Did you see Joel Osteen on 60 Minutes last Sunday?

Question

I don't understand why this guy is so popular. Christianity Lite (if it's Christianity at all). Doesn't know his Bible. Never talks about sin, repentence or judgment. I really have to pray to keep from hating this guy.

Answer 1

Even though I'm not Christian, I have to agree. We should always have hope, but we do also have to keep in mind repetence, sins, and judgement; we can't forget about these things.

Peace!

Answer 2

Fire and brimstone messages from a typical preacher do not keep people in the church. I've sat through several sermons that focused on the political views of the preacher and told me how we are all such awful sinners. This type of message isn't embracing and doesn't represent the positive message of the new testament.

Joel is successful because he is positive. A positive message is hard to find these days. Joel promotes prayer, belief in God, and positive thinking. This type of attitude brings interest into the church, which is surely a good thing. Interest would encourage people to read the bible and to try to live a better life. He doesn't focus on differences and accepts all people, which is what Jesus did. Now who knows if Joel is a money seeking fake or not. I'm not a devout Christian but I admire the message and would rather see a hopeful preacher than one who focuses on all the sins in the world.

Answer 3

He even stated himself that he is a motivational speaker, he does use the bible but his goal is to motivate people to change their lives for the better. You are correct he doesn't preach about sin or repentance, which I think are an important part of Christianity but at the same time he does state that people know what they need to do, they know what is right and wrong and that he doesn't want to beat people over the head with the negative.

I admire his ability to inspire people.

Also they didn't really touch on his ministries within the church. I am sure they deal with all aspects of Christianity in the smaller groups. There is a lot going on with his church that you can't see on the surface.

Also they didn't mention that he no longer takes a salary from the church since he has made his book deals. I admire that as well.

If you don't agree with his ministry, then don't tune in. Although you might want to watch to get some facts for yourself. How can you hate someone who is such a positive influence?

Answer 4

As a Christian, i'm targeting it. the final element Christianity desires is a "chief" who won't even upward push up for the fact (see the Larry King transcripts!). it relatively is all approximately getting human beings interior the seats and earnings his pocket. unwell. Motivational speaker? Yep. authentic Christian? do no longer think of so.

Answer 5

You hit the nail on the head. He never mentions Salvation at all or how to get it.He's one of these postive preachers " you can do it " so to speak.
I don't hate him - I just stopped watching his TV programs.If people don't hear how to get saved - they will stay lost in their sins.

Answer 6

He is a "prosperity preacher" always telling you that you are going to be blessed in everything you do, and you will prosper, prosper, prosper. He likes to "tickle" people's ears. The Bible warns us about preachers who do this. They are called "false teachers" whom they have heaped up for themselves because they have itching ears."

Answer 7

Did you ever think that there are other perspectives other then yours in Christianity? He might just be one of those. Jesus told us specifically that we should not be critical of those who are different.
Paul said if they are preaching the gospel for what ever reason it is ok.
Lighten up.. You don't have the following he does so you should keep your thoughts on track.
It takes all kinds. At least he is not caught in any scandal. Yet.

Answer 8

he's a great motivational speaker but he does not go by the bible.