Concise, thorough, easily understood, excellent presentation.

Yes, a spirit of "criticism" is moving across the country in an unprecedented way, or so says "Queen" Victoria Osteen. She just doesn't understand that people do get a little edgy when heresy is passed off for the unchanging Message of Jesus Christ. She and her co-heretic husband parade in their finery and strut on their mega-stage like it's an affirmation of their blasphemies, shoving an occasional "peon" along the way, but it's starting to unravel already. You can only spout that same feel-good "sermon" so many times, and people will realize that the hunger is still there. As they said way back then: "Sir, we would see Jesus." John 12:21
And now we have the latest "best smeller" from JO: "Become a Better You"...but, as even he admits, Jesus and God are not mentioned in its pages. So, how can a "pastor" lead his flock toward a better life without acknowledging the source of all good and perfect things? Oh, that's right, Joel says that it's somebody ELSE'S job to tell the truth, he's just a "LIFE COACH".
Joel Osteen is a frightening person. Even if he doesn't realize what he's saying and writing, the power behind him certainly does.

I love Joel Osteen.  He brings a sense of humor every week.  It seems a lot of religious folk don't really appreciate his "candy coating" of Jesus.  I agree to an extent.  God is not all about feeling good about yourself ~ He demands service ~ not only to yourself.  If you can take that, and still accept the positivity of Joel, you will be well rounded.  It is nice to hear constantly how GOD loves you and that you have the power to do anything you want to.  Joel always makes me feel good about myself and my life choices.  I am very moved by this mans' words.  If you have never, I would highly recommend seeing him live!  I was SO moved, that even though I had already proclaimed my life to Jesus, I did an altar call.

Joel always has a beneficial and uplifting message.

I have read everyone's reviews and respect them, but the main complaint when it comes to Mr. Joel Osteen is that he is profiting from his evangelism. But, don't all preachers? When you go to a physical church, do you give offering/tithes? Do you all have a "Pastor's Appreciation Day?" How is he supposed to survive, opting to have the profession of a pastor, if he doesn't gain some profits? As far as him having a toy or game, that's just like going to Vacation Bible School or purchasing a Children's Bible. Why don't we complain to the companies who make games, teaching our children how to wreck cars, shoot/slap people, and that promote other crimes/violence? We, as people, need to stop reading so much into things and going off the past or reputations of others, when it comes to judging people. We shouldn't be judging anyway. I have only watched a few of his sermons, and I enjoyed them. He touched my heart. At least he is not tryng to sell me a prayer cloth, package, or reading. He is just speaking the Word. What in the world is wrong with that? He doesn't claim to be a healer, prophet, or miracle-worker. He just wants to share with us, what the Lord has shared with him. Think about this, and God Bless you all!

All I have to say about this huckster and all the rest listed is if you are gullible and naive enough to send these clowns one penny of your hard earned money then you have no one to blame but yourself.

They will all rot in hell when their time comes.

i say everyone in this blog, should first sit and watch a FULL sermon of joel osteen, if it wasnt for joel then there would be one less evangelist to hold revivals in this nation and around the world someday and thats me, and i say that humbly. but hes a pastor, not an evangelist, and maybe somewhat its true the fact that he doesnt mention hell but i tell ya what thers alotta local churches i can go to that are missing the mark. and he does preach on sin by the way, i have 3 videos of him doing so, i can be a pastor and get up behind the pulpit and say "Jesus is Lord, Jesus is Lord, and died on the cross for our sins and rose again in three days" every sunday but fact of the matter is, my church wouldnt grow spiritually would it? and its the same thing with sin, i could condemn certain wicked acts every sunday, but if people dont know how to overcome it those acts. then it would only cause more confusion, dont get me wrong, i like to watch hellfire preaching but im just in support of joel. I believe God works through him sunday after sunday to bring hope and encouragement to many CHristians in this world, actually i know he does lol

I agree with Farmer 100%, If these false preachers are not preaching the Truth, the Gospel of the Grace of God (1 Cor15:1-4) they might as well go to hell, that's their home. I don't care how "sweet and nice" these fat cats are, they are deceivers, Paul says it in Galatians 1, even if it's an angel from heaven preach any other Gospel, let them be ACCURSED!  Read it....

A true wolf in sheep's clothing.  The Bible warns us of false prophets and Osteen certainly is one.  It's sad, and pathetic, to see gullible souls taken in by this charlatan.

Just another WOF scam artist who's in it for the money.  He refuses to preach on sin, but only on the typical health and wealth gospel.

