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?)
just saying get right with god that time is almost here for jews and gentiles alike! and all genderds toughes and nations! JESUS IS COMEING FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS AT HAND AND JESUS IS AT THE RIGHT HAND OF THE FATHER WAITING FOR THE FATHER TO SAY SON GO GET YOUR BRIDE!!!!!!!!!
Listen if Joel is so bad, then why is it people are starting to have faith in God, hmmmm? Problem with you is your to self centered and think one mindidley. At least Joel is making people realize God is in controll, he tells them to have faith in our Holy Creator. Don’t judge thats where you fall, in the bible it says to judge is to be judged yourself. So ask your self for you saying that Joel is going to hell, doesn’t that make you liable as well for being judging?
Why are you criticising Joel? Instead of motivating him to keep up the good work he and his team are doing you are only criticising what they do. If you are Joel’s critic then you’re a WEED. Its about time you joined Joel in praising God. Get something else to do instead of criticising Joel!
Also brother I get what your going at, we have to fear God as well, if we do not fear him we become lost like a puppy. I know i said puppy but its true, then we go into our old ways and walk the road of the Unritious. I just found my faith again due to a car accident. God gave me a second chance at life and its tough to walk the narrow road which will lead us to Heaven, and dude I know for a fact your going to Heaven. Its true we can’t just say words, forgive me for my harsh comment before. We have to walk the walk as well to prove to God we meen buisness. Problem is to many are afraid of us shouting out scary things, so I tried something, I talked to a nonbeliever who is a close friend of mine. I asked why he doesn’t believe there is a God. His reply was true as can be. “I feel pressured and feel that by you scarying me I have to believe in God. I am scared to even think there is a God because you throw fear into my eyes when I’m looking for kindness and love.” So I talked to him and told him the stories of how David took down Golliath or how Moses parted the red Seas. Now I’m apoligize once again for my cruel comment. I pray for ya brother and I know you’ll find the path that suits you well. As for you sinners turn your attention to God and listen to what he has to say he can make your life magnificent if you only gave him a chance.
man just one question Joel osteen is preaching a message of hope, and encouragement. My question to you sir is you have a website for prayer helpers selling prayers how much are you making off that. why would i buy prayers when my own words to my father are more powerfull than buying yours. How can you sit here on this website and condemn Joel for his sermons of hope and one more thing have you payed attention to the end of his sermons he gives you the oppurtunity to make Jesus the lord of your live. When a man ask jesus in his heart and is truly sorry for his sins and repents god will remember his sins no more those sins become white as snow. You should not judge people or you to will be judged. man if you spent more time looking for positive qualities in a human being instead of the negative ones you wouldnt have made this website.
I am so saddened just to see how the writer is so determined to go to hell. The good news is that Joel Osteen and I serve an Almighty father who is loving, caring and forgiving. He is willing to overlook what you wrote about his servant Joel and to give you a clean slate if you would just accept Jesus into your life. My friend YOU NEED JESUS. I will be praying for you and nothing is too hard for my loving Father in heaven. And no heart is too cold that can never be warmed by this undying love. You see thats why he gave his son Jesus to die on the cross. When i read this article am both sad and happy. Sad that you are so deceived by the evil one and that he has filled your heart with so much hate and so happy that my Lord Jesus Christ didnt die in vain. He died you me and definately for YOU.
You must be a Pharisee… what education did Jesus, or Peter, or most any appostle have…bonehead?
wow i have heard alot of things in my life before but you take the cake. if you no so much bout the bible you must of miss the part about: he without sin let him cast the first stone. why does it allways happen when there is a man or church out there that lift people spirits up and give them hope, and yet we have people like yourself trying to find a way to bring it all down!! so what kind of christian are you?? never have i seen someone so desperate for attention and ratings, to belittle a man who is trying to get the people who need to here words of uplifting. find another hobbie, perhaps join satanic group, because your so good at putting people down. its people like you today , is whats wrong with america now!!!
Joel got me through my best friends death in a horrific plane crash you you ATHEIST he is a man of the lord while you are a man of satanand shall die a horiffic death GOOD DAY
You shouldn’t be critizing Gods People like Joel Osteen. Whatever measure you judge people it shall come back on you. You need to get saved and stop being decieved by the evil one,satan who is your lord and master. Better turn your life over to christ or suffer the consequences.
Wow, that’s too bad you have such a negative opinion of Joel Osteen’s ministry. I watch frequently and he does quote the bible to support his sermon. The Gospel is the Good News of the Lord our God. I think you need to read your bible again to to see it for yourself. I don’t see or hear anything that would lead me to believe he hasn’t been called to preach the word of God. By the way he never asks for money but instead encourages people to find a local church to attend. The scriptures you listed are the word of God but how do they disprove what Joel has said? I just don’t get you. Everyone has an opinion, I just don’t see how your so called proof supports your critizism of this man.
I agree that Joel Osteen is nothing more than a scam artist. I think most every extremely successful person in the world has scammed or cheated his/her way to that success.
