Some Christians Hate Joel Osteen More Than They Love The Truth... And That's Wrong

[Revmitchell]

Be silent until there is something to say. |

ED STETZER

So, I never thought I’d write a post defending Joel Osteen…

But, seriously, the floodgates of media unleashed against Joel Osteen, based on an unclear church statement and fanned by agenda-driven social media, tells me that we have a cultural problem. The fact that many Christians have joined in shows me it is a Christian problem. It’s wrong in both cases, but disturbing to see some Christians joining in.

It seems some Christians hate Joel Osteen more than they love the truth. I’d expect that from the world, but I hoped for better in the church.

Osteen
So we are clear, Osteen and I are not on the same page theologically. And I have serious problems with the prosperity gospel. Furthermore, his platitudes and lifestyle have not helped in this moment.

But do we have to join the deluge of hatred toward him for what is a questionable situation—at best?

In other words, I get people upset about Osteen’s theology and approach to his work. But, why are so many Christians joining in on spreading a false narrative about his actions in Houston?

Some Facts
Apparently, Osteen had canceled church on Sunday and the church indicated (perhaps inarticulately) that the church was impassible. (They did not say it was flooded, though who needs to worry about facts when we hate someone, right?) The church directed their people, and presumably others, to take shelter with friends, family, or at the George Brown Convention Center.

As the waters rose in Houston, social media spread the word that Lakewood Church, housed in a 16,800 seat arena, was turning people away who were seeking shelter.

Nope. They said that is not what happened.

You can see more facts here, here, and here.

Christians Joining In Spreading a False Narrative
Fast forward twelve hours and the facts began to surface that the church itself was flooded in a few sections. And Lakewood responded that only three people came for shelter, and they had all been helped.

So, well, maybe we might see that facts are our friends.

And just because you hate (or just have theoligcal concerns with him) Osteen does not entitle you to your own set of facts.

I’m not saying they did not bungle their first statement. I am saying that a lot of Christians spread false statements. Let’s let the world spread lies as we stand for truth.

Some Christians Hate Joel Osteen More Than They Love The Truth... And That's Wrong

 

[JonC]

Human nature. Not befitting a Christian, but unfortunately not unexpected either.

 

[Reynolds]

Be silent until there is something to say. |

ED STETZER

So, I never thought I’d write a post defending Joel Osteen…

But, seriously, the floodgates of media unleashed against Joel Osteen, based on an unclear church statement and fanned by agenda-driven social media, tells me that we have a cultural problem. The fact that many Christians have joined in shows me it is a Christian problem. It’s wrong in both cases, but disturbing to see some Christians joining in.

It seems some Christians hate Joel Osteen more than they love the truth. I’d expect that from the world, but I hoped for better in the church.

Osteen
So we are clear, Osteen and I are not on the same page theologically. And I have serious problems with the prosperity gospel. Furthermore, his platitudes and lifestyle have not helped in this moment.

But do we have to join the deluge of hatred toward him for what is a questionable situation—at best?

In other words, I get people upset about Osteen’s theology and approach to his work. But, why are so many Christians joining in on spreading a false narrative about his actions in Houston?

Some Facts
Apparently, Osteen had canceled church on Sunday and the church indicated (perhaps inarticulately) that the church was impassible. (They did not say it was flooded, though who needs to worry about facts when we hate someone, right?) The church directed their people, and presumably others, to take shelter with friends, family, or at the George Brown Convention Center.

As the waters rose in Houston, social media spread the word that Lakewood Church, housed in a 16,800 seat arena, was turning people away who were seeking shelter.

Nope. They said that is not what happened.

You can see more facts here, here, and here.

Christians Joining In Spreading a False Narrative
Fast forward twelve hours and the facts began to surface that the church itself was flooded in a few sections. And Lakewood responded that only three people came for shelter, and they had all been helped.

So, well, maybe we might see that facts are our friends.

And just because you hate (or just have theoligcal concerns with him) Osteen does not entitle you to your own set of facts.

I’m not saying they did not bungle their first statement. I am saying that a lot of Christians spread false statements. Let’s let the world spread lies as we stand for truth.

Some Christians Hate Joel Osteen More Than They Love The Truth... And That's Wrong

Yep. A lot of Christians truly hate Joel Osteen and Kenneth Copeland. Sad. Very sad.

 

[Bro. James]

Kind of hard to hate when praying and forgiving. Let the The Lord take care of the just recompense of reward for false prophets.

The problem is: they(false prophets) have duped and continue to dupe millions of lost souls. Megachurches and their founders are a serious hindrance to the real Gospel. They could be called cults if they did not have so much money and so many members--kind of like Rome.
Not many are willing to discuss such things. Yep, the Cult of Nimrod, headquartered in Rome, sitting as a Queen, with her daughters coming back to her.

Now what? Pray and forgive them too.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

Bro. James

 

[Jedi Knight]

Liberal Mayor in Houston just gave a curfew for Houston......does curfew apply to ILLEGALS??

 

[Rolfe]

Hatred of Osteen? Jealous of his perfect teeth more likely.

 

[LowOiL]

Must admit the Babylon Bee had a funny that made me chuckle.

 

[LowOiL]

So, I never thought I’d write a post defending Joel Osteen…
It seems some Christians hate Joel Osteen more than they love the truth. I’d expect that from the world, but I hoped for better in the church.

So we are clear, Osteen and I are not on the same page theologically. But, why are so many Christians joining in on spreading a false narrative about his actions in Houston?
So, well, maybe we might see that facts are our friends.

I was one of those that suggested we wait for more info before jumping the gun.

Listen, like it or not, people like to place blame. The hurricane went from category 3 to just a Tropical Storm to overnight a level 4 hurricane. NOBODY but God knew what the storm was going to do, nobody ever does. We are not God. About all we know is it rains on the just and unjust equally.

It was not Trump's fault, not the governors fault, not Houston's mayor's fault. People are not children, they are responsible for their OWN decisions on whether to evacuate or not. And Joel is not responsible for things that just pop out of the blue either.

That said, I still don't like Joel because his name it claim it sermons.

 

[Reynolds]

Kind of hard to hate when praying and forgiving. Let the The Lord take care of the just recompense of reward for false prophets.

The problem is: they(false prophets) have duped and continue to dupe millions of lost souls. Megachurches and their founders are a serious hindrance to the real Gospel. They could be called cults if they did not have so much money and so many members--kind of like Rome.
Not many are willing to discuss such things. Yep, the Cult of Nimrod, headquartered in Rome, sitting as a Queen, with her daughters coming back to her.

Now what? Pray and forgive them too.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

Bro. James

Discussing doctrine is different than displaying just downright nasty hate.

 

[Reformed]

Yep. A lot of Christians truly hate Joel Osteen and Kenneth Copeland. Sad. Very sad.

Hate the men? No. Hate the falsehood that comes out of their mouths? Absolutely. Criticize Osteen's response to the flooding in Houston? No. Let us wait and see what the truth really is.

 

[Rob_BW]

Saw this on Facebook this morning, made me chuckle.

 

[Reynolds]

Hate the men? No. Hate the falsehood that comes out of their mouths? Absolutely. Criticize Osteen's response to the flooding in Houston? No. Let us wait and see what the truth really is.

Many let their gathered of the doctrine spill to the person. This discussion being necessary is prime evidence for my claim. (Not you in particular)

 

[Reformed]

Many let their gathered of the doctrine spill to the person. This discussion being necessary is prime evidence for my claim. (Not you in particular)

If we criticize without knowing the facts we are just as bad as those who criticize us in the same manner.