His hair and smile reminds me of the second coming of...Robert Tilton. But from what I've heard his message is not too heretical.

Very personable young preacher. His message is more about daily living than theology. Time will tell if he will become a spiritual leader or drift off into the meaningless void of religious entertainment.

dear joel,
i'd like to start by saying my whole intire family enjoy's your ministry.joel, is just a household name.your insirational messages are something we look foward to every week.however i do have a concern i'd like to share with you. it is very close to my heart.i have 4 family members (2 used to go to church regularly)that do not attend a home church.they feel that watching your messages compensates for thier church time.they are perfectly capeable of getting out. i remind them that you yourself at the end of every show stress the importance of getting into a good bible based church. i'm very unsuccessful at convincing them.i know that alot of people are doing the same.i just wanted you to be aware of what is going on. keep up the good work ,we love you,and look foward to your messages every sunday before church!

A creepy charlatan. Like all Televangelists - if the message is so simple then why do I need YOU? When I see him acting like Christ - you know getting rid of all his possesions and following HIM -then maybe I could take him as a man of god. But until he gets rid of that stadium he calls a church then he is only a man of money.

If I pray to Joel how long will I have to wait before getting my vacation home?  I actually tried to read one of his books ("Best Life Now") and found it shallow, uninteresting, redundant, and about as spiritual as a Frat party at midnight.  Osteen is a one-man cottage industry who has done a magnificent job of bilking money from others for "spiritual" purposes.  The epitome of superficiality.

I am saddened by some of the hatred I read from so called Christians. Where in the bible does it teach us to sit in judgement. My bible tells me that is what God's job is. Joel has a positive message that is reaching many people who otherwise wouldn't even know there is a better way. The right wing ultra conservative churches intimidate and manipulate their followers into believing a certain way and then condeming others. I suggest those of you with such hatred in your heart, need to go back to the New Testiment and reread what Jesus had to say. It sure wasn't the venom and condemnation I am reading on this site.
Just to clarify, I am a middle of the road, long time Christian who is always searching for words of enlightment and understanding. We should all be searching for a better way to live as Jesus taught us.
Jesus said, what you do to the least of thee you do to me.............. something to thing about.
Another thought, shouldn't our energies be used to feed, clothe,minister and take care of those less fortunate than us?? I believe it's called the GOOD NEWS for a reason....

I was in a toy store the other day and my jaw about hit the floor when I saw a Joel Osteen game for sale. Say what? What's next? Benny Hinn's Wheel of Fortune, Kenneth Copeland's Jeopardy, Creflo's Monopoly? These guys are tooo much! How long will it be before they start charging admission to their services? Anything to make a buck (Oh, yah, it's for Christ's cause, in case you didn't know.).

Feel good nonsense. Junk food christianity that's unbiblical.

 " I am the Way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father except by Me." Jesus said it best and the truth spoken by Him never changes. He didn't say I can lead you in the right way; He said I am the Way. I pray for Joel Osteen that he would use his HUGE platform to share Jesus. I've yet to hear him do this. "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." If Jesus is in our heart then we can't help but speak His beautiful name and how He has changed our lives!

We need to pray for Joel Olsteen in that if he truly has a relationship with Jesus Christ that he would make it known and share with his congregation how they can meet Him too. I just don't know how a man could truly know Jesus and claim on Larry King that Jesus in not the ONLY way to salvation. God help us!

JoelOsteen.com That alone says a mouthful. Has one message, has one goal. $$$$$ Now. The saddest part is that thousands have NOTHING better to do with their time than to follow this charlatan and his spoiled-rotten spouse. They both got kicked off of an airplane over the 2006 holidays when she got into a cat-fight with one of the flight attendants in First Class. No arrest for her, though, unlike the common folk who look up to them. The clock is ticking on these two and their dreams of empire.

This ear candy preacher don't preach the truth, and certainly does not divide the scriptures. I know many people that adore this fuzzy feel good walking gold bar, and they get all upset when I speak out against him, It's not that I an down on him, we are all no good in our flesh, It's his fake phony false teaching. Stay away.

You only can recieve a morality only sermon with this man. When you are to preach an uncomprimised word instead of a feel-good all the time sermon that doesn't really convict the person of their sin, then there is a problem. And as a minister of the Gospel, it's time that people learn from the Word of God, and not just from everyday stories that you just happen to be in. 

