Joel Osteen Answers His Critics

Tells Byron Pitts "We're Not Perfect"

(CBS)  Reverend Horton believes that Osteen tells only half the story of the Bible, focusing on the good news without talking about sin, suffering and redemption.

And Rev. Horton goes even further: he levels the harshest charge of all, calling the Osteen method of teaching heresy.

"It is certainly heresy, I believe, to say that God is our resource for getting our best life now," Horton says.

"Because?" Pitts asks.

"Well, it makes religion about us instead of about God," Horton explains.

"There are a lot of people in this country, religious people, who consider your theology dangerous," Pitts remarks.

"I don’t know what can be so dangerous about giving people hope," Osteen says. "Causing people to have better relationships. I'm not leading them to some false God or something like that."

"Hear what some others have said about you: he’s diluting and dumbing down the Christian message," Pitts says.

"Sometimes you have to keep it simple and not make it so complicated that people don’t understand," Osteen says. "But I know what I'm called to do is say 'I want to help you learn how to forgive today. I want to help you to have the right thoughts today.' Just simple things."

"You know, you get people that wanna criticize, 'You’re not doing enough of this, enough of that.' Well, we're not perfect. But to have you know hundreds of people tellin’ ya 'You changed my life. I haven't been in church in 30 years.' Or 'You saved my marriage.' Not me, but God, but they’re telling me, but you know what? You can’t help but leave every Sunday afternoon…," Osteen says, getting emotional.

"Help me understand what’s happening right now Joel?" Pitts asks.

"You know, what it is, you just feel very - I told you I was a cry baby, but you just feel very rewarded. You feel very humbled, you know?" Osteen says.

"Humbled by your success?" Pitts asks.

"Humbled that you could help impact somebody’s life. I think - I don’t even - I don’t even know these people. And you know, and God's used me to help turn their life around or give them hope, you know? It’s very rewarding," Osteen says.

"You in awe of that?" Pitts asks.

"Very much," Osteen agrees.

Osteen keeps his life simple. His best friends are his family, and he spends most of his free time with them, especially his two children, Alexandra and Jonathan.

But from Wednesday to Saturday, he’s in his home office writing and memorizing his sermon. "I feel a responsibility more than ever now, you know, sometimes when I think about it Sunday in a few days and I gotta get back up here and feed everybody and be my best and inspire them and have some good stories, keep them listening, you know, it takes a lot of work, it takes diligence," Osteen tells Pitts.

You can see that same diligence in his workouts. Osteen can bench-press 300 lbs., which is twice his body weight. And on the basketball court, even in the simplest of pickup games, he is focused, determined and looking for help from above.

---

Joel Osteen is currently in negotiations with a major network to anchor a primetime reality series based on the inspirational themes of his Sunday sermons. The show will originate from Lakewood Church and tell the stories of ordinary people meeting extraordinary challenges.

[AutumnDaze77]

Joel is a good man and he speaks from his heart. I'm not a bible reader and I NEVER liked going to church because the message was so often negative and always came from a place of lack. It never pretained to me except to say how wrong life is and how bad a person you are. Who needs that? When I listen to Joel's message about God's love and mercy, my heart is lifted and I am motivated and inspired to want more from my life. Isn't that the way life should be lived, in peace and gratatidue? A lot of so called "Christians" are the biggest hiypocrites and are very jugemental. All the comments posted are just that --comments. (As is mine). Love your neighbor as you love yourself...you don't need a college degree or religious education to learn and practice this teaching. Joel's message is a good one and more ministers need to adapt these teachings and focus on the positive. They may even find more folks showing up to church and garnering more parishioners who want to hear the "Good Word".

Peace and blessings everyone. :)

[mirrecles]

hi everyone tell joel threw god he has helped bringme back where i am sopose to be, it seems like its times when i become hopeless i turn on tv and wow there he is with a message just for me. its like the first time you go to the candy store the taste the smell never leaves you , you always want to go back because it feels so good and comforting. thank you so much for all you give threw your graceful father, who has never let me down . hope fully some day i will get to meet you and your wonderful family. my pray for my son greg, please pra for him with me god bless you all marilyn from lebanon new hampshire.

