Joel Osteen: Megachurch Televangelist Pastor without Christ?! SCANDAL!

SUPER FUNNY UPDATE ON JOEL OSTEEN: Check out Joel Osteen’s super scammy books he sells on Amazon (24!!!) including his self help BS book
and his hilarious book on “Wise Choices”. If only he’d follow his own advice!
LOL! For all you Joel Osteen fanboys – remember he just cynically feeds on you to make money so he can live his fancy lifestyle. He couldn’t care less about you in reality.

Popular televangelist preacher Joel Osteen has been named the “Most Influential Christian in America” in 2006 by the Church Report, was one ofJoel Osteen Scandal Man Barbara Walters, “10 Most Fascinating People of 2006 and operates an extraordinarily profitable religious scam operation that probably will one day end in scandal.

So who is this guy who has appeared on 60 Minutes, Larry King Live and has his own television shows?

Who is this guy who thinks he can share the mighty name of Joel?

Joel Osteen has not yet had major sex scandals, drug scandals or molestation scandals like the other megachurch pastors: Pat Robertson, Al Sharpton, Ted Haggard, Paul Barnes, D.E. (Earl) Paulk, Jimmy Swaggert, Jim Bakker, William Dodd and too many others to possibly mention here. What Joel Osteen DOESN’T do is the real question.

In his sermons, Joel Osteen does not talk about God. Joel Osteen instead talks about almost everything except God. He has a television ministry, a massive church, $43 million a year in tithes and another $36 million a year in mailed in donations, but he won’t talk about God. He, like Pastor Kevin Gerald, talks about more pleasant topics, such as donating money to him and positive thinking. He has written two books, the second of which sold 3 million copies, but his books don’t really talk about God either. It’s just his bland and boring advice on how to live a happy life that has been thought of by other people first, “Think positively about yourself” and other such drivel.

What does Joel Osteen say when people ask him about why he does not discuss God or Jesus Christ or sin or what you need to do to go to Heaven? “That’s not my gift.” What are you doing being a freaking megachurch pastor then, bonehead?!

If you are going to try to operate a religious scam, at least make it religious! I actually think that Joel Osteen operating a secular “Christian” church is more of a scandal than Ted Haggard and his transsexual prostitutes and meth! (Though not nearly as funny of a scandal).

Joel Osteen didn’t even found his megachurch; instead the business was handed down to him by his father. When Joel Osteen became the head pastor of his church, he had only preached ONE sermon in his entire life- and that was the week before. Joel Osteen does not have any training in the Bible (seminary, degrees, etc.), which is probably why he doesn’t want to talk about it much.Joel Osteen & Barbara Walters

My loyal readers have pointed out to me many times that the ridiculous actions of leaders in religion do not invalidate their beliefs. They are absolutely correct on this. However, there has never been anything that VALIDATES their beliefs either. The Flying Spaghetti Monster has the same amount of evidence on his side as most other gods. Here is another question I put to you: Please find me a single megachurch pastor who is NOT a scam-running, meth-eating, prostitute-abusing criminal. Anyone?

Update March 3, 2008 on JOEL OSTEEN:

Many people have been discussing Joel Osteen in the comments and making statements about his beliefs, behavior and preaching methods that show a distinct lack of understanding of his profit driven motives. Below I have added a video of Joel Osteen on Larry King Live where he dances around the core question of the Christian faith: What does it take to get to heaven? Joel Osteen hems and haws and won’t even say that people of different religions won’t make it to heaven.

The partial transcript for Joel Osteen’s interview with Larry King is below. I have basically pulled out the most pertinent excerpts to the point I have tried to make on televangelist Joel Osteen.

Televangelist Joel Osteen Discusses Christianity with Larry King

First is Larry King’s impressive introduction of Joel Osteen:

LARRY KING, CNN HOST: Tonight, Joel Osteen, evangelism’s hottest rising star, pastor for the biggest congregation in the United States… Pastor Joel Osteen is here for the hour…. Joel Osteen is the author of the number one “New York Times” best-seller, “Your Best Life Now.” There you see its cover. “Seven Steps to Living at Your Full Potential.” There is now a compendium been published called “Your Best Life Now Journal,” a guide to reaching that full potential. Joel Osteen is pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. His father before him. He has been called the smiling preacher.

