I was in leadership in my last church (recently moved - need new church home). We were warned by the leaders of the church about Joel Osteen. Other leaders at the meeting had not nice things to say about his teaching.
So, I watched his broadcast (or part of it - got bored). I did not see him read from the Bible once only wave it around. I do not remember any quoting of Scripture from memory.
The main issue with him seems to be he does not teach the entire Gospel. He only focuses on the good things or blessings. He does not teach any warnings. I have heard others say he teaches from the "church of prosperity".
Of course he is popular if he only tells you about all the good things. But, that is deceptive to me. A leader needs to help their flock learn about the traps in life. How to deal with sin in their lives. About Hell and consequences.
He may be inspirational to listen to once in a while, but I would be leary of him being my main preacher. If he is not teaching the entire Bible, then to me he is a deceptive teacher.
This is just my opinion and the opinion of others I have talked too.
I'm sorry, but your comments almost make me sick.
Our job as Christians is to spread the word. If a single person comes to Jesus as a result of Joel Olsteen's actions that will be one more person saved regardless of how Joel Olsteen presents his message. From there it is up to each of us to educate ourselves in the Word of the Lord and not follow blindly.
How did your comments just contribute to the kingdom of God? Did you say you saw the program once and that gives you freedom to trash him because his style didn't appeal to you? I think not.
The Word contained in the New Testament should be your main teacher, none other. Whatever works to inspire anyone to follow or come to the teachings of Jesus is helpful to the kingdom.
Your comments are not. Perhaps if you took some time to listen to Joel Olsteen you'll see that he does quote from the Bible.
He did a real good show once on what Jesus meant when He said it's what comes out of your mouth that makes you unclean. Kind of clarified what Mom said about not saying anything if you didn't have anything to say. Or have no idea of what you are talking about.
Joel shows people how to use the teachings of Jesus to improve their everyday lives. Nothing wrong with that.
Must be working. A lot of people attend his service and even more watch the program on TV for inspiration.
Join us and then if you still feel the need to trash him, go for it. At least you'll have a better idea of what you are talking about.
I think you'll find his teachings refreshing.
God Bless.
