Watching Church on TV....Joel Osteen

[nbodyhome]

I don't much care for TV preachers - not Joel Osteen, definitely not Joyce Meyer or Paula White, etc. Too rich for me! I would like to see more ministers talk about serving, and not just collecting money to have big houses, face lifts, etc.

 

[Lachesis00]

My dad is not a church going man but he will tune into the Christian channel once in a while to get his fix.

 

[CoPirate]

interesting... see im agnostic. And i love Joel. We went and saw him when he came to FL. I just take out the god refrences, because my views on who "god" is differ from that of the christian faith. His message is just always amazing though. So positive, and i just feel good after hearing him talk.

 

[Buckalew11]

I'm no fan of Joel Osteen, but he does relay a positive message and I think that is good. I think his message can be used as a stepping stone for people who are searching for God. Some will find God through searching for more after turning the dial (do we turn dials anymore? LOL) Some will take away a "feel good, positive" message that may help them through the day.

I prefer Charles Stanley and David Jeremiah's messages which are more Biblically based IMHO. God can use many things/people to reach a person's soul. I believe that even things such as those boes being found and the special that was on TV a few weeks ago can be used by God. It certainly gets people talking and looking for answers to life's questions anyway.

 

[Tink&SquirtsMom]

I'm Christian. Major theological differences with Joel Osteen.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

I have a little warning bell that goes off inside of me when I watch him. While he could be a gateway toward God, I just can't shake the feeling I get.

 

[Brier Rose]

Since this was a question about Joel Osteen, I hope it's not too OT if I ask what some people don't like about him.

Specifically those of you who have posted that you have serious theological issues with what he preaches.

Just curious.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

Since this was a question about Joel Osteen, I hope it's not too OT if I ask what some people don't like about him.

Specifically those of you who have posted that you have serious theological issues with what he preaches.

Just curious.

Osteen's preaching, speeches, and books include nothing at all about the doctrine of atonement. Also his understanding of grace seems to be that it is something earned rather than something received from God. I think he represents what Deitrich Bonhoffer called "cheap grace" -that is, grace unencumbered by the truth of the cross.

 

[backalleysally]

Joel Osteen is no better or worse than any other barmy TV preacher.

I understand people's desire to find a way to live, but why they think they can only find a way to live by believing ridiculous things about the universe (i.e. 90% of all religious propositions), is something I've never understood and never will.

 

[goofygirl]

There's something about him--I can't look away whenever the TV lands on him. It's like the world's best animatronic preacher. There's something "off" about him and I just can't put my finger on what it is, but I can't look away until I figure it out!

I agree! There is something "off" about him.

I'm not a big fan of megachurches. They are a little too showbiz-y to me.

Once in awhile I'll put on EWTN's Daily Mass. Even though I'm not Catholic and do not agree with the Catholic Church on much, I find their liturgy appealing and relaxing.

 

[Brier Rose]

Osteen's preaching, speeches, and books include nothing at all about the doctrine of atonement. Also his understanding of grace seems to be that it is something earned rather than something received from God. I think he represents what Deitrich Bonhoffer called "cheap grace" -that is, grace unencumbered by the truth of the cross.

This is taken straight from his own website...

WE BELIEVE…the entire Bible is inspired by God, without error and the authority on which we base our faith, conduct and doctrine.

WE BELIEVE…in one God who exists in three distinct persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God who came to this earth as Savior of the world.

WE BELIEVE…Jesus died on the cross and shed His blood for our sins. We believe Jesus rose from the dead and is coming again. We believe that eternal salvation is found only by placing our faith in Jesus Christ and what He did for us on the cross.

WE BELIEVE…water baptism is a symbol of the cleansing power of the blood of Christ and an outward testimony to our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

WE BELIEVE…in the regular taking of Communion as an act of remembering what the Lord Jesus did for us on the cross.

WE BELIEVE…every believer should be in a growing relationship with Jesus by obeying God’s Word, yielding to the Holy Spirit and by being conformed to the image of Christ.

WE BELIEVE…as children of God, we are overcomers and more than conquerors and God intends for each of us to experience the abundant life He has in store for us.

 

[JoyG]

This is taken straight from his own website...

WE BELIEVE…the entire Bible is inspired by God, without error and the authority on which we base our faith, conduct and doctrine.

WE BELIEVE…in one God who exists in three distinct persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God who came to this earth as Savior of the world.

WE BELIEVE…Jesus died on the cross and shed His blood for our sins. We believe Jesus rose from the dead and is coming again. We believe that eternal salvation is found only by placing our faith in Jesus Christ and what He did for us on the cross.

