Joel Osteen plugs Victoria’s Secret??
Posted: Tuesday, October 23, 2007
by Rev M Bresciani
Rev Michael Bresciani
October 12, 2007 this week in America both conservative talk show host Glenn Beck and CNN’s Larry King talked to Houston Mega Church Pastor Joel Osteen. Touting his new book Osteen said it had the largest pre-sales printing his publisher has ever done at about three million copies.
His publisher may have bet on a sure thing but in addition to Simon and Shuster’s win-win involvement with Osteen, Victoria’s Secret got a major plug from Osteen and wife. They admitted that they had advised the ladies in the church that they ought to visit the sex garb store to spruce up their appearance for their husbands.
When asked if he believed there really was a place called “hell" Osteen gave an emphatic yes. He said it was a place of separation from God. As might be expected Osteen was upbeat and positive, his signature if nothing else.
About a generation ago Osteen’s statements would have spelled the end of his ministry by the morning after his appearance on either show. As we go deeper into the apostasy of the church his statements will only draw accolades and increase book sales.
The drive toward a bigger church has been the aim of every young preacher in America since the first church was established on our soil. The phenomenon of the mega church has only come about in the last quarter century. One of the most inherent dangers of the mega church is that if the leaders go off center even a little there is so much more at stake.
The adage that “young preachers just have to say something and old preachers have finally got something to say" may not cover Osteen. In his previous appearance on the King show he got a barrage of flak from Christians around the nation for not saying that Christ was the only way to God. This time it is doubtful that he can survive the ire of the doubtful.
The Bible prophecy of an apostasy (falling away of the church) in the last days doesn’t mean the church will give up. It does mean the church will give in. In fact the scriptures paint a picture of the church marrying the world.
With the priests of tolerance and diversity clamoring for a vast leveled playing field the church seems to be accommodating its traditional protagonist with all it wants to hear. When riding the crest of popularity the church will enjoy unprecedented indulgence from the world. Unfortunately when the joy ride has finished and antichrist begins his rule during the last seven years of human history as we know it the world turns against its sycophantic lover with great anger.
According to the seventeenth chapter of the book of Revelation the church won’t simply be cast off by the world but it will be completely destroyed by it.
Conservative churches may preach that ministers like Osteen represent the falling away in American and may be right. What they often do not address is the growing number of people who are delighted to hear this new more “tolerant" message. The watered down gospel is more attractive to more people than ever before. In a combination of powerful changes in American social life and church apathy the mix is a match for millions.
Never has a single verse of scripture been so certainly elevated to take its place with the other prophetic fulfillments of the last days. “ For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears." ( 2Tim 4:3)
No one can judge or condemn Joel Osteen for his penchant for the syrupy feel good gospel. All we can do is decide for ourselves whether his message lines up with the message of Christ and his Apostles. If we think it does not then we have the choice to stop listening to the message and get on with the real gospel. That’s our choice.
Rev Michael Bresciani is a contributing author to dozens of Christian and conservative websites. For in depth and inspiring articles you can visit “The Website for Insight" This site is now drawing the attention of thousands who want a strong but fair comparison of today’s news as it relates to believers. Come see http://www.americanprophet.org
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Top-level comments on this article: (9 total)Hey Rev.,
The Song of Soloman is the Gospel according to Victoria Secret. LOL There is nothing wrong with trying to move away from the puritanical teachings that plagued the Church for years. Sex in marriage is a wonderful thing and anything we can do to enhance it is ok by me. I find Joel Osteen's message forthright, Biblical and uplifting. His everyday examples are helpful, particulary for those who do not understand Christianity. Apparently, you believe we should be straight-laced, sad, and sober in our faith. I respectfully disagree.
I always try to keep myself out of my articles because it tends to steer things away from the point and mostly it is not the best way to write. So if I seem straight laced as you say it was you that have surmised that all on your own. I have been to every place in this world and there are few things I haven't done. I know where those roads lead and who is on them. Being puritanical as you say is not something to be ashamed of even if there are very few in that category. Most people are asking how far from pure they can get without losing or offending God. A few are only asking how close they can get. I needn't ask you which ones God is more pleased with. Holiness, separateness and chaste behavior is something that Christ never mocked or made light of, in keeping with his view, neither will I. Rev MB
Rev Michael, Wow, nothing personal, I was just trying to dialogue with you. However, I am not as pessimistic as you are about the state of things. I DO NOT believe that "most people are asking how far from pure that they can get without losing or offending God." Be well
James, I'm not angry and I suppose I was a little terse, my apologies. Your points are well taken. Re MB
Rev. Bresciani, I have never thought of apostosy as giving in rather than giving up and quitting. Something to think on for awhile. As always, I enjoy reading your work, no matter the topic. James, good to see you back, also!
Rev Bresciani, I understand this man is not and ordained minister of any religion? The fact that he draws thousands is not unusual to me. I even wrote to this a number of times. It seems people are always looking for the answer when it is all there in my opinion right before them. To sum it up "Love thy neighbor". If we all did this I suspect the world would be a much happier place. As a PS: the apostacy, or falling away, could that be believers unhappy with the state of the churches and not finding their spiritual being needs met in main line religions, or is it just an unbelief of God or should I say their own perception? Best wishes RTM?
As always Robert you make very fine points. I would say that the apostasy is probably a combination of disillusionment and disbelief as you say. I don't have an axe to grind with Osteen but sometimes I wonder about all the cotton candy stuff that is being put forth. The gospel is simple and profound and it creates both peace (in the believer) and conflict (in the unbelieving world) and yet its still the best deal in town. One thing we will never disagree about is that there is a need for more "Love They Neighbor" See ya Robert, keep up the work.
yo,rev. i think your article is well taken although some people can't handle an opinionated intellingent christian getting it right. just keeping on telling it like u c it . brotherman!!!!!
Thanks Rabbi, I have to agree with you. Its a dance you have to tell the truth at the same time you have to love people. Not always an easy dance. Rev MB
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