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?)
Ive watched Joel and many others, he is more of a insprational speaker and talks mostly what you get from God, but the bottom line is John 14.6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
I just saw Joel Osteen at the San Diego Sports Arena. Although I have to admit it’s a bit strange to ask for an admission to see the man speak, (I got free tickets), my impression is the guy is sincere. Everything he spoke was Bible based. He spoke about Job, Joseph & Jesus among many others. Its true he leaves details out but what pastor doesn’t? Time makes this a necessity. I heard nothing deceptive in his teaching. He IS focused on a narrow subject matter. Joel is focused on hope, which is in short supply these days. Other pastors have a particular bent…be it eschatology, apologetics etc… Billy Graham is focused on evangelism. I don’t see any thing scandalous or devious about focusing on hope. Would I go back to see him week after week? No. I tend to lean towards the analytical most of the time, but many listen to Joel consistently and thats fine for them. Far better than nothing. FYI…Joel recommended the audience be a part of a Bible believing local church. Lighten up man. Unity is a good thing.
Let’s assume there’s a room for rent for a few hours a week ..IT would have soothing music , soft lights, candles , comfortable chairs & couches&
would be there for you to meditate & make wishes aloud or in silence to an unknown & unseen entity who would grant your wishes but would never communicate or appear before you. The cost would be about 99 cents a week..How many takers would there be???.. Probably none & if by chance someone accepted this deal they would probably be in need of some serious mental therapy..I’m sure all this sounds familiar because it’s happening everyday all over the world but not in rooms but in cavernous , multimillion dollar churches, where donations total billions of dollars. The owners of these churches talk to unseen deities extolling their virtues & worthiness & asking for untold favors..Some favors are granted most are not..In between their passionate pleas serious disasters occur such as floods , earthquakes , pestilence & famine resulting in the destruction of cities, towns & churches..But have no fear the church owners will not be dissuaded & will gather all in a demolished church & proclaim that the deity that caused all this mayhem was wonderful, loving & deserving of our love since all were not killed & those who were went on to paradise. No matter how dire the consequences a negative word will never be spoken whilst the collection basket is passed around..There are some pastors who preach that the belief in a higher authority will result in every imaginable good fortune..Each week these pastors proclaim a slightly different aspect in reaching the deities good graces..If his advice is followed the entire congregation would become healthy , wealthy & wise.. There would not be one unhappy, unhealthy or poor parishioner in the entire congregation.. Guess what?? The pastor is the only recipient Of the deities good graces.. Thousands attend these sermons, listen, take notes & return week after week depositing hundreds of thousands of dollars into the coffers of these devious soothsayers..Have they lost their senses, or are they under some hypnotic trance unable to see the idiocy of this entire scenario ????…Let’s assume there’s a room for rent for a few hours a week ..IT would have soothing music , soft lights, candles , comfortable chairs & couches&
would be there for you to meditate & make wishes aloud or in silence to an unknown & unseen entity who would grant your wishes but would never communicate or appear before you. The cost would be about 99 cents a week..How many takers would there be???.. Probably none & if by chance someone accepted this deal they would probably be in need of some serious mental therapy..I’m sure all this sounds familiar because it’s happening everyday all over the world but not in rooms but in cavernous , multimillion dollar churches, where donations total billions of dollars. The owners of these churches talk to unseen deities extolling their virtues & worthiness & asking for untold favors..Some favors are granted most are not..In between their passionate pleas serious disasters occur such as floods , earthquakes , pestilence & famine resulting in the destruction of cities, towns & churches..But have no fear the church owners will not be dissuaded & will gather all in a demolished church & proclaim that the deity that caused all this mayhem was wonderful, loving & deserving of our love since all were not killed & those who were went on to paradise. No matter how dire the consequences a negative word will never be spoken whilst the collection basket is passed around..There are some pastors who preach that the belief in a higher authority will result in every imaginable good fortune..Each week these pastors proclaim a slightly different aspect in reaching the deities good graces..If his advice is followed the entire congregation would become healthy , wealthy & wise.. There would not be one unhappy, unhealthy or poor parishioner in the entire congregation.. Guess what?? The pastor is the only recipient Of the deities good graces.. Thousands attend these sermons, listen, take notes & return week after week depositing hundreds of thousands of dollars into the coffers of these devious soothsayers..Have they lost their senses, or are they under some hypnotic trance unable to see the idiocy of this entire scenario ????…Let’s assume there’s a room for rent for a few hours a week ..IT would have soothing music , soft lights, candles , comfortable chairs & couches&
