Just when you thought it could not get any worse – it did! Joel Osteen had a pitiful interview on Larry King Live in 2005, and now he and his wife Victoria appeared on Larry King Live for another sad spectacle of watered down religiosity. Mr. Osteen continued to promote his new book while blundering the mission of the church. It is an admirable thing he has done to try to take over his father’s church after his death, but is Joel Osteen actually called to be a gospel preacher? I appreciate his desire to “help” people. That is what all Christians should be doing in their communities, but is Joel Osteen helping people or hurting people spiritually? I can appreciate his desire to be positive and uplifting, but in doing so has Joel Osteen lost the gospel? Is it possible for Joel Osteen to tell people the gospel without the message of sin? These are very big issues that need to be considered in regard to Joel Osteen and his ministry at Lakewood Church in Houston Texas.
Joel Osteen and the Word “Church”Joel Osteen has admitted several times that he has no formal training for the ministry. While formal education is not required in order to be called into the ministry, a basic understanding of what the church is would be very helpful before one steps into the pulpit as the pastor of a local congregation. The Word translated “church” in our Greek New Testament is ekklesia. This word means, “A called-out assembly.” The church as it is pictured in the New Testament and specifically in Acts 2 is a group of people who have been saved by Grace, baptized, and gather together to worship God through His Word and through the Lord’s Supper. As we examine the text in Acts 2, it does not take long to see that the people loved and cared for one another – even to the point of selling goods to make sure those in need were taken care of.The problem with Joel Osteen and his understanding of the church is that he does not put any boundaries up in regard to those who are “members” of his congregation. In the interview with Larry King on October 16th 2007, Joel Osteen made a very troubling statement.KING: Do you have any particular position on — I’m sure there’s gay members of your church.J. OSTEEN: Oh, I’m sure there are. Our church is open to anybody.I mean, we are there to help them and give them encouragement and hope. I think the last thing we’re supposed to do is put up walls and say, if you’re not perfect, you can’t come to my church.While Osteen’s desire to help people is admirable, if he allows homosexuals to be “members” of his church he is hurting the church! At some point, the pastor of a church has to put up walls and boundaries and actually define what a church is! Without boundaries – the church will become another hang-out for the world. The church is defined in Scripture as a body of believers (called-out assembly). Therefore, we must be strict in this area and construct boundaries that keep the church pure for the glory of God. For Joel Osteen to allow homosexuals to attend his church for the purpose of hearing the gospel is a good thing, but the interview suggests that he has no boundaries at all. Osteen’s reply was, “Our church is open to anybody.” Yes, Billy Graham and other evangelists have always sought out all types of people in order to preach to large gatherings for the purpose of salvation, but Osteen admitted that there was a difference between what Billy Graham was doing and what he is doing. He is the pastor of a church while Graham is an evangelist.Joel Osteen and the Word “Gospel”Joel Osteen is a man who seems to be full of smiles and positive energy. This is attractive to a world who seems to be negative by default. While there is nothing wrong with Osteen’s desire to help people be positive and have a “good day” – there is a real problem when he equates overcoming negativity with being delivered from sin. Could it be that Joel Osteen and his wife have sought to equate a positive message of “hope” with what the gospel is? Yes, at the root – the gospel is hope and good news, but is it the same message that is being proclaimed at Lakewood Church in Houston Texas?
KING: What about the critics who say where is the fire and brimstone?Why don’t you pound the lectern — the devil is coming?J. OSTEEN: Yes, you know, I don’t know, Larry. It’s just, you know, it’s different ways to present it. The gospel is translated good news. And to me, good news is letting people know that God loves them, that Jesus came, that we can overcome any obstacle, that we can — we can be forgiven for our mistakes. And I don’t see how beating people down every, you know, every time they get in front of me how that helps them to grow closer to God.And so, you know, there’s a scripture that says it’s the goodness of God that leads people to repentance. And even though we don’t beat people down, we see thousands of people come to know the Lord.Osteen seems to miss the point of the gospel just as he missed the issue of the church. Osteen has defined the gospel as good news which is the message, “that God loves them, that Jesus came, that we can overcome any obstacle, that we can — we can be forgiven for our mistakes.” Is the gospel really something that allows us to overcome our obstacles and mistakes in life? If so, why was the death of Christ so brutal and bloody? If God just wanted us to overcome our obstacles and mistakes – why did the death of Christ have to be such a horrible event? It seems that the Holy Scriptures picture Christ delivering us out of the chains of darkness and the bondage of sin. Why does Osteen skip over this important fact? Could it be that Osteen does not believe that people are in bondage to sin?
