« Does EVERYONE Need Life Insurance? | Main | How to Determine if You Are “Wealthy” »
What is the Prosperity Gospel?
By JLP | September 14, 2006
I just came across an interesting article on the MSN Hompage about Joel Osteen and his prosperity message. I have watched Joel Osteen a time or two and although I don’t think there’s necessarily anything wrong with what he says, it does bother me that he can give an entire message and not open his Bible once. You expect that from a motivational speaker, not a minister.
Topics: Miscellaneous | 5 Comments »
September 14th, 2006 at 4:28 pm
The Prosperity Gospel is along the lines of the “Name it and Claim it” crowd. I don’t think Joel Osteen falls into this category.
As for not ever opening the Bible during his message, that just tells me he’s well prepared. I know of two pastors who commit their weekly message to memorization.
September 14th, 2006 at 4:32 pm
sman,
He usually doesn’t quote scripture either. I know that the message is different from the “Sunday School” lessons. His messages just seem like a rah-rah feel-good type of thing.
September 14th, 2006 at 8:16 pm
Oh, they are definitely feel good sermons. But he does quote scripture on a regular basis. Not much meat in his message usually. But I figure we’re all on the same team with the same goal (as Believers). So I say more power to him. He’s touched many more lives than I have.
September 15th, 2006 at 8:29 am
I agree with sman. Not every pastor quotes a ton of Bible verses (mine usually quotes 15-20 per message), but that doesn’t mean his message isn’t in line with the Word of God. And you could say that not being such a “Bible thumper” encourages people who would otherwise not watch a sermon to tune in and see what he (Osteen) has to say.
September 15th, 2006 at 11:42 am
my problem with prosperity gospel is with their premise that sounds along this line “God wants you to be materially rich. If not, you lack of faith, try harder”.
Christ was crucified, John the baptist & Paul was beheaded, Stephen was stoned. They were not materially rich. Dare you to say that they’re lack of faith?