[The Ghost of FReepers Past]

On a more reflective note, the melding of practical spirituality and Christianity may not be good for the long-term "brand" equity of Christianity. If you can watch presentations by Deepak Chopra, Wayne Dyer, Marianne Williamson and Joel Osteen side by side and see little difference in the teachings other than terminology, what will be the outcome of the loyalty to one particular religion? All of these teachers are offering a similar message in different packaging. The real outcome of Osteen's rise is yet to be seen. The present conclusion is that he is greatly helping to uplift humanity by teaching self-empowerment, negating victim-hood, and relieving people of the propensity for guilt in striving for prosperity and abundance. Joel Osteen is definitely a mover and a shaker of the highest nature. His charm and charisma packaged with a succinctly delivered message will only propel him to even greater heights. Expect his to be a household name around the world in the coming years. Whereas Billy Graham delivered a powerful sermon and saved millions of "sinners," Joel Osteen is sure to uplift and elevate the lives of many millions more.

Genuine Christianity is about self-denial, not self-empowerment.

[TBP]

Religion is supposed to be about uplifting us. How does self-denial promote that?

[Dark Skies]

Genuine Christianity is about self-denial, not self-empowerment.

And to that I would add, it is about being filled with the Holy Spirit. A self-empowered human is a speck of dust compared to the most ordinary person who is filled with the H.S.

Talk about real power!

[Salvation]

Bump toyour comments?

[brwnsuga]

"Genuine Christianity is about self-denial, not self-empowerment."

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. - Phillipians 4:13

If that ain't self empowerment, I don't know what is. The Word says I can do all things. G-d himself has empowered me.

[Preachin']

"Genuine Christianity is about self-denial, not self-empowerment."


Actually, it's about empowerment through self-denial.

PHILLIPIANS 2

5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.