KING: And, OK, would Britney Spears be helped by this book? What do you make of that whole — that culture thing?J. OSTEEN: Well, I think it’s easy to get delusioned maybe is the word just with all of that fame and notoriety at such an early age. And sure, I think Britney Spears can be helped by that — by this book.I think anybody could because it’s the principles of the bible. And I think that she’s — these are good people at heart. And they just need some good guidance and good people speaking into their lives.They have got so much pressure and so much, you know, confusion in their lives. But, you know, anybody — anybody can come up higher, and I believe she can come out of this and still live a great life.KING: Yes. That’s what many think, that this whole group, these youngsters, are basically good.V. OSTEEN: Oh, yes.J. OSTEEN: Oh, yes.KING: They’ve just had too much, too soon.J. OSTEEN: Well, I think so. I know Britney’s been to church before. I’ve heard reports. And I believe down deep they love the lord. It’s just, you know, things pull you away, and it’s easy to make bad decisions in life.Notice how Osteen speaks of Britney Spears “loving” God. Does Spears really love God? The Bible never pictures people living the type of lifestyle that Spears lives as those who love God! Osteen seems to minimize the depravity of sin while watering down the gospel as a self help formula to a better life and a better you!Joel Osteen and the “Will of God”Many of Osteen’s critics have accused him of being a “closet” prosperity gospel preacher. In the interview Osteen pulled back the curtain and seemed to identify himself with that genre of preachers.
KING: Do you think there’s too much emphasis on me in the church, you know, what some call the prosperity gospel?And you’re — you’re going to make money. You’re going to be well. You’re going to do good.J. OSTEEN: Well, I think there needs to be a balance. I think there has been and there can be. But I think the whole prosperity thing is, you know, if somebody asks do I believe God wants you to be well and happy and whole and have good relationships and have beautiful children, my answer would be yes. Because I’m a father and I want the best for my children. I don’t want to spoil them. And I’m not talking about, you know, all this money. But I want them to have a good life.Well, God is our heavenly father. And I do think some people take it — you know, some people can blow anything out of proportion. It’s not all about money. I mean we all know people who have all the money in the world but can’t sleep at night. So it’s about — I do believe God wants you to be blessed and he wants you to increase. He wants you to be successful in your career. God never wanted us to drag through life.What would Joel Osteen say about John Bunyan or those who suffered and died for the sake of the gospel? Where is their increase? Where is their “blessed” life? Like the prosperity preachers, Osteen has finally become more clear with his position – He believes that God has a purpose to bless all people with increase, and if we do not increase, it is our own fault! At some point we must ask serious questions about Stephen, Paul, and all of the disciples who have died brutal deaths for the sake of the gospel. Was that the will of God or was it simply their own failed life and purpose?Conclusion:Where has preaching and preachers gone in our day? Joel Osteen would make a great positive life counselor or motivational speaker if he would simply depart from the “church” and leave the Bible alone as he seeks to point people to a more positive life! The world does not need another person telling them they are alright in their sin. The world needs a true prophet to stand and preach the Word of God and tell people the truth about their sin! Nobody wants a doctor who refuses to tell them the truth about their sickness and nobody really wants a preacher who refuses to tell them the truth about their sinfulness. What the world needs is a true gospel preacher rather than a positive life coach!Rev. Josh Buice
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I watched the interview as well and was, as you might expect, disturbed by it. I was amazed that he would basically write off the differences between Christians and Mormons. Does Osteen really understand so little?KING: How do you feel about Mitt Romney and being a Mormon? Would that affect whether you vote for him or not?J. OSTEEN: Well, you know what? I look at people, their character, their values, what they stand for. And I know only Mitt from watching him on your program and reading a couple of articles about him. And I don’t think that that would affect me.I’ve heard him say that he believes Jesus is his savior, just like I do. I’ve studied it deeply, and maybe people don’t agree with me, but I like to look at a person’s value and what they stand for.
Josh,You’re right on! I actually feel physically angry when I read or see Osteen giving interviews. this is not the Gospel! He is pastor of the largest church in America, and can’t figure out the simple part of the Christian faith (the Salvation part).When did we in Christianity stop chasing Christ and start chasing the crowd?Strange, Joel always closes his broadcast: “We want to give you an opportunity to ask Jesus into your heart…” now that’s usually the first time he’s mentioned Jesus. He sure doesn’t talk about Jesus in his sermons (or the Bible… once they’ve done the chant).In an erlier interview with King, Joel said he didn’t know if God would let Muslims in or even athiest into heaven. His response is always so slick, “Well, Larry, I’m not going to judge someone elses heart.” Strange how Paul didn’t have a problem with that! (If any man preaches a Gospel other than the one we have preached…)Sorry I’m ranting. It makes me angry people in my church listen and read this guy. They like the comforting junk food he serves up with a smile.I do wonder what Joel would make of Paul, who filled his body with sufferings for Christ. Or James, who was executed. I thought God’s will was for us to be happy. I wonder how happy thomas was when they drove him through with a spear.
