Joel Osteen's Prosperity Gospel

[tundramom]

I’m sure I’ve told this story on the forum before, but I’ll tell it again anyway…

I grew up Mormon, became a Christian and went to an Assembly of God and the Catholic church with my husband. We sort of straddled both churches before I prayed that dangerous prayer… “Lord, hit me over the head with a two-by-four if you want me to leave the AOG”. (He did… be careful what you pray for!)

After an extremely painful betrayal by the Pastor of the AG church, and before my full conversion into Catholicism, I sat at home on a Sunday morning for the first time in years instead of in the pew. I had no desire to go to church anywhere as I didn’t trust any church. I was ready to give it all up and then I turned on the TV. I searched through the stations and came upon Mr. Osteen’s program. Because he was holding the Bible up in the air and making the proclamation he always does:
This is my Bible
I am what it says I am
I can be what it says I can be
Today I will be taught the Word of God
I boldy confess,
my mind is alert, my heart is receptive
I’ll never be the same
never never never
I’ll never be the same
in Jesus’ name, Amen.

My previous Pastor had done the same thing starting a few months before I had left and since I thought he taught straight out of the Word, I thought, “Ok God. I’ll watch”.

So I sat there. My eyes were opened indeed! After making the proclamation that he had made, I expected at least a few scriptures. What proceeded was nothing short of a self-help talk much like Tony Robbins is famous for. Mr. Osteen talked about how to make your life better or some such nonsense. Who was it who said that “you will have trouble”… oh yeah, it was JESUS!

The camera panned around the huge gathering. All the people sat with their Bibles opened up on their laps and with rapt attention paid to Mr. Osteen and the big screens his likeness was on. They wore smiles and glassy eyed stares, while Mr. Osteen tickled their ears with what they wanted to hear.

Only once did I hear a scripture… it wasn’t quoted, it was paraphrased and no “address” was given for it.

I thought perhaps I was being hyper-sensitive, and so the next week I tried again. Same thing.

I praise God for this though, as I AM hyper-sensitive to this type of heresy. Thank God for all the false religions I’ve investigated or been a part of. It makes me appreciate my own conversion to Catholicism and the rich, scriptural teachings that is ours for the taking.

That’s my story. I’m sticking to it

in Christ
Steph

 

[Carrie_Andrews]

I guess I take a very different message away from Joel then the posters here. I hear him talk about the importance of Forgiveness(like Mother Angelica) and Love. I get his news letter and he talks about Jesus and acceptance of lifes crosses in Jesus name. I don’t hear him talk about prosperity, only that God will not give you the grace you need to get ahead in life if you hold onto grudges and hate. I’m a deeply commited Catholic, but I get alot of Love from Joels messages, and alot of Jesus and the Bible. BTW, this was not easy to write knowing everyone here disagrees, but as Joel says, you stick up for those you love.

 

[JoeyWarren]

I’m sure I’ve told this story on the forum before, but I’ll tell it again anyway…That’s my story. I’m sticking to it
in Christ
Steph

:clapping: :clapping: :clapping:

 

[RNRobert]

Thanks Sandy!! Season two is on its way out in podcast - my DH, SMM’s webmaster, is working his tushie off trying to get them done, so keep checking back!

~Liza

GOOD!:clapping: I’ve listened to all the Season One podcasts, and am eager to hear more!

 

[beckers]

It amazes me that Osteen’s church is now located where we used to go see the Rockets play when we lived in Houston.

I know it is very werid to drive by the Summit/Compaq Center and see what they turned it into. I don’t know how people can crictize the Catholic church when they see these mega churches.

I believe that Osteen believes that he honestly doing good. He says that he is the entrance for people into the christian faith. That he understands that not all these people are going to stay memebers of his church but that they will branch off to surrounding churches.And thats why he doesn’t take positions on abortion or any political issue. To me it’s an easy way out. He gets to play the high card but not have to deliver.

I have huge issues with the fact that the board of directors is all family members. There are no outsiders. Remember the family got thrown off a flight because the wife didn’t like how clean her first class seat was. Man i wish i could travel in first class. When you drive by the building …um…church…it “Lakewood Church” and in big neon lights is says Joel Osteen Ministries…and on every sermon there is a number so you can call and order that particular talk…it’s like here’s a Church but my name and mission is just as important. GOD should be the first in your church

OH did anyone here in houston see Dr. Ed Young and Second Baptist churches billboards…Greatt Solgan…" 1 Church in 5 Locations"… I wish that the diocese would have bought a sign that said “1 church, millions of locations and a billion members”

I

 

[AlegreFe]

I praise God for this though, as I AM hyper-sensitive to this type of heresy. Thank God for all the false religions I’ve investigated or been a part of. It makes me appreciate my own conversion to Catholicism and the rich, scriptural teachings that is ours for the taking.