would be there for you to meditate & make wishes aloud or in silence to an unknown & unseen entity who would grant your wishes but would never communicate or appear before you. The cost would be about 99 cents a week..How many takers would there be???.. Probably none & if by chance someone accepted this deal they would probably be in need of some serious mental therapy..I’m sure all this sounds familiar because it’s happening everyday all over the world but not in rooms but in cavernous , multimillion dollar churches, where donations total billions of dollars. The owners of these churches talk to unseen deities extolling their virtues & worthiness & asking for untold favors..Some favors are granted most are not..In between their passionate pleas serious disasters occur such as floods , earthquakes , pestilence & famine resulting in the destruction of cities, towns & churches..But have no fear the church owners will not be dissuaded & will gather all in a demolished church & proclaim that the deity that caused all this mayhem was wonderful, loving & deserving of our love since all were not killed & those who were went on to paradise. No matter how dire the consequences a negative word will never be spoken whilst the collection basket is passed around..There are some pastors who preach that the belief in a higher authority will result in every imaginable good fortune..Each week these pastors proclaim a slightly different aspect in reaching the deities good graces..If his advice is followed the entire congregation would become healthy , wealthy & wise.. There would not be one unhappy, unhealthy or poor parishioner in the entire congregation.. Guess what?? The pastor is the only recipient Of the deities good graces.. Thousands attend these sermons, listen, take notes & return week after week depositing hundreds of thousands of dollars into the coffers of these devious soothsayers..Have they lost their senses, or are they under some hypnotic trance unable to see the idiocy of this entire scenario ????…Let’s assume there’s a room for rent for a few hours a week ..IT would have soothing music , soft lights, candles , comfortable chairs & couches&
would be there for you to meditate & make wishes aloud or in silence to an unknown & unseen entity who would grant your wishes but would never communicate or appear before you. The cost would be about 99 cents a week..How many takers would there be???.. Probably none & if by chance someone accepted this deal they would probably be in need of some serious mental therapy..I’m sure all this sounds familiar because it’s happening everyday all over the world but not in rooms but in cavernous , multimillion dollar churches, where donations total billions of dollars. The owners of these churches talk to unseen deities extolling their virtues & worthiness & asking for untold favors..Some favors are granted most are not..In between their passionate pleas serious disasters occur such as floods , earthquakes , pestilence & famine resulting in the destruction of cities, towns & churches..But have no fear the church owners will not be dissuaded & will gather all in a demolished church & proclaim that the deity that caused all this mayhem was wonderful, loving & deserving of our love since all were not killed & those who were went on to paradise. No matter how dire the consequences a negative word will never be spoken whilst the collection basket is passed around..There are some pastors who preach that the belief in a higher authority will result in every imaginable good fortune..Each week these pastors proclaim a slightly different aspect in reaching the deities good graces..If his advice is followed the entire congregation would become healthy , wealthy & wise.. There would not be one unhappy, unhealthy or poor parishioner in the entire congregation.. Guess what?? The pastor is the only recipient Of the deities good graces.. Thousands attend these sermons, listen, take notes & return week after week depositing hundreds of thousands of dollars into the coffers of these devious soothsayers..Have they lost their senses, or are they under some hypnotic trance unable to see the idiocy of this entire scenario ????…Let’s assume there’s a room for rent for a few hours a week ..IT would have soothing music , soft lights, candles , comfortable chairs & couches&
would be there for you to meditate & make wishes aloud or in silence to an unknown & unseen entity who would grant your wishes but would never communicate or appear before you. The cost would be about 99 cents a week..How many takers would there be???.. Probably none & if by chance someone accepted this deal they would probably be in need of some serious mental therapy..I’m sure all this sounds familiar because it’s happening everyday all over the world but not in rooms but in cavernous , multimillion dollar churches, where donations total billions of dollars. The owners of these churches talk to unseen deities extolling their virtues & worthiness & asking for untold favors..Some favors are granted most are not..In between their passionate pleas serious disasters occur such as floods , earthquakes , pestilence & famine resulting in the destruction of cities, towns & churches..But have no fear the church owners will not be dissuaded & will gather all in a demolished church & proclaim that the deity that caused all this mayhem was wonderful, loving & deserving of our love since all were not killed & those who were went on to paradise. No matter how dire the consequences a negative word will never be spoken whilst the collection basket is passed around..There are some pastors who preach that the belief in a higher authority will result in every imaginable good fortune..Each week these pastors proclaim a slightly different aspect in reaching the deities good graces..If his advice is followed the entire congregation would become healthy , wealthy & wise.. There would not be one unhappy, unhealthy or poor parishioner in the entire congregation.. Guess what?? The pastor is the only recipient Of the deities good graces.. Thousands attend these sermons, listen, take notes & return week after week depositing hundreds of thousands of dollars into the coffers of these devious soothsayers..Have they lost their senses, or are they under some hypnotic trance unable to see the idiocy of this entire scenario ????