Larry King knows Joel Osteen Ministries is huge and tries to play nice with him throughout the interview.

KING: Why are you a preacher?

JOEL OSTEEN: You know, I never was for 17 years. I worked with my dad there at the church. He tried to get me to minister. I didn’t have it in me. I worked behind the scenes. I loved doing production and things. But when my father died, I just knew — I don’t know how to explain it, it sounds kind of odd, but I just knew down to here I was supposed to step up to the plate and pastor the church. And it was odd because I had never preached before. But I just knew I was supposed to do it.

Hmmm… either God gave him the “calling” or he was scared of losing his father’s multi-million dollar preaching business.

KING: But don’t you think if people don’t believe as you believe, they’re somehow condemned?

JOEL OSTEEN: You know, I think that happens in our society. But I try not to do that. I tell people all the time, preached a couple Sundays about it. I’m for everybody. You may not agree with me, but to me it’s not my job to try to straighten everybody out. The Gospel called the good news. My message is a message of hope, that’s God’s for you. You can live a good life no matter what’s happened to you. And so I don’t know. I know there is condemnation but I don’t feel that’s my place.

Joel Osteen comes right out and says that he will refuse to condemn sinners. He is too afraid, it’s not his place, he just wants to spew bland niceties… hmmm.

LARRY KING: Where were you ordained? OSTEEN: I was ordained from the church there, Lakewood, under my dad’s ministry.

LARRY KING: So you didn’t go to seminary?

JOEL OSTEEN: No, sir, I didn’t.

LARRY KING: They can just make you a minister?

JOEL OSTEEN: You can, you can.

Wow. Joel Osteen never even attended Bible school or classes for future preachers. No wonder he is so clueless about Biblical theology.

LARRY KING: Is it hard to lead a Christian life?

JOEL OSTEEN: I don’t think it’s that hard. To me it’s fun. We have joy and happiness. Our family — I don’t feel like that at all. I’m not trying to follow a set of rules and stuff. I’m just living my life.

LARRY KING: But you have rules, don’t you?

JOEL OSTEEN: We do have rules. But the main rule to me is to honor God with your life. To life a life of integrity. Not be selfish. You know, help others. But that’s really the essence of the Christian faith.

Of course its not hard for Joel Osteen to lead a Christian life. BECAUSE HE’S NOT!!!

LARRY KING: What if you’re Jewish or Muslim, you don’t accept Christ at all?

JOEL OSTEEN: You know, I’m very careful about saying who would and wouldn’t go to heaven. I don’t know …

LARRY KING: If you believe you have to believe in Christ? They’re wrong, aren’t they?

JOEL OSTEEN: Well, I don’t know if I believe they’re wrong. I believe here’s what the Bible teaches and from the Christian faith this is what I believe. But I just think that only God with judge a person’s heart. I spent a lot of time in India with my father. I don’t know all about their religion. But I know they love God. And I don’t know. I’ve seen their sincerity. So I don’t know. I know for me, and what the Bible teaches, I want to have a relationship with Jesus.

The last exchange between Larry King and Joel Osteen hits the nail on the head of everything that is wrong with the Joel Osteen Ministry. All it is is fluff. He can’t even defend the single core belief of Christianity- that a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is a requirement to gain access to Heaven.

Below is more Joel Osteen preaching videos. Joel Osteen preaches on cheesy, transparent topics that have nothing to do with the Bible. He twists scripture around to serve his own purposes of mass produced drivel. My question to Joel Osteen is where in the Bible does it say Christians have a “right to total victory” over physical pain, financial problems and other issues? Did he completely miss the book of Job or the trials and tribulations that the early Christians had to suffer under the Romans? I don’t think that Joel Osteen has ever even read the Bible.

DO NOT LET JOEL OSTEEN CONTINUE TO GET AWAY WITH HIS BIBLE-CONTRADICTING, POLITICALLY CORRECT AND PROFIT SEEKING DRIVEL! JOEL OSTEEN’S SCANDAL IS OUTRAGEOUS!

Jesus once went into a temple and threw out currency traders and salespeople…. WHO WILL THROW THE SCANDAL CREATING JOEL OSTEEN OUT OF GOD’S ASTRODOME TEMPLE?

