Posted on 04/25/2012 10:41:29 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
Joel Osteen, the popular megachurch pastor from Houston, appeared Tuesday afternoon on CNN's "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer" and said that he considers both presumed GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney, a Mormon, and President Obama to be Christians.
Osteen, when asked about Romney's faith, said the former Massachusetts governor is indeed a Christian – which is a similar statement to the one he made in January.
"When I hear Mitt Romney say that he believes that Jesus is the Son of God – that he's the Christ, raised from the dead, that he's his Savior – that's good enough for me," said Osteen.
The Texas pastor did say that the Mormon faith was "not traditional Christianity," but that Mormonism still falls under the umbrella of Christian tenets. "Mormonism is a little different, but I still see them as brothers in Christ," said Osteen.
Many Christians do not consider Mormons to be Christians because they do not hold orthodox beliefs on core doctrines such as original sin, grace, the inerrancy of the Bible, and the understanding of the Trinity is different.
Osteen was also asked about President Obama's faith. Osteen said he has spent time with Obama and has no doubt that he is a Christian.
"I believe with all my heart that he's a Christian, as he says he is," Osteen stated.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Texas pastor served as guest chaplain for the U.S. House of Representatives at the request of Rep. Shelia Jackson Lee (D-Texas).
Lee, the often fiery congresswoman known for championing liberal causes, called Osteen a "humble spirit," and praised him for leading the "largest and most growing church in American history."
Osteen prayed: "Father we thank you that you show your goodness and your favor to the United States of American and those who govern it. We ask that you bless this House of Representatives, and each member who serves in it."
"Help these lawmakers to search their hearts so that they may serve with dignity and honor and through them our nation will achieve the destiny that you have set before us. Give them wisdom as they make good decisions, courage that they will hold fast to your truth, and compassion that all should prosper from their laws. We receive your presence here today, Father, and we pray that these lawmakers will remain mindful of you, that they will honor you in everything that they do here. In Jesus name, Amen."
After leading the House in prayer, Osteen got a private tour of the capitol from Lee, including seeing a belief prayer in the House Chapel.
When asked by reporters if he was bringing a specific message to Congress, he replied that he wanted to see more compromise on Capitol Hill. "It seems like when I was growing up there was more compromise, wanting to work with each other, and I think all of them – all of the lawmakers – have hearts to do what's right and they all are passionate about it."
While in Washington, D.C. this week, Osteen will also have private meetings with House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.).
He doesn’t know theology. He is neither ordained nor seminary trained. He inherited the congregation from his father.
Cannot stand this guy.
Televagilist rockstar, that’s all that person is; trying to woo the crowd in a, oh so secular way. Here is another example of the reason why Christianity is going down the rat hole of history. If you have to sell faith, it isn’t worth having. This also gives the secular society more ammunition to help further dig our graves.
We see that problem with Govorner McDonnell in Virginia, with Osteen, and with others ~ even Sarah is less than direct with respect to what a total doufous Romney is. Then there are the strict church folks, not all that different, like the old gal from Minnesota ~ she just couldn't get it in her head that a guy who belongs to a church that tells you that you aren't Christian is probably not deserving of being a Christian himself.
Maybe it was better when this crowd were boycotting politics.
I watch neither but if I had to pick one it would be Joel. I see nothing at all redeeming in watching any Sunday morning political indoctrination show that comes from NY or Wash.
Now, about Osteen, he meets the description of a sort described in the Bible as someone to avoid.
Osteen was also asked about President Obama’s faith. Osteen said he has spent time with Obama and has no doubt that he is a Christian.
Oh Yeah??? Where are his baptismal records???, Where and when was he baptized???
Obamamaumau is a Muslim Marxist in thought, word, and deed.
I cannot stand his sleazy delivery and his “it’s just all about being positive” faith. He might have a big following, but I consider him a charlatan - just my opinion. It has nothing to do with what he just stated, but it doesn’t surprise me with his watered-down version of Christianity.
What a puke in action that fraud is!
Fraud olsteen would never call sin what it is either so I expect this from him.
Joel Osteen is the fake christian type who will be all gungho about Chrislam, if he believes it will increase his wealth and power. He is the useful idiot type to the antiChrist.
I don’t shive a git about what Joel Osteen says or thinks.
The Lord says...”Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”
(Matthew 7:15)
“Three for three?”
Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? (Matthew 7:16)
Done with him.
I don’t trust a man in a mullet....
Romney is NOT a Christian...he involves himself in the cultic practices of the Mormonism...not Christian at all.
My brother asked me to attend an Osteen Service long before they moved to the Summit in Houston. I vividly remember 3 things. First - Parking. We had to park across the street and the parking spots on the church grounds were for the staff. Nothing but Caddies, Lexus’, Beamers etc...
Second - Music and band was first rate. However, after the band it was Victoria’s turn. She pitched the need to donate and tithe. 30 mins worth of how important it is.
Third - Friend of a friend, golf partner etc... quit his pharma job to work for the church. Could not afford his car payment so he sold it. Prayed that he would find transportation. Sum of his prayer - Specific make, year and model of BMW. Result - Church member gave him specific make, model and year of BMW he prayed for.
Bottom line - He is a motivational speaker at best, living off the donations of his “flock.” Never went back, and never will again.
FWIW.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.