Well if the 60 minutes interview didn't open any eyes then there are some serious lasik surgery needed in the church. when the reporter asked him point blank "How come you don't mention God or Jesus in your book(the new one)" he answers "I use scriptures" What? using scripture still does not constitute a learning or leading people to Christ. And while you may use scripture, I'm sure that 95% of it only relates to "claiming favor changing your attitude to a positive view". And for the record: SINNERS CANNOT CLAIM FAVOR!! And I'm POSITIVE that he and many people following his lead, will be in Hell. This is the reason people don't take Christianity seriously. And a church with no Christian symbols.. maybe this is how Scientology is done, but he doesn't even show a cross, baptism or resurrection symbols in the "arena" called Lakewood. Jesus himself said , "But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven". Matt. 10:33 (NASB)Maybe since they don't read from there bibles at their services (but they pledge faithfully) they missed this. Please stop trying to defend this man,until he sees what he's doing is not "preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ" of repentance, salvation, and eternal life he is a FALSE TEACHER, PRO(PHET)FIT!!! $13 million dollar book advance.. WOW!!!

All you critics who are condemning Joes Osteen for his 'manner' of preaching are NOT listening - and that is Joel is 'feeding the sheep' This is the commandment of Jesus who told his followers 'Feed My Sheep' (and of course you already know that sheep are the followers of the good shephard who is Jesus - hello...) think about it - Jesus didn't say 'save my sheep' or 'bring my sheep to salvation' he admonished that spiritual leadership 'feed the sheep' (which allows for spiritual growth instead of christians who are spiritual dwarfs) of course Joel's not preaching how to get saved to his mega church audience - because they're already saved ! duh !

 The wages of sin is Death in Hell.  How come he doesn't talk about sin and hell?

He has another Gospel, not one I believe.  Mine is Jesus "The Way, The Truth and The Life.  The few times I hear him say Jesus' name is at the beginning of every "Show" when he has everyone wave their Bibles around & say their little chant. 

see John Chapter 14:6,7

6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

 7If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

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added October 19,2007

I saw a blip of him on the CBS Morning show yesterday, and the host was seemingly treating him and his wife as celebraties, and it disgusted me to bits!!  After about 25 seconds I turned the whole television off!

In John Chapter 15, Jesus told His desciples that they will be hated because of Him, and I believe He means that the mainstreem world will hate Jesus and His true followers and what we believe.

John 15: 16-27 (King James Version)

16Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

 17These things I command you, that ye love one another.

 18If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.  19If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

 20Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

 21But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me. 

 22If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin.

 23He that hateth me hateth my Father also.

 24If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.  

25But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.

 26But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: 27And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.

Oh people, it is easy to criticize.Before writing or saying something about others look at your mirror, deep inside yourself and find what kind of person you are. It is only God’s right to judge, and you know why? Because He is perfect. All of us are nothing but a bunch of sinners facing death, so instead of wasting time arguing about others sinners actions, try to save yourself, and perhaps today is your last day.

so then there was this place called texas... that no one gives a rats ass about.. who the hell cares about this dumb ass and how much money he spent on a church

Needs to place the importance on God not man and self. We need to pray that he comes to know Jesus Christ personally, this is what changes people. He would make a wonderful man of God if he was to place God first and keep his eyes on Jesus.  It does not matter how large as you say HIS church is.

The bible says:

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Matthew 7:13 - 15 (KJV)

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.
2 Timothy 3:1 - 5 (NIV)

It is all about Jesus! Not us. Satan helps people and gives them riches, but in the end he kills them.
 

I also saw Joel on 60 minutes and was filled with compassion when he cried. I just feel that most of the time he is preaching to the saints. And I haven't heard a message of the cross and what the blood of Jesus did for us 2000 years ago. It is also our responsibility to seek God with all of our hearts, because when we do that He will be found. I find that this kind of teaching reminds me of what Paul said in the letter to Timothy about preaching what our itching ears want to hear. I can relate to that because I was so deceived by the deceiver that I would hear messages like this and there would not be any change. I want to meet Joel and tell him that I don't agree with him at the end of his program that he belives that if we prayed his prayer we are born-again.It is not that easy we have to surrender of lives to Christ and God Himself will gives a brand new regenerated heart that is sorrowfull, because of the situations around us, but it's always rejoicing. Praise be to THE KING OF KINGS AND THE LORD OF LORDS, AMEN.LOL