…Let’s assume there’s a room for rent for a few hours a week ..IT would have soothing music , soft lights, candles , comfortable chairs & couches&
would be there for you to meditate & make wishes aloud or in silence to an unknown & unseen entity who would grant your wishes but would never communicate or appear before you. The cost would be about 99 cents a week..How many takers would there be???.. Probably none & if by chance someone accepted this deal they would probably be in need of some serious mental therapy..I’m sure all this sounds familiar because it’s happening everyday all over the world but not in rooms but in cavernous , multimillion dollar churches, where donations total billions of dollars. The owners of these churches talk to unseen deities extolling their virtues & worthiness & asking for untold favors..Some favors are granted most are not..In between their passionate pleas serious disasters occur such as floods , earthquakes , pestilence & famine resulting in the destruction of cities, towns & churches..But have no fear the church owners will not be dissuaded & will gather all in a demolished church & proclaim that the deity that caused all this mayhem was wonderful, loving & deserving of our love since all were not killed & those who were went on to paradise. No matter how dire the consequences a negative word will never be spoken whilst the collection basket is passed around..There are some pastors who preach that the belief in a higher authority will result in every imaginable good fortune..Each week these pastors proclaim a slightly different aspect in reaching the deities good graces..If his advice is followed the entire congregation would become healthy , wealthy & wise.. There would not be one unhappy, unhealthy or poor parishioner in the entire congregation.. Guess what?? The pastor is the only recipient Of the deities good graces.. Thousands attend these sermons, listen, take notes & return week after week depositing hundreds of thousands of dollars into the coffers of these devious soothsayers..Have they lost their senses, or are they under some hypnotic trance unable to see the idiocy of this entire scenario ????…Let’s assume there’s a room for rent for a few hours a week ..IT would have soothing music , soft lights, candles , comfortable chairs & couches&
would be there for you to meditate & make wishes aloud or in silence to an unknown & unseen entity who would grant your wishes but would never communicate or appear before you. The cost would be about 99 cents a week..How many takers would there be???.. Probably none & if by chance someone accepted this deal they would probably be in need of some serious mental therapy..I’m sure all this sounds familiar because it’s happening everyday all over the world but not in rooms but in cavernous , multimillion dollar churches, where donations total billions of dollars. The owners of these churches talk to unseen deities extolling their virtues & worthiness & asking for untold favors..Some favors are granted most are not..In between their passionate pleas serious disasters occur such as floods , earthquakes , pestilence & famine resulting in the destruction of cities, towns & churches..But have no fear the church owners will not be dissuaded & will gather all in a demolished church & proclaim that the deity that caused all this mayhem was wonderful, loving & deserving of our love since all were not killed & those who were went on to paradise. No matter how dire the consequences a negative word will never be spoken whilst the collection basket is passed around..There are some pastors who preach that the belief in a higher authority will result in every imaginable good fortune..Each week these pastors proclaim a slightly different aspect in reaching the deities good graces..If his advice is followed the entire congregation would become healthy , wealthy & wise.. There would not be one unhappy, unhealthy or poor parishioner in the entire congregation.. Guess what?? The pastor is the only recipient Of the deities good graces.. Thousands attend these sermons, listen, take notes & return week after week depositing hundreds of thousands of dollars into the coffers of these devious soothsayers..Have they lost their senses, or are they under some hypnotic trance unable to see the idiocy of this entire scenario ????…
I love Joel bescos he advice people
Joel keep going, if we had more you, we would be addressing more issues of joy and happiness….leave the man alone…sometimes we criticise out of envy…not all preachers will be the same and speak the same way…why was jeremiah same sa nehemiah? or moses same as joshua or abraham same as daniel? no! neither are you same as I…as long as the message brings us close to the lord…it may be even working for you to read your scripture more….making bible ease to access the message is the gate to winning more faithfuls.
