Thread: What's the Problem with Joel Osteen

My mother listens to Joel on Sunday mornings and sometimes I'll be around and I enjoy it. There are people that I highly respect though that don't 'hate' on him but do disagree with what he leaves out. I remember Norvel Hayes saying one time that it's not dangerous what some preachers preach, it's what they leave out that will kill you.

I do have an issue with him when asked about subjects such as homosexuality, etc. He does dodge the question and many times says he's not the one to judge that. Well, as a preacher of the gospel it is his duty to answer that truthfully.

The problem with some preachers when they are asked what they think about that or asked their opinion on it, they don't know how to answer. Here is how you answer those questions. "What do you think about homosexuals?" or "Is homosexuality a sin?" (or any other controversial subject). You always say this: "Well, it's not important what I think about it, but THE BIBLE says..." and then just give them scripture. Then if they ask if you agree, then you just say yes. But the thing is you are not offering YOUR opinion. You're just stating the scripture. That works much better than just answering. But if asked you have to answer in my opinion. It just doesn't look good to dodge it and when you do, that's why you get these kinds of reactions from other Christians who don't compromise on answering an unpopular question.

Some times ministers do promote high ideal standards but at some level they become too inclusive of all kinds of things just to have as many people attend as possible and they get churches full of unrepentant people. They don't necessarily create much net growth, rather they manage to pull people in from other churches. I don't know to which degree this applies to his church but it's a megachurch phenomenon, people like big and inclusive with big entertainment.

Originally Posted by fuego

My mother listens to Joel on Sunday mornings and sometimes I'll be around and I enjoy it. There are people that I highly respect though that don't 'hate' on him but do disagree with what he leaves out. I remember Norvel Hayes saying one time that it's not dangerous what some preachers preach, it's what they leave out that will kill you.

I do have an issue with him when asked about subjects such as homosexuality, etc. He does dodge the question and many times says he's not the one to judge that. Well, as a preacher of the gospel it is his duty to answer that truthfully.

The problem with some preachers when they are asked what they think about that or asked their opinion on it, they don't know how to answer. Here is how you answer those questions. "What do you think about homosexuals?" or "Is homosexuality a sin?" (or any other controversial subject). You always say this: "Well, it's not important what I think about it, but THE BIBLE says..." and then just give them scripture. Then if they ask if you agree, then you just say yes. But the thing is you are not offering YOUR opinion. You're just stating the scripture. That works much better than just answering. But if asked you have to answer in my opinion. It just doesn't look good to dodge it and when you do, that's why you get these kinds of reactions from other Christians who don't compromise on answering an unpopular question.

Originally Posted by Colonel

Some times ministers do promote high ideal standards but at some level they become too inclusive of all kinds of things just to have as many people attend as possible and they get churches full of unrepentant people. They don't necessary create much net growth, rather they drwa people over from other churches. I don't know to which degree this applies to his church but it's a megachurch phenomenon, people like big and inclusive with big entertainment.

It's what Bro. Hagin used to call fish just switching ponds, as opposed to creating new fish. Not saying Joel's church is like that, I don't know. But mega churches to tend to draw those already saved. Or as you said don't necessarily create much net growth.

Here is how you answer those questions. "What do you think about homosexuals?" or "Is homosexuality a sin?" (or any other controversial subject). You always say this: "Well, it's not important what I think about it, but THE BIBLE says..." and then just give them scripture. Then if they ask if you agree, then you just say yes. But the thing is you are not offering YOUR opinion. You're just stating the scripture. That works much better than just answering. But if asked you have to answer in my opinion. It just doesn't look good to dodge it and when you do, that's why you get these kinds of reactions from other Christians who don't compromise on answering an unpopular question.

I agree, but often a longer explanation is needed. Folks don't often want to hear the fuller explanation, they just want the yes or no or the sound byte reply. If I were president or a prominent pastor, I don't think I would go before a hostile media without a guarantee my words wouldn't be edited.

Originally Posted by Valiant Woman

Is that your business or God's? Just be sure you are doing what the Lord has called you to do and let Him deal with His own ministers.

Is it your business or God's business what those other people say about Joel Osteen ?

Originally Posted by Valiant Woman

It's the business of ministers to speak out against hate speech towards a brother or sister in Christ who is ministering the Gospel. It's not our business to meddle in or question how God uses different ministers as long as they are preaching the true Gospel.

Joel Osteen is not a heretic, His message is biblically sound. Maybe you need to learn the difference.

I have said no such thing about Joel Osteen. I merely asked if someone could find a video where he talks about sin. He's not my favorite minister and for a reason.