Tonight I watched the 60 Minutes segment on Joel Osteen. I have a professional church ministry background and a very strong conservative theological perspective. Most pastors and leaders in my particular denomination are skeptical of preachers like Joel because he does not preach the Gospel in the way most mainstream preachers do. Many other pastors consider Joel's teaching to be "heresy". I find this extremely sad. If you look at what he actually teaches (and do not try to interpret his motives), you will find that his teaching is totally consistent with biblical teaching. Every principle he teaches is from the Bible. The 60 Minutes label of Joel as a "prosperity gospel" preacher is totally incorrect. The prosperity gospel is a message that says ALL people should be rich, never be sick, etc. Joel does not teach this at all. What he DOES teach is to believe that God has more blessing in store for us when we trust Him - that even when things seem hopeless, we can put our hope in God and His promise that He will work everything out for our good. Joel's goal is not to give a traditional "gospel presentation", but to give people hope and wet the appetite for more of God. It is what I call "pre-evangelism". I also find it interesting that most of Joel's critics are leaders of churches that are not growing. Innovators are always criticized by those in the mainstream. These critics find it easy to criticize others who are actually REACHING people outside the church with a message that draws them in to want to learn more, because then they can continue to sit around lazily in comfortable ministries that are not doing the hard tasks of reaching the unchurched. I've heard the same criticisms by these church leaders about others who are reaching the masses with a message that leads them to Christ. On the 60 minutes segment, it showed a Jew and Catholic going up to Joel and telling him how much he had helped them. Many people who do not attend church or who do not know Christ listen to Joel and are drawn to him. They then want to learn more. This is a tremendous blessing from God. Instead of criticizing innovators like Joel, church leaders need to be affirming his ministry and partnering with him to reach the people in their neighborhoods who watch Joel on TV but who do not have a church home. The bottom line in the church is MISSION - are we reaching the lost and unchurched? Joel is doing this, unlike many of his strongest critics. If you don't like his methods, then develop your own that are fulfilling the Great Commission. If not, then stop the unfair criticizm of a man who loves God, cares for people, and is giving them hope. Also, if you have not watched or listened to Joel regularly, you cannot possible know his message or his motives. I find Joel's messages extremely uplifting, and I would like to get to know more about his ministry behind-the-scenes. I'd love to go down to Houston and visit their staff. I am sure that there is far more in-depth biblical teaching going on that we do not see in the half hour TV sermon. I hope I get to meet Joel someday and tell him personally that I appreciate his ministry and am touched every time I hear his messages. I pray that God will continue to bless his ministry for years to come, and that many people will come to know the Lord through him!

  Good ole Boy. Pastor Feel Good. "Shucks, folks, that reminds me of a story about a man..." Now, hold up your Bibles and repeat after me: "All I know is that whatever dream, that's what God wants me to be! I'm all about the here and now - bigger house, influential job (even if I'm not qualified), lots and lots of money and "favor". Salvation? What's that? Sin? Never heard of it! Self-denial? That's old-fashioned!"

Welcome to Snakewood, folks. You'll leave smiling and lost.  

He is smiling while he's walking you straight into hell.

  Joel Osteen preaches a false doctrine of an easy Christian life in order to appeal to a mass audience. He never preaches the cross and denies that Christ commanded us before he left that we will suffer as Christians because he did. His feel good sermons and his boyish looks fool only those who have not taken the time to read what the Bible truly says about being a Christian. Christ and Paul warned about these types of teachers and here he is.

Visit : http://www.myspace.com/filtered_gospel

Hello Everybody, I am hard liner HINDU. I am a regular viewer of Joel on TV because he really helps me in times when I needed words of wisdom to lift me up. His speeches are words coming out of Bible (Which many of you disagree, and believe me or not, I want to disagree too, because they are the well known secret of life and every faith based books have plenty of them) . I am saying it because at this modern time I don't want to sit down and listen what a sinner somebody is if he/she is not a Christian. Or all the followers of Christianity (including murderers, rapist and child molesters) will go to haven and rest (which includes saints, relief and rescue workers etc) will overcrowd the hell. If thats what Bible teaches, then it's time for Joel Osteen to rewrite the Bible, which believe in mutual respect and love for humanity. I think many of our Christian friends have grown up knowing that they are the sinners and preachers who will help them get rid of their sin by all kinds of services are the only one who know bible. Belief in God should not come out of fear of hell; it should come out of compassion. And that is what everybody (Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Jewish people) believe. Believe me or not that is what god wants. God don't want a beaten down person come and sit in the services. He wants mankind to rise high and give back to his society. And that is what Joel is doing. He is helping people to rise above their thoughts of sins and search for better self and better community. I have no plans to become a Christian at least in this life (I am ready to risk going hell, if that's the price) but still tell at least 5 people everyday about Joel's speeches and the good stuff he has to communicate. I want to share my experience with you guys. You know! When I was growing up, a Christian school was in my neighborhood and inspite of being Hindu I went to that school and went to church every week with all the students of my school. My parents never had a problem with that because they believed that good massages must be learnt in life, whether they come from Bible or a Hindu holy book. And I always respected Christianity. I was a regular visitor of church for all the major occasions. Once in a service the pastor started comparing Jesus with all other Gods and started demeaning them. I guess his Bible forgot to teach him or he did not learn that respect the guest. I was their guest and they were disrespecting me by disrespecting my faith which I always keep on top in my life. That was when after visiting church for almost 30 years, I stopped going there. If the common sense is missing from todays interpretation of Bible then Joel has to step up and teach them humanity, mutual respect and secret of happiness.