Further discussion: Joel Osteen megachurch building – Joel Osteen paid the city of Houston $90,000,000 to remodel the former home of NBA team Houston Rockets and an additional $14,000,000 to lease the building for 30 years. Preacher Joel Osteen’s megachurch does not even own the building! Pastor Joel Osteen doesn’t care though- he’ll be dead by then and this church is all about him. The most interesting thing about the new church is that there is not a SINGLE cross in the whole building! Want to know why? Joel Osteen says that he wants to remove all “stumbling blocks” from the way of people coming to his church and being comfortable. Since when has Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross been a STUMBLING BLOCK for faith?! The scandal here is that the Joel Osteen is doing and saying blasphemous things… and no one is calling him out on it. The pastor of the largest church in America won’t even follow the basic tenets of Christianity!

Visit the Prayer Helpers site here to buy prayers for sale.

Joel Osteen is unable to even keep his own family under control. Pastor Joel Olsteen’s wife, Victoria Osteen, has been fined $3,000 and is being sued for assaulting a flight attendant on her first-class trip to the playground of the rich and famous Vail, Colorado.

Bible Verses that Condemn Megachurch Pastor Joel Osteen

I have had quite a few people post in the comments asking what does it really matter what Joel Osteen believes if he’s helping people? If Joel Osteen teaches nice things, isn’t it okay for him to be a Christian pastor? I understand that my opinions of right and wrong should not sway you, but I ask you to consider what the Bible says on the matter. First, let’s take the Bible verses that are the standard definition of who is a Christian:

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NIV)

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 (NIV)

For the wages of sin is death. Romans 6:23 (NIV)

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faithand this not from yourselves, it is the gift of Godnot by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)

To summarize, the only way to be saved and go to heaven is by the grace of Jesus and by faith in God. These are the basic verses that every Christian who has accepted Christ knows. Now for the verses that clearly state that only Christians who believe the above will go to Heaven:

-John 3:3: no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.
-John 3:15: everyone who believes in him [Jesus] may have eternal life.
-John 3:18: whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of Gods one and only Son.
-John 14:6: Jesus answered: No one comes to the Father except through me
-Acts 3:23: And it shall be, that every soul that shall not hearken to that prophet, shall be utterly destroyed from among the people. (ASV)
-Acts 4:12: Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved
-Romans 10:9: Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved
-Hebrews 9:28: he [Christ] will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him
-1 John 5:12: he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

The nine quoted verses above clearly state that only Christians can go to Heaven. Now, if Joel Osteen truly believed and was a pastor of a Bible-based church, would he preach a false message of hope to people? Joel Osteen is essentially subverting the word of God, which motivated me to write this post. I am not sure why Joel would do this, but my postulation (as above) is that he is doing it for financial gain. Joel Osteens father was a pastor and he has been a pastor for a long time now and he should know better than most people the MOST basic tenets of Christianity. Ignorance is an excuse for new Christians (as long as they work at it), but not for a shepherd of the flock.

Do you know what the Bible says about false teachers like Joel Osteen?

-2 Timothy 4:3,4 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth , and be turned aside to fables.

-Matthew 7:15,16 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheeps clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.

-Acts 20:29-31 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves . Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.

-2 Peter 2:1 But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

-2 Peter 3:16,17 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked;

-Colossians 2:8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.

-Hebrews 13:9 Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them.

The Bible is very, very harsh in its condemnation of people who change, twist or leave out parts of its doctrine. False leaders (Joel Osteen), to me, are more disgusting than someone who is a hypocrite (Ted Haggard).

For more information on mega church pastor Joel Osteen you can search Google with the terms joelosteen.com or joel osteen.com to find the man’s website. You could also use terms such as Joel Osteen Website or Joel Osteen Lakewood Church for other sorts of information on him.

Why do I care what Joel Osteen does or doesnt do in his church, especially seeing that I am not religious? People who are cheats, fakes, and phonies really bother me. I have written quite a few other posts on various community leaders who lead people astray for their own personal gain. My tax dollars go to support Joel Osteen (every church in America is exempt from taxes, but Joel Osteen is making millions tax-free teaching his Prosperity Message when he is basically just another self-help guru). I also am very wary of megachurch pastors (I used to attend one and have seen many on television)- they often seem to be some of the craziest people (Jim Jones-Want some Kool Aid?)

