Thursday, February 28, 2008
Health, Wealth and other matters
One of the most popular preachers in America is Joel Osteen. His books have sold 10's of thousands of copies. Since at EverGreen we are seeking to be people of the Text/Scripture who are passionate followers of Jesus I thought it would be helpful to look at how this popular preacher looks at the Text and understands what a passionate follower of Jesus is all about. The clip is of Mark Driscoll a pastor from Seattle, WA. critiquing Mr. Osteen's understanding. If you'd like to read a review of Joel Olsteen's book Becoming a Better You check out what Michael Horton has to say. You can also link to a page with more reflections on Joel Osteen and his teaching.
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5 comments:
Was there supposed to be a video on this blog. Are you for or against Joel?
Hi 3greenbeans,
There should be a video. When I access the site it's there. Let me know if it isn't connecting.
Concerning Joel Osteen, I find that his teaching on heath and wealth is at odds with a faithful understanding of the Text. Joel is a great motivational speaker who can get people pumped up--much like a Tony Robbins--but his grouding of his teaching solidly in the text is missing. By his own admission (in an interview with Larry King) he is not all that interested in careful Biblical scholarship, he leaves that to others. Which in part is why his newest book, again by his own admission on Larry King, is so light on Biblical content and text connections. I think that Mark Driscoll does a good job of pointing out just one area of this in the video. If you can't get that video from my blog you can find it on youtube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IuiUOapK1w
The video is not showing up for me, but it could just be my settings here at work. I will try it at home or go to the youtube site.
Thanks for the clarity on Joel. I don't really know much about him or haven't even read his books. I was just unclear where you stood.
While Joel Osteen mixes his theology with the American dream and the two do not match up, it is equally disturbing that Mark Driscoll chooses to be against those he are striving to follow the same Jesus he does. He continues to be against, against, against and causes disunity when Jesus prayer for us was to be unifide.
Chris Theule-VanDam
We love to talk about Joel at work...my co-worker's mom, a single mom who's struggled, really digs him. But we worry about his wholesale acceptance of material things...and his belittling of suffering. Doesn't that belittle Jesus and his passion? He suffered so much for us. We can't belittle that!
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