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.

[RegulatorCountry]

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

I have my issues with this man and his church, but what the heck, as if your church doesn't ask for donations or something? Hypocrite.

[KavMan]

He doesn't want to see his Mega Church all filthy after they leave

I would tell him to suck it up & renovate the damn Church

His Rep is all ruined now! What a waste!

[Hoosier-Daddy]

Like the asshats who sit in judgment are going to pay the expense.

[Snickering Hound]

You seem like a jealous liberal;maybe you should be on a Democrat website.

Only a jealous liberal would have a problem with a pastor owning a meek $10.5 million dollar mansion in River Oaks (Houston's most exclusive neighborhood). Oh and a $2.5 million estate outside town in Tanglewood.

And that's just his Houston area properties.

It's his meekness and humility that is so attractive. And his teeth. Don't forget the teeth.

[Hoosier-Daddy]

Maybe in your mind. There are a lot of ways to help.

[ifinnegan]

Thanks.

I doubted those were real.

[Snickering Hound]

The concession sales at his services are quite real. And profitable.

[bluejean]

“His private wealth is from his books,CD’s,etc. NOT the offering plate!! He has said 100% of offerings go to poor/ministry.”

Well that settles it. Osteen is a slightly benevolent royal after all. Everyone ELSE in the “church” gives to the poor and ministry. Osteen accumulates enormous wealth for HIMSELF off of his books and such. So it’s all good.

[ifinnegan]

Yes.

I am not a fan or follower of Osteen at all.

Yet this reeks of typical liberal hate-mongering and smear tactics.

I have seen the usual liberal left hysteria over this with regard to Osteen.

It’s typical of their normal non-stop Christian bashing, or bashing of whom they think is Christian or represents Christianity.

[ifinnegan]

“The concession sales at his services are quite real. And profitable.”

That his organization brings in a lot of money is the least problematic thing relating to Joel Osteen.

[the_daug]

Hmmmm The tenth commandment!

[Trump Girl Kit Cat]

Joel is NOT a pastor OR doing the work of God, he IS nothing more than a motivational speaker it is my opinion that someone that is TRULY doing the work of the lord would NEVER allow themselves such a lavish lifestyle!! I have absolutely NOTHING against anyone achieving wealth in their lives however portraying themselves as a minister of the lord is a bit far fetched!!

[greatvikingone]

I’m not a fan, but the church may not be his to “open up” - a board of elders should be responsible for making that decision. However, his home is at his discretion to use to help others if it is not under water.

[Jonty30]

A $10 million dollar home that he paid from the books he hawks. He doesn’t receive a salary from the church he ministers.

I’m not defending the guy. That’s the one criticism of him that I don’t like, because it makes it seem he used the church resources to build his home, which wasn’t the case.

However, The best thing that he could have done was cash some of his assets and rent storage units for people to stay in for the next couple of weeks.

[ReaganGeneration2]

When I’ve heard his radio or TV show, I have never heard the words “Jesus” or “Christ” or “sin” or “heaven” or “hell” or “pride” mentioned. He seems almost entirely focused on the rewards that God (he believes) hands out in this world if you’re somehow worthy. Rewards come in the form of career advancement and good relationships with others, but never explains why or how.

It all seems theologically incorrect: did Jesus ever promise worldly rewards like that? It’s certainly one-dimensional - his followers are missing so much.

[Clutch Martin]

A few large church facilities are built with disaster relief in mind. Industrial kitchen, recreational areas which can serve as shelter, stored supplies, industrial generators, etc...

While some are malls and entertainment/production of facilities wholly unsuited for disaster relief.

[Clutch Martin]

“When I’ve heard his radio or TV show, I have never heard the words “Jesus” or “Christ” or “sin” or “heaven” or “hell” or “pride” mentioned”

A few years ago I was in Tennessee helping my sister get her farm jump-started for the season. I was there about three weeks and watched Joel Olsteen (for the first time) three successive weeks. My sister asked me what I thought of Joel Olsteen and I told her that the impression I had was that he’s not really a preacher but more of a motivational speaker. Which, after listening to him occasionally after that initial exposure my observation remains that he is basically, and continues in his role as a motivational speaker. 

[Jonty30]

What’s wrong with his home? He paid for it from his own efforts, not from the church offerings. He doesn’t receive income from the church itself.

[Jonty30]

I don’t really have a problem with a church selling refreshments, outside the sanctuary, if the money raised goes towards the church ministry. It provides a need for the people and creates an opportunity for people to give to the church without feeling the unpleasant pressure to give or be condemned by God.

[2nd amendment mama]

It just amazes me folks see a SO CALLED pastor living like this and STILL give him money!! Talk about STUPID people!!

Exactly! Kinda like giving money to these "pastors": The lavish homes of American archbishops. They live in homes