I think this sums up the ridiculous nature of this article pretty well:
Is Joel Osteen more influential than George Bush? As much as Bush pisses me off lately, I think he's more influential than Joel Osteen.
Unless they mean "most influential on Christianity." But then, how is the Pope ranked below Sean Hannity? Because the Pope isn't in America? Then why is he ranked at all.
My only conclusion is that what the article REALLY means is:
"Quick, name a Christian!"... and the magazine has a very, very atypical selection of readers.
I mean, T.D. Jakes??? Here's what Wikipedia says:
"He currently is the pastor of The Potters House, a primarily African-American Pentecostal megachurch in Dallas, Texas, which has often been accused of Oneness Pentecostal doctrines. His church services and evangelistic sermons are broadcast on The Potters Touch, which airs on the Trinity Broadcasting Network. Other aspects of Jakes' ministry include an annual revival called "MegaFest", an annual women's conference called "Woman Thou Art Loosed", and gospel music recordings."
Um, my pastor told me to star away from loose women. :^D
They call him the black Billy Graham. Sounds much more like the black Jimmy Swaggart.
From a stand point of being vocal about their Christianity and working to influence people to the teachings of Christianity they yes Joel is more influential in that respect. Many of those listed are associated with TBN actually including TD Jakes, Hagee, Meyers, and a few others including the owners of it. But many more listed aren't nor are they ministers nor even have ministries.
If you go into Christian Book stores or Christian sections of secular stores and many of the ones listed are going to have a book there. I think the list is being somewhat misunderstood but I have some reservations about some in it myself. I'm Baptist but I would put the Pope in the top 5 at least. This man leads the largest church in the nation.
***Sounds much more like the black Jimmy Swaggart.***
I bet he can't sweat like Brother Jimmy.
Is Joel Osteen more influential than George Bush? As much as Bush pisses me off lately, I think he's more influential than Joel Osteen.
Bush can order a nuclear strike. Osteen can't.