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 think people are craving God and good in their lives. I believe Joel Osteen is speaking a positive and encouraging message in hopes of bringing out the best in people. I also strongly believe that God is all of our biggest cheerleader and Joel taps into this. His method of teaching about God is not the traditional way. I have ready both of his books, have watched numberous sermons, done the journal and he does reference scripture and uses many human examples to support his points.
It honestly upsets me a little that so many people would be so worked up about someone who is doing a lot of wonderful things. I am not saying that his methods of spreading the Word are normal, but maybe that is God’s way of bringing people to Him in a society that is so apprehensive and judgemental about religion in general.
When it boils down to it…it is our responsibility to know, establish and develop our relationship with God and learn more about him through the Bible, etc. I think Joel teaches God’s message and is doing wonderful things to raise standards that people have for themselves by teaching about God’s love for them.
The author of this page, seems a bit self centered and egocentric; not to mention hypacritical; I would not have minded reading his articles on Joel, even though I donot know either one, however ‘Gross’ goes on statingb “It’s just his bland and boring advice on how to live a happy life” it seems if gross wants to be a movie critic, or TV critic, he should hold retorical and slow 6th grade comments until the end of his thought, a conclusion, and state facts before giving his opinons, because we all know what an opinion is like. (Excuse the gramatical errors, but if you must point them out feel free :))
I am not sure what to think!
You know Jesus wasn’t accepted for his stance of love, peace, kindness, forgiveness, and compassion for all. We actually killed him for such craziness. So why should Joel Osteen. I suppose that good in the world will be attacked and tried by even the ones that claim that they preach and live Jesus. Sad that he has improved so many lives and has helped them become better Christians that some feel impelled to pull him down. Just because someone doesn’t believe exactly like you does not mean that he is wrong of bad or a sinner or a fake. He is real with real conviction and he lives that conviction. I am sure you do the same for you are a good person trying your best to inform others how they ought to live. Well so is he. You disagree with him. He disagrees with you. I disagree with you. I am sure you have millions who agree with you. The point is that I am not attacking or tearing down good or being violent or angry or destructive. You can not change any ones mind by force or slavery by flogging them when they don’t believe the way you do. You can as Saul did before he became a Christian. Jesus NEVER taught violence. He actually humbled himself and let evil win. He knew that to win, one must give up and let go. You or I have no control over anything but what we want to be withing ourselves. The only thing we can do is love and be happy and try to instruct humans to a higher enlightenment. Try this if you really want to change people to the way you believe. I love you for you are a part of me as we all are a part of one big whole. God created us all and we are a family. Try and build up your family and not tear it down for if you do you have to ask yourself what side exactly are you own???
we are responsible for our own actions. I, personally, am not here to judge, that’s God’s job. IF, IF, IF Joel is wrong, God will handle him on his merit. It’s upto God to say, you’ve been a bad boy or to say, ‘my faithful servant’. sometimes you have to preach the word without actually peaching. I tell people he’s a great motivational speaker and they should listen to him sometime. I can’t see what’s in Joel’s heart. I can only worry what’s in mine as I will be judged for that. God be with you and I hope and pray that you are watching over your own heart. but, thank you for sharing your insight and your opinion, cause it does matter.
i went to his site and tickets for his sermon is $15/seat. no $360. but, when someone needs to hear the word of God, there are many that will pay hundres even thousands. God’s word is priceless and He will provide the finances for you to hear what you need to hear.
Millie #226
You are wrong.
http://www.ticketliquidator.com/tix/Tickets.aspx?evtid=872507
check this link out. $44 – $107 for a seat.
So if I want to hear the “word of God” it will cost me and my 2 girls $144 minimum. Does he charge a parking fee too? You defenders of Joel call it “judgement”. I call it disernment. No wonder people make fun of Christians, buying into this nonsense.
I am a Christian and believe that God is God and uses whomever He like – the saved and unsaved. It is not for me to say if a person is Christian or not. But the Bible is clear when it says, in
I John 4:1, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.†Believers should test the spirits behind a person’s action to see if the action brings glory to God.
Yes we have to pray and consult God first. But in order to test the spirit we have to ask questions and stop being ignorant because somebody is nice. I’m going to quote something I read and supports what I am staying, using scripture:
“What makes judging right or wrong depends on the spirit, motive and attitude in which judging is being done. So, the conclusion is that Christians should judge the actions of other people, but Christians should not make conclusions about the degree of punishment that a person will receive from God. The only conclusion that a Christian can accurately make is that if a person does not accept God’s plan of salvation, that person will be separated from God throughout all eternity, because this is what the Bible tells us (see Revelation 20:11-15).”
Awesome, I am from Houston and know alloubot the Osteens scam !!
As a christian Im hearing this for the first time u have to pay to attend a sermon. thats ridiculous. ok $10 $20 dollars fine $ whats that $360 man there r people working hard to make that money for week here in USA. I myself im jobless. So if i want to attend sermon will i be stopped getting in to hear the sermon. Sorry my fellow christians. Im hurt to hear this. I heard few of his seminars. He is a good preacher.
