Joel Osteen Answers His Critics

Tells Byron Pitts "We're Not Perfect"

(CBS)  This segment was originally broadcast on Oct. 14, 2007. It was updated on June 5, 2008.

Every once in a while, a preacher breaks through and catches the attention of the public on a national level. Joel Osteen has done that, as Byron Pitts first reported back in October.

He is the most popular preacher in the country, his services seen by over seven million viewers on TV every week.

Nine years ago Osteen was virtually unknown even in his own church in Houston. A college drop-out, he worked behind the scenes producing his father, Pastor John Osteen's, television ministry. When his father died, he stepped out in front of the camera and started to catch on. So why are so many people flocking to Joel Osteen?

---

Osteen's service is an uninhibited celebration that's part rock concert, part spectacular. There are no crosses, no religious symbols whatsoever. It's all taped and broadcast around the world. His service is seen in 100 foreign countries and is the most watched religious broadcast in America.

"You get ten or fifteen thousand people that are excited about God. They’re from every race and every denomination and every background. They wanna be here, they weren't drug to come to church. And so there's something about that. It creates an attitude of expectancy. And we cheer and we shout and there's joy. And I try to leave them better off than they were before," Osteen tells Pitts.

They come by the thousands to nondenominational Lakewood Church, a former basketball arena in Houston, Texas, filling it to the rafters. They come hungry to hear first hand Joel Osteen's message of empowerment and inspiration.

"My message is a message of hope that God is a good God, and that no matter what we’ve done, where we’ve been, God has a great plan for our lives. And when we walk in his ways they can take us places we’ve never dreamed of," Osteen explains.

Osteen preaches his own version of what is known as the "prosperity gospel" -- that God is a loving, forgiving God who will reward believers with health, wealth and happiness. It's the centerpiece of every sermon.

"I want you to get a bigger vision. There are exciting things in your future. Your future is filled with marked moments of blessing, increase, promotion. God has already ordained before the foundation of the world, the right people, the right opportunity. Time and chance are coming together for you. Why don’t you get your hopes up?" Osteen tells his audience. "Why don't you start believing that no matter what you have or haven't done, that your best days are still out in front of you."

It's an appealing, comforting message, and he follows it up with advice.

"If you’re not making as much progress as you would like, here's the key: don't lose any ground. Keep a good attitude and do the right thing even when it's hard. When you do that you are passing the test. And God promises you your marked moments are on their way," Osteen says.

"You said 'I like to see myself as a life coach, a motivator to help them experience the life of God that God has for them. People don’t like to be beat down and told 'You’ve done wrong.' What do you mean?" Pitts asks.

"Well, I think that most people already know what they’re doing wrong. And for me to get in here and just beat ‘em down and talk down to ‘em, I just don’t think that inspires anybody to rise higher. But I want to motivate. I wanna motivate every person to leave here to be a better father, a better husband, to break addictions to come up higher in their walk with the Lord," Osteen says.

"I mean is that being a pastor or is that being Dr. Phil or Oprah?" Pitts asks.

"No, I think we use God’s word. I think the principles that you hear Dr. Phil and some of those others talk about many times are right out of the Bible," Osteen says.

"Do you ever fear with this message of optimism you may be misleading some people? That some people think, 'Well, gee if I just think positive things about my life will turn around.' And for some people that never happens," Pitts asks.

"Yeah, I don't fear it because we don't just teach that. Cause I teach that even in the tough times you have to embrace where you are. Know that God’s giving you the strength to overcome. You can even be positive in a negative situation and it will help you stay filled with hope," Osteen tells Pitts.

[mvpol]

The first comment!! I really hope that the CBS Producers allow past the editing room Dr. Horton addressing the problems posed by Mr. Osteen theologically and biblically. For Mr. Osteen has an improper "theology of glory" rather than a Biblical "theology of the cross." People with real struggles of sin and guilt need to be told the Gospel of Christ''s life, death, and resurrection.

[jado76]

Even God himself has critics. Bottom line, God is Love base your life on love. Want good things to happen pray postive thoughts and be greatful. Want to be saved from hell, accept Jesus Christ as your savior. Think and say what you will and I will think and say what is God''s will.

God bless you!

[jado76]

Even God himself has critics. Bottom line, God is Love base your life on love. Want good things to happen pray postively and be greatful. Want to be saved from hell, accept Jesus Christ as your savior. My statement doesn''t just come from the bible alone, it comes from having a personal relationship with Jesus.

God bless you!