I thought very highly about this preacher until I too got free tickets to see him speak. During the show he sent buckets around 3 times to collect money for I dont know what, thats when I saw the light! I truly thought that the person who paid for my tickets made the purchase and that was the money that would go to his ministries, but was I wrong, he’s only about money, that is the truth! I feel he is working for the devil and all you poor inocent people are his victims! sry 🙁
Why are you so threatened by him ? Different people are called for different subjects. And positive thinking is a MAJOR part of christianity!! Remember what got the children of Israel in soo much trouble with God that they wondered in the desert for forty years??
Elizabeth, you are right! – Diane, why are you so angry when a church collects their offerings? – You seem just to see the negative. Of course they do it every service. Without voluntiers and offferings they can close their chuch and over it is with the positive messages Joel and his family are telling us. It seems you want it tis way, what a pity! Blessings!
My I point out the obvious that you seem to forget. That the bible says people as per Jesus: “Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone.” WE are all guilty of condemning and critizing people including Joel Osteen and that we do not have the right to say who is this and who is that but, God is the judge and jury, he just gave us free will. I for one like Joel Osteen as it is nice to hear sometimes the good and great things that God has in store for us. As for me and dealing with people, if you like me great, if you don’t like that is okay to, your entitled to (but, I will not go out of my way to ensure that you like me).
THEM WITHOUT CAST THE FIRST STONE, IF THE PERSON TRYING TO DESTROY THE OSTEEN NAME SPENT THE SAME AMOUNT OF TIME READING THE BIBLE HE WOULD FIND THAT IT SAYS : NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER BUT THOUGH THE SON. LOOK IT UP, YOU MIGHT FIND SOME LOVE IN YOUR HEART AND UNDERSTANDING ALONG THE WAY. YOU KNOW CHIRSTIANS ARE COMANDED TO LOVE. BUT NOT ENOUGH OF US IS BEING BOLD AND PASSIONATE FOR THE ONLY GOD THERE IS, HAS BEEN OR EVER WILL BE ,JESUS CHRIST ( THE FATHER THE SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT.
I really do not understand whats wrong with joel osteen’s sermon preaching hope to the world.
1. JESUS CHRIST has come to give us hope in this tiresome world. did not GOD’S word say in Jeremiah 29:11, that GOD has plans for us which give us hope and future but not for our destruction. I hope the writer of this column never read his BIBLE if so, he would not throw this review.
2. Regarding SINS? are not bad habits according to GOD,are sins. if so what are sins? will not GOD consider bad habits which are destroying HIS TEMPLE which is you and your body to be a sin? can we dare to say that JESUS died only for our sins but not for our bad habits? whats wrong is in saying to people who are addicted to do bad habits and are in full of condemnation , guilt in themselves, that JESUS paid the price for them and there is hope for them in HIM because JESUS only has that power to deliver them from those bad habits. Let the writer of this column know that every bad habit is viewed as sin in GOD’S Eyes.
