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 am not a religious person but like Joel Osteen alot. He is more of a spiritual guide to me, He talks of God ALL the time and I have never once heard him ask for money. I have only been watching him a couple of years so maybe I am wrong and he has changed, but he ALWAYS speaks of GOD and NEVER askes for money. He has an extremely positive attitude and I think he truly is a good good man. I don’t understand why anyone would want to tear that down.
It is about the $!!! Joel Osteen was in Dallas @ American Airlines Center. A Singles Group went to see him and PAID to get in…then Osteen’s staff starting pushing carts around asking for more donations… The Singles Group got his message LOUD AND CLEAR…It is all about the money!
You know, I seen Joel the very first time he preached his first sermon, then several after that. Then, I went my own way, and only recenlty hooked back up with his ministry. You are so wrong. You are calling him every name in the book, trying to discredit him, and you are a complete, totally incorrect. Joel is the real deal. It proves you have never listened to a sermon of his, because God is about all he talks. God and what his plans for us. Get a grip dude. Please, listen to a few sermons; let God come in your heart.
Yeah, my post above has some spelling and grammar errors; I have been up over 24 hrs now and I am tired. Sorry spelling police.
Whoever wrote this article, you are seriously in need; please dude or dudette, get some help. Joel is not the demon you are making him out to be; it is a discredit to his good name you have written this article. He is a good man. Not a perfect man; as none of us are; a good man, who loves God and wants to help others.
Ridiculous article. So, just because Joel doesn’t condemn every other religion he’s a fraud. One of Jesus strongest beliefs, stated in many different ways is, “only God can judge a man’s heart.” “judge not and ye shall not be judged.” “he who has not sinned, cast the first stone.” I find it a lot more Godly and loving that he does not condemn other religions. All the other religions are the ones that are hypocrites and extremists. The God that loves me so much he sent his son to die for my sins would never want me to be ugly to anyone else let alone think I am on Gods level to judge anyone else. 2nd of all, God is a spirit, in your body and soul. U have it or u don’t. A degree can be given to anyone. The way Joel inspires people and I feel his words in my heart, he has it.
I think that Joel Osteen says Have Faith in Jesus. Period. You can read the Bible and decide for yourself, as many Preachers do, how to interpret each line. It is up to God to forgive us our sins, not him. And, he doesn’t feel that it is his place to teach more than having a strong faith. Nothing wrong with that. A lot of people have faith from his words. Nothing wrong with that either.
From ur first passage, I already know that u are really wrong and person who always find GOD’s servant’s mistakes. You mentioned above all megachurch pastors like Pat Robertson, Al Sharpton, Ted Haggard, etc. It shows ur lowminded heart. In Bible, David being honored by GOD because he honored Saul as an anointed king of God. If u choose to dishonor the anointed people of God, God shall dishonor u indeed. Be humble by judging ur own sins, than judging another people. How u dare to mention God’s people scandals who make the sinners come to salvation doors. Then u can’t make thousand sinners repent.. Repent now!
yes, He along with these other PROSPERITY MESSENGERS OF HELL are not preaching THE GOSPEL, he doesn’t even know what THE GOSPEL IS…His dear father would roll over in his grave if he knew the NON MESSAGE he was preaching..GOD HAVE MERCY ON HIM…All those precious souls he has in his hands every week..SHAME ON THEM ALSO,..THEY ARE GREEDY PEOPLE. WITH NO PRECEPTION OF WHAT IS RIGHT..THEY ARE THE BLIND THAT THEIR LEADER WHO IS BLIND LEADING THEM INTO THE DITCH
It is important to support (and tithe) at your own local church. Christianity is under attack by atheists, agnostics and all other religions. To learn about the gospel go to your local church and for prayer. Osteen even says at the close of his service “I urge you to support your local faith based church”. I think he does a good job of lifting spirits during his service and he’s reaching to the masses with his triumphant human stories. To each his/her own and their are other “money grubbing” televangelists out there that will suffer the wrath of God that will be found out soon enough.
It is important to support (and tithe) at your own local church. Christianity is under attack by atheists, agnostics and all other religions. To learn about the gospel go to your local church and for prayer. Osteen even says at the close of his service “I urge you to join a local faith based church”. I think he does a good job of lifting spirits during his service and he’s reaching to the masses with his triumphant human stories. To each his/her own and there are other “money grubbing” televangelists out there that will suffer the wrath of God that will be found out soon enough. My gripe when asking people about there faith is a response such as, “I consider myself spiritual being and I believe in angels”!
It is important to support (and tithe) at your own local church. Christianity is under attack by atheists, agnostics and all other religions. To learn about the gospel go to your local church and for prayer. Osteen even says at the close of his service “I urge you to join a local faith based church”. I think he does a good job of lifting spirits during his service and he’s reaching to the masses with his triumphant human stories. To each his/her own and there are other “money grubbing” televangelists out there that will suffer the wrath of God that will be found out soon enough. My gripe when asking people about their faith is a response such as, “I consider myself a spiritual being and I believe in angels”!
