Joel Osteen

[CatholicCajun]

Its not a priest’s job to be “convincing”.

As for Joel Osteen and his prosperity message, it is easy to convince people when you tell them what they want to hear.

My view of the priesthood is that they (God willing, someday that will be we) are called to tell people what they do not want to hear.

Amen!

 

[Jack_Bauer]

Its not a priest’s job to be “convincing”.

A priest’s job is to teach the Faith, preach the Gospel, and celebrate the Sacraments.

The “convincing” people would be the job of an apologist.

While some priests may be apologists, not all are as that is not what their job is nor where their training is.

As for Joel Osteen and his prosperity message, it is easy to convince people when you tell them what they want to hear.

My view of the priesthood is that they (God willing, someday that will be we) are called to tell people what they do not want to hear.

Someone already gave you an attaboy pat on the back for the last part of your message. DITTO!

I want to add an observation that many Catholics don’t seem to realize. Preachers are n the business of a lot of things that priests don’t necessarily do, and probably shouldn’t. Preachers visit sick, and baptize, but in such a different way that the emphasis gets changed to prosperity theology thinking/feeling. Priests are far more engaged in serving the parish and greater widespread community in the diocese than preachers. Priests work really hard for their $18K, whereas preachers (Protestants (not liturgical style types though) make huge 5 and 6 digit salaries. But Joel Olsteen? I believe he’s into the big bucks, millions. Beware of the money changers, they will lead you astray by deceiving you with a false gospel. Priests must stick to the truth in preaching, whereas Mr. Olsteen can change it at his own whim, to pull in more money by raking in more followers. This is a world I know about. So learn to appreciate you simple parish priest. That’s what the Knights of Columbus do.

 

[thequeen]

You know I never thought of the poster of this question being Joel Osteen himself the person who suggested this does have a point though maybe we could pray that Joel Osteen will quit preaching a false Gospel and maybe led to learn the truth and perhaps convert to Catholocism.

 

[Cara_Serrano]

You know I never thought of the poster of this question being Joel Osteen himself the person who suggested this does have a point though maybe we could pray that Joel Osteen will quit preaching a false Gospel and maybe led to learn the truth and perhaps convert to Catholocism.

Yes, I hope Joel will convert to Catholicism too, but that still doesn’t make him fit to be a priest. Hard to imagine him taking a vow of poverty much less fulfilling the other priestly responsibilities listed in previous posts, but I guess anything is possible

 

[Jack_Bauer]

Yes, I hope Joel will convert to Catholicism too, but that still doesn’t make him fit to be a priest. Hard to imagine him taking a vow of poverty much less fulfilling the other priestly responsibilities listed in previous posts, but I guess anything is possible

One of the wealthiest man I knew was a priest.

 

[Cara_Serrano]

One of the wealthiest man I knew was a priest.

Are you speaking of his wealth or his family’s wealth before he was ordained? If not, how does he reconcile his wealth with the poverty of Christ and a Christian detachment from secular goods?

 

[TheRealJuliane]

You know I never thought of the poster of this question being Joel Osteen himself the person who suggested this does have a point though maybe we could pray that Joel Osteen will quit preaching a false Gospel and maybe led to learn the truth and** perhaps convert to Catholicism**.

Now that WOULD be a miracle!!!



Might cause a big schism in his family, though…to say nothing of his followers in the Church of Joel Osteen…I mean “Lakewood Entertainment Complex.”

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

Yes, I hope Joel will convert to Catholicism too, but that still doesn’t make him fit to be a priest. Hard to imagine him taking a vow of poverty much less fulfilling the other priestly responsibilities listed in previous posts, but I guess anything is possible

Secular priests do not take any vows let alone a vow of poverty.

They make the promises of obedience and celibacy.

 

[Mommy2adc]

Being in the process of converting to Catholicism from a Protestant background, I find the responses to this post a bit upsetting. It was preachers similar to Joel Osteen and in fact listening to Joel Osteen on occasion that helped me form a relationship with God and in turn cause me to hunger for more; for a deeper understanding and relationship with God. This very desire to know God more is what led me to the Catholic faith. I do not deny that there is a lacking in man Protestant churches, and that Joel Osteen is known as the “good news” preacher, and is essentially missing the mark on many areas he preaches on. But what right does anyone have to sit her and bash and man, however misguided he might be, who is trying to find God, and to lead others to know him? There is no denying Joel Osteen is charismatic, perhaps this is what the original poster meant when asking whether there are any priests like him? Also should we not be praying for him rather then judging him? Should we not pray that those who find his message intriguing would also form in their hearts a deeper desire to know God and to find their way home to the Catholic Faith? I thank God every day that I had the seeds of Christianity planted in me, that I was raised to know him, and that now as an adult I am finding my way home and developing a deeper relationship with God. We should pray for those who are misguided not judge.

 

[ThatOneDudeAlex]

Jeol Oslteen represents the prosperity theology line of something, not Christian. The mere fact he pushes this agenda should discredit him automatically. However, I know many Catholics, mostly unfaithful, that buy into this fake religion. I pray that you never find a priest like him. And if you do, turn him into the bishop immediately so that he can be stripped of his office.

Ouch. It’s not like they’re necessarily “buying into his religion”. At leaste, I know I’m not. I watch Joel Osteen, and have his book, actually. I like to think I’m still a very faithful Catholic, as I attend church weekly, and hold very tightly to my Catholic roots. No one’s going to agree with everything a particular preacher (Catholic priests included) says. In watching his shows, I’ve got that his main thing is just to get people to look on the bright side and trust in God. And until he attempts to challenge my Catholic faith, which on a personal basis has NOT happened, I don’t see any harm in watching.