[elyse3]

opinion48, You've hit the nail right on the head so to speak, but truth be told God/Jesus are not looking at how 'good' we think we are, nor is God a 'gimme, gimme' one either. Why is it considered 'hate' when we ask why Joel seems to refuse to preach the 'whole Word of God', when the Bible says itself that's what we're supposed to be doing? God never ever said we'd have 'the best' or even a 'good life' while we live on this earth, mainly because this earth 'isn't our home'. Lifting people's spirits when they're down is a good thing, but the Word of God is much more than that. Where is the message about what Christ gave up for ALL of us, if he loves those people as much as he says he does, what's the harm in saying we need to repent of the sins in our lives, ask Christ to wipe them away by turning from those sins and relying on Him to help us to that? Stargazer_77, do 'you' know for certain that satan is at the heart of 'all' the comments that side with the Word of God? What would you do if when you had to stand before a Holy, Righteous, and 'Just' God who said to you "it's not what Joel had to say to you, but what did I and my Word say to you"? Meaning well but doing what's right via the Bible are two totally different things. Newsreader 07, that's the 'whole point here', because my Archbishop says the same thing, "whatever that minister is saying to you, if it doesn't follow the scriptures, you're being dangerously lead down the wrong path, and if he/she doesn't change their position via the Word, then you ought to find a church that does preach the whole Gospel". Call people who follow Christ and want the best for their leaders anything you choose, but I'd rather follow Jesus then be lead to hell by someone who doesn't follow Christ as well. I hope that Joel will get to know the "real Christ of the Bible, and not the one that he's made for himself". I will keep him, his family, and those who go to Lake Wood in my prayers.

[d880640]

"I don?t know what can be so dangerous about giving people hope," Osteen says.

I had to laugh at this because the people that "hate" Joel Osteen are really saying: Lets
not give people "hope" lets tearing them down. Jesus held people spellbound for 3 days
were they did not even think about food and I don't think he was tearing them down.
Paul writes:
Philippians 1:15-18 "Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice."

[opinion48]

The whole point here is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If people aren't told about the consequences of sin, how do they know what to repent from? We Christians have to preach and teach a balanced Gospel. There are people in this world who are nice and who have a good life, a good job, who go to church or to a motivational seminar. And people say "oh they are so nice and they have it all together. Yet, some of these people have "murdered, stolen from others, abused children, cheated, gotten in trouble with the law", etc. Then the people who said how nice they were now say "but they were so nice, so together, I can't believe they could do such a thing". Get my point?

[reply60min]

the perversion of moral teachings is at the heart of all the crooks emanating from texas and the bible belt. teaching a permutation of "greed is good" gives the healthsouth''s, dynergy''s, enron''s of the world the "blessing" to screw california out of 30B (to which they will be indebted for the next 20 years). or, is it that olstein''s change from the overly pessimistic "the meek shall inherit the earth" or too much self sacrifice, to one of necessity to compete with other religion preaching greed and superiority?

[bww5195]

Secondly, I am quite proud of how Rev. Osteen handled himself for the interview. Watching it I perceived a critical tone from the interviewer, and no wonder. The past couple of decades have had their infamous ministers in the spotlight as well as other happenings from Christianity that have not reflected well on our Lord and Savior. However, there is a breed of people who are living life correctly in order to further the cause of Christ. I sincerely believe that Joel Osteen and his wife are such people.

When Rev. Osteen was asked about money I had to applaud his open and truthful reply. No matter where people go to church, it costs money to keep the lights on, roof from leaking, and the children''s programs running.

I have been in and around church most of my life. Yet sometimes you need to hear an uplifting word of encouragement from places you didn''t think possible, like a ''tv preacher''. I was just scanning the channels a year or so ago and came across Joel Osteen''s telecast. %u201CI don%u2019t watch tv preachers%u201D I told myself, but I had heard from my pastor that Rev. Osteen was pretty good. The message that Rev. Osteen delivered that day helped me regain the right perspective on life at that time.

Thank you, Joel, for letting the Lord use you touch someone as far away as Clinton, Indiana.

[bww5195]

Some say Joel Osteen doesn''t preach the whole message, but inspires people to live better for God. Mother Teresa simply helped the dying in Calcutta. Billy Graham preaches about salvation, but isn''t really known for much else. Perhaps God uses some people to do the part that He has gifted them for. Ephesians 4:11-12 (KJV), "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:"

To denounce people for using their God-given gift is to denounce the God that equipped them with the gift. When will Chritianity stop picking on others in their ranks whom God uses because they are used differently?
There will be different gifts, different ways those gifts are used, but it is all for one purpose. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (KJV) says, "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all."

The Apostle Paul also said in 1 Corinthians 9:22 (KJV), "...I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some."

So there you have it. God gives different gifts to people, and they may use them in different ways but all for God''s purposes. Joel Osteen''s gift seems to be to uplift people and help them.

[newsreader07]

There is nothing wrong with having goals or working on self-improvement. We just have to understand that this is not what the Bible teaches us.

A Biblical message that preaches only "God wants you to be a better you" will certainly be attractive to the masses, but it does not follow scripture.

Jesus said "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."

Read your Bibles. Study them. Compare what God''s word says against what anyone says (Osteen or others), and learn to discern the truth.

Jesus spoke the truth, and the whole truth. Read the Gospels and judge the words of others against His truth.

