Should a catholic prayer community listen to a protestant leader like Joel Osteen in their prayer meetings?

Question

Joel Osteen is a very popular Charismatic leader in Texas. He has CD's of his teachings.

He teaches about God, values, life etc. But he is not catholic. Is that a conflict?

Answer 1

Yes, with a grain of salt! This question is too vague and needs to be specific on a topic. He may be right or wrong as with a priest. I am Catholic and I scrutinize what everyone says. I have my own references that have authority. Every Catholic should refer to the Catechism of the Catholic Church. I have it on cd-rom which makes looking up issues much easier. I highly recommend it. I even make brochures to break down the issues because not many people are going to sift through the CCC. So, I help spread the word of truth issue by issue.

Answer 2

You do know that this is one of the most over-asked questions we get right? We answer this question several times a day and if I see it more than three times a day, I don't answer because what's the use? No one seems to see that little icon that pops up and says "Wait! We might already have the answer you're looking for!" I'm not uncomfortable about this teaching at all. We're not worshipping the Saints or Mary. We're simply asking them to intercede our prayers for us. It's like asking a friend to pray for you when you're going through a rough time. You're asking the friend to pray for you, not worshipping the friend. There is a distinct difference between worshipping and honoring. We believe that the Saints and Mary are in heaven, along with our loved ones. So what better people to intercede our prayers for us. About the verse that you shared, you didn't read the whole thing. The four verses preceding it says,"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, godly and respectful in every way. This is good, and pleasing to God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." Intercessory prayers on behalf of others are "good and pleasing to God." You also misunderstand Christ being human's mediator. He is very unique because He is the only person to be both God and Man. Therefore He is the only one that bridges the two together. Christ is the mediator of the New Covenant just as Moses was the mediator of the Old Covenant.

Answer 3

--Is Catholic--

Usually a Catholic prayer group is focused on praying and not listening to speakers. Usually they are focused on praying the Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, Novenas, etc. and are too busy. If they do go to a speaker, or have one it, usually it is a person who will help them develop themselves spiritually.

It is very difficult for a Protestant to help a Catholic develop spiritually because the spirituality is very different and the generic Protestant him/herself, by the mere fact of being Protestant, has developed all sorts of incorrect and unhealthy ways of doing things.

Thus I would say that the only value that Joel Osteen has is if somebody wants to learn about his own personal methods and forms. If they want truth and to enter into a deeper prayer life, they must turn to Christ's Church and be vivified by the Holy Spirit.

Might I suggest the following books
The Spirit and Forms of Protestantism by Bouyer
Introduction to the Devout Life by St. de Sales
The Spiritual Life by Tanquerey
Dark Night of the Soul by St. John of the Cross
Any good work by the Desert Fathers

Answer 4

I know Joel Osteens work, and while he has a good message, he also has a bad one. Capitalizing on God is a horrible thing. I have never believed in Mass Media for God. Evangelizers on TV or Radio. Selling Bibles and books. Collection Plates.
I think Joel Osteen is a disgrace.

Answer 5

YES, I teach at a Catholic school and I love to hear sermons by Joel Osteen.

Answer 6

No religious group should have a
problem listening to the truth. Yes he teaches prosperity,but most people think he's talking about money,money is only one area of prosperity, and that he teaches only feel good messages. but he teaches forgiveness, and love and caring ,helping others and having a Christ like attitude. He doesn't have to be a hell fire and brimstone preacher to get the message across. and he does get it out there and people are coming to Christ because of him.

Answer 7

I don't see why not. He teaches the same values a bishop would preach. There's too much separation between denominations if you ask me. The body of Christ shouldn't be separate, else it can't work.

Answer 8

Really? Does he ever teach the word of God...or just how to prosper and get wealthy?

Answer 9

I LISTEN TO JOEL OSTEEN.HE HAS A GOOD WORD .
HE ONLY PREACHES THE GOOD STUFF.SO MOST OF THE WORD IS LEFT OUT.
MOST PREACHERS, TODAY PREACH WHAT THEY THINK PEOPLE WANT TO HEAR.(ITCHY EARS)
BUT THE PASTOR MUST PREACH THE FULL GOSPEL.THE GOOD,THE BAD,THE UGLY.
HE IS A GOOD SPEAKER.

Answer 10

If there's other good, Catholic material available, no.