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Joel Gross

Joel Gross is the CEO of Coalition Technologies.

2,056 thoughts on “Joel Osteen: Megachurch Televangelist Pastor without Christ?! SCANDAL!”

  1. So sad that blogs like this exist that trash a man like Joel. I approached Joel with great skepticism as I was taught the bible line by line. The truth is that the more I listen to Joel the more genuine he becomes. When he breaks down & crys during his messages you can tell he’s for real. He covers it all and does not leave you hangning out there just believing good things will happen all the time. He does teach that God is good and that He will work all things together for good to those who love Him & are called according to His purpose. Joel has ignited my faith & is helping me overcome things in my life that I’ve never had victory over. It’s not Joel, it’s God & His power. Joel encourages us to have faith in God… and without faith it’s impossible to please Him. Joel even admits he’s not right all the time. You just gotta listen long enough and you will hear him say just that.

  2. It’s such a shame the bible says do not judge slander
    Or Critise anyone or your be judged. Seven times more
    I have been ver encouraged by his sermons I’ve had cancer lost many times but god gave me the miricales I had no money to give tithes The Lord said give anyway and I will open up the heavens for you and he did but of course those gifts where used to bless others too I have all the podcasts I want of Joel Osteen at no price and I watch his videos free I’ve never had to give anything for god to bless me through his sermons I asked for god to show me his favour and that’s exactly what he did
    I pray you would overcome your bitterness and may god bless you to see the wonders in all that he uses to his glory we will all be accountable before god judgement time so as a Christian if you think his wrong then our duty is to pray for them won’t you want Jesus to pray for you eve when you have done wrong bless you in Jesus name

  3. You article about this clown was excellent, couldn’t have said it better myself. I wonder how many Gucci shoes or Armani suits hang in his closet. If you want to give your money to a good cause give it to an animal shelter instead of this clown so he can use it to fill his Rolls.

  4. Shame shame on Joel and his wife I just went on the web sight to see just what they were charging for tickets to come to see the whatever it is he is traveling around telling people. The cheapest ticket was like $35. – $174. Shame shame on both of you . The Bible says you revive free ( give free) they take this from people who have so very little I’m sure they would take the two coins of little value that Jesus spoke of in the Bible , but would not let her in because it was not enought. What does this guy think about Jesus coming in to Gods temple and turning over tthr tables of the money changers? They were doing the same thing then that these people are doing today. Again shame on you. Shame on both of you.

  5. Mr. GROSS…Shame on you..I am not certain where you obtain your information on Joel Osteen. I have heard him several times, AND he does quote scriptures you suggested above…Hmm perhaps you are just an unhappy man! Or simply jealous. I would also be VERY careful judging a man of GOD as you will stand in judgement before GOD!! take care MR. GROSS…

  6. just remember, satan too knows all the right words to say as he is the deceiver. he too knows of God. Joel, doesn’t preach, he is more like a life coach. he doesn’t speak out against sin and the death that it brings. he makes it sound like life is all about winning. he doesn’t share how to get to heaven. he’s all about money and prestige, for himself. so sad. don’t be fooled. seek Jesus, not Joel!

  7. I am sitting here listening to joel osteen’s “just say so” cds & he ‘s speaking of god the whole time. I have been a Christian since 12 & he speaks the truth of god.some people are jealous & mean & are going to say many untruths about people & this is one of them. we went to see him in person & my husband stood up to say the salvation creed with him. that speaks the truth.

  8. Great read!! Everyone who backs up this evil man is blind. I use to listen to Joel osteen, I even bought a book. Thought he was just the greatest man, until I accepted Christ!!!!! I started questioning why doesn’t he talk about the scary stuff, why doesn’t he talk about obedience to God and following what he commands. Why don’t I ever leave a sermon in tears from remorse over sins i committed? These are the things that draw me near to Jesus, Not a smiley pep talk!!! Why are there no crosses anywhere? Something isn’t right here. I prayed, and prayed that God would open my eyes and show me if he was legit or not. God answered my prayer and I now know how dangerous this man us. Everyone who defends this man, this is all I have to say to you:
    2Timothy 4:3
    For the time will come when people will not tolerate healthy doctrine, but with itching ears will surround themselves with teachers who cater to their people’s own desires

    Boo yah. Wake up brothers and sisters, he’s a false prophet. I pray our Lord opens your eyes, ask him to, it’s not even an opinion, it’s factual he’s a fraud. Many blessings!