 

[TheRealJuliane]

Ouch. It’s not like they’re necessarily “buying into his religion”. At leaste, I know I’m not. I watch Joel Osteen, and have his book, actually. I like to think I’m still a very faithful Catholic, as I attend church weekly, and hold very tightly to my Catholic roots. No one’s going to agree with everything a particular preacher (Catholic priests included) says. In watching his shows, I’ve got that his main thing is just to get people to look on the bright side and trust in God. And until he attempts to challenge my Catholic faith, which on a personal basis has NOT happened, I don’t see any harm in watching.

Osteen is a pop psychology motivational speaker, with some Scripture thrown in for good measure and to give his feel-good theater credibility. As long as you understand what you are watching, and don’t think it has anything to do with Jesus, the Bible, or true Christianity, you’ll be fine. Watching the music is probably harmless. I do worry about his audience though, because some of them are being led into serious error.

“Show” is the right word for the Lakewood Entertainment Center.

 

[Jack_Bauer]

Ouch. It’s not like they’re necessarily “buying into his religion”. At leaste, I know I’m not. I watch Joel Osteen, and have his book, actually. I like to think I’m still a very faithful Catholic, as I attend church weekly, and hold very tightly to my Catholic roots. No one’s going to agree with everything a particular preacher (Catholic priests included) says. In watching his shows, I’ve got that his main thing is just to get people to look on the bright side and trust in God. And until he attempts to challenge my Catholic faith, which on a personal basis has NOT happened, I don’t see any harm in watching.

Sorry, But you don’t understand. Having come from that world, I know a thing or two about it. I was a Church of Christ preacher - per say. It’s either voluntary or paid. Doesn’t matter. But the world of the mega non-denominational Christian bible world is so unbelievably corrupt that I can not accept your position that Joel, or any others like him, are “trying to get us to look on the upbeat side of life.” What do you think Prosperity theology is about, making people happy? Prosperity Theology is a heresy… simple. It’s a fact that its’ a heresy.

Referring to Protestants as our “our brothers and sisters” is only partially correct. They are our “SEPARATED brothers and sisters in Christ.” That separation is dictated by just how far they have fallen into heresy. Prosperity theology folks are usually those that buy into once saved always saved and believe that they do not have to be baptized to be saved, which is a serious disparity in belief. Also, having been part of many different bible classes in my life, I see the major problems with allowing Catholics to attend them. We all think we’re beyond it, when in fact, the overwhelming majority aren’t. A Protestant leaning towards fundamentalism wouldn’t hesitate to back someone in a corner over something they disagreed. They are not usually confused with what their ecclesial community believes and teachers. However, Catholics are typically hardly prepared to deal with such conflict. We fall prey very easily outside of of solid, well grounded, catachesis. Try reading something much more enlightening like: Story of a Soul, by the Little Flower (St. Therese), Dark Night of a Soul, St. John of the Cross, Divine Mercy, St. Faustina, City of God, Confessions, St. Augustine, etc…

 

[mlz]

Being in the process of converting to Catholicism from a Protestant background, I find the responses to this post a bit upsetting. It was preachers similar to Joel Osteen and in fact listening to Joel Osteen on occasion that helped me form a relationship with God and in turn cause me to hunger for more; for a deeper understanding and relationship with God. This very desire to know God more is what led me to the Catholic faith. I do not deny that there is a lacking in man Protestant churches, and that Joel Osteen is known as the “good news” preacher, and is essentially missing the mark on many areas he preaches on. But what right does anyone have to sit her and bash and man, however misguided he might be, who is trying to find God, and to lead others to know him? There is no denying Joel Osteen is charismatic, perhaps this is what the original poster meant when asking whether there are any priests like him? Also should we not be praying for him rather then judging him? Should we not pray that those who find his message intriguing would also form in their hearts a deeper desire to know God and to find their way home to the Catholic Faith? I thank God every day that I had the seeds of Christianity planted in me, that I was raised to know him, and that now as an adult I am finding my way home and developing a deeper relationship with God. We should pray for those who are misguided not judge.

Thank you for your post. We need to be charitable in our Christian witness when we discuss anyone. Blessings to you,
mlz

 

[Cara_Serrano]

Being in the process of converting to Catholicism from a Protestant background, I find the responses to this post a bit upsetting. It was preachers similar to Joel Osteen and in fact listening to Joel Osteen on occasion that helped me form a relationship with God and in turn cause me to hunger for more; for a deeper understanding and relationship with God. This very desire to know God more is what led me to the Catholic faith. I do not deny that there is a lacking in man Protestant churches, and that Joel Osteen is known as the “good news” preacher, and is essentially missing the mark on many areas he preaches on. But what right does anyone have to sit her and bash and man, however misguided he might be, who is trying to find God, and to lead others to know him? There is no denying Joel Osteen is charismatic, perhaps this is what the original poster meant when asking whether there are any priests like him? Also should we not be praying for him rather then judging him? Should we not pray that those who find his message intriguing would also form in their hearts a deeper desire to know God and to find their way home to the Catholic Faith? I thank God every day that I had the seeds of Christianity planted in me, that I was raised to know him, and that now as an adult I am finding my way home and developing a deeper relationship with God. We should pray for those who are misguided not judge.

You are right to be grateful for any Protestant ministers that have brought you to this point, but once you are a Catholic, you will not need your priest to be “like Joel Osteen”, which was the question in the original post.