Joel Osteen shuts megachurch amid flooding crisis

NYPost ^ | August 28, 2017 | David K. Li

[Salvation]

Joel Osteen Getty Images

Televangelist Joel Osteen cancelled services at his Houston megachurch Sunday and has yet to reopen its doors — despite the fact that thousands of flooded-out residents are desperately seeking shelter.

The perpetually smiling pastor told followers on Twitter on Monday to lean on their faith.

“Jesus promises us peace that passes understanding,” he wrote. “That’s peace when it doesn’t make sense.”

But Osteen’s comforting words didn’t sit well with critics, who want to know why the doors to his 16,800-seat arena at his Lakewood Church near downtown Houston are closed.

[Salvation]

For your comments.

[Salvation]

Entire story:

http://nypost.com/2017/08/28/pastor-osteen-shuts-church-amid-flooding-crisis/

[Greetings_Puny_Humans]

I don’t like Olsteen, but I heard his garage was flooded out and that they had some water penetration as well. He might not be opening the place up for Houstonians for those reasons.

[<1/1,000,000th%]

The area around the church is flooded, but the church is open.It's not open for services since you can't drive there.

[Chauncey Gardiner]

That may be true, but the perception in these parts is he’s doing nothing to help. True colors showing perhaps?

[Reno89519]

Not impressed with his charity. Never was. Suspicious.

[Just mythoughts]

He needs to get a government contract to call it a charity.

[Oscar in Batangas]

The latest story is that he was socially shamed enough to open it up. But I saw where he was asking for donations. Is he a relative of Hilliary?

[Salvation]

Thanks for that link. Looks like the negative publicity got to him.

[Salvation]

People have lost their homes and he is asking for donations? Go figure that one out.

[Dilbert San Diego]

This was discussed earlier today. Consensus seems to be that few hear like Osteen, and use this event to bash him.

I have no opinion on him one way or the other. But don’t understand, why he’s supposed to let his church get damaged as the Superdome did during Katrina, to make critics happy, critics who won’t hold him in any higher regard even if he did do that???

Just as critics of Trump will always find something to be critical of, critics of Joel Osteen will find something.

Educate me if you feel the need, as I know very little about Joel Osteen. I don’t know why people think he’s a charlatan. Perhaps it’s a well deserved reputation, I just don’t know the details.

But I still don’t see why he is obligated to let his property be damaged as was the Superdome.

[ransomnote]

A tweet bitterly complained that the church said it was flooded and someone living nearby photographed the garage and area surrounding the church, which was not flooded at the time stated. The church may have gotten a heads up their area was expected to flood - if so it needed to say so.

[mountn man]

Joel Osteen
Jesus promises us peace that passes understanding. That’s peace when it doesn’t make sense.

James 2:16 And you say to them, “God be with you! I hope you stay warm and get plenty to eat,” but you don’t give them the things they need. If you don’t help them, your words are worthless.

Nothing about "hey the church is open"

[Snickering Hound]

Osteen's Lakewood church is in the old Houston Rockets stadium (The Summit) and still has the vendor facilities.

They use them to make “Victory Vanilla Cones,” “Champion Chips,” “Name-Em-And-Claim-Em Nachos,” and “Destiny Dogs” that they hawk during services.

Of course flood victims with nothing but the wet clothes can't afford the insane prices for the food so they keep the church closed.

Can't keep Vicky flying in their private jet if they just give stuff away.

[PGR88]

We just don’t know what he faces - i assume once he opens the church to people, he has to feed them, give them medical care, and police them.

He probably has no food or water for them. What if he doesn’t have security? What if turns into a New Orleans Superdome kind of situation? Who is responsible if some gets robbed or raped?

I am sure he is considering this.

[grania]

Assume everything you said is true. What would stop him from opening and providing for needs in a shelter somewhere else? Keep in mind that these televangelists suck a lot of money from people who can hardly afford it when things are going well. At this time, of course he should be giving something back to the community.

[Intolerant in NJ]

The perpetually smiling pastor told followers on Twitter on Monday to lean on their faith...the Lord helps those who help themselves - or their neighbors when in need - or maybe do unto others as you would have them do unto you - the pastor is showing his true colors - and they're green, like money....

[Snickering Hound]

His security is kept busy protecting his $10.5 million mansion

What!? Flood victims! Release the hounds!

[boycott]

I sure wouldn’t want to attend a church like that. It’s just not for me.

[Dilbert San Diego]

Maybe he’s doing something privately and anonymously?

I recall hearing that George Steinbrenner did some volunteer relief work during Hurricane Andrew in Florida in 1992. He didn’t go in there and announce “I’m George Steinbrenner” and take over. He just showed up and met with people, found how he could be of help, and went to work along with other volunteers.

I don’t know about Osteen at all. But, I am sure that many people of faith are there on the scene, helping as best they can, and not making huge public announcements.