Is Joel Osteen A Christian ?

[Christian]

I mostly agree with the gist of the conversation that Joel Osteen could do a better job of preaching the Bible. I find that almost all preachers in America have a selective message to varying degrees...but Joel stays away from anything that might be controversial or even "hard"

But I get really sick of christians spewing on other christians. That is what turned me into an atheist in 1975. I'm more ashamed of some of the judmentalism of this thread than I am of Joel Osteen.

I agree with you somewhat brother, and I am sorry that you let something turn you against God back in 1975. (I've never shared that experience in 30 years of being a Christian thankfully). But I will say this in defense of the point of view expressed in this thread. "Honest mistake" or not, Osteen's inability to vocally, outright confirm salvation only through Christ is a inexcusable ommision for a man in his "position".

As a "pastor", that is his job, and his "politically correct" version might be very misleading to those who would be listening.

Peter himself denied Christ three times in one night as we well know, and he got past it, but it was not omitted from the Bible just because he was a "brother".

These things must be pointed out to those who may be seduced by a "kinder, gentler Gospel, which is scripturally incorrect and barren of the full truth.

Peace to you brother,

His servant,

-C-

[AMK]

guess you guys haven't read anything lately about judging?

Exposing the truth is not judging. Christians need to be aware of wolves in sheeps clothing.

My Web Blog

Yes and you will find many in church! Does anyone know of a time other than this larry king meeting where he has defended or tried to explain himself about this?

[eric]

Yo christian,

In view of the adverse responses to my thread about Osteen, I feel I need to step up to the plate and not just disappear. I'm not exactly condoning the man's style of preaching, you know, because those who have been posting at Worthy for any length of time will tell you that I'm totally against watered down sermons.

Okay if I missed the gist of the thread, when the OP asked if Joel Osteen is a christian, so be it. However I was a bit surprised by some of the replies that attacked the man's character sort of. A man with his supposed reputation, considering he is been at it for so long, should be admonished if he is presenting the gospel falsely. I would be the first to agree. All that I thought he was guilty of, at my first read, was stalling when someone posed a question relating to salvation, but I have seen so many evangelicals get rubbished, on these forims, I guess I am inclined to get a bit jumpy.

This is not the first time I have been wrong in my understanding.......and I don't suppose it will be the last. I wont dicuss Mr Osteen any further, I think everyone has got the picture by now.

GB.

[Guest yod]

But I will say this in defense of the point of view expressed in this thread. "Honest mistake" or not, Osteen's inability to vocally, outright confirm salvation only through Christ is a inexcusable ommision for a man in his "position".

As a "pastor", that is his job, and his "politically correct" version might be very misleading to those who would be listening.

But he did no such thing?

Why is it that no one seems to want to acknowledge this statement he made in the interview?

OSTEEN: I'm going to let god be the judge of who goes to heaven and hell. I just -- again, I present the truth, and I say it every week. You know, I believe it's a relationship with Jesus.

He absolutely did "confirm salvation only through Christ" but he did not make any statements that everyone else goes to hell as was the trap set for him to do.

To me, that actually seems like a wise decision for the venue he was in.

He could have preached salvation stronger, yes, but making a statement damning everyone but christians to hell in a small soundbyte on CNN could be counter productive to the grace and forgiveness offered by salvation.

I think we should let God be Joel's judge. He who is not against us is for us.

[Christian]

eric and yod,

Both your points are valid somewhat, as are mine, we'll just have to agree to disagree here (a little ). I do think it fruitless for us brothers to be micro-bickering and that was not my goal. It wasn't my intention to impugn Joel's character or his integrity, just merely illuminate deficiency and inconsistency in his pulpit. Thus allowing anyone wondering if that was the case to be aware of the definciencies and inconsistencies to make their own analysis.

I love you both and I am sorry for both my fire and any tension that may have caused betweeen us.

Grace and peace to you my brothers,

in Christ,

-C-

[AMK]

I heard in the Larry King Live show Joel Osteen told Larry that he wasn't sure whether anyone would be saved except through Lord Jesus Christ. All the true disciples of Jesus Christ firmly believed that there is no salvation except through the Lord Jesus Christ .All the disciples who walked with the Lord heard and taught so. Peter preached "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts;4:12 John wrote;Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him." John;3:36 And Jesus Christ himself has said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John;14;6 How can God accept anyone who rejects His Son whom he sent into the world?-Whom He sent as the Savior of the world.No one can save except the one who was sent to save.That is Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God,

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts;4:12

Ok here is what I found out. Includes Joels apology letter,His ministries statement of beleif and a link to an investigators report about Joel,s ministry.

Dear Friend,

Many of you have called, written or e-mailed regarding my recent appearance on Larry King Live. I appreciate your comments and value your words of correction and encouragement.

It was never my desire or intention to leave any doubt as to what I believe and Whom I serve. I believe with all my heart that it is only through Christ that we have hope in eternal life. I regret and sincerely apologize that I was unclear on the very thing in which I have dedicated my life.

Jesus declared in John 14; I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me. I believe that Jesus Christ alone is the only way to salvation. However, it wasn