[Texas2step]

Joel does not accept a salary from the church. His income comes from his books. And, did you ever think it was possible that one of his congregation members may have gifted them with first class seats, or the stay at the condo in Vail?

Why do we always assume the worst about someone? I'm not defending the Osteens, but neither will I condemn them based on MSM reports about their version of what happened on a plane headed to Colorado.

I particularly won't be judging them based on the fact that they were flying first class, or the fact that they were going to Vail, CO, as many FReepers have been so quick to do.

[devane617]

...one of his congregation members may have gifted them with first class seats...

It's the "under the table stuff" that concerns me about each of these guys, jim baker, jimmy swaggart, joel osteen, etc. I can tell you for a FACT joel is reaping HUGE benefits from his position. Paying him a salary would be a joke.

[pepperhead]

Joel does not accept a salary from the church.

To me this is like Heidi Fleiss opening up a Bunny Ranch and drawing a salary for a few years. Then writing a book and not drawing one and claiming to be virtuous. We all know how they got started.

[AmericanDave]

Why do we always assume the worst about someone?

EXCELLENT POINT, the media has us trained like Pavlov's dog, to salivate at every breaking story; and the stories are always negative!

[DarthVader]

A lot of Freepers on here have to learn to "beware of the leaven of the Scribes and Pharisees." (very judgemental)as Jesus said. Many seem to have become infected with the same disease.