Just found this blog and post while surfin' (and verifying that you can find my blog by Googling "things that stink"---I'm on page one, result #3...)
What do you think of Joel Osteen and Lakewood Church? My comments later; click here and check out portions of a Chicago Tribune article and many takes on the subject.
Rob :)
Hmm. Interesting. I've heard of Joel Osteen and have caught snippets of his messages here and there, but this is the first "analysis" of his work I've seen. I think I can understand the concern of the people who claim that his is a "watered-down" Christianity. However, I like to hold on to God's promise that His Word will not return void. Regardless of how theologically sound he is, God, the Bible, and Christianity are in fact being introduced to a world in which God is generally unwelcome. So yes, maybe they need more than what Joel is giving them, but at least Joel is ushering people into the throne room of God. Let God do the convicting and the Holy Spirit do the teaching. I think it's wonderful that there are people out there like Joel who have that charismatic gift of bringing people to a knowledge of God. I know it's not suppposed to be all about how good of a speaker you are or how charming you are,but in today's society, those things draw people, and I think God will use that to His glory. Amen. :)
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