. It says so in several scriptures. He was wounded for our transgressions… does that ring a bell. How about I wish above all that you prosper and be in health even as your soul doth prosper? Maybe this one will suffice: Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest, take my yoke upon you and learn of me for I am meek and lowly in heart. my yoke is easy and my burdens are light. Job did not have a ressurected Messiah, but we do. He says he grants us to sit with him in his throne. It goes on to say we are seated with him in heavenly places. The Joel Osteen and teleescandalism stuff I totally agree with you on that. Jesus says are hireling does not care about his flock and will leave them because he has nothing in them. Jesus called himself the good shepherd. A good shepherd preaches the truth and the truth makes the people free. Finally brother these signs shall follow them that believe in my name they will cast out devils, they will lay hands on the sick and they shall recover, they will speak in unknown tongues. Has Joel done any of that lately?
So, you mean to tell me that there is something wrong with giving people hope, faith and some encouragement. I don’t know what you’re listrening to, but in EVERY sermon, I hear Pastor Joel speaking about God’s love, mercy and grace!!! Every one! How dare you say otherwise!!! My loife has been difficult, and my relationship with Jesus Christ had been on a slppery-slope. When I hear Pastor Joel speak of Jesus, I am strengthened in many ways to strive harder, believe in myself and work towards a better life. With Jesus in my life and in my heart and Pastor Joel reminding me how much I am loved, no matter what, well, what’s wrong with that? It is not false hope! It is God’s grace and mercy speaking thru someone who believes as many do.
It grieves me that you have such a shallow and callous opinion about Pastor Joel . People don’t necesarily have to go to Seminar to preach the Gospel. Read up on your facts before you start spewing your hatered and nonsense!
I’m a hindu, and I listen to him because he shares lot of positve motivation to boost your life. Just listen to the positive words, and ignore the rest. I must say that lot of his theory is based on Bible+Dale Carnegie.