We who preach the gospel must not think of ourselves as public relations agents sent to establish good will between Christ and the world. We must not imagine ourselves commissioned to make Christ acceptable to big business, the press, the world of sports or modern education. We are not diplomats but prophets, and our message is not a compromise but an ultimatum. A.W. Tozer
Therefore let God-inspired Scripture decide between us; and on whichever side be found doctrines in harmony with the word of God, in favor of that side will be cast the vote of truth. --Basil of Caesarea
Once you learn to discern, there's no going back. You will begin to spot the lie everywhere it appears.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service. 1 Timothy 1:12

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Joel Osteen - Confirmed Heretic

Joel Osteen is again in the news, and again proclaiming that Mormonism is just another form of Christianity.  Albert Mohler has an excellent article about this situation, which I highly recommend.
What this proves is that Osteen hasn’t the vaguest idea of what true Christianity is, or what the true Gospel is.  Yet, while watching the video of Osteen, which Mohler posts, we hear Osteen claim that he grew up in the “purest form of Christianity”!  The Christianity Osteen grew up in was anything but pure, which is why he is nothing but a false teacher today - he’s teaching what he learned from his father, to which he added his own ideas with even more emphasis on “feel good theology.”
Osteen’s father, John Osteen, although ordained as a Southern Baptist pastor, dissociated himself from the Baptists in 1958 when he became charismatic.  It was he who started Lakewood Church which Joel Osteen heads today.  (Joel doesn’t pastor this gathering because he is a goatherd who feeds false doctrine - poison - to those who gather to hear him.)
Joel himself has no biblical training, although he did spend one semester at Oral Roberts University learning the Word of Faith heresy.  Osteen’s experience at producing his father’s television programs, his popularity due to the self-esteem messages in his books, his ability as a motivational speaker and his message of the prosperity gospel are all what gives him his large audience.  There is very little of true biblical teaching in anything written or taught by Osteen, but that is because he has claimed that “people are not looking for theology,” which is why he doesn’t teach it.  
When Joel does teach any theology, it is usually of the Word of Faith heresy, and he is one of the broadcasters on the Trinity Broadcasting Network - haven of all the Word of Faith heretics.  His sermons always start with a WOF liturgy of “positive confession.”  Most of all, he avoids discussing sin, and does not like to call people “sinners.” 
I just recently posted an article about Osteen’s statement that he could attend a same-sex fake wedding without a problem - something no real pastor would do because that would give tacit approval and validation of the ceremony.
Joel Osteen does not understand or preach true biblical Christianity yet “Christian “ booksellers make a fortune off of his many books.  He has been labeled as America’s “most influential pastor,” and one of Barbara Walters’ “10 Most Fascinating People in America.” 
And yet, for all his influence, Joel Osteen does nothing to lead people to the true Christ and true God, rather he feeds them poison on a weekly basis.

6 comments:

Emily said...

I just read the article by Albert Mohler earlier this evening, and then saw your post just now.

I first heard of Osteen about a year after getting saved, soooooo, Fall 2008-ish. He's rubbed me the wrong way for awhile... I've never agreed with the Word of Fath stuff or any sort of prosperity Gospel.

And maybe it because of our roots, Glenn, that we can more easily see Mormonism and the like for counterfeit "Christianities" but still... I just hope that Osteen would finally read up on it, and figure this out. I pray that God really opens his eyes on this (and other things like I mentioned in the previous paragraph...).

Luciana DeVito said...

Right on the money. Osteen is just one of the many pulpit pimps out there who would do well to take James 3:1 seriously!

James 3:1
Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment.

Anonymous said...

A "pastor" is a male--elder. Read the qualification: above reproach, husband of one wife, able to teach.

Teaching false doctrine and certainly being unable to protect the flock from Satan's lies prove his lack of qualifications.

Anonymous said...

Where in the Bible does God tell believers to pray for false teachers eyes to be opened? Rather God says to rebuke them.

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Anonymous,

Does rebuking the false teacher negate praying that his eyes would be opened? Where does the Bible say NOT to pray that false teachers will come to know the truth? After all, doesn't God desire that all be saved? (1 Tim. 2:4; 2 Pet. 3:9).

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

"Unknown,"

Comments are moderated because I have gotten some really bad stuff in the past, and trolls also like to play. So comments will not show up until cleared in moderation. I get notices of comments by email, but if I'm not home for a while, I won't see the emails (such as today where most of my time was away from home, out of town, to play for a memorial service.

So you don't have to keep posting a comment thinking it didn't go; just be patient until I get to my emails, :)