Joel Osteen is recently covered in this article from GOOD Magazine. What is interesting is that a tremendous amount of non-Christians are influenced by Joel. The author states: "Whether they realize it or not, they are being drawn by God. Who goes to a worship service on a Friday night, man?"
What do you think? Can Joel Osteen's Prosperity Gospel actually bring people to the Kingdom? Or is it diverting them?
Interesting…I just spoke to an unchurhced neighbor last night. It was the fist time we met (our kids go to the same school) and she asked me If I ever listened to J.O. She thinks he helps her live a “better life.” She had no clue I was a pastor.
I think J.O. helps Jesus be interesting to my neighbor. But, I’m not sure that their is or will be any sort of conviction of sin or transformation. Also, I’ve spoken to multiple unchurched folks (I live in Austin) about Joel, so I find it interesting how they are attracted to this guy…And these are unchurched folks, like going to clubs on 6th st and stuff.
Who knows, maybe I’m wrong and conviction/ transformation will come…which would be good. But I do think Joel can help be a conversation starter.
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Comment by Chris - Dec 27, 2007 @ 01:41 PM
I share this concern with Chris (regarding: conviction of sin and transformation) and sure Joel can help start some great christ driven conversations, my fear is that his current momentum will only lead to better life decision making rather than true spiritual transformation. I am joining you in pray Joel. You have been intrust with a great influence in todays culture. May Christ direct your actions, words, and deeds. To whom much is given, much is required.
Comment by Dolan - Dec 27, 2007 @ 03:39 PM
Catalyst,
As one who has also studied the ministry of his late father John, I can tell you that Joel Osteen really is a Word Faith teacher no different theologically than Kenneth Copeland.
Sadly, for a pastor of the largest evangelical church in the nation, Osteen has very little theological acumen as demonstrated by his telling Chris Wallace: Mitt Romney and Mormons are Christians.
Comment by Ken Silva - Dec 27, 2007 @ 06:44 PM
Read Romans a few times and watch Osteen preach a few times and I think the answer to your question will be clear.
Comment by dean - Dec 27, 2007 @ 11:41 PM
My roomate, an older Jamaican man, sometimes goes to church, seems a little religiousy, definitely considers himself a Christian, and he just started listening-to/watching Joel Osteen.
It was so interesting b/c I’ve always heard he’s not good. Then reading this article it’s interesting that even non-Christians like his stuff. I wish evangelicals could have this kind of influence. Why don’t they?
Comment by Jesse - Dec 28, 2007 @ 02:34 PM
Can Caiaphas be used by God to prophesy the death of Jesus?
Yeah, but that doesn’t mean he in himself was promoting anything remotely resembling the radical, subversive kingdom Jesus preached. I have a hard enough time with weak-spined preachers who preach the kingdom, let alone weak-spined preachers who preach a kingdom that looks alot more like a draconic vision for a capitalistic empire, i.e. the american dream.
Jesus is interesting enough as he is, we don’t need to sell the cross. I find it curious that American pastors are constantly concerned with being “legalistic” when in all actuality, I’ve yet to come across a church who’s main problem is they won’t let people in for one reason or another. Instead, most of them try anything and everything they can to get people in the doors! Church discipline is non-existant in many places, and in those places, accountability in leadership seems nowhere to be found.
Basically, I’m among one of the first people you’ll see building relationships with pre-Christians. I’d go so far as to say I’m in favor those who preach Christ EVEN out of selfish ambition - “the important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice” (Philippians 1:18). But Joel doesn’t even do that, he simply doesn’t preach Christ.
He preaches capitalism, and makes his capitalistic living off of it.
Comment by Lancelot - Dec 29, 2007 @ 01:21 PM
While I am not willing to throw Joel completely under the bus and call him a heretic, I do think he represents the vast majority of Americans today. We are probably the most narcissistic generation in history and this is just one more example. We love the “gospel of me.”
But think about this…why do other Christians get so mad about JO? Is it really his theology? Honestly, when was the last time you lost sleep over a difference in theology?
Perhaps the real reason we get so upset with people like JO is because of our own narcissism, sin and pride. I think if we were honest, we don’t like his influence and the size of his church because, er,...well, it’s not happening to US.
Do you really think we’d be talking about this guy if his church had 74 people in it?
Maybe this is just the “Gospel of Me” creeping up in my own life?!?
Comment by JarsofMe - Jan 03, 2008 @ 08:24 AM
I beleive there no way to share the Gospel message unless at some point in a relationship with an unsaved person that sin and repentance is brought to the forefront. How can a person know they are “lost” without the word of God to expose their sins? If we never speak of sin or salvation or repentance how can lives really be changed. Maybe for now they may get a better job or drive a better car or live in a better house. Material things as Jesus said are not lasting, only our lives are. We should be concerned about the heart condition, Jesus was.
Comment by Phil - Jan 03, 2008 @ 04:43 PM
There are many things that concern me about Joel from a lack of depth perspective HOWEVER there are also many things that I see as positives in his ministry.
My overall thought is that I trust God to use someone like Joel for His will and purpose versus the purpose I’d like to think Joel should be used for. Perhaps God is using Joel as an entry point for some and as they grow in faith then they will seek more. Or, he could be contributing to a lackluster, lukewarm faith. I’m not sure but I pray God knows.
The ironic thing to me on all this is that we can all sit here and admire a guy whom we feel is preaching the right theology… talking directly about sin and conviction (while at the same time being concerned about Joel) but then we find out down the road that the guy whom we thought was legit was actually having an affair with a gay man or embezzling money from the church all along. He may have said the “right” things but was living wrong.
To me, as much as I would love to be the pastor police… I’m much more concerned with focusing on how I am living and trying to help those around me live better as well.
Comment by Daniel D - Jan 10, 2008 @ 11:04 PM