It is very unlikely that Osteen takes a “universalist” stand as claimed by the author. Osteen might say that all people sin; that regardless of the “badness” of the sin or a person’s past, anyone can come to God through Jesus Christ and be forgiven for their sin, even homosexuals. And, that he prefers an approach that emphasizes the love of God, not one that lambasts people for their sinfulness, etc.
The scriptures quoted are accurate; the assumptions attributed to Osteen are not. Making up fallacious arguments, attributing the arguments to Osteen, then attacking the fallacious arguments = poor logic, poor journalism. Unfortunate.
Unlikely, but not inaccurate:
LARRY KING: If you believe you have to believe in Christ? They're wrong, aren't they?See also:
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
Oh, and welcome to FR!