I went to see him last Friday and he was so amazing. you could just feel and see Gods love radiating from this man. I cant believe so many people are critical of him. i came away from that evening of worship so renewed and joyful. if us Christians are not joyful than how do we expect to share the good news of Jesus Christ to non believers. i just want to know your thoughts of this incredible man of God.
2007-11-01 14:26:27 · 22 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Joel Osteen is nothing more than a motivational speaker. Don't be fool into thinking that he's a pastor. You will never hear him calling people to repentance, or explaining why homosexuality is wrong in the eyes of God (as it's written in the bible). You will hardly ever hear Joel Osteen talk about Jesus Christ directly. He can say "god...." but he will hardly ever mention Jesus Christ in depth. That's why many people call his teaching "lite Christianity" or "Fast food Christianity." Joel Osteen manages to dodge the bullet and avoid talking about Jesus Christ.
2007-11-01 14:33:08 · answer #1 · answered by Frank V 3 · 2⤊ 3⤋
The problem that his detractors see with him is that he preaches a form of the "name it and claim it" gospel light that is sweeping the nation. If you were to read the gospels you would discover that Jesus tells his followers that to follow Him means that you will be persecuted, times will be tough, and that faith is meant to get you through the tough times, not make you look like a super model, rich like Bill Gates or Joel Osteen, or have life with out any other kinds of worries.
To really evaluate him you must ask these questions
1. Does he really preach the gospel as stated by the Bible?
2. Does what he say match the life of Jesus?
3. Why doesn't he preach about sin and hell? Jesus spoke on Hell often. Joel Osteen does not.
To many believers he is just someone to be avoided another preacher on TV that sounds good, but does tackle the hard issues of faith. To a lost soul, he may not being doing enough to guide them to a right relationship with Christ.
2007-11-01 14:38:39 · answer #2 · answered by Future Citizen of Forvik 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
he is quite a joyful and charismatic man, true, and yes all Christians should be exhibiting this joy. The problem I have with Mr. Osteen is that for all his joy, i have never actually heard him preach the gospel - only good advice and there is a big difference. A major part of the gospel is preaching the reality of sin, the sin in the church, - there should be a time of mourning and repentence over sin. With Joel Osteen it always seems to be about prosperity and living a good life, all the godliness but none of the real power of God.
I believe he has a lot of love and joy in him but he is just not preaching the gospel.
2007-11-01 14:31:40 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 2⤋
examine Acts 10:15 , a million timothy 4:4 ,5 and titus a million:15 while Peter spoke back that he had in no way eaten something user-friendly (as detrimental to holy) and unclean (Ac 10:14), it is, forbidden by using Moses, he replaced into instructed that what God had cleansed replaced into no longer user-friendly or unclean (Ac 10:15). this might in basic terms advise that the ceremonial differences of the regulation have been abrogated (Le 11:2-40 5 De 14:3-21). It replaced into at present that the messengers from a Gentile, certainly one of a form, with which even Peter does no longer consume, yet for which Christ had died, presented themselves (Ac 10:21). the object of the creative and prescient replaced into to instruct Peter that it replaced into the desire of the Lord that he could go.
2016-10-03 03:38:45 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Joel is a foundational-type preacher.
Most people that attend his services are very strong in the Word and understand where he is coming from... His brother, Paul and his sister Lisa, are more meat and potatoes when it comes to referring to the Word.
For those who have just accepted Jesus as their savior, the pastoral staff has instructional classes designed to assist the newborn Christian.
What is not openly discussed but widely known is the number of individuals who leave Lakewood under good terms. They are driven to minister and/or search for answers that Joel and Lakewood just can't provide.
As long as it is His will, there is no condemnation.
A motivational speaker?? maybe.... but when you experience the praise and worship, the message, and what the pastorial staff has to offer, your gut check (the Holy Spirit) tells you you are in the right environment.
With all the negative messages that we receive on a daily basis, there is a need for inspirational, godly thought process.
There is a disservice done to all who attend Lakewood. Those who claim Osteen is Christianity-light would be wise and 'full of discernment' if they were to use what Joel does as stepping stones for their ministry....
After all... we are here to praise and glorify God, not our own agendas.
2007-11-01 17:58:43 · answer #5 · answered by asgodintended 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Many of us (Christians) are looking at the wrong person. Ye , some Christians criticise him too. We should be looking at Jesus and as we "look" at Jesus we will become more like Him.
Non Christians have their own agenda. They often don't want the truth as it has consequences for them.
God is a good God and He wants us to be magnets for Him. I think Joel does a good job of this.
2007-11-01 14:30:24 · answer #6 · answered by jemhasb 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry but he is so shallow and fake that he just bugs me.
I think he is all about the $$. I visited that church with a friend back when his dad was preaching and I guess he was just a kid.
The joy thing is part of that "prosperity doctrine" that church has used to hook people from way back. "The Oasis of Love". Yes, he is joyful alright because he is making bookoo bucks off gullible people. Please look for a church that is more about substance than style--you will not experience true Christian growth on your own by just watching something "radiating" off another person--that is charisma, not Christ.
2007-11-01 14:31:01 · answer #7 · answered by arklatexrat 6 · 5⤊ 2⤋
Criticis have compared his ministry to cotton candy.Like good taste but noting in it.I like the idea that he leaves condemnation and judgment up to God.People will grow in their relationship with God ones they start working on it.They will get to know Him thru reading his word and pray plus lissen to the Holy spirit.
2007-11-01 14:33:47 · answer #8 · answered by hillman 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
i think that is good that he doesnt really talk about bad things and it makes me feel good when i hear him on tv actually hes got alot of light and wisdom in him and even though i do the things of the world 2 i dont really feel attacked by watchin his show he doesnt make people feel like thier bein condemned especially me 2 and i feel good when i watch his show
but i really dont wanna go 2 a church where they judge people i just cant stand that especially even about my orientation of bein gay
2007-11-01 15:09:36 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have no idea but I bet the lighting and music were soft and soothing before he came out to make his sales pitch.
How much money did he get from you after using the group effect?
2007-11-01 14:32:30 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