WE BELIEVE…water baptism is a symbol of the cleansing power of the blood of Christ and an outward testimony to our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

WE BELIEVE…in the regular taking of Communion as an act of remembering what the Lord Jesus did for us on the cross.

WE BELIEVE…every believer should be in a growing relationship with Jesus by obeying God’s Word, yielding to the Holy Spirit and by being conformed to the image of Christ.

WE BELIEVE…as children of God, we are overcomers and more than conquerors and God intends for each of us to experience the abundant life He has in store for us.

I don't doubt he actually believes all that, but I don't think it comes across in his preaching.

I saw him on Larry King and I remember thinking to myself he's probably a nice guy, sincere enough.

I just think the messages he teaches are heavy on anecdotes and light on scripture. He reminds me of that Tony Perkins guy...is that his name...the one from Shallow Hal? A personal growth speaker with a little God thrown in.

Personally, I like preachers that have a little more meat in their sermons.

 

[mom2taylorandemily]

do you do this? I am not a very religious person. I only go to Church when someone dies, no flames I am just being honest.
Anyway latley I have been up late on Sunday nights. One night I flipped on this Joel Osteen program and was really just struck by him and his words.

Of course I did know half the stories he was talking about, as I dont read the bible and never have. BUt none the less I did enjoy listening to him and what he spoke about. I stayed up to wach it the past several weeks.

I know his church is no where around here, I live MA. I would be willing to bet there are no churches like that around here. Has anyone read his book ?

I am struck by your post. First, did you know that Joel Osteen tours the country and is currently on tour. I can't remember his website, but go to it and see if he is coming near you. Second what he suggests is where you need to start. If you want to find a church like his, look in the phone book and start calling around. You want a Bible based teaching church that has contemporary christian music. Ask whoever answers the phone if they are a progressive church that teaches from the Bible. I hope you find what you are looking for. The contemporary churches generally have the hip music and teach on your level, not in a condeming way. Good Luck!!

 

[jimmiej]

I don't much care for TV preachers - not Joel Osteen, definitely not Joyce Meyer or Paula White, etc. Too rich for me! I would like to see more ministers talk about serving, and not just collecting money to have big houses, face lifts, etc.

Your post is completely ridiculous! Have you done any investigating to see what Lakewood Church does in the city of Houston to help people? I doubt you have! If I'm wrong, show me.

Back to the OP, DW & I have visited Lakewood twice while in Houston, one time just two months ago. We do have some theological differences with JO, but I feel the Lord's presence in that church. Somebody can correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe JO is a name-it-and-claim-it preacher.

http://www.rapidnet.com/~jbeard/bdm/Psychology/posit.htm

 

[JoyG]

Somebody can correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe JO is a name-it-and-claim-it preacher.

http://www.rapidnet.com/~jbeard/bdm/Psychology/posit.htm

Yes, I believe I've heard that also.

ETA: I think that's what the last line in his beliefs statement alludes to.

 

[Saphire]

I know very little about the man or his church, but I didn't care for him at all when I saw him on television. He was just too slick for me. I also admit I have some difficulty in general with televangelists. The more powerful they get, the more I dislike them.
Two exceptions, however. I adore Billy Graham, and I love Charles Stanley. They don't have any bells and whistles, the Gospel is pure and simple and the most predominant thing of all. My kind of preacher.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

Maybe its because it's Lent, but I just don't have much use these days for incurably happy churches and preachers. You know the ones, where everyone goes swinging their happy little way out into the sunshine when church is over. Meanwhile there is no ackowledgment of the suffering and loss that is part of our human condition (the part we need Jesus for most!) People have cancer, marriages fail, families go broke. Thinking bright shiny happy thoughts is not what we all need. We need a Lord who knows us through the cross.

(Note that I mentioned no preacher's name in the prior paragraph )

 

[KikiFan]

Maybe its because it's Lent, but I just don't have much use these days for incurably happy churches and preachers. You know the ones, where everyone goes swinging their happy little way out into the sunshine when church is over. Meanwhile there is no ackowledgment of the suffering and loss that is part of our human condition (the part we need Jesus for most!) People have cancer, marriages fail, families go broke. Thinking bright shiny happy thoughts is not what we all need. We need a Lord who knows us through the cross.

(Note that I mentioned no preacher's name in the prior paragraph )

Eh personally I'm quite happy with bright, shiny, happy thoughts.

 

[aquinas]

More of the "Health & Wealth" prosperity gospel.

Try listening to John Piper, John MacArthur, Steve Lawson, CJ Mahaney, Josh Harris, or Mark Driscoll for a much better presentation of the Gospel.

 

[meandtheguys2]

While it is nice to preach that we all deserve so much, I don't believe that every promise was meant for every person regardless of the context. I think it gives a false impression to those who are having a wretched time, questioning their faith.