Tim,Yes, that is the most disturbing part of the interview – and perhaps I should have included it in the post myself. Thank you for raising the point yourself. Christianity is not the same as Mormonism. There must be a dividing line in our understanding of and discernment between differing religions. For Christianity is about Christ alone!God Bless!Josh Buice
David,After hearing John Piper’s bio on John Bunyan – check out the link on my top left section – I wonder if Osteen would still have his same glowing smile and write the same literature from a jail? Perhaps he would not be in any danger of imprisonment for preaching the gospel if he lived in the days of Bunyan.Josh Buice
Elder Buice,I saw this interview. Joel Osteen should be actively evangelized. There were also clips of his wife preaching, which is contrary to the Apostle Paul’s commands on women preaching. She stated that she exhorts for 5-10 minutes during every service.Gospelly Yours,Chipley McQueen Thornton
I think most of us would understand Joel’s not being trained as a pastor, if he was seeking to deepen himself theologically. That is: He did not plan to be a pastor. No one can blame him for not going to seminary. However, once he became a pastor it became incumbant on him to search out the deeper things of the faith. Besides, “Jesus is the only way to God”… how deep is that?!
While Joel may be pastor of the Largest Church in the USA, and his dad may have been an excellent pastor, Joel’s lack of the simplicity of the Gospel of Jesus in his sermons is troubling.Theology can and often is difficult to digest and study diligently.The Gospel however is simple: Jesus lived, died, was buried and resurrected. All this was according to scripture and to save His children from the bondage of sin.Using Jesus as a tag line so you can be a ‘Christian speaker’ is really sickening and damaging to the Church.We are warned though that “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!”MDM
Is anyone surprised? I’m not. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine… I could build a 500 member church in the woods in East Alabama if I accepted anyone, preached fluff and made people feel good about themselves. We are in the last days. Come Lord Jesus.
WOW! I just want to say that I appreciate Josh’s systematic review of the interview between King and Osteen. I’ll admit that I like Osteen’s personality. But every time I’ve heard him speak on TV, I’ve had major concern for his lack of focus on the basic doctrines of the Biblically Christian faith. I remember his dad preaching on TV. It seems I remember him always reciting scripture and usually building a firm Biblical argument. This might be a silly thought, but I wonder how Joel Osteen might receive the offer of someone influential to help him with his doctrine? What would happen if someone challenged him to read an Arthur Pink book, The Atonement? What would happen if someone whom he considered worthwhile to heed would give him a helpful book on doctrine. I might be naive. Maybe some have tried. I am concerned as well about Osteen’s leadership, his doctrine, influence on others, representation and knowledge of Christ. I pray, if he has not realized is own great need to trust in Christ and his atoning sacrifice for forgiveness and repentance of his sin, that he would by the grace of God come to Christ. Thank you for your hard work in providing incite on this person and subject. “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.” – The Apostle Paul, 1 Timothy 1:15-16
Joel says he votes for people based on their “values.”Now wait a minute: It doesn’t matter to this pastor if a person has enough spiritual sense to turn to Christ for Salvation. It’s not important that the president of the united states be filled with God’s presence.Based on “values” we should vote for Mormon’s and Muslims! But is book of Mormon, D&C, Pearl of Great Price… the Koran… what we want the president basing decisions on? I want his moral compass to be rooted in Christ!
when asked if atheists will be allowed into heaven, he said that he couldn’t judge peoples hearts? !!!The scriptures say there will be many who enter heaven smelling of the smoke of hell. Unfortunately I don’t think joel osteen will make it that far.I feel sorry for all the weak-minded fools who attend his church that will die with a smiles and happiness as they walk up to jesus and he says, “depart from me, I never knew you”and all the ministers/elders in the kingdom who having healthy doctrine, and walking uprightly, have accepted/partnered/ and approved of this distorted osteenian doctrine of “God’s doesnt care about anything else but your happiness here on earth” , rubbish
well, dont get mad with this guy!!!! One day he will pay all things he is doing!!! maybe now he is living comfortable and making fun of the word of God!!!, but he should be careful…let see how his comfortable life change with the life….and to all those who dont like him….dont let the evil get you mad for the fault of this guy!!! there are better thing to do than wasting the time….reading and watching junk (joel o)
I am here bcoz my Pastor told us about Joel Osteen’s playing safe preaching. So shocked that America’s largest and fastest growing church preaches contrary to the word of God.