Hey mille, it looks like ur rich person. Tell me one think sincerely have u ever helped a person in need? Y dont u go n help people in 3rd world countries. Have u ever seen those countries. people dying without food forget abt shelter n clothes. Ur rite Gods word is priceless but u cant put a price tag. God will accept even if u give 1 cent if only u give it whole heartedly. Help those who r in need n ull b a blessed person. Im not trying to preach someone. Cause i have seen people in India without basic ammenities still they pull their life day after day n their faces look happy. All the best mille.
Wow…I have never given this person Osteen a single penny …yet I sincerely have been touched by his spirit on yes…tv. I have also seen some seriously mean and rough characters who also have felt the same when they have taken just a moment of their time to hear his thoughts.
You know its so funny to me how all of you people want to judge. Geez there is so much damn garbage on television right now…and just when you get some nice rich guy who has support and a following you want to knock him down..because he is given money. Because people want to give him their money is really their perogrative. If people want to support him for good loving thoughts and words…well …its way better then supporting the movie stars in the movie “SAW”.
A lot of rich athletes and ugly movie stars who are outright trashy are also scamming you and your children. They rob you blind of your hope and keep you enlightened with sick perveted thoughts..yet this is all so okay with you?
What a joke! Frankly it appears to me that it doesnt matter what you do in this country good or bad…it’s a scam.
The truth is..its people like you who are a scam. Jealous..and trying to cause trouble. I am sure your out there making a big difference in peoples lives..inspiring them to have hope…really helping the sick, the poor, the sad and lost folks…yup…I am really sure that you are.
Go get a real life…start with the man in the mirror..your a seriously sad person..whoever started this stupid website.
Folks it really is all so simple…let God be the judge..not you…as you are NOT God. We all know what is right or wrong..its not hard to know. You have a choice. Ask yourself..is this website right? This whole thing is so hypocritical…really.
Oh by the way..most of you are just so ignorant. Really now… people freak out over the cost of a stamp at .42cents..when the post office is bringing your letter all the way across the country.
Your complaining about the cost of his seats? Have you seen the cost of going to a counselor on an hourly rate? GEEZ people…you can always watch him on tv for FREE.. you don’t have to pay a dime. If you choose to go..I am sure no one is handcuffing you and forcing you.
Whats the price for feeling happy, enlightened, hopeful and sincere joy?
Really, what would you pay if you could find that in your life? Whats so wrong with this guy helping you with that? Have you ever needed to see a counselor? Read a book? Go on a vacation? Buy a new outfit? Gee whiz…once again ..ignorance is bliss. Listen to yourselves.
Have you ever been to Lakewood? Because if you had, you would know that there’s more to Pastor Joel’s ministry. He teaches about hope in God, leads people to seek God and does teach that Jesus Christ is the only way to the Father. At the end of every service, invitations to follow Christ are made. Then, believers are DISCIPLED. Do you know what that means? It means that after you believe and confess Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you LEARN how to be more like Him. Furthermore, you don’t have to go to seminary to be a pastor. God used Moses to lead his people, and Moses stuttered. God used a tax collector in Matthew. Paul was a murderer of Christians. God is using Joel Osteen to reach people who need hope. Be careful to talk illy of the anointed of God…you would be wise to pray for him and the ministry God has given him, rather than be concerned with bashing him. God has the final say. Trust Him to bring everything to light, and if you don’t know, don’t assume. One last thing, how many people have you helped lately? How many people know Jesus because of your ministry? I pray many…be thankful that God has sent out a laborer in Joel to reap God’s harvest.
You are very ignorant and should know what you are talking about before you post it. Your goin to HELL
Joel is a man of God and you are a HATER. Don’t be mad because he’s blessed. If you stop wasting time bashing good people maybe you could learn something about GOD, build a relationship with GOD and receive your own blessings.
HATER
>>Please find me a single megachurch pastor who is NOT a scam-running, meth-eating, prostitute-abusing criminal. Anyone?
Thomas S. Monson.
President,
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-Day Saints.
Also, there is no paid ministry in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS). All members and leaders volunteer in their callings. My current bishop (pastor) is in software development. The one before him was an attorney. The one before him was an accountant, and before him, a dentist. All tithing funds go to building churches and quiet worldwide humanitarian efforts.
I really like to hear that the LDS’s pastors don’t take money from their congregations. Christian churches should be the same way. It’s unfortunate corrupt pastors like Joel Osteen insist upon taking millions.
Nothing CNN does surprises me. Leave it to CNN to attack a Christian person/ministry. I think there was probably an argument involving the stewardess on the airline but for the Brown lady to suggest she has hemmoroids from an elbow in the breast is absurd!! All this lady is looking for is MONEY!!!! Then she can retire and live happily ever after. I believe Joel Osteen is sincere and for your info the seats are $15.00 a seat but this includes fees for the ticket people, etc. This is why America is in such dire straits now. People fighting for money and any other illegal thing. Just remember the end is near so you had better get yourselves ready to be judged by a good and faithful God.