I just happened to read a blog about Joel and was amazed to see how many people want to be called sinners and though Joel does not call them sinner they question Joel credibility as a good pastor. It is amazing that people are not ready for positive preaching. They want to be reminded about how bad they are and how lucky they will be if they are barely out of hell (even though they reach to the doors of haven, not inside). I am thankful to GOD ( Hindu god/ Christian god and all other gods) for bringing Joel in my life who makes me realize what my life is for and how it should be, how I should rise above all this unimportant things we get caught up into.

What difference does it make if He bought the Compaq Center, so what?   He draws crowds and he expanded, the Rockets wanted to play in a new stadium. Seems like a win win situation, so why not?    As for Joel Osteen, I'm not a church goin' guy,  but I have seen him on tv and I respect the guy!  He preaches a positive message.  Trust me people need that these days.  Hes not too hardcore/old fashioned with his service, hes more modernized then some pastors.  You got to respect what he does.  I don't find him phony either. The man pretty much fills every seat in that old Compaq Center.  Theirs got to be a reason for that.  I mean you got to give him credit.

Why does this man need a whole building in Houston for himself?  Hello....it's where the Rockets played and is meant to seat thousands of people.  I don't know a lot about him, nor have I ever been to any of Lakewood's services.  But it seems cult-ish.  I can't rate him based upon his services. but why did he need to buy the Compaq Center???? Couldn't he have spent that money on something more important like ummm...education or other issues in Houston?  He's based in Houston, so focus on making Houston a better city.  Christianity is about doing good works, what does he do????

http://theologica.blogspot.com/2005/06/joel-osteen-apologizes.html

His style of preaching is just captivating

Going through those comments, it is nice to discover, that most of you people are smart enough to understand the circumstances surrounding Joel. Yes, he is very likable, appealing guy, very talented speaker and psychologist(!). He is able to lift spiritually. That he does it in name of God, while he doesn't have a clue of some Bible basics?(see Larry King interviews) Sorry, but he is just another guy making his way of living. Making comfortable living is high priority for too many people today, no matter what the cost is. Joel is just one of us. Whatever it takes to get higher (or right on the top)... I wouldn't blame Joe much. I think he is sincere when talking to a crowd, and he does believe, that public speech is his mission. Afterall, why wouldn't he, he is becoming one of the most popular people in the world. / I do think, though, that all his sermon is prepared for purpose of gaining as much audience as possible. The question is: Why is trying to gain the audience? Is it because he is trying to spread the God's word, or is it for his personal benefit? Probably both, but I believe the personal benefit is a strong part of it. Why I think so? Joel is a very intelligent guy, therefore I don't believe his ignoring substantial parts of the Bible, like sin or criticism of immoral behavior, is accidental. IMO, he ignores these things, as well as other parts of the Bible that is pointing finger at us, deliberately. Again, I don't blame him for it. Joel is a product of today's modern world. This is America, and everyone is trying to get the best of his/her life. I'm not saying, it is good, but it is the fact. Our world is an IMAGE/IMPRESSION DRIVEN WORLD! That applies to every single area of our life. Personal success stands and falls with ability to create effective image. Joel is outstanding image maker, which is the bottom line of his success. Most of people do not bother or are not willing to focus on content of Joel's words. The words are too soothing for subjecting them to a review/analysis. I'm sure, if people have never seen and heard Joel, just had his book or transcript of his sermon available, Joel would remain unheard as he was during all those years in previous decade. It is the impression(!), he made in his appearances, that he draw the crowds. Main part of the impression is his appealing look and his enthusiasm (whether real or fake). People are carried away by these things. They are willing to take Joel's word, no matter how old or how (un)important is the message. What matters, it came from Joel. To me, Joel is just another celebrity like those in Hollywood, who became stars because their public image was highly appealing... So, no rating for Joel. Not sure what part of Joel should be rated. BTW, those few of you, who are quick to defend Joel by accusing others for making judgment: Relax! This is no judgment, I just offered an opinion. OK, it looks like I won't be allowed to comment without rating, so be it: 3

