I gotta admit your response is by far one the more intelligent responses. While I agree with most of your response, I want to piggy-back on the last two sentences of your response – “I believe that is God’s call. None of us are truly qualified in anyway to provide such an answer.”

I think that’s the appropriate and most responsible path of response and venture to take, especially on an issue that is not by God’s judgement, but rather an issue of concern conjured up by people.

Yes, we have been given the Word, which most of the time, humans tend to mis-interpret and with each new version that comes out, much historical/cultural empathy is lost in translation.

Plain and simple: Osteen is just a guy walking toward a vision of positivity.

I find that ethical/moral/spiritual standards are so above us that we all fail. Osteen says it, maybe not to the concentrated efforts of most pastors, but he acknowledges it and instead of focusing on the blame/shame game, he’s saying dig deep and start doing some work. Get elemental. Get simple. Start with positive thoughts. That simple exercise alone can change the way a person feels in a matter of seconds, thereby setting a trend throughout the day. It’s called clearing yourself out from the confusion and blind fury of negativity.

The Word doesn’t discount this and if you actually just think about it – praising God is the acknowledgement of God’s good love.

Everyone should know that the church has always tried to deem what is “right” or “wrong” – especially modern day churches – in the name of the Lord.

We’re all wrong.

Take note – the only things humans have ever been right about were handed to them. Not made by them.

I’m not a huge fan of Joel Osteen’s for many of the stated reasons. I believe he simply doesn’t teach the full counsel of God contained in the bible. The way to a better life begins with the acceptance of Jesus Christ as one’s personal Savior and continues through the sanctification process (which requires that we understand the nature of sin and are able to identify it within our own lives).

I, unlike many who have contributed herein, have watched several dozen of Osteen’s sermons. My point of view is pretty simple. I think he basically provides a supplemental message that can be advantageous to mature Christians who understand the nature of atonement and their need to repent. I have found myself blessed many times by the words of Osteen (even though, as stated, I’m not a huge fan or supporter of his ministry in general). Regarding any level of “prosperity doctrine” preached by him, I’ve never heard him speak on the issue of money. It’s possible I simply haven’t seen him address this issue, but the “prosperity” I’ve heard him discuss directly is one which I believe we can all agree upon and accept – inner peace, contentment and an abundant life (meaning a life filled with the joy of the Lord). Christ did state that He came to give us life more abundantly…so there’s absolutely nothing wrong with showing people how to accomplish this in a practical manner. I know MANY seasoned Christians who have yet to find this peace and abundance. So, in essence, Joel does have a valid perspective.

Do I think Joel needs to teach the full counsel of the bible? Yes.

Do I think Joel is doing a disservice to his congregants by failing to address the issues of sin, repentance and atonement? Most definitely.

Am I incensed that he never invokes the name above all other names in his messages, rarely even uses the word God and has removed any visual Christian imagery from the church? You bet’cha.

Do I believe he is abusing his position of leadership? Yes.

Do I believe he will be judged by God more harshly for his failure to speak on the central elements of the gospel? 100%

Do I think Joel is a false prophet (which is a pretty heavy claim)? That’s debatable.

From my perspective, I don’t think Joel should consider himself (or BE considered) a Pastor. If he changed the scope of his ministry to “self help guru through Christian principles” I think he’d receive a lot more slack from Christians with a decidedly fundamental view of Christianity (which includes me). I don’t claim to be an expert on Joel’s teachings, but this is simply my assessment of what I have seen and heard. What I do believe is that he provides much too much wiggle room for those who sit under his leadership. It is only through a complete understanding of Christ’s teachings that we are able to identify and root out our sin, and surrender those parts of ourselves to the only One who has the power to grant spiritual immunity. We will ALL come under scrutiny on the day of judgment. Will Joel be scolded for his ministry or cast into the lake of fire? I believe that is God’s call. None of us are truly qualified to provide that answer.

And with a low esteem of sin, how can Mr. Osteen give God the glory He deserves–from saving us from the sin that we could not save ourselves from? Osteen is not giving God the glory b/c he is not proclaiming the gospel in its entirety, which is the worst thing a preacher can do … which is why Dr. Burk calls him a false teacher.

God bless you. I truly hope that you have a local church that preaches the true, full, Biblical gospel. Osteen’s message is feel-good, but the Bible (and Bible preaching–not self-help messages) feels a lot better.

What is wrong with someone thinking positive and telling people to be positive?

If we are better people we can be better Christians.

I also like the fact Joel Osteen is Non- Denominational.

I can testify that his programs help me think more positive as a person and encourages me to open my Bible.

I’m not bashing any of you for your opinions. I’m not saying you are wrong. I’m not saying you are right either.

The Christ is the “Fruit of the Spirit”

Learn from Wisdom, become Her child, next, Lift up the Fruits of the Spirit so that You May Drawn To Him. If you overcome there is a Crown and more waiting for You. (Revelations 3:11)