I think that a bit of your writings tells more about your objective than your, I just hate dishonest people drivel.
Quoted from your above post.
“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.”
Soundsmore like you just want to disprove religion as opposed to expose a scam. Joel’s message is of peice, happiness and love. I think that’s a good thing. Scam or not.
Why not attack rap music or something??? This type of music has done more to tear down communities, neighborhoods and even cities.
Who are you to judge anyone??? Are you GOD?? Your time could be well spent encouraging people to follow the Lord, not criticizing someone for bringing people to the Christian faith. Let me break it down for you if you don’t like him don’t watch. There is nothing wrong with giving people hope, and Joel quotes the Bible when he tells his stories all the time to relate the positives of Following God’s word and great things that God gives to us in return. Sad you have stooped to this level.
It seems that you have touched a hot button with several readers. I don’t know a lot about Joel Osteen, but I have heard other controversial things about him. I don’t listen to Joel Osteen, nor have I read his books, but your post here has definitely given me pause. Instead of lambasting your comments, I am challenged to search them out for myself. I agree with you about those going to heaven. Scripture is very clear that the only way is through Christ Jesus, not any other god no matter how sincere one is. There are numerous false teachers in our mainline churches today, and many people just swallow what they say hook, line, and sinker without ever researching the truth. Jesus warned us that in the last days there would be wolves in sheep’s clothing. I don’t know enough about Joel Osteen to say he is a wolf in sheep’s clothing, but I am going to research him for myself and see if he is. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and opinions on the matter.
May God help us. The only thing I can say is that we all need to encounter God individually. because knowing God is an individual thing. then….. we will have a discerning spirit.
I don’t know who you are listening to, but I hear Joel Osteen naming GOD in almost all his broadcasts. Too bad you don’t know love.
This entire article is absolutely lies and ridiculous! Joel Osteen knows exactly what he is talking about! He most certainly does talk about GOD in ALL of his messages! You obviously don’t know GOD and what GOD’s love is all about. It is really sad that you all you have to do is bash a True man of God like Joel! I would seriously be fearful right now If I were responsible for publishing something like this to the public! I will be praying for you!
I want to add that if you do decide that you really ever want to accept Christ as your savior because the bible says that “you will be known by your fruits” and this article definitely proves that you do not know Christ as your savior…..Listen to Joel AGAIN and at the end of EVERY service and EVERY message what does he do??? He will lead you to Christ in the SINNER’S PRAYER! Seriously please think about this and accept Christ as your Savior! There is nothing like it! That is for sure!
I read this article after a series of others about preachers in America. Particularly, I believe that as christian we all should ask God wisdom and discernment on things (specially spiritual ones). Some people think that is being judgmental but nowhere in the Bible teaches that we should accept anything that comes our way without reflection. Nowadays it is very hard to put 100% of faith in anything, so, the Bible says we should test the spirits, meaning put them to the scriptural test. I was a fan of Osteen’s sermons before because I myself am very optimistic person. That happened (being a fan not an optimist) long ago. Having matured as a christian a see a lot lacking in his testimony. I have been through some trials that made me learn a little deeper about Christ and his plan for my life. Today I don’t see how you can show christian growth and detached it from christian suffering (even though he cites good stories about it but I don’t see it immersed in the core of his messages). It is essential to have hope (it comes from developing character) but it comes only through a lot of learning and experiences and not just being focused on positive, optimistic thinking. I think I don’t agree with all the criticism in here but you sure has a point when speaking of more profound theology. We cannot skip Jobs’ experience or the whole array of suffering that surrounds the people of God. It pleases multitudes because it is easier to say good things associated with being blessed by God. What when bad things also show that God is working with you in that place you are at not meaning that nothing you did is wrong but that God allowed for a purpose and he is right there in the middle of everything with you and if you did wrong he is there too. I think God ALWAYS brings hope (that is the part I agree with Joel) but I don’t think that he ALWAYS wants to change whatever is going on in your life (that is what I don’t agree with his teaching) because you are supposed to feel good about ANYTHING in order to feel blessed. Another thing I question this mega pastors about is how much of christian denial and suffering they’ve been through. Their lifestyle is so contradictory to what the servants of God should be that I am not sure they would be relatable in any way other than preaching good news all the time (that’s all they have to share). Even if their experiences sometimes brings things of sufferings it is usually or things of the past or scandals because in the present they have a lavish lifestyle where they want so bad to preserve. Greed is taking over the religious world like a plague and I’ve seen few not being intoxicated by it. To me is particularly offensive to shut peoples mouth in name of not being judgmental or critical so I can do anything in name of God. How powerful that is… Even though I think we shoudn’t judge peoples’hearts we sure should put their works to the biblical test and lots of them fall short.
I for one, feel much better, and when I am having a particularly bad week, it seems that Joel Osteen’s sermon is directed to what is going on in my life. Instead of criticizing, you should get yourself right with God. So what if his message is nothing more than beneficent? He still has us thinking about accepting Jesus as our Lord and saviour, and it’s up to us to “get into a good bible based church”.