Posted on 05/19/2007 3:25:34 AM PDT by Gamecock
In usual conversations, religion is rarely being talked about. To a lot of people, talking about one's personal faith and beliefs is inappropriately perplexing and bizarre. It is as strange as having three holes in your nostrils and your companions persistently asks how in the world did you had that or why. On several cases, I've had discussions on religion, not personal faith, to people of different denominations besides Roman Catholic which almost always ends up to arguments and individual tirades. I was raised a Catholic, but I diverted my faith to a more personal level by accepting the Lord Jesus as my Personal Savior back in high school. It was not a choice to avert from a particular religion; I was simply redirecting my convictions unequivocally to Him, without false pretensions and unnecessary charades.
Recently, I had been drawn to watch Joel Osteen on television. I am aware that televangelical ministries are around for a long time now, but it was not after I caught him while channel surfing that I became curious why he is listed as America 's one of the most influential people. As a pastor, I heard he is big, but I never realized how big he was until I actually sat down and watch him at an hour's length preaching before a huge congregation, gathered in what seemed like a colossal fish tank. The fish tank nonetheless was a recently purchased Compaq Center, formerly home to the NBA's Houston Rockets which costs over 90 million dollars in renovation and is now being used as their church in Lakewood Texas. With more than 30,000 members across the US, undeniably, he truly is the latest "star" in the Christian kingdom. And it's not surprising. He smiles while he preaches, and it is quite safe to say he is charming. Somewhat Richard Gere charming. For a pastor, having a rock or Hollywood status in the world of religion is phenomenal. I know for a fact that to become a priest, a pastor or a minister, it is either your calling or an uncanny gift. I am particularly amazed by his gift of words, of his eloquence and spontaneity as he leads a double life as an author of self-help books and a preacher.
But what really is he all about? He talks about God for sure, salvation, inspirational and positive messages about improving your life, saving your soul, etc. He is endearing and yes, I give him credit for opening doors to people from different walks of life in the absence of judgment and condemnation. But this people also pay ten dollars to get a seat whenever he preaches across states or countries. It is not surprising then that his church gets more than 55 million in revenue each year. What is ten dollars if you can save a seat in heaven, right? What a cheap bargain. One thing I noticed though that he often associates virtues with materialism. Like for instance, in the middle of his preaching, he said he just bought a Mercedes which model and style is not yet out even for display, when one day, his son swiped it with a dirty rug, and of course, he forgives him. It is all about forgiveness after all. He too, talks about taking pleasure in what he says is a result of having God's favor. He testified about how he had been pulled over a couple of times for speeding but when the officer saw his last name was Osteen, no ticket was issued. He said the same can happen for every Christian who wakes up declaring they have God's favor. By following this method Osteen says he has been able to get the best parking spot in a crowded parking lot, a first class seat on a crowded airplane with no boarding pass, and priority seating at restaurants. I don't know, I just feel there is something peculiar in his theologies.
Religion is lately being associated with politics, showbiz, and prosperity. When it should be the only institution dedicated to sanctify our broken spirit and soul through the divine intervention of the One we believe that reigns supreme. People may look up to different gods, but the goal is the same. We want to follow the one we worship. But shouldn't religion be practiced instead of being heard? And should religion be an extravagance or an expectation of good things? From what I know, it is only an order, a sacred and ultimate order which relates man and his existence.
There shouldn't be a definition of your faith. We all thread in this earth swathe with the unknown and uncertainties. What we believe should define our own actions. Who our devotion is for should be an extension of what we do to our brethren. And why we commit to the God we know should reflect our dedication to live a life that is fruitful.
Article: “One thing I noticed though that he often associates virtues with materialism.... He too, talks about taking pleasure in what he says is a result of having God’s favor.”
Contrast this with Paul in his letter to the Romans:
Rom 8:16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
Rom 8:17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
Or to the Phillippians:
Php 1:29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,
Php 1:30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
Today religion is a handle used to generate "image." Thats why we se it bandidied about. It has nothing to do with spiritual qualities, but has to do with appearance, and invoking "Trust." This is a very dangerous thng to have happening, asking for trust based on imagry. It allows politicians to avoid issues.
It's much tha same as the evangelism of Nazis in 1938, removing the rational thinking process so neessary to American successful politics.Politicians are supported or defamed in equal measure, not for ideas, but for whether they are "with the Lord" or not.
How should I know the spiritual path of some one I have never met, but who is on TV, crating a religious image, trying to get my trust, on the basis of an alleged spiritual accomplishment? Its actually quite sickening. I prefer the modest approach of our forefathers, who encouraged rational, informed thinking as the basis for a succesful body politic. Othgerwise we stoop to become like the very Islamofascists we now fight, screaming illogical fanatics, who are indeed "religious." Why would we posit a form of government that induces a similar character?
Ones religion as you say is a personal spiritual path. It should be a source of individual strength and inspiration for our politicians, but if bandied about in image creation, religion of that nature has and should make us deeply suspicious.
Is this the same guy that wrote 'All your base are belong to us'?
LOL! No, “all your base” is much more intelligible.
bookmark
I think that sums things up beautifully; I was just thinking I needed a new tagline.
(Good thing it's the weekend, because I might need a Guinness already!)
Of course which is why it is sage advice NOT to talk about religion with others. I also pretty much avoid the topic of politics in public for the same reason. You almost always end up in arguements that go nowhere.
Make sure you turn the right direction or you’ll strip your threads.
hardihar, good comment.
Because, of course, we Catholics don't have any personal connection with Jesus at all... Sheesh, this person is living on a different planet from the Catholic Church of which I have been a member since my conversion and baptism.
Well confession is good for the soul.
We also cavort the landscape in blue oyster's cult!
Perhaps you have heard of the quaint Roman Catholic "tradition" that is carried out in the Philippines where folks volunteer to be crucified? That is the Catholicism that the writer grew up in, not your sophisticated American flavor.
Only a FReeper Catholic would call foul in a hit piece on American Evangelicalism....
A great post. People need to ask themselves what was learned after listening to Osteen. He makes you feel good but there is no substance at all to his teaching. Folks may feel very religious after attending his “church” but I wonder what they learned about God? What did they learn to prepare them for meeting Father face to face? He doesn’t feed his flock, he pets them only and they don’t realize it.
Here is my measuring stick: Did Jesus have to die to make the message I am hearing from any given pulpit true?
If the answer is no, I am hearing advice, or even worse, false teaching, rather than good news.
Excellent point. We don’t want any accidental stripping when we’re supposed to be swathed.
Oh, good thought!
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