LARRY KING: If you believe you have to believe in Christ? They're wrong, aren't they?
JOEL OSTEEN: Well, I don't know if I believe they're wrong. I believe here's what the Bible teaches and from the Christian faith this is what I believe. But I just think that only God with judge a person's heart. I spent a lot of time in India with my father. I don't know all about their religion. But I know they love God. And I don't know. I've seen their sincerity. So I don't know. I know for me, and what the Bible teaches, I want to have a relationship with Jesus.
-- Larry King Live, June 20, 2005
Aquinasfan: Can someone tell me what Joel is about in 20 words or less?JOEL OSTEEN: THEOLOGICAL GIANT
Alex Murphy: Sheesh - that's easy. The real challenge is to tell what Joel is about in 21 words or more.
-- Nov 5, 2007 exchange, on the thread Joel Olsteen Joins With Catholics To Convert Confused Protestants
“I believe here’s what the Bible teaches and from the Christian faith this is what I believe.” was in Joel Osteen’s answer to Larry King (2005) Your quote.
Now, he left judgment up to God from a person’s heart, so what’s your beef? I see no conflict in his belief and his preaching...as he noted that he believes the Bible, and that Jesus Christ is what the Bible Teaches. God allows us to ask Jesus into our heart without a preacher, a catechism, or a walk down the aisle. And yes, Baptism is necessary, but other than that, the person is saved for believing that Jesus is the son of God and shed his blood for our sins, and asking forgiveness, it’s simple, not complicated.