I know a lot of people that read Joel Osteen’s books, listen to his messages, and believe he is a positive force for Christianity. And yet, I can’t help but look at him with skepticism. I can’t help but question how a pastor can write a book — in fact, several of them — and not mention the name of Jesus. I have provided below a clip of the 60 Minutes interview with Joel Osteen and I am struck by the utter absence of Jesus in his messages. Of course, this is a small clip and I can only hope that he has more of a focus on Jesus in the entirety of his messages. Still, even in such a small clip, Osteen mentions a number of things that are simply not theologically sound.
The real gospel message requires the individual to bow to the savior, to relinquish all pride and false pretenses, and to recognize that you are sinner and in need of a savior. Osteen’s message is quite frankly, one of fluff that waters down the true message of the Bible. God never promised anyone prosperity in this life. In fact, Jesus made clear how difficult the task of following him would be. I advise anyone who is an avid follower of Osteen’s to ensure that they have not set themselves up with an idle, but instead, are truly committed to God and His Word found in the Bible.
Here is another clip from one of Osteen’s sermons. What he says here is plainly false:
Filed under: Christianity, Church Issues
Brian,
Caught this while looking through the WordPress.com tags. Osteen also will not discuss sin, as you are figuring out. On a Larry King Live interview I saw (and know is out there on YouTube somewhere) he flat out says he won’t preach about sin. He says something about people have enough pain in their lives and wanting to be positive etc. BLAH BLAH. Talk about a diametrically opposed view of Christianity. Salvation with out a recognition of sin, now that makes zero sense, and here we have Joel Osteen….The Bible warns of this teaching:
From 2 Corinthians 11:13-15:
“For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.”
I don’t proclaim to judge, but I do know there is clearly something wrong with the message Mr. Osteen presents.
Blessings,
Jeff (tree63fan.wordpress.com)
Jeff,
Thank you! I completely agree. I honestly had not paid Osteen much attention until more and more, fellow Christians kept bringing up his name. So, I checked him out, only to find out how watered down his message was.
I will give your blog a read and I am glad to know you liked mine!
In Faith,
Brian Dufala