Osteens: Obama doing great job, loves the Lord

CNN ^ | 4/8/2009 | Larry King Live

[Ol' Sparky]

(CNN) -- Joel Osteen is the senior pastor for the Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. It's America's largest congregation. His wife, Victoria Osteen, is the co-pastor there.

The Osteens, known for their optimistic outlook on life, visited "Larry King Live" Tuesday night for a wide-ranging interview that covered President Obama, same-sex marriage, the recent outbreak of mass shootings, the state of religion in America and more.

The following interview has been edited for brevity and clarity:

Larry King: Since you were last on, we have sworn in our first African-American president. What are your impressions [of Barack Obama]?

Joel Osteen: Well, I think he's doing a great job. I'm impressed with his skill, his calmness, his just strength under pressure. These are tough times for him.

King: And you, Victoria?

Victoria Osteen: I've been really impressed. In fact, I've been impressed [with] the first lady. She stepped up, and she's done a remarkable job.

King: Recent polls show 12 percent of Americans still believe Obama is a Muslim, and 35 percent say they don't know his religion, but to most of them it don't matter. Should it matter?

Joel Osteen: Well, it matters to me. It matters to me that I know he loves the Lord, and I think it's important that he has convictions from his faith. So to me, it matters when I'm making my personal decisions.

King: Does it matter to you, Victoria?

Victoria Osteen: It does. It matters to me. ... I believe he is a Christian.

[Dr. Scarpetta]

I remember about a year ago or so House Speaker Nazi Pelosi paid a visit to Osteen’s Lakewood Church in Houston where she received a very warm welcome. Contrast this to the chilly reception and tongue lashing she received at the Vatican a few months ago.

Just the fact that Pelosi even wanted to go to Osteen's church means she thought highly of him.

[Gamecock]

Just seems like a good time for a BTTT.

[xone]

Lotsa zots on this thread.

[Alex Murphy]

Just seems like a good time for a BTTT.

I get the idea that, had he been alive back then, Osteen would have nothing but nice things to say about the Pharisees.