Joel Osteen, Super Preacher
Many have criticized Joel Osteen, the well-known pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. They are upset because Joel preaches a ‘good news’ gospel, because he helps people to feel good about God, because he gives them hope.
They would rather that people live under the spell of preachers who talk of a harsh, demanding, angry, vengeful, and judgmental God – who insist that individuals live under a continual state of fear, guilt, and anxiety, constantly wondering if they are living a life that is ‘pleasing’ to God.
Joel says, ”We’ve heard a lot about the judgment of God and what we can’t do and what’s going to keep us out of heaven. But it’s time for people to start hearing about the goodness of God, about a God that loves them.”
Amen, brother!
One theologian commented that Joel’s core message (“God is nice”) is not the message of the Bible. He felt more emphasis should be put on sin, suffering, and redemption, rather than focusing on the good news.
Joel has said that he believes people know when they are doing wrong. He feels it’s not his job to remind them of this. His job is to uplift, to encourage, to help them recognize that God loves them … where they are.
People are tired of seeing their relationships fall apart, their careers crumble, their dreams disappear. They are tired of struggling through life. They are tired of hearing about the adversity and difficulty throughout the world.
Joel Osteen gives them hope that God has better things in store for them … that God wants only the best for them … and that God loves them.
And I ask … is that such a bad thing?