Joel Osteen is set to appear on CBS' 60 Minutes this evening.
(check yer local listings)....
Later that same evening....
60 Minutes text of: "Joel Osteen Answers His Critics"
Page 2 wrote:"To become a better you, you must be positive towards yourself, develop better relationships, embrace the place where you are. Not one mention of God in that. Not one mention of Jesus Christ in that," Pitts remarks.
"That's just my message. There is scripture in there that backs it all up. But I feel like, Byron, I'm called to help people…how do we walk out the Christian life? How do we live it? And these are principles that can help you. I mean, there’s a lot better people qualified to say, 'Here’s a book that going to explain the scriptures to you.' I don’t think that’s my gifting," Osteen says.
What Joel said (above) is exactly what I have been thinking about his ministry. I was almost surprised to hear him say the same thing.
I don't often watch Joel. But when I have, he always references the Bible by either quoting a text or putting it into a paraphrase during his sermon. Actually, he often alludes to the Bible though he may not directly quote it word-for-word.
Also, I've heard Joel preach that Jesus died for our sins according to the Scriptures; he certainly doesn't deny it! He may not specifically preach on it every week...but he never denies it to be true.
I've felt Joel's particular spiritual gift is "encouragement" or something like a teacher on the gift of faith. Unlike other t.v. preachers, I personally don't feel he goes into the "word of faith" or that he can be classified as a word of faith teacher. Why not?
If you watch any of his programs from start to finish you will see balance. Osteen doesn't deny people have problems -- or even sin-problems! He actually "steps on your toes!" but does it in a way that makes you really think about your life and how you can do things differently (better, by being more holy and having more faith and hope in God)!
Joel also always urges people to 'keep on keepin' on' and that, no matter what your circumstances are or will become; to trust God
through it all no matter where life may take you -- with God leading you (Again, he differs from "name-it, claim-it" teachers here).
Since I'm more of a "theological" type of person I don't often read devotional or inspirational books...or watch or listen to inspirational teachers.
But I can say that God has used this man on a few occasions in my life. I recall once, I was feeling down & out...in a rut. I flipped on the t.v. and watched whatever was on. It was Joel. I don't recall the topic of the message itself. But I do remember Joel talking about: What happens in my mind is important! That I must continually renew it and transform it to conform to God's purposes & designs (Romans 12:2).
Isaiah 26:3 (NASB)
"The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace,
Because he trusts in You."
Joel Osteen may not be a theologian-proper, a super-exegete, or a traditional pastor or evangelist. But he's doing what God has called him to do according to his "gifting"! And
contra Michael Horton; he is not a heretic, imo.
God bless you,
Rick