That’s my story. I’m sticking to it

in Christ
Steph

Glory to God in the Highest!! Praised be Jesus Christ!!

Welcome Home! I’m sure you love your new Home and I’m so glad you’re here in the One True Church that Jesus Christ built on Peter the Rock! May God bless you and let peace remain with you.

 

[AlegreFe]

I guess I take a very different message away from Joel then the posters here. I hear him talk about the importance of Forgiveness(like Mother Angelica) and Love. I get his news letter and he talks about Jesus and acceptance of lifes crosses in Jesus name. I don’t hear him talk about prosperity, only that God will not give you the grace you need to get ahead in life if you hold onto grudges and hate. I’m a deeply commited Catholic, but I get alot of Love from Joels messages, and alot of Jesus and the Bible. BTW, this was not easy to write knowing everyone here disagrees, but as Joel says, you stick up for those you love.

I’ve heard Joel say a lot of good things also. But why listen to him when we have so many good people right here in the Catholic Church who have ALL the Truth that we could hear and not just some of the truth.

Instead of listening to Osteen, I would rather be watching EWTN or listening to Relevant Radio or EWTN Radio! You’ll get the FULL Truth from any one of those Catholics that appear or talk on the great shows that each of those has.

 

[AlegreFe]

…And thats why he doesn’t take positions on abortion or any political issue.

Sign of a coward, a copout?

You’ll never see Father Frank Pavone copout like that. Everyone knows where he stands on abortion and he tells us what the Church’s teachings are so that we can discern better when it’s time to vote.

You will never hear of Father Thomas Euteneuer coping out either. He is President of Human Life International.

I have huge issues with the fact that the board of directors is all family members. There are no outsiders. Remember the family got thrown off a flight because the wife didn’t like how clean her first class seat was.

I’m reading this now and I now believe another poster on these forums that said that Osteen complained about getting repremanded about parking in a handicapped space. To me that is not being “pro-life” as in respecting the lives of the handicapped people.

The way Joel and his wife are is a sure sign of arrogance and pride and because of their actions, I see they are not being very good Christians.

OH did anyone here in houston see Dr. Ed Young and Second Baptist churches billboards…Greatt Solgan…" 1 Church in 5 Locations"… I wish that the diocese would have bought a sign that said "1 church, millions of locations and a billion members"

(emphasis added)

That would be a great sign! LOL

 

[lizaanne]

I guess I take a very different message away from Joel then the posters here. I hear him talk about the importance of Forgiveness(like Mother Angelica) and Love. I get his news letter and he talks about Jesus and acceptance of lifes crosses in Jesus name. I don’t hear him talk about prosperity, only that God will not give you the grace you need to get ahead in life if you hold onto grudges and hate. I’m a deeply commited Catholic, but I get alot of Love from Joels messages, and alot of Jesus and the Bible. BTW, this was not easy to write knowing everyone here disagrees, but as Joel says, you stick up for those you love.

I can understand this actually. But I think the reason your approach works is because you ARE Catholic. You are being fed your daily bread by the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic, so Joel is like a snack. He adds no nutritional value, but he tastes good and isn’t harmful to you because you are getting what you need from your own Faith and the Sacraments.

Now the problem comes in when someone is looking to him for EVERYTHING in their faith life, they will starve to death in the process because he really has nothing nutritional to offer - and you can’t live on snacks.

Does that make sense?

~Liza

 

[Carrie_Andrews]

I’ve heard Joel say a lot of good things also. But why listen to him when we have so many good people right here in the Catholic Church who have ALL the Truth that we could hear and not just some of the truth.

Instead of listening to Osteen, I would rather be watching EWTN or listening to Relevant Radio or EWTN Radio! You’ll get the FULL Truth from any one of those Catholics that appear or talk on the great shows that each of those has.

I have EWTN on TV and radio almost all of the time, 1/2 hour of Joel a week is just an add on and an encouragement. Thanks for the good words about EWTN, I totally agree.

 

[Carrie_Andrews]

I can understand this actually. But I think the reason your approach works is because you ARE Catholic. You are being fed your daily bread by the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic, so Joel is like a snack. He adds no nutritional value, but he tastes good and isn’t harmful to you because you are getting what you need from your own Faith and the Sacraments.

Now the problem comes in when someone is looking to him for EVERYTHING in their faith life, they will starve to death in the process because he really has nothing nutritional to offer - and you can’t live on snacks.

Does that make sense?Liza/quote
Perfect sense!!! I think he does a service in that he lets some people who may have never been taught anything about Christ, know that God is in everything, and cares about each one of us, as if we were the only one. I know alot of people must tune in and then begin the faith journey. If they continue, they will become Catholics!

