I'm a christian and I really enjoy listening to Joel Osteen on Cd or watching his tv program. When I was growing up, I had a love but also a fear of God, and Joel teaches how much God loves me, and I can now feel that love and my life has become better. I'm happier and good things are happening for me.
Just wondering why so many christians are down on him because he isn't preaching fire and brimstone and repent.
I think we all know we have to repent for our sins, but don't some of those scary preachers miss the point on how much he does love us?
I'm open to read your opinions. I realize in the last days there will be false prophets, so I don't want to be hypnotised by one but I truly don't feel like he is preaching a message that contradicts the Bible.
Do you? I'm open to your opinion
Robin
2007-07-23 10:43:55 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I don't dislike him...but, I question his sincerity.
I really think that if God were here, he would be preaching from a donated warehouse...not from a multi -million dollar stadium...I think God would use more of the funds collected to give to the poor, orphaned and widows...rather than building a dynasty.
As a Christian we are to be Christ-like...especially pastors...I believe Christ would live humbly. Furthermore, the money given to the church through tithes and offerings are being used to heat and cool that stadium, pay the mortgage, etc...is that the best stewardship of those millions of dollars? How many people could be helped with those funds?
I do admit however, he is a good and dynamic speaker...and he seems to be a good person...I just hope he isn't losing sight of his calling...in building an empire...(remember Jim Bakker)
2007-07-23 10:50:52 · answer #1 · answered by G.C. 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
What you were taught growing up was right and proper. Our pastors/ministers/preachers should be preaching Law and Gospel. There are laws to follow and there are expectations of us, and if we don't follow, yes, God can and has gotten pretty po'ed in the past. But, it was all heading us to Christ, and with Him we are saved. But we still have to know our history, we have to know the law to enjoy the joy of the gospel.
All of this feel good happy face God stuff doesn't cut it. Jesus wasn't all about making people feel warm and fuzzy. If you really read the scriptures and know the history of the time, he was way outside the comfort zone and so not politically correct!
Finally, he preaches about everyone gaining material wealth. That if we just believe enough and pray enough, etc., that we will be materially rich. That is so against the teachings of Christ!! He wants us to be rich in the glory of Heaven and Salvation. He wants us to be rich in our faith, in our love, in our relationships.
Please find someone who has studied his religion, who is ordained, who has been formally educated in the Bible and history and theology. Then you can get some good information. He's just like the church of old... just listen to him and don't bother with the Bible!
2007-07-23 11:30:52 · answer #2 · answered by usafbrat64 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1) Because he does not preach about sin (as he said on Larry King live
2) Listen to him closely, he will rarely mention the name of Jesus
3) #2 is demonstrated because he doesnt even have a cross on stage, he has a revolving globe.
#4) Most importantly, it's because he is a "self-help" guy not really a pastor (no offense) but he doesnt like to talk about Christian subjects. For example, you will never hear him talk about homosexuality, abortion and other issues. He aviods it....what he has done is become too "seeker freindly" and ignored the word of God.
EDIT:)))))) you said "because he isn't preaching fire and brimstone and repent".........I dont agree with fire and brimstone but any Christian who loves Jesus HAS to teach repentace for forgiveness of sins. John the Baptist, Jesus, Paul and the entire Gospel message rests on this very word.
2007-07-23 10:49:55 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Good question, Robin! I too love to hear him preach! Plus, that smile is just contagious to me! Wonderful man!
However, he is BIG into preaching that God wants us all to be rich. If this is the case, then why did Jesus say," The poor will always be with you." ? So, many of us have a problem when a good preacher focuses on money! It makes antennas go up! Why? Because, again, " the LOVE of money is the root of all evil,"!! This scripture helps me to discern much!
I hope this helps you to understand. Joel is a good preacher but, his Dad never once put his focus on money! It was always on the scriptures! That, "This is my Bible," quote he does....that was his Dad's!
Gail
2007-07-23 10:54:35 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If he makes you feel good and closer to God, then there is nothing wrong with that. I would suggest though that you pray and study the Holy Bible to make you feel good and bring you closer to God also. Don't rely on one source. I personally don't give Osteen too much thought or time. I've watched him a few times and although he might be a good motivational speaker, there is something about him I don't trust. I think we need more personal contact in our fellowship and he doesn't, can't provide that and neither can any of these big churches.
God Bless.
2007-07-23 10:56:03 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Jesus didn't come to tell people how much He loved them or how to be rich or anything like that. He wasn't concerned with this world, He was concerned with eternal life.
When a so-called Christian minister provides a comfortable environment for atheists, Buddhists, and backsliders, there is something wrong with his message. The true gospel should have nonbelievers squirming in their seats, and that includes the fact that if you die and you have not proclaimed Jesus Christ as the Son of God, confessed your sins, and asked Him to become your Savior, you are going to hell.
2007-07-23 10:53:43 · answer #6 · answered by Gal from Yellow Flat 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't know if personally dislike him, but there are things about him that I disagree with. He speaks truth, but not the whole truth. He seems like he is more concerned with telling people what they want to hear than in their souls. I think it's fine to listen to him if you want to, but don't only listen to him or rely only on him.
A Christian friend of mine made a good analogy about him. She said his preaching was like cake. Cake is good and you can eat it if you want to, but if all you ever ate was cake, that would be unhealthy. You'd gain weight, become unhealthy, and your body would starve for lack of important nutrients found in other food.
2007-07-23 11:37:39 · answer #7 · answered by Consuming Fire 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have only heard him once or twice, but many "ministers" nowadays are not preaching the whole word of God, only what sounds good or makes people feel good. They leave out Jesus, salvation, rebirth, holy living,etc., but God holds them responsible for their sheeps' souls and expects his servants to feed his sheep, even as Jesus commanded his disciples to do. Yes, God loves us, but he also judges us for not obeying Him.
2007-07-23 11:03:02 · answer #8 · answered by beattyb 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because theologically he is weak. He is "word of faith." Faith in faith, not in Jesus Christ and His work. They believe word can become a vessel os reality. Only God can speak and create reality, The Bible says so. Nowhere in the Bible does it validate Olsteen's preaching on this or anyone else in the "word of faith" movement. *See apologetics links below
Stephanie-there are a lot of people at wal-mart, but I wouldn't bet their all saved. He doesn't have a seminary background.
2007-07-23 10:54:04 · answer #9 · answered by Bruce7 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I was told he said that he wouldn't be opposed to marrying gays if it were legalized. Don't know if that's true, but if so, I would have a problem with that. I do feel he's a tad imbalanced when it comes to sin.
2007-07-23 10:52:04 · answer #10 · answered by BERT 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