"To me, prosperity is health, good relationships … and money, of course, is part of it." Joel Osteen
Well, that explains what happened to these guys:
Posted on 12/14/2006 9:49:46 AM PST by Gamecock
He is rich, famous, handsome, and adored by millions of fans on television each week, but he's not an actor. He's an evangelical pastor from Houston named Joel Osteen.
They call him "the smiling preacher," and Osteen has a lot to smile about. He's the head of the largest church in America, the author of a best-selling book, and the religious leader for a following of faithful, often frenzied fans.
He's achieved all that with an approach critics call "Christianity lite" — no sin, no suffering, no sacrifice, replacing fire and brimstone with a motivational message.
Barbara Walters asked Osteen why that message strikes such a chord with people. "My message is that God is a good God," said Osteen. "And if we all … have the right attitude, he'll take us places that we've never dreamed of."
Certainly Osteen is in a place he never dreamed of: Houston's Lakewood Church collects more than $75 million a year. The congregation is so large that Osteen had to move his church into a former pro basketball arena.
"We're just amazed to be here," Osteen said. "I grew up coming to watch basketball games here. … This is where the Rockets used to play. Every time I come in here, I just feel humbled, and it's been an amazing journey."
That journey started modestly, when Osteen's father began the church in the back of a Houston feed store. For the six Osteen siblings, it was a family affair. Never interested in preaching, Osteen worked on the television and marketing side. But when his father passed away, stepped up to the pulpit and began to spread a unifying message that avoids a number of polarizing issues. Walters asked Osteen why he stayed away from controversial subjects like gay marriage, abortion or politics.
"Sometimes, I think if you get away from what you're called to do, it's more of a distraction," he said.
Osteen has been criticized for focusing too much on the almighty dollar. Walters asked him about preaching what is called "the prosperity gospel."
"I think the word rich is all relative," Osteen said. "I think down and deep in our hearts, we believe that God does want us to live the abundant life that we can. To me, prosperity is health, good relationships … and money, of course, is part of it."
Completely disgusting. I can feel the flames on this guy, already.
"To me, prosperity is health, good relationships … and money, of course, is part of it." Joel Osteen
Well, that explains what happened to these guys:
No, God wants us to serve Him, be rich in Him, and yes He will provide for us, but not promised that if we did all that He says that we will be wealthy on earth! He speaks of riches in heaven awaiting us, but not riches on earth!
To my 7
Hey! Where's the Angel of Light Alert?
Five words in and I'm already disagreeing.
Osteen is NOT handsome. He has horse teeth that would make George Thorogood and Tom Petty jealous.
The religion that demonizes those who create wealth is not one I would be a part of.
However, God also brings prosperity through the capitalist system since it rewards those who rely on their own, individual efforts.
Some of these televangelist types get their message confused in trying to figure out how God works the two together.
You are right. Our richness is our faith in the Lord and we prosper in His promises to us. We have the wealth of undeserved grace and the unlimited gift of mercy. God is a generous God who created an entire world for our delight. He never ceases to love and care for His children. He died freely on the cross bearing our sins. Paying the ransom which we could never meet.
There can only be on Lord in our life. If I worship God because I believe He is a cosmic vending machine I make him servant to my demands. To do so is to make Him less than Lord. That is a sin of no small proportion.
Thanks for saying it better than I would have. A former pastor said that if you are a genuine follower of Christ you'll "never be destitute." Not, you'll be filthy rich, but that God will make provisions on your behalf.
Funny that so many here are Osteen bashers and will eat up this from the MSM (ABC in this case).
God wants you brooding and telling others that living a happy and abundant life is wrong
Thats not what was said. and you know it.
Bingo!
God doesn't want you to be rich. He wants you to be obedient.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.