“Osteen preaches a Gospel that is antithetical to what took place in an Animal Manger in Bethlehem; on Mount Calvary; and the Empty Tomb.”
Where do you get that? Just because he says God wants us to improve our lives? You’re saying that God wants the opposite? I’m not getting your point about Osteen.
“Lay Not Upon Yourself Treasures on Earth” that is the message of the abandoned Oxen Manger in Bethlehem where was born a helpless infant in the bitter cold of the night to a poor maiden, the Crucifixtion on Calvary and the empty burial tomb owned by Joseph of Arimathea.
Sure God wants us to improve our lives but only for emptying itself out for Him. This is NOT what the Benny Hinns, Rick Warrens, and Joel Osteens instruct from their Hollywood-type production theatrics.
Here’s the story of a former atheist and her experience with Joel Osteen. Worth a full read.
http://www.conversiondiary.com/2006/05/why-im-becoming-catholic.html