Many people are confused about Joel. His gift is exhortation (encouragement) and that's what he does best. He is very uplifting and I can trace his sermons to the Scriptures. He is great for people who have been Christians for some time and who have a decent understanding of the Gospel.
Fire and brimstone are the substance of the sermons of apostles and prophets who have to warn God's people and society about sin and wicked living. That is not Joel's function but he does warn people about consequences of sinful, selfish behavior but in a gentle way.
All these men and woman though different are diverse parts of the Body of Christ each doing what God has lead them to do
Thank both of you for your enlightening posts. I usually pass by Joel Osteen when I am flipping through the channels on Sunday Morning, but next time I think I'll stop and take a look. Everyone seems to paint horns and a tail on Joel, but I suspect he is sincere and I have no reason to doubt his salvation.
Doctrinally he may be a bowl of mush and maybe he's better suited as a motivational evangelist than the pastor of a church, but as a pastor of a church that I don't go to, Joel is not accountable to me, he is accountable to God and to those to whom he has been called to lead.
It is refreshing to see some postive comments here. I'll be sure to catch a glimpse of his sermons next time I'm channel surfing. I'm sure he's more orthodox than the leadership of many of today's traditional denominations. That's not saying much, but like his apology, it is a step in the right direction.
You said that very well. I didn't state my thoughts very clearly when I posted earlier.