  9. Where in the scriptures does it say only Christians will be saved. It says all who Believe will be saved. A real Believer would not stand in Judgment of others success but would embrace it.

  10. I feel that there is a lot of jealousy about Joel’s success in how he connects in a mega way with people in his own style. I also feel Joel is walking with God. Listen to the message, he is only the conduit here. You can feel the spirit in how the message gets delivered. I agree, that it’s not his place to tell people wether they will get into heaven or not. That responsibility falls in hands of the Lord. I find it very amusing that because this man is a success that it automatically makes him a fraud like Jim Baker.
    Who are you to judge Joel Osteen on his personal relationship with God and what he has been called to do. I don’t watch him but the first two times I did years ago, he has the ability to connect with his listners. Stop judging and listen!

  11. I have listened to Joel for a few years now and have seen him in person. He is one of the most uplifting people I’ve seen preach. I have a masters degree and my brother is a pastor – we each have to follow our own path to Christ. No one man has all the answers, but I can tell you this: Joel Osteen talks about God, quotes scripture and is one of the most uplifting people I’ve heard. I have an uncle in Texas that I dearly love – he is a great Christian man – I asked him what he thought about Joel and he said in his Texas drawl, “Kelly, he’s a feel-good pastor, Kelly”. I got off the phone with him and relayed what he said to my wife. I told my wife, “I don’t want a feel-bad pastor”. Christ died for our sins – if we believe in the name of Christ and call upon him, there is no condemnation to those in Christ. That’s biblical – look it up. Only God knows for certain what is in Joel Osteen’s heart – the rest of you are haters and guessers. There are far worse things in this world than Joel Osteen. Sure, he has a lot of money. Why don’t you spend your time condemning Bill Gates or Warren Buffet instead of hating a man that at least spends him time trying to glorify the Lord? If you are such good Christians, why are you haters? Hating is the work of the Devil himself – the destroyer. Jesus did abolish the law, but he fulfilled it. Get the law out of your hearts and get the gospel into your hearts. Haters are definitely not “of God”.

  12. Wisdom is important. If you answer in away that cause people to angry and riot is not wisdom even it is the true. I rembered not long ago one of the Japanese man in Japanese goverment said :American is lazy” has caused great riot and american refused to buy japanese products and some people destroed Japnanese car…, from that time on Japnanese economy has gone down in economy and not even recover as it has been. Wisdom let you know what to say …. Even if you see a person is wrong and you say in away of condemnation will not help a person bette.r but Goodness, love , and mercy will change a person. Jesus ha the right to condemn but He said “who is without sin, cast the first stone”. I believe Joel Osteen has weigh his answers out throughly. He didn’t want his answers will cause real hatred to christianity, riot and great harm to people from others faiths. … If you are in i shoe you will understant. He called people to get save the end of his telecast sermon every time. If He didn;t believe Jesus is the only way to heaven, he ill not call people to get save. Wisdom is important, wisdom built the house as provrb said but the fool will destroy it.

    God bless

  13. Shame on you Joelx, all I can say is that I pray for you and the hatred that you have.

  14. It amazes me how intelligent people can fall for the false messages these feel good preachers put out. Maybe, it’s because these people ARE intelligent, and don’t accept Christ like a child, that they believe this garbage. These folks rely on their own understanding, yet are so easily led astray by fake teachings of fake pastors. Being Cbristian is a tough road to travel down. It seems these people want the easiest, pain free path possible.

  15. this man needs to get Saved…. he is not saved… he is reaping the financial rewards from his daddys ministry but there is not any love of God here he is leading people straight to hell with him…. smiling and thinking positive does not give you a way to heaven…. you can smile and think positive straight to hell…. only a relationship with the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is only way to heaven….

  16. Joel and Victoria are the best!!!! Keep up the good work, I love your Ministry. God bless you 🙂

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