 

[AlegreFe]

lizaanne;1953428:

I can understand this actually. But I think the reason your approach works is because you ARE Catholic. You are being fed your daily bread by the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic, so Joel is like a snack. He adds no nutritional value, but he tastes good and isn’t harmful to you because you are getting what you need from your own Faith and the Sacraments.

Now the problem comes in when someone is looking to him for EVERYTHING in their faith life, they will starve to death in the process because he really has nothing nutritional to offer - and you can’t live on snacks.

Does that make sense?Liza

Perfect sense!!! I think he does a service in that he lets some people who may have never been taught anything about Christ, know that God is in everything, and cares about each one of us, as if we were the only one. I know alot of people must tune in and then begin the faith journey. If they continue, they will become Catholics!

(emphasis added)

I pray that it happens to everyone who listens to him, everyone, including “Catholics” who are not practicing their faith.

As for me, I’d rather not listen to him because that takes time away from listening to Catholics speak about my own faith and takes time away from my family. I think it’s time I unsubscribe from this thread. My curiosity has been satisfied. Peace to all.

 

[ctos]

Do the core ideas of Osteen’s presentation conflict with related Catholic teaching? If not an Osteen fan can be evangelized on that basis. Just separate out what isn’t essential, and relate the fullness of Christianity without a need to ‘refute’ Osteen. If Osteen gives value, so be it. The pagan writings contain value. Even a stopped clock is right twice a day, and with the help of the Sun you can know when!

 

[GOP]

I don’t know Joel Osteen’s heart, but my guess is that he genuinely feels he is doing God’s will, has been led by God into this particular ministry, has been blessed by God in being obedient and stepping out in faith to committ to huge dreams and all has worked out for him, so far.

And because all has worked out for him so far, he believes that anyone who has his kind of dreams, can achieve them and that this is part and parcel of having a saving faith in Christ.

I think he truly believes this and it is why he preaches it. Unfortunately, even if there is a kournel of truth in some of his teachings, he is leaving out the most important message in the Gospel of Christ, which is eternal salvation through repentance and a life lived in obedience to Christ and all He commands.

It is very easy to be misled out there in the huge world of “Christianity”, many spirits pulling people in many different directions, each looking for and finding what soothes them.

We can only pray for all of them.

You are right that we need to pray for all of the people who Joel Osteen misleads from the true Gospel.
[SIGN][/SIGN]

But sad to say that Joel is not in the business to save souls, but to put money into his savings accounts.

I don’t know Joel’s heart either, but I know his fruits, and his fruits are very un-Christian.

 

[GOP]

Yes, that is what I was referring to. It is a huge reminder of how empty the protestant faith is. Can you imaging cancelling Christmas Masses??

I don’t know about any “Protestant Faith” per say, I only know about the Christian Faith.
I am one whom you would call a Protestant .

And in our church we never entertained the idea of canceling services on Christmas morning, that akin to canceling Easter morning services.

 

[ctos]

I don’t know Joel’s heart either, but I know his fruits, and his fruits are very un-Christian.

Suppose we meet a Protestant who is very keen on Osteen. Should we assume that the fruits are bad? Or should we try to find the overlap with truth and try to encourage? Should we try to see people doing good, or should we be eager to observe error? I have always, interiorly anyway, been prone to the latter. But maybe that’s not very effective. We have to be aware, of course, of the consequences of bad theology and of selfish ideas masquerading as piety. But how we talk to a Protestant is a different matter. And after all, in individual cases some of the fruits may be good. It probably varies. In either case we want to point people toward full Christianity.

 

[happygal]

Cancelling Christmas and Easter Service… Why?? Unless the weather is really that bad till horrible disaster that prevent you from stepping out of your house, other then that what reason to cancel such important service for celebration…Although i’m a protestant, but i heard no churches in my country will close for such services…lucky me

 

[lak611]

Cancelling Christmas and Easter Service… Why?? Unless the weather is really that bad till horrible disaster that prevent you from stepping out of your house, other then that what reason to cancel such important service for celebration…Although i’m a protestant, but i heard no churches in my country will close for such services…lucky me

My guess is that your country understands the true meaning of Christmas and Easter better than mine does. You live in a country that is not so materialistic. The USA places too much emphasis on money, property and wealth. The culture of the secular society in the USA has infected the churches. I hope that never happens in your country.

 

[ladygenesis]

Has anybody heard about the incident wherein Joel Osteen’s wife went berserk in the plane,became physically abusive to one of the stewardesses.Consequently,the Airline Company had plan to sue them at that time,which was last year.Mr.Osteen was also on that flight.Any latest news from this incident??

 

[lak611]

Has anybody heard about the incident wherein Joel Osteen’s wife went berserk in the plane,became physically abusive to one of the stewardesses.Consequently,the Airline Company had plan to sue them at that time,which was last year.Mr.Osteen was also on that flight.Any latest news from this incident??

I have not heard that story. Although, even if it is true, he is not responsible for what his wife did.