Joel Osteen

[mxmama]

I have always enjoyed watching Joel because of his motivating attitude and I noticed he doesn’t beg for money! It just rubs me the wrong way when teachers of God do that.

I know he has some harsh critiques out there who condemn him for is approach or style in applying Gods Word to our lives. He emphasizes we should expect the best in this world and focuses how God can do that for us.
He doesn’t spend time reflecting how our wrong doings impact our relationship with God. He does mention we all have to "right our wrongs" and “ask for forgiveness”, he just doesn’t go on and on about what our “wrongs” are or the punishment from them. He believes moving or looking past our “wrongs”, not dwelling on them.


Critics feel he doesn’t focus on the negative enough and he might be “sending the wrong message”, that he is a “motivational speaker and shouldn’t be considered a preacher” or say he is “not using the bible correctly”. Honestly, it not my place to decide one way or the other. I just pray he isn’t corrupt!

I am reading his book, “Your best life now”. Right now in my life, I’m dealing with rejection issues. This book is helping reinforce what I already know and need to be reminded of. His selective “preaching” about God Greatness is what I need.


What Joel teaches or preaches only works if our relationship with God is what it should be. An evil minded person expecting God to grant them favor can try all they want.
I have Faith that God knows us individually and knows how to apply His Greatness accordingly.

[5ft Diva]

I am totally unfamiliar with who Joel Osteen is, but what do you mean his critics don't think he focuses on the negative enough? What kind of negative things do they think should be focused on? Just curious.

[mxmama]

Here is an example...

Joel's teaching are nothing short of sweet bread for the pew sitters. He admits that he does not want to talk about anything negative. Sin, hell, God's wrath onto the unbelievers at the end time are not part of his vocabulary. He admits that he just wants people to feel good and to feel good about themselves. The sad part of this is that he then should have become a counselor not a preacher.

I have been watching him on TV for 3 years or so, I found him by chance. I had never heard of him either. His show comes on so late on Sundays, its hard for me to catch it.

But other people seem know who he is, I was shocked to find this out...

Joel Osteen's positive, upbeat can-do message has turned him into America's most popular preacher and earned him the title of most influential Christian in the country. His service is seen in 100 foreign countries and is the most watched religious broadcast in America

[mxmama]

Joel Osteen teaches

what you believe is directly connected to what you receive

He preaches how to believe in ourself by remembering how Gods views us, not as the world views us. How to let Gods plan work in your life and recognize it when its happening.

[5ft Diva]

Interesting. Most influential Christian in the country, that's impressive! Must be quite a guy.

[mxmama]

He is!

Again, I pray he isn't or doesn't become corrupt.
Seems in all that fame things can easily become distorted.

I just know its not my place to judge how he uses the Bible and if it satisfies God. I was very surprised when I read that people were doing that.
There is no doubt he is obviously using it. Its just in a more positive attitude than what people are used to.

[5ft Diva]

Yeah, I think that is man's trial in life. Not getting away w/ ourselves. I'm sure he'll be fine as long as he acknowledges that everything comes from God and that w/o Him he is nothing.

[bookworm]

Originally Posted by mxmama

I just know its not my place to judge how he uses the Bible and if it satisfies God.

I so appreciate this comment from you, mx! Isn't that interesting how some people take it upon themselves to tell us what God likes or doesn't like? There was a report on Nightline a few weeks ago about a "church" that protests soldier's funerals with hateful messages, like "God hates you" and stuff like that- they are angry, cruel people! My DH pointed out how comforting it is that we have the teaching in our church that "We claim the privilege of worshipping almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience," and then that we also "allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where or what they may." We believe that this statement was inspired by God. It always bothers me when people speak negatively on behalf of God. Nowhere in the scriptures are we taught hatred.

One other thing that your thoughts reminded me of, my dad was raised (sort of- inactive) catholic. He had an aunt who was a nun and I think they attended midnight mass once a year was all. Anyway, the images he grew up with of Christ were of Him suffering on the cross, and of the angry, vengeful God of so many churches- which is not the most comforting view of Christ. However, when he was invited and attended his first LDS meeting, he was so surprised and overwhelmed by the spirit when he saw the artwork of a loving Christ, with His arms open in welcome and a pleasant, loving look on His face. Isn't that how we should view God our Father as well? He loves us! I don't think the negativity is necessary or helpful. Yes, repentance is a key element in our relationship with God, but that's only one facet of the whole thing.

I don't know anything about this guy you are talking about, but if he's spreading goodness and love through his teachings, then I think that's wonderful. The world needs more of that!

Sorry if I've sidetracked your thread, this is what your thoughts triggered in my crazy, chaotic mind.

[mxmama]

I totally agree BW! I am glad you put that in this thread. I started this thread because I was wondering what others thought of the whole thing. Your words are exactly how I feel!

(Plus I learned I have been spelling "Conscious" when I mean to put "Conscience")

I just think about how the selective scripture Joel uses to preach, that others condemn, happens to be what I need most right now.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

I still cant believe you guys haven't herd of him... his books are in every store near the check out!

You guys have stores in Utah?

[bookworm]

LOL- of course we have stores! ...smart aleck...

I will look next time I'm at WalMart and see if it's there just so I can tell you. (If I can remember) I do know that different regions of the country stock different items... it all depends on what sells, right? So maybe deep in Mormon country they don't think that that book would sell very well, so they don't stock it up front. And in the Baptist Belt down south, they probably don't stock the Mormon authors that can be found at the front of our WalMart. That's my theory, and I'm going with it!

