Many have criticized Joel Osteen, the well-known pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. They are upset because Joel preaches a ‘good news’ gospel, because he helps people to feel good about God, because he gives them hope.
They would rather that people live under the spell of preachers who talk of a harsh, demanding, angry, vengeful, and judgmental God – who insist that individuals live under a continual state of fear, guilt, and anxiety, constantly wondering if they are living a life that is ‘pleasing’ to God.
Joel says, ”We’ve heard a lot about the judgment of God and what we can’t do and what’s going to keep us out of heaven. But it’s time for people to start hearing about the goodness of God, about a God that loves them.”
Amen, brother!
One theologian commented that Joel’s core message (“God is nice”) is not the message of the Bible. He felt more emphasis should be put on sin, suffering, and redemption, rather than focusing on the good news.
Joel has said that he believes people know when they are doing wrong. He feels it’s not his job to remind them of this. His job is to uplift, to encourage, to help them recognize that God loves them … where they are.
People are tired of seeing their relationships fall apart, their careers crumble, their dreams disappear. They are tired of struggling through life. They are tired of hearing about the adversity and difficulty throughout the world.
Joel Osteen gives them hope that God has better things in store for them … that God wants only the best for them … and that God loves them.
And I ask … is that such a bad thing?
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I have watched his sermons several times. From my point of view if you have heard 3 sermons you pretty well know what to expect.
hopefully his sermons will be a new wave of Christian thinking from god’s wrath to the good of god.
Also he has sense enough to stay out of the Iraq war issue but not sure that is the spiritual thing to do. Recently on a blog I talked about love your enemies and give unto Rome what is Rome’s and the meek shall inherit the earth and you cannot believe the hatred that spilled out of some folks accusing me of not supporting the troops.
I heard the support your troops agenda with Vietnam and it cost Americans about 30,000 more troop deaths and about 500,000 more Vietnamese deaths.
My advice to Jesus if he is coming back like the Christians believe he may want to put that return visit on hold. We Americans are not quite ready for him. I.e. he would be killed again with his message of peace and love by well meaning Christian people.
I have watched Joel Osteen several times and I am convinced that he preaches the right and a balanced gospel,that is needed to free those oppressed by sin,despair,hoplessness and the devil. Indeed, he focuses on giveing his audience around the world hope.In my opinion of what the Goodnews should be, the preacher should take his heares from hoplessness to hope in God Almighty. Thank you and keep watching Joel Osteen for a healthy christian living in a fallen and broken world.