Post by Mike Miller on Oct 16, 2007 8:55:27 GMT -5
I am frequently asked my views about Joel Osteen. What do I think of him? Well, on the positive side, he's a very charismatic person who seems like a really nice guy. However, I consider him a false teacher when it comes to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Below is a link to a "60 Minutes" segment on him that reveals some of the ways in which he trivializes the Gospel. Some of the things to look for in the video:
The true Gospel of Jesus Christ confronts us with our sin, then demands our lives. It is a Gospel of hope and peace and certainty, but it is not one of good health and prosperity. Jesus said that anyone who follows Him must take his cross daily and follow. The call to Jesus is a call to "come and die." If Osteen were to understand and preach the Bible, those things would come out.
You can watch the segment here: www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=3366025n
- People telling Joel things like, "You saved my life," and his responding with "Thank you." Did Joel really save someone's life? Who gets the glory? You'll notice that Osteen frequently refers to what he calls "My message." And that's the problem. It's his message--not God's.
- As the interviewer points out, in his latest book, there is no mention of God or Jesus Christ. I do not know if there is absolutely zero mention, but Osteen does not contradict the interviewer.
- At a book signing, a man introduces his wife as a Catholic and himself as Jewish, and he says that they always watch Osteen. They are obviously fans. Can he really be preaching the Gospel if Jewish people like his message?
- There are intentionally no crosses or "religious" symbols in the church. Are those things necessary? No, but his aversion to the cross is telling.
- Osteen admits that his "gifting" is not to explain the Bible to people. Umm . . . and he's a pastor?
- I thought the interviewer's questions about being overly positive were right on. What about when life doesn't come up roses? Osteen's false Gospel fails to provide any meaningful response to that.
The true Gospel of Jesus Christ confronts us with our sin, then demands our lives. It is a Gospel of hope and peace and certainty, but it is not one of good health and prosperity. Jesus said that anyone who follows Him must take his cross daily and follow. The call to Jesus is a call to "come and die." If Osteen were to understand and preach the Bible, those things would come out.
You can watch the segment here: www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=3366025n