[Alex Murphy]

This is a misrepresentation of Osteen. It is very unlikely that Osteen takes a “universalist” stand as claimed by the author. Osteen might say that all people sin; that regardless of the “badness” of the sin or a person’s past, anyone can come to God through Jesus Christ and be forgiven for their sin, even homosexuals. And, that he prefers an approach that emphasizes the love of God, not one that lambasts people for their sinfulness, etc.

Unlikely, but not inaccurate:

LARRY KING: If you believe you have to believe in Christ? They're wrong, aren't they?
JOEL OSTEEN: Well, I don't know if I believe they're wrong. I believe here's what the Bible teaches and from the Christian faith this is what I believe. But I just think that only God with judge a person's heart. I spent a lot of time in India with my father. I don't know all about their religion. But I know they love God. And I don't know. I've seen their sincerity. So I don't know. I know for me, and what the Bible teaches, I want to have a relationship with Jesus.
-- Larry King Live, June 20, 2005

See also:
Does Joel Osteen Not Know, or Does He Not Care? [On Mormonism]
Joel Osteen and Why Theology Matters, Again
For Joel Osteen, Theology is Optional
Joel Osteen and “Joel-Likeness”
Faith & The Gospel [Michael Horton Takes On Osteen With Link To 60 Minutes Clip of Horton)

Oh, and welcome to FR!

Onetwofree
Since Sep 23, 2013

[Alex Murphy]

"My! People come and go so quickly here!"

Onetwofree
Since Sep 23, 2013

Oguazi
Since Sep 23, 2013

Southerngal70
Since Sep 23, 2013