3. If GOD considers sickness as the CROSS which we should carry in our lives, then why did SON of GOD, LORD JESUS has healed many during HIS ministry on this earth?(Matthew 9:35) why did JESUS say let the weak say am strong? why did HE spent so much time in healing people with all kinds of sickness and diseases? if we agree with this writer, then JESUS could have told people that it is their cross and they have to bear it? HE did not say anything like that rather cured each and every one who believed in HIM. i hope this writer did not even read new testament from the BIBLE.
4. There is nothing wrong calling Christian life to be fun, yes it is of course a fun, because as long as we do GOD’s will in our lives we have true joy, happiness, peace. there may be tribulations in our lives but we also have the OVERCOMER – JESUS CHRIST. whatever early Christians have gone through the suffering, they accepted them with joy but not as burdens. of course every christian who is true follower of LORD JESUS definitely has victory over everything, because HE came to give us abundant life, the word abundance has no room for lack, poverty, failure, sickness but may have room for right kind of suffering which you may have from this world in believing GOD.
5. Regarding offering? did not GOD say in Malachi 3:11, that if we give our TITHE and OFFERINGS, HE will open the doors of heaven,filling our lives with abundance so much that we will have no room to store HIS BLESSINGS? did not HE say , that HE will rebuke Satan from our lives? did not HE say, others feel jealousy of our blessed life? so i kindly say to those who do not like giving tithes and offerings that ,you people are real fools who are stopping GOD to bless you. GOD can never work against HIS own WORD, its the only one impossible thing to GOD almighty.
6. Regarding going to heaven, may be Pastor has cleverly escaped from condemning people of other religion not going to heaven publicly,but we should not forget that he also said that he believes BIBLE and what it says, that no one can go to FATHER in heaven without believing in JESUS. He did not went against the WORD but cleverly answered. there is nothing wrong in that.
To conclude i only feel, that this column writer and those who are consenting with his review, do not read their BIBLES. it is good for them and to others if they invest their valuable time in knowing GOD’S WORD and understanding it under HOLY SPIRIT guidance, rather than analyzing, criticizing preachers. it is the GOD who judges each one according to their preaching not we. if any one has problem in believing preachers let him ask HIS help HE will lead him into the truth to believe them or not. its good to pray for them rather than criticizing and never forget judging Man or Women of GOD brings judgment on yourself.
At lease He is doing some thing, you guys just criticizes, please he is talking about God and what we can expect from Him, and what is His way, is nothing wrong to ask for money if you don’t feel like want to give, don’t give but remember somebody needs to pay all the bills from the big building and traveling needs to be done,
Having read your aggressive charge that Joel Osteen does not speak or preach about God, I have to wonder if you have ever heard Joel Osteen preach. I hear this same, easily disproven charge from many who cant wait to condem. I watch his sermon weekly with fascination knowing how many dispise him. I find his message to be not only Biblical but completely uplifting. I have no doubt that when Joel Osteen has left this earth, he will hear Jesus himself say “well done my good and faithful servent”.
Suspension of religion will lead to world peace.
Suspension of Religion willlead to world peace.
James MacDonald and Francis Chan are two legit megachurch pastors I can think of.
Yea Lisa, Hitler, Stalin, PolPot…such religious finatics !! Your statement makes a great bumper sticker for the naive and the ill informed.
Wow! you should realy get a life and focus on that, you dont have a clue about Joel Osteen.
u people need to get a grip , he gets bad rap because of all the other jerk pastors, i just watched his sermon last night , all he DID was talk about christ. come on now, lets focus on other things going on in the world right now.
I went to a Joel Osteen program a couple of years ago. Amazingly, and to my delight, he did have an at-your-seat altar call at the end. It wasn’t televised. I was under the impression that he is a real Christian, but is afraid of being criticised. A fault of too many preachers today. And keep in mind that you do not need a theology degree to be a minister. I happen to think of him as a self-help speaker rather than a minister. But he adds a christian spin. While I agree that there should be a straight gospel component, I have found a lot of good things in what he says. Christians should remember never to make any preacher their guru. And always check the Bible to make sure the preaching is sound. If you do that, you will never go wrong. The Bible should always be your final authority, not Joel Osteen or anyone else!