Matthew 5:11 “How blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and tell all kinds of vicious lies about you because you follow me”. Also read Matthew 7: 1-5, beginning with “Don’t judge so that you won’t be judged, for the way that you judge others is how you will be judged….” In Matthew 8:13 “Then Yeshua said to the officer “Go; let it be for you as you have trusted.” And his orderly was HEALED at that very moment.” In Matthew 8:16 “When the evening came, many people held in the power of demons were brought to him. He expelled the spirits with a word and HEALED ALL WHO WERE ILL.” Regarding the Messiah by the Prophit Isaiah “He Himself took our weaknesses and bore our diseases.” Mark 5:34 “Daughter ‘he said to her’, ” your trust has healed you. Go in peace and be “HEALED of your disease.” You seem to be ENVIOUS of Joel Osteen’s success. Remember, if you are one who believes in the Law, Envy is a sin. So is slander. but, if you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you, like Joel Osteen, are no longer under the Law. Remember this; Jesus has given His followers, those who have faith in Him, the same power, through The Holy Spirit and the In-Dwelling of Christ in all of have confessed their faith in Him, such power as He Himself had from God Most High to do “all of these things and acts greater still than these I have done”. It seems that your lack of understanding, and your inability to perceive who is or is not anointed is working against you. I ask Our Heavenly Father, in the name of His Son, The Lord Yeshua HaMashiach, who dwells within me, to Heal you of Your Unbelief, and grant you wisdom without adding any sorrow. I suggest that you ask Christ to come into your Heart and forgive your sins, and to guide and direct your steps through His Holy Spirit. You Must take The Word into your Heart so that when you open your mouth and confess The Word it’s power is released from within you into the physical world. May God Bless You According to Your Faith in His Son, Amen.
I dont get why people love all these doomsday preachers who make you become scared of God instead of loving him. Now if Joel was a fake like this article claims he wouldn’t be so blessed. I mean seriously what makes him so bad? because he teaches people to be a better person. He does bring up scriptures every week, and tell peoples testimonies. He mentions God in every sentence. Omg these atheist….Joel never preaches about giving him money.
he will go to hell along with billy gram and all the devils broadcasting network people. it will all end someday soon
I think we need more people like Joel on the planet. God is a god of love and mercy. I was married to a religious fanatic that put everyone in hell and condemned everybody including me. What a sad soul to live with.
I beleive that what mr. osteen is saying is that age old thing pondered by many a hebrew. If you look into many of the original interpretations of the hebrew text they are telling you that they are trying in vain to describe a concept so gigantic that there is no way that the human psyche could possibly do it justice.That the language of man had no way to describe it, but for the sake of an honest attempt we’re going to give it go with these books. The dictates of moses were supposedly straight from god but mainly just common sense rules. Such as the rules regarding sodomy which any idiot could tell you is unclean it involves sticking a body part with an opening into waste matter duh. or lets check out pork anyone heard of trichanosis lately. more duh. a religious way of explaining scientific certainty. In explaining god they simply said i dunno just do it. All religeon is, is an explaination of what you should do anyway. Me personally i love christ. i love joel osteen. i dont want to buy him another jaguar and think that using the name of a homeless profit who told us that we had the choice of being sons and daughters of god for profit is a bastardization of said name. Hense joel you should give your worldly riches to the homeless and destitute and follow christ. Live a modest lifestyle and give the rest to the poor. For it is as easy for a rich man to enter the kingdom as it is for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle.
I beleive that what mr. osteen is saying is that age old thing pondered by many a hebrew. you look into many of the original interpretations of the hebrew text they are telling you that they are trying in vain to describe a concept so gigantic that there is no way that the human psyche could possibly do it justice.That the language of man had no way to describe it, but for the sake of an honest attempt we’re going to give it go with these books. The dictates of moses were supposedly straight from god but mainly just common sense rules. Such as the rules regarding sodomy which any idiot could tell you is unclean it involves sticking a body part with an opening into waste matter duh. or lets check out pork anyone heard of trichanosis lately. more duh. a religious way of explaining scientific certainty. In explaining god they simply said i dunno just do it. All religeon is, is an explaination of what you should do anyway. Me personally i love christ. i love joel osteen. i dont want to buy him another jaguar and think that using the name of a homeless profit who told us that we had the choice of being sons and daughters of god for profit is a bastardization of said name. Hense joel you should give your worldly riches to the homeless and destitute and follow christ. Live a modest lifestyle and give the rest to the poor. For it is as easy for a rich man to enter the kingdom as it is for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle.
Leave him alone. He gives me great comfort. He talks about God all the time! Are you one of those Bible thumpers like Pat Robertson?
Joel Olsteen is a very nice man. His family seems sweet as can be and he is always smiling.
I’ve watched his preachings, several times.
I’ve also been to motivational speaking seminars, several times.
It’s hard to tell the difference sometimes.
I ask myself, “I am I at a life coach seminar? Oh, no it’s church.”
Joel should be coined a life coach, not a pastor.
He hasn’t practiced teachings and interpretations of the old/new testiments.
Someone who has read the Torah in Hebrew, and the Bible (New King James) it can be safe to say that he is not a Pastor.
Still, a nice man. If he brings comfort to people that’s fine too. But, just know your BIBLE, read the scripture. Who knows, the Book does talk about false prophets. Many times.