[dinoparty]

Just as an aside, I am an evangelical Christian but Joel Osteen tends to turn my stomach. The Bible is the ultimate "self help"; why do we need corny lectures and books on self help topics from Mr. Osteen?

[HeadOn]

He does tend to water things down, doesn't he?

[trillabodilla]

I agree. There is no self-help for fallen humanity. If there was, then we didn't need a savior, and Christ came and died in vain.

I pray Joel Osteen comes back to the Cross of Christ, where God provided all the Help we will ever need.

[SergeantsLady]

I don't know much about Mr Osteen. But I did look at his specific Jay Osteen Ministries Website and compare it to the website of the Purpose Driven Life.... it was interesting. The Lord's word will bear fruit no matter who sows the seeds. But I certainly like the fact that the seeds are mostly offered free on the website of the "Purpose Driven Life" On Osteen's you need Ticketmaster & a major credit card (the site specific to his Church as opposed to his "Ministries" seems a bit less expensive)... sometimes, I think Pastors/ministers when their congregations grow so large so quickly...they lose sight of the real WHO that is building and adding to the church daily. I remember Jim & Tammy Bakker...and I've been nothing but impressed with how they've conducted themselves since the "fall" of what had been a very beautiful earthly vision...but looks very similar especially in makeup to...well... I'm glad I only have my own stress to deal with & still remember how to use a napkin to wipe off a service tray.... If their hearts are with the Lord, He will straighten it all out in the end and take care of the flock as well.

[rocksblues]

Joel has to provide for his family somehow!

[ColdSteelTalon]

Just as an aside, I am an evangelical Christian but Joel Osteen tends to turn my stomach. The Bible is the ultimate "self help"; why do we need corny lectures and books on self help topics from Mr. Osteen?

Right about that. The mission of all Christians is to spread the Gospel of Christ and nothing more. I am sick of these "prosperity Gospel" types who spent most of their TV time talking about and preaching about raising money.