[reubenshow]

JOEL OSTEEN IS EXPOSED IN A NEW BOOK JUST RELEASED ENTILED "SNAKES IN THE PULPIT"
WWW.SNAKESINTHEPULPIT.COM

[bettyh0950]

What is wrong with God being nice, my being nice and my acting nice? I was raised to understand that God is good and according to the Bible all that he created was good and he created man in his image and likeness therefore, man is good. If we live our lives as good and reflect God''s goodness and see the goodness surrounding us, wouldn''t the evil disappear because God never created it because all that He created was good? You can call it easy listening but I call it uplifting and motivational and we should have more of it in the world as there are too many naysayers to depress us if we listen to them and that''s when we allow evil to creep in.

[jado76]

2 Timothy 4:3

I bellieve that was referring to preachers who teach people they can enter the kingdom of heaven thru their own goods deeds rather than relying on jesus alone. Joel Osteen has never claimed that in in his teachings of Gods word.

God Bless You!

[mvpol]

Betty - God is most certainly good and nice, but you CANNOT forget that he is also utterly holy and just and cannot simply look over the sins of ALL men. God''s justice demands that it be paid for either by us or by a representative for the elect, which can only be Christ. Any "good deeds" that we do are only good in our eyes, but in God''s eyes they are tainted with sin and have no merit before him - we need the righteousness of another, again Christ! That is the gospel message - our sin imputed to Christ, Christ''s righteousness imputed to us. If you do not hear that from your preacher (or Joel Osteen) then the Biblical gospel is not being preached - its that simple!

[bradjensen3]

Paul is a great teacher. I particularly like the part where he states the Old Testament is an allegory, not literal truth.

However, when you have Christ''s truth, you don''t need Paul''s explanations.

It seems to me that if I focus my attention on legalistic formulations, and use that to condemn my brother''s attempts to know God, I have departed from the spirit of Christ.

"What is that to you? Come follow me."

See acasif.com for more.

[bradjensen3]

Oops - website is

www.actasif.com

Brad Jensen

[sblake63]

You cant just take bits and pieces of the bible that appeal to this new "don''t dare tell me what not to do" world we live in and toss out the rest that might "offend" some who want "milk toast" Christianity.

It''s either the whole gospel or none. The new testament has several passages where Christ makes references to the "lake of fire", guess what guys that''s HELL. If you "moderates" want to label that "fire and brimstone" preaching, then so be it!

Society changes, fads come and go. But GOD is eternal and. You can upgrade your cell phone, computer and car LOL. But what was wrong 2000 years ago, is still wrong today.

I don''t dislike Joel O. I think he''s responding or trying to respond to the critics that say "don''t offend at any cost, get em saved". That method of preaching is FLAWED for sure. If you toss out the "sin" message from preaching, you''ll have a generation of Christians thinking they have a blank check to praise god on Sunday, and act like the devil the other 6 days of the week.

For the REAL word of god, see John Hagee www.jhm.org

[jandres02]

I didn''t realize how many people Mr. Osteen has to answer on earth to. I thought he was serving God. I suppose in the end, God will sort out our denominatinal bigotry in the end and I''ll be glad that God will be merciful to His Children, even those who think they got it all together.

[danielsden1]

Think about how you react when someone directly tells you about yourself. Some crumple, some get mad, some improve,and some thank the people that made them aware of their weakness. I like Joel, John HaGee,Creflo Dollar,and the best one is on BBNradio.org is Dr.J Vernon McGee.He is with THE LORD but his message is like it is to be told. Erwin Lutzer is another but you have to listen to BBN Radio and INSP and TBN to REALLY be empowered BY GOD. Jack Van Impe and Perry Stone,Rod Parsley and Benny Hinn, TD Jakes,Copeland, Hagin,David Jerimiah. Joel is just doing what and how Jesus preached. Everyone is loved and given a chance...FREE WILL

[carjim02]

Pastor Joel is misunderstood because people don''t understand. I invite you to attend one of our services live at Lakewood Church and see for yourself the wonderful fellowship shared by all the millions of christian people that attend Lakewood every Wednesday Saturday, and Sunday. I''ve never attended a church that makes you feel so loved. I was raised Catholic with a strong believe in God. It was the messages at Lakewood that helped me understand that I HAD A FRIEND IN GOD. Pastor Joel is a true messenger of GOD

Lakewood sponsors free events for families,kids, teens, young adults, and wonderful women / men ministries. The comments I get every Sunday is " WE CAN''T BELIEVE ALL THESE YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN AND CHILDREN THAT ATTEND LAKEWOOD. While other churchs are lacking attendences of full families, Lakewood is full of families. The presence of the LORD is truly in Houston every Sunday at Lakewood Church.