Where do you live, again? I don't remember... somewhere awesome, though- I remember your video.

[5ft Diva]

Plenty of them, but seeing how this area is predominantly LDS, that's what a lot of our literature in the stores are. Even at Wal-Mart. Funny, huh?

Good thoughts, BW. I agree!

[mxmama]

Im sorry if my being slow as a snail offends any one...

but what is "LDS"... and does it relate to the Morman faith?


Just wondering.

Thanks

Joel Oteens first book, the one I am reading now, sold over 5 million copies. I read that was some sort of record. So I figured they must be everywhere.

It is funny how even walmarts change from place to place.

Nowhere else you can find 2 isles dedicated to Mardi Gra but here in Louisiana!

[bookworm]

Oh, good question! LDS stands for the official name of our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We are called Mormons casually, because we have a book of scripture called "The Book of Mormon" (I assume you've heard of that, but maybe not). Our church leaders prefer we be called by the full official name of our church, in large part because of accusations that we are not christians. We are, though. We worship and follow the teachings of Jesus.

Is that what you wanted to know? Not everyone on this site is a member of the LDS church, but most of the group of BnSers in Tooele, UT are.

[bookworm]

Originally Posted by bookworm

Not everyone on this site is a member of the LDS church, but most of the group of BnSers in Tooele, UT are.

I didn't get to finish my thought- sorry- I got interrupted- since so many of us here are members of the same church, we use terms like LDS casually, assuming everyone knows what we mean. I'm glad you asked for clarification.

[5ft Diva]

So, in essence, LDS stands for "Latter-Day Saint".

So, what is your faith? I've wondered if it's Baptist, but couldn't tell for sure.

[mxmama]

My faith? Um....The one in God


Unfortunately my parents never practiced any religion. Growing up, I bounced between my mom and dad from city to city. Every now and then I remember my mom would get really involved with a Baptist church. Then all of a sudden we would move away.

Come to find out (10 yrs later) She would move somewhere to get $$ from the church. Then when it stopped she would just move again. I haven't had a relationship with (or spoke to) my birth mother since I was 13. I never had a steady relationship with my birth father until that age, when I called him to come get me. My father and I have a "relationship", but it’s not like other "father-daughter" relationships I know of. He was remarried and she (step mom) is really the only adult who consistently tried to be involved with me. But still, not on a religious level

Anyway, not to go on and sound like I'm making excuses, I just grew up with no religious direction. I found God the hard way! If you could imagine such a thing. It’s a really long story. (don’t worry I’m not going there now)

My husband grew up Catholic so I thought I should be Catholic. After studding Catholicism, there were too many things that just didn’t sit right with me. So I never got confirmed.

There were a few experiences I already had in life and believed in, that were against the Catholic Church’s beliefs. It felt like a lie to commit to anything with God that I can’t believe and follow 100%.

I know if I had that influence growing up, my life would have been completely different, and I probably would have made better choices. Things may have been easier, but looking back, I wouldn't change a thing.

I enjoy learning about different faiths. I am always fascinated by the extremities of one to the other. Maybe one day I will find one that fits me just right. Maybe not.

Maybe I will start just my own

My spiritual thirst is quenched differently. I have an extraordinary relationship with God and its always growing. I just haven’t found a faith that mans perception of what’s required to be close to God doesn’t interfere with the one I already have. Does that make any sense?

So is there a place I can go that will give me the nitty-gritty on LDS.
I never heard a rumor that they were not Christian, just that “they have many wives”.
I have seen a few commercials, they seem so pleasant.

Where can I get my questions answered about the particular beliefs?

[5ft Diva]

Your story sounds pretty interesting, I'd love to hear it sometime. Given what you've told so far, it's amazing to me that you even still believe there's a God. Many people would have thought He had abandoned them long ago and just stopped believing. The more I get to know you the more amazed I am with you. You're such a fighter! Go! Fight! Win!

Well, seeing you're at a site that is predominately LDS, you've come to the right place, as far as discussion is concerned - and having a personal relationship with God (and His son, Jesus Christ) is one of my favorite topics to discuss might I add. One place I'd suggest you go is [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] and have a look-see. It's a website that answers your basic questions about our religion. It also tells you times of services if you're interested in attending one and it can also put you in touch with people in your area that can answer any additional questions you may have. Anyway, it's basically a non-intrusive way to look around at your own pace and liking. But, please, feel free to ask anything on here that you want. I like to give people their space (except BS) so if it seems like I'm not interested in helping you, it's because I'm not trying to crowd you, but I'm happy to answer anything you may have and I'm sure anyone else on here is as well. If you check it out, I'd love to hear what you have to say!

Oh, and BTW, BS only has one wife and always will!!! (It is true that some members of the church had more than one wife back in the day -known as plural marriage or polygamy- but that was done away w/ a lllooonnnggg time ago.)

[Big_Sissy]

Actually, The LDS church ceased practicing Plural Marriage in 1890. Just to give you an idea, Utah didn't become a state for another 6 years (1896).

If you know of or hear of anyone that has more than one wife, they are not LDS -- Having more than one wife will get you kicked out -- Besides, who in the world would want more than one? I can't handle the one I have now!!!

[5ft Diva]

Yep, and I'm worth it!!!!

[mxmama]

I did a little research, WOW it s really new religion!

Anyway I do have a few questions, should I start a new thread? PM them? or put them here?