[kimimoore]

Joel Osteen is in good company. Jesus was also ridiculed. Especially by the "religious leaders" of his day. Yeah that means you Horton.

[saintgundy]

The fact that some one is criticized "by the "religious leaders" of his day" does not, in and of itself, put them in Jesus company (meaning one who tells the truth). A lot of people are criticized, some rightly, some wrongly. The gospel of Joel Osteen (and all health and wealth, or prosperity preachers) is a different gospel (Galations 1:6-9)and needs to be exposed as such.

[texas733]

There you go again with your Christian bashing and left wing rantings. We dare you to do the same hit piece on Black Liberation Theology of which Obama has followed for 20 years!
You people at CBS have no shame.

[stargazer_77]

Despite all the negative and hateful comments, God will continue to exalt Joel Osteen, his family and ministries! God Bless you Joel, you know that Satan is at the heart of all those negative comments. Do not let anyone wilt your spirit! Your congregation is lively and even through television one can see that your services are filled with the holy spirit. If only all of the churches across the world could be like yours!

[stargazer_77]

Despite all the negative and hateful comments, God will continue to exalt Joel Osteen, his family and ministries! God Bless you Joel, you know that Satan is at the heart of all those negative comments. Do not let anyone wilt your spirit! Your congregation is lively and even through television one can see that your services are filled with the holy spirit.

[stargazer_77]

Despite all the negative and hateful comments, God will continue to exalt Joel Osteen, his family and ministries! God Bless you Joel, you know that Satan is at the heart of all those negative comments. Do not let anyone wilt your spirit! Your congregation is lively and even through television one can see that your services are filled with the holy spirit.

[kyla1129]

The only thing I need to hear on Sunday from my Pastor is how to live my life as a Christian. Osteen makes me feel I have a chance because of my God. Byron Pitts matched Horton with Osteen. Horton is an educated, narrow minded, reformist who has blatantly slandered the Roman Catholic Church, all Evangelicals, all Pentecostal and Billy Graham. Horton preaches fire, hell & brim- stone to his congestion of 96 people. Horton is a teacher/preacher/radio show host, begging for money/donation to support his ambitions. Next time 60 Minutes do more homework, and don%u2019t make me cry.

[earllnhm]

one thing we all (Christian)or not have to remember is that we will all give an account one day for our actions. whether you believe it or not. one of the many gifts God granted to all of us is a ''choice''. no matter what that choice is. but rest assure that God, and only he will have the last say so. we as Christians have only one real job to do and that is to share the good news of Jesus Christ. it is not our job to MAKE people believe it. if we want them to believe our message we are to live it as the WORD of God says so. i do not condemn any person for whom they choose to serve. my choice is my choice. let them say as they will, they have that right. when we argue with them all we do is give them power.

[andilee1]

Thank you CBS and Joel Osteen! I don''t understand why non-christians are SOOOOOOOO hateful. Oh wait - Yes I do. I will pray for you, justathot and the rest of you who are so angry about someone trying to do good! Every knee shall bow, my friends!

[justathot]

To Byron and CBS: It is so easy to run a story about a major positive figure like Joel Olsteen and just do personal and gospel bashing...it is what you do best! It''s all about stirring it up and drawing in the numbers rather than what is the real purpose and message here. It is funny that the liberal media is afraid to say anything against any group except Christians and their leaders...then it''s a field day! Why don''t you target the criminal justice system, the corrupt judges and polititions, *** offenders, drunk drivers, etc. I, like millions of others, never watch your show normally because you like to pick on and intimidate those who choose not to take action against you. You treat people that offer a message of hope with little or no respect (to say the least). Yet, I''ve seen criminals interviewed behind bars and they are called "sir" and handled with kid gloves. I''d like to see the day when a program like yours gets down to the nitty gritty of real investigative reporting, exposing people and businesses that are oppressing others. Not ones who are actually doing some good in the world. Shame on you all.

[jerr11]

Posted by jmcgilvray at 01:21 PM : Jun 09, 2008


I disagree.

Joel is not like the rest of the TV evangelist snakes like Robert Tilton, Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland and Pat Robertson.

I like Joel Osteen because he teaches a positive message.

I listen to him every Sunday and I read his books.

[goodday9]

It is sad that when something good and positive is happening in this world that the media tries to find something wrong with it. I , for one like to hear positive things. I watch Joel every Sunday and have been to see him in person when he was in Nashville this past year. I like him, I like to hear him speak, if you don''t --then don''t listen, it is your loss. He is reaching millions that would not be reached otherwise--and he does not beg for money. If folks want to send donations--because they are inspired to that is great--he does not guilt them into sending it--or claim that they will be punished if they don''t--his entire message is positive--and I for one believe that God is positive, God is Love...what could be better. Keep up the good work, Joel, don''t let the people of this world that do not understan you --discourage you.