Joel Osteen

Bleck, Holy Men should not be rock stars (and neither should doctors). Sorry to be so Catholic.

:(

(My guy thinks he's awesome, but he makes me sick)

Oh my gosh, I thought I was probably the only O. that didn't think he was a good, honest preacher. Glad to see I'm not alone. He scares me.

I have seen and heard him. I didn't see him on Dr. Oz.

I think his gift is bringing people into the faith. He's a very positive person and he preaches the positive aspects of the faith.

I do worry, though, that people will become disillusioned with his version of Christianity.

He preaches a combo of Christianity and the basic premise of a new-age book that was popular a little while ago - I think it was called "The Secret." Basically, it said that we get what we expect. If we put out good thoughts and focus on what we want, the universe will respond by giving us what we wanted. (He doesn't actually preach from the book - I'm using it as a reference point to describe his message.)

Joel preaches that type of idea from a Biblical perspective. However, even though someone has faith; even though someone really beleives and trusts; even though they are focused on the good that God promises us, doesn't mean we'll get it in this life.

I worry that people who follow him are too focused on the aspect of "what can God do for me here on Earth" and less on "what can I do for God here on Earth and, wow, imagine the treasure he has waiting for me after this life."

Edit: As for "The Secret" - most "new age" stuff is actually recycled ancient stuff. It's just a category to help people understand the type of people who follow it. And I agree - positive thinking, keeping focused on what your goals are, etc. are VERY effective ways to accomplish what you want in this life. However, just BECAUSE you are focused and "sending out" your thoughts to the universe doesn't mean they will be fulfilled. You have to actually DO something - take action. It doesn't just fall in your lap.

And, I have an issue with combining Christianity and that particular philosophy.

I cannot comment on how much money he has - to me, that's between him and God, just like his faith - real or not. Not my place to judge. I do believe that he brings a lot of non-believers into the faith - I just hope that they go deeper into the Bible than what he preaches.

I think he's a smart businessman, raking in the dough in the name of religion.

He makes my skin crawl.

I think he is a shiester and as bad as Jim and Tammy Faye Baker.

He makes my skin crawl, so creepy... Ugh

Plus. He's preaching in the name of God and playing on other people's insecurities to make $$$

I'm sorry he was on Dr. Oz. It gives him more exposure for people to believe in him.

Dawn

I think he preaches a lot of feel good sermons. That's all well and good, but the entire Bible needs to be taught. Bug makes a very good point. Also, I don't think a minister can be fully effective to a church of that size. How many of those members does he actually know? My dad is a preacher and he is constantly talking with the members of the church, visiting them in the hospital, conducting O. on O. Bible studies, etc. Kind of hard to do when the church is thousands and thousands large. Last point, I don't think that preachers should be making obscene amounts of money. That money should be going to help spread the word, help those in need, etc. Not going to buy a mansion and a 5th vehicle. (Not that he in particular has those, but other preachers of megachurches do.)

I love Joel's faith and his positivity. He's a little light on doctrine and full teaching. But he definitely has his calling and is blessed. I sometimes wonder if he doesn't fall in the "tickle their ears category". But when I'm a little down, he's the O. I want to hear. I believe that God calls various personalities into the ministry and that each of them have something they are very good at teaching.

I think he's inspirational and faith-based. His messages have helped me many times in my life. He does talk about outreach stuff he's done. It wouldn't hurt to hear more about it. I think "the secret" is why anyone gets something done in this life... JMO. If you read through The Secret you'll see that it's ancient rather than "new age."

I really like Joel Osteen's message.

I have him Tivo'd every Sunday.

No, I didn't see him on Dr. Oz.

I would love to see more outreach from him and his ministry - that does bother me. I'd love to know what they do with all the money they take in for donations, etc. I wonder if they help those in need or what. I would like to think they do.

he's on Fox so many people on here might not watch him...he does have a good message.

I think he's a good inspirational and motivational speaker, but I prefer others for my spiritual side and I do not watch him. I have only seen snippets of some things he's said. I do not agree with all his ideas and interpretations though. I don't know much more about him to make a better judgment.

O. word - charlatan.

Joel = something's off to me.

Bug = Preach it!

i don't watch him and i didn't see him on Dr. Oz (who i do love, btw, probably this episode is on my DVR) but most of the people i know that watch him are not church-goers. so to me he's better than nothing...although in general, i do think it's a shame that people like that make so much money...i can't help but think there is something innately sinful in that...but since i don't watch him, i don't know. maybe his intentions are pure...that's not for me to decide. but i'm not sending him any money :)

You know, I'm not religious at all -- atheist actually -- but I kind of like him. He seems sincere, is I guess why. But maybe he's just a good actor.

Oh wow, just read your what happened. I guess I'm just a sucker and not a good judge of people. I didn't see him on Dr. Oz, I've just paused and watched his show here and there as I've flipped through.

Scanned the other responses, I guess I'd better change my opinion of him. Maybe he's changed since the last time I saw him. Money does that to people. :)

I know this is going to sound crazy, and I know it's all me, but he kind of creeps me out. I am a person of faith and I'm not making any comment on his faith or whether or not he is genuine. It has nothing to do with that. I just have never heard him give a sermon titled, "What to do when things suck," or "How not to kick your boss in the butt," or "Forget the long term plan, here's how to feel better right now just to get you through." I believe what he says and I believe he believes it, but sometimes you just need some real down home advice.

And his voice is weird and his smile is odd, but that's just shallow. I'm sure he's a lovely man.

I don't like him. Or Dr. Oz. : /
ETA: why?....what Bug said. ;)