Catholics and Joel Osteen?

[jason197754]

I’m kind of confused about this issue. Becasue it seems like a lot of Catholics DO like Joel Osteen but a lot of Catholic DONT’T like him.

So what do you all think about Joel Osteen and his message? I know that he is protestant. But isn’t his message helping a lot of people?

Or he in it just for the money? Becasue honestly I think he sounds like a broken record most of the time, becasue most of his messages sound the same.

So what do you all think about all of this?

Jason

 

[puzzleannie]

I am not qualified to comment on his personal motives behind his ministry and message, but because so many catechists, parents and even colleagues have spoken favorably of Pastor Osteen I have made it my business twice to visit his church when I have been up there on business, and to watch his televised message. His message where it is not inoffensive non-substantive feel-good non-religious in content, is opposed to traditional Catholic understanding of the Gospel, the mission of Jesus Christ the Redeemer, redemptive suffering, and the Cross. I can see no benefit to any Catholic spending time with this type of worship or message especially as that almost insures time will be taken away from Catholic worship, devotions, prayer and spiritual reading.

 

[aspirant]

His message where it is not inoffensive non-substantive feel-good non-religious in content, is opposed to traditional Catholic understanding of the Gospel, the mission of Jesus Christ the Redeemer, redemptive suffering, and the Cross. I can see no benefit to any Catholic spending time with this type of worship or message especially as that almost insures time will be taken away from Catholic worship, devotions, prayer and spiritual reading.

From what I’ve seen, this is accurate. Most of what he says is fluff. The majority of the rest is erroneous.

 

[Corki]

I second (third) what PA said. I have never been to Joel Osteen’s services even though they are nearby but know many people who have gone. If you watch him on TV, it’s not that it will damage your soul or anything. It’s mostly just a motivational speech. People listen and feel better about themselves. If it wasn’t for the prayer in the beginning, there isn’t anything particularly religious on his show. I understand from those who have gone to his church in Houston that his services have two parts; one more psychological and one more theological. The psychological part is what it broadcast on TV. I would exercise caution for the theological just like with any other Protestant Church. If you are strong in the faith, you will probably be ok.

His “in person” ministry does a lot of good in the Houston area. They mobiled a virtual army of volunteers after hurricane IKE. People love to go to the church because it is in the old basketball arena. There is even concessions. It is a very different experience than your local parish, no one is going to remember you from week to week and ask why you weren’t at Mass last Sunday.

His message does “help a lot of people” but that help is very internal. They feel better about themselves. It does not neccessarily help them become better Christians or a better part of the faith community.