[carjim02]

Pastor Joel is misunderstood because people don''t understand. I invite you to attend one of our services live at Lakewood Church and see for yourself the wonderful fellowship shared by all the millions of christian people that attend Lakewood every Wednesday Saturday, and Sunday. I''ve never attended a church that makes you feel so loved. I was raised Catholic with a strong believe in God. It was the messages at Lakewood that helped me understand that I HAD A FRIEND IN GOD. Pastor Joel is a true messenger of GOD

Lakewood sponsors free events for families,kids, teens, young adults, and wonderful women / men ministries. The comments I get every Sunday is " WE CAN''T BELIEVE ALL THESE YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN AND CHILDREN THAT ATTEND LAKEWOOD. While other churchs are lacking attendences of full families, Lakewood is full of families. The presence of the LORD is truly in Houston every Sunday at Lakewood Church.

[carjim02]

Pastor Joel is misunderstood because people don''t understand. I invite you to attend one of our services live at Lakewood Church and see for yourself the wonderful fellowship shared by all the millions of christian people that attend Lakewood every Wednesday Saturday, and Sunday. I''ve never attended a church that makes you feel so loved. I was raised Catholic with a strong believe in God. It was the messages at Lakewood that helped me understand that I HAD A FRIEND IN GOD. Pastor Joel is a true messenger of GOD

Lakewood sponsors free events for families,kids, teens, young adults, and wonderful women / men ministries. The comments I get every Sunday is " WE CAN''T BELIEVE ALL THESE YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN AND CHILDREN THAT ATTEND LAKEWOOD. While other churchs are lacking attendences of full families, Lakewood is full of families. The presence of the LORD is truly in Houston every Sunday at Lakewood Church.

[ketevan-2009]

Joel Osteen has been and is very helpful to me, my family and friends. God has changed me though Joel to become a better person and to overcome my addictions. I''ve never been happier and more helpful to othes.

[reubenshow]

SNAKES IN THE PULPIT


THE NEW BOOK THAT FOCUSES ON MEGACHURCHES SUCH AS T.D. JAKES, EDDIE LONG, JOEL OSTEEN, CREFLO DOLLAR

WWW.SNAKESINTHEPULPIT.COM

[revbates]

I believe that Joel Osteen is doing his right and perfect work ... he is teaching metaphysics to Christians ... just like Norman Vincent Peale. Each minister attracts their own and he has certainly done that. As for his Christian bias against non-Christians and gay and lesbians ... well, he still has some growing up to do ... but then so do so many of us.

[kb907]

i''m gonna agree with joel. it says it right here in the bible! 1st corinthians chapter 2:

1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony[a] of God. 2 Fo

[kb907]

i''m gonna agree with joel. it says it right here in the bible! 1st corinthians chapter 2:

1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony[a] of God. 2 For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 3 I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human[b] wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

[kb907]

i''m gonna agree with joel. it says it right here in the bible! 1st corinthians chapter 2:

1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony[a] of God. 2 For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 3 I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human[b] wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

[jb276]

There is a public issue with Joel Osteen in the mainstream Christian ranks that can be easily put to rest. The issue is a performance-expectations gap. I believe most people in the mainstream Christian ranks who are criticizing Joel, really want to cheer for Joel. All they want to see is an effort by Joel to be true to the full calling and title of %u201CPastor%u201D which expands beyond a simple encouraging message %u2013 to one that includes a balanced presentation of the gospel %u201Cdoctrine, reproof, correction, instruction in righteousness%u201D (2Tim 3:16, 4:2). Joel%u2019s response is that he feels he is not called to expand his message beyond a simple message of encouragement. His mass following suggests there is no need for him to change his message. If this is what he feels he is called to do, fundamentally this is fine. However, to eliminate the public issue, he would have to modify his title from %u201CPastor%u201D to one of %u201Cinspirational speaker%u201D and modify the title of his organization from %u201Cchurch%u201D to that of %u201Ccommunity service organization%u201D. I think if he does this, all the public issues with Joel will be put to rest.

[dbeard41]

Most Christians who criticize Joel already know about "fire and brimstone," so I don''t know why they think it''s necessary for him to focus on the reality of hell. The truth is that "The wages of sin is death, and the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Joel focuses on the "gift" of God, along with His amazing mercy and love. No one at Lakewood Church believes that they can sin without reproach. God''s judgement is clear, and we all know it. So those who criticize Joel need to take a serious chill pill. The Holy Spirit is alive and well at Lakewood, and He lets us know when we step out of line.

[jb276]

Your assumption is that Christians already know the law and standards of God and have no need to be reminded of it. Is this really true?

