Posted on 10/18/2007 7:20:41 AM PDT by Alex Murphy
MEDIA ADVISORY, Oct. 17 /Christian Newswire/ -- As critics and bloggers take shots at Joel Osteen and his new book this week, Richard Young, who wrote "The Rise of Lakewood Church and Joel Osteen," came to his defense on Wednesday.
"Critics say Osteen lacks biblical references in his books and claim that he preaches prosperity gospel," said Young. "However, I found nearly 130 scriptural references in 'Become a Better You,' Osteen's newest book."
Young, who studied Osteen extensively while writing his book about the megachurch pastor, disagrees with individuals who say Osteen isn't preaching the word of God and that his ministry isn't orthodox.
"Joel uses the Scriptures as a path to Godly living just like pastors have for centuries. He encourages people to live better lives through faith in God and following Biblical principles," said Young. "Although not everyone may agree with his style, he has successfully brought God's presence into the lives of thousands of people through his ministry and books. Few individuals have been as successful as Joel in spreading God's word."
Young uses Sunday's interview on "60 Minutes" as an example of how the mainstream media and some theologians ridicule Osteen.
"Journalist Bryan Pitts asked every possible question he could to trick Osteen into saying something that would discredit him as a man of God. Pitts repeatedly pointed to the lack of crosses and religious symbols inside Lakewood Church and questioned why Osteen called himself a life coach and motivator," commented Young. "In addition, '60 Minutes' interviewed Dr. Michael Horton. Horton, a professor at Westminster Seminary California, called Osteen a heretic and ridiculed his ministry. I don't understand what Joel Osteen does that is so bad that a seminary professor has to condemn him on national television."
Osteen's first book, "Your Best Life Now," was a New York Times bestseller. Young believes "Become a Better You" will be equally successful despite Osteen detractors.
"Joel understands today's culture and that messages of damnation and of a vengeful God no longer resonate with an overstressed society that already believes they are living in Hell daily," said Young. "Instead, Joel tells people that if they draw closer to God that their lives will be better. This is a message that our society is eager to embrace. Who doesn't seek a fuller life on earth?"
Richard Young, a Christian author, church consultant and speaker, has spent close to 20 years researching various churches across the country, including some of the most prominent megachurches in America.
His research and travels inspired him to write the recently released "Rise of Lakewood and Joel Osteen." Young's next book, which examines the life and ministry of T.D. Jakes, will be released in early 2008. Jakes is the pastor of The Potter's House, a primarily African-American non-denominational megachurch in Dallas.
It is about this world and how to have it's wealth. Paul cautions us against them
The message is the same as Joel Olsteen.
shalom b'shem Yah'shua
NAsbU 2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will
not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears
tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in
accordance to their own desires,
“I don’t understand what Joel Osteen does that is so bad that a seminary professor has to condemn him on national television.”
Obviously, this fellow also has no understanding of the Gospel of Christ vs. the be happy, be wealthy, feel good gospel according to Joel.
"However, I found nearly 130 scriptural references in 'Become a Better You,' Osteen's newest book."
But he's not saying that Osteen undersood those passages when he referenced them.
QUESTION:
Do you think Osteens message is a message that can be delivered in the poorest parts of Africa?, or China, or India? I highly doubt he would be taken seriously in any of those countries. His gospel (not the gospel of Jesus Christ) can only be preached in America where prosperity and outward appearance of fulfillment is attainable.
ANSWER:
NO, NO, NO! He is adding to the simple message of the gospel and there are all kinds of warnings in the bible against this type of teaching. This is what Paul was warning the Galatians about in chapter 1. They were listening and turning to a different gospel, which is NO gospel at all.
The message of Jesus Christ is a very simple message of salvation. It is not about becoming rich or ‘feeling good’ about yourself. Christ died for FREEDOM. It is a message that can be preached to any people in any economic situation. It is not based on acquiring material things in this world. It is only about Freedom in Jesus Christ.
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