Interview: Joel Osteen - Called to Give Hope

Christian Today ^ | July 9. 2007 | Courtney Lee

[P-Marlowe]

What does Mr. Osteen say to those who ask: “Did God have a great plan for the lives of those who were slaughtered by terrorists on 7/7?

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: (Hebrews 9:27 KJV)

The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be forever. (Psalms 37:18 KJV)

Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months are with thee, thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass; (Job 14:5 KJV)

If so, what was so great about it?”

It's all part of God's plan.

[P-Marlowe]

Billy Graham used to be free.

You only have to pay for parking.

The parking concession belongs to the stadium.

The BG crusade admission is free.

Render unto Caesar...

[wideawake]

Oh, I'm aware of God's plan (I don't understand it in full obviously, but I am aware of it).

My point is that Mr. Osteen's narrative about God's plan is at odds with the harsh earthly realities of that plan.

[Dr. Eckleburg]

I caught a performance by Osteen this weekend on TV. He exhorted the audience "not to lose your song."

???

Not one word of Scripture. Just a lot of Hallmark pablum.

[P-Marlowe]

My point is that Mr. Osteen's narrative about God's plan is at odds with the harsh earthly realities of that plan.

Don't be so negative. Sometimes God does want to bless us.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith Jehovah, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope in your latter end. (Jeremiah 29:11 ASV)

[tyke]

Well, I guess since few, if any, of the Brits killed were likely to have been born again Christians, then the only plan that was fulfilled that day (according to Osteen and other fundamentalist Christians, anyway) was 50+ more souls burning in the eternal torment and anguish of Hell. Was that what you mean?

[Corin Stormhands]

Actually no, that’s not what I meant at all.

But I think you knew that.

[cdcdawg]

I would say you caught a run of the mill broadcast. I have watched him several times, and didn’t hear much that I couldn’t have gotten from Tony Robbins or Zig Ziglar.

[Revelation 911]

Who inspires you?

ummmmm Jesus

[Revelation 911]

Billy Graham used to be free.

free or not ....is there a latte machine and a widescreen monitor with colored lights?

[fortheDeclaration]

How anyone can listen to this guy for more then ten minutes is simply amazing.

[Terriergal]

Yeah funny how Jesus doesn’t get to play a lead role here.

[Terriergal]

He seems like a gentle mellow soul.

Have you never been mellow....? Yeah I wonder about that perpetual mellowness.

His wife on the other hand seems esp after her flight frenzy like quite the oppisite of Joel.

Maybe his continual disaffectedness is driving her batty. Everything is wonderful all the time. "All we need is love."

Nothing wrong with spreading the Gospel if it is done with the right intentions.

What gospel, pray tell? Did you hear something we all didn't?

[Global2010]

I have never been mellow.
I slap everyone who comes in range

[Terriergal]

:-) Well good for you then!