[dtknal]

My wife and I live in Australia and tune in to watch Joel and Victoria and Lakewood every week. They have helped us hang on to God so much over the past couple of years and a lot of this is due to the simplicty in the way God message is delivered through the Osteens. We see Gods love through their actions. The only institution that Christians need to be mindful is that of Heaven and not the various religions that man has control of. Thank you Victoria and Joel for being REAL and spreading Gods message of Love, Victory and Overcoming.

[jb276]

You mention Heaven, but when was the last time you''ve heard anything about Heaven mentioned by Joel in his messages?

[divinegoodness]

I live in South Korea and by His grace I listen to Pastor Joel Osteen messages on line usually everyday. I belive his messages because they conform with the scriptures. He preaches the whole truth and should be encouraged to continue blessing people. Those who are jeolous of him should go to God and ask Him for their own area of calling and occupy their. Please, NEVER YOU SPEAK AGAINST AN ANNOINTED MAN OF GOD.It attracts God''s curse. Remember that the only woman who remained barren till death in the Bible as a result of a curse was the wife of David who mocked him as he was dancing naked before God. God never talked ill of David dance because it was spirit filled
We should appreciate one another, build and not tear down in Christ. Remain blessed in Him

[jb276]

You say he preaches the whole truth. Are you sure about that?

[ktala28]

Joel Osteen was one of the many influences that brought me to the Lord, as my faith grew and my needs changed I "out grew" Joel''s style. Who cares how he draws people closer to the Lord but praise him for doing so.

I love Joel and I support him 100% he is an inspiration.

[cbdw]

My husbsnd commit suicide. As I went through post trauma, I found Joel- a blessing from God. His positive influence has helped me through the grief of my loss as well as the emotional pain I suffered. I don''t go to church, but I do watch him regularly. Ive seen him twice in person, he is phenominal. He is a bright light in my life and a lot of other people''s lives. Because he choses not to see the ugly side of life as permanent does not make him wrong, and it acutally sells - imagine that. Listen through your heart. He heals us with his promise of hope and love.

[onedestiny77]

Joel''s messages line up with the word of God. It''s strange that he gets so much criticism for having a message of hope. At one time people complained that the bible was too complex. Now we''re complaining because someone has chosen to follow his calling and break it down. I have never heard him say don''t follow Christ or don''t read the bible or not use example FROM THE BIBLE. I wonder if the critics actually listen. I have a personal relationship with Christ AND I listen to Joel''s message. They assist me in my day to day growth and I learn weekly from his annointed word. Why does the message have to be so complex. It is aligned with the Word of God. It is sad that so many other churches and preachers have taken on a spirit of jealously and are criticizing. I''ve gone to so many churches in my life where the preacher did not minister to my spirit, and I simply chose to go to other churches until I found my church home where I could fully recieve the word. You would think these critics would simply tune in to someone else or just listen to their own preacher and learn the Word for themselves instead of criticizing Joel Osteen. Lakewood is an awesome ministry, and at least Joel has folks talking about church and more importantly Jesus Christ! Keep it up Joel and Victoria. You are loved!!!

[reubenshow]

JOEL IS A FALSE PROPHET

READ THE NEW BOOK THAT EXPOSES THE LIES AND HIS LIFE AS A CHRISTIAN

SNAKES IN THE PULPIT --- NEW BOOK

WWW,SNAKESINTHEPULPIT.COM

[onedestiny77]

To JB276 - If Lakewood were to modify it''s title to community service organization many people would be offended because there is too great of a focus on Christ. Sorry the folks at Lakewood love the Lord, so I hate to disappoint you but it''s got to remain Lakewood CHURCH! Love ya!!!

[onedestiny77]

To Ruebenshow - Joel never claimed to be a prophet. Love you too.

[reubenshow]

READ THE NEW BOOK
ABOUT JOEL OSTEEN

SNAKES IN THE PULPIT

WWW.SNAKESINTHEPULPIT.COM
WWW.REUBENARMSTRONGSHOW.COM

[reubenshow]

JOEL OSTEEN IS A LIAR AND DECEIVER

THE NEW BOOK - SNAKES IN THE PULPIT

[onedestiny77]

PRAY RUEBENSNOW. IT''S OBVIOUS YOU''RE ANGRY. YOU NEED ONE OF JOEL''S MESSAGES OF HOPE!

[anavelez23]

thats the issue here.People say "oh he is a false prophet" ok stop judging and what happen to the rest of the priests.It is so easy staying negative attacking for a priest that focus on the positive side and make a light of everything.KARMA PEOPLE KARMA.you speak,breath negative you will stay negative! I''m true believer but then again Have SOME COMMON SENSE PEOPLE!I see the negative people thinking differently like all peaches and cream! NO! I Was one of those because 1st I was born out of rape, second my family "kept me" because they had too so with that came verbal, mental, physical Abuse, negletion, poor hygene, malnutrition and being molested! The power of BELIEF got me where I am today!People offer me to be prostitute, being a stripper.I ran away home because it became un bearable living w/ my aunt,with that said and done! I always believe.I got better because determination and BELIEVE to have a better life! right now I''m married for 13 yrs, have a son.Never became a prostitute or stripper besides all the money promises in the world, never became alcoholic, drug addict!and I love life! adversities comes and will go but it all depends how you would handle it and thats what Joel Osteen is preaching! My life could of had a down spiral self destruction as what people like me would call "damage goods" but the faith that I have of God it''s more powerful that "society" would what me OR expect of me.

[anavelez23]

BTW, on my way to finish my BA on Nursing!Life is a Journey.many obstacle need to climb but the strategy to jump depends of your state of Mine. Now, I''ll ask you, What''s wrong to see the glass full? what''s the driven determination to stay mad, angry, negative? does it matter? is it worth it? I don''t think so fellow Christian if that what you believe.I want to live w/ chaos and simplify my life so I COULD LIVE LONGER and most of all.HAPPY Determination, Love, Peace and FAITH are the main components to a healthy, liveable life!BTW,I haven''t tell you half of my story either!

[anavelez23]

I don''t want to live w/ chaos ( I have to cut and paste because my story was long so things got missed up there,LOL.....

[reubenshow]

JOEL OSTEEN IS A LIAR AND IS SENDING HIS FOLLOWERS TO HELL

READ THE NEW BOOK THAT TALKS ABOUT JOEL OSTEEN
"SNAKES IN THE PULPIT"

[dennisdozier]

Byron you need to look into your heart. Joel brings hope and healing to many. I had to register to this site to admonish you. keep the faith get into a good bible centered church. That is who he is. Bad reporter. I am ashamed as I work in TV

[fbg222]

Maybe Joel Osteen is not perfect, but Jesus is the only person that ever has been. Why be so critical of someone if they are making a positive impact on the nation? I don''t see the makers of Girls Gone Wild on a 60 minutes with people criticizing them about the large amount of money they make. But as always, the world is going to be uncomfortable with anyone taking a Christian stand. That is just more proof that there is a reason for that discomfort, and its because somewhere, subconsciously, people know Joel Osteen is right!! I for one am thankful that he is doing so much and that God is using him to impact so many people.

[tammara5]

Hey Bryon Pitts-
What does Joel''s personal best in benchpressing have to do with what he''s doing professionally?
Did you do any research besides reading Joel''s /Lakewood''s website?
Go back to journalism school and pay attention.

[drshan-2009]

The world condemned Jesus Christ and He was the Savior of the world. Olsteen is no fraud, as he has not attempted to be anything other than what he is -- a minister. If he is to be judged by anything, then God does not need the help of any of us, including some bloggers touting a new book in search of booksales to do so. Olsteen supporters, keep your heads up and be focused. It appears the condemnations of the saved as begun.

[reubenshow]

GOD NEVER CALLED JOEL OSTEEN

NEW BOOK TALKS ABOUT JOEL OSTEEN LIVING A HOMOSEXUAL LIFE

NEW BOOK- "SNAKES IN THE PULPIT"

WWW.SNAKES IN THE PULPIT- BY REUBEN ARMSTRONG

[adaisrae]

I used to like watching Joel Osteen, until I was "awakened" to what his message really wasn''t - leading people to Christ. Thanks, Byron, for doing this story, so viewers can see that he''s not what he should be - a leader for the Christians.

[tammara5]

Hey Bryon Pitts-
What does Joel''s personal best in benchpressing have to do with what he''s doing professionally?
Did you do any research besides reading Joel''s /Lakewood''s website?
Go back to journalism school and pay attention.

[reubenshow]

I INTERVIEWED A GUY THAT HAD *** WITH JOEL OSTEEN

READ THE BOOK - SNAKES IN THE PULPIT

WWW.SNAKESINTHEPULPIT.COM

[mgsh71]

What REALLY matters is that Joel has touched many people, including my family. I watched his sermon on tv while flipping channels. He makes sense to people that do not understand OR CARE about what denomination they are, they just want to hear someone tell them that GOD DOES LOVE YOU! He sends a positive message to the world, we have no right to JUDGE him. You have to have faith & believe, until someone proves you otherwise.

[mirrecles]

if you dont believe right away , believe that i do till you get your own understanding, just dont ever ever give up .