I was not raised with any kind of religion, my mom basically had a really hard time growing up Southern Baptist and said we needed to find our own way.  I don't believe in organized religion but I think if anyone can find peace in faith then by all means do it and I think that Joel preaches that message.  I've seen him on his show and on different talk shows and I really think he means to do right by people and wants everyone to be as at peace as he is with himself and god.  If I were to ever join a church it would be one that sends the same message.

I personally do not have a problem with Mr Osteen. If you were making a great living teaching a message of hope, why change? To be honest having been raised in church all my life as a pastor's son, his message is easy. It doesnt take a lot of preparation and he gets to travel at will. Any good speaker can get up in front of a congregation and do it. The only hard part is getting there. Once you get a following/reputation its a piece of cake. As I recall he took over from his father, so he was able to skip the difficult part. I know there will be some hard core christians who feel he leaves out sin for the sake of feeling good. He is a good counselor with a simple message. A preacher, well I would stop short of that label.

Critics fail to mention that he emphasizes being born again and getting into a good bible based church at the end of the program. His messages are to supplement finding or being a part of your own home church. If you are a TV only viewer of Lakewood you are encouraged to find out more about being a Christian through a local bible based church. That is where you go deeper into the word. As for those who attend Lakewood. They probably have Sunday school, Bible studies, youth group, etc. which go into the word deeper. The half hour broadcast is probably the readers digest version of what the actual ministry is about; taking place within the church body at Lakewood . Has any of the critics gone into the church body and seen the ministry from within?

Does this man actually preach the WORD or does he just tell us feel-good stories and tell us how to "prosper"? Is that BIBLICALLY right? NO!

It says rate....... not judge .....ye hypocrits! LOL

Joel sends a positive message that true Christian can apply with the others things in the Bible. There nothing wrong with focusing on positive things in the Bible. If your a true Christian, you will know about the fire and bremstone scriptures.

Feel good message. It is spiritual junk food. If people would read the bible for themselves, people like this would be out of a job.

He's doing a good work.

I know that there are going to be a few unhelpfuls on this comment, but I have held off for too long on making a comment here. Those who don't like him will have their opinions, and they have the right to say them. Well, so do I. I don't see a thing wrong with Reverend Osteen. I enjoy watching him. I think he is a great minister, anointed by God. His messages are very uplifting and encouraging. He does not feel the need to put on a show or pretend that he's a big cheese as a fair number of other TV ministers have done. Rather, I believe he's very genuine and humble, and it shows.

UPDATE: I have been following a lot of these comments on these evangelists; and it's really interesting what I am seeing.  Some people think Joel Osteen doesn't preach hard enough, and in the same breath say that someone like Ray Comfort preaches too hard.  Some comments are filled with accusations, and no Scripture to back them, and always has to "be right" and have the last word... with hardly ever something positive to say about anybody.

There is an account in the Bible in which a woman was caught in the act of adultery, and a mob was good and ready to take aim at her with stones.  But Jesus Himself stepped in, and intervened, by saying "Let those of you without sin cast the first stone."  The accusers left, then Jesus told her, "Go and sin no more."  We can read of this entire account in John chapter 8, verses 1 through 12.

I am also well familiar with the Scriptures on fruit inspection.  Fruit inspectors we can be, but let's be sure our own fruit doesn't need inspection.  So those of you (and you know who you are) who feel you have an answer for everything, take it up with God.  We all have a right to our opinions, but without raking others over the coal.

Whatever happened to praying for one another, and reading the Bible?

I am in no way trying to make anyone feel bad or dragging anyone down.  I'm simply trying to get people to think!

I listen to Joel every Sunday. I am not particularly religious, but I love his sermons, because I feel that they are not calling me a sinner because I have not yet "accepted Christ", but instead uses passages from the Bible (which I always read along with to be certain) on how to live a better life, how to be a happier person, and how to generally make the world better.

I am very studied in Christianity as well as many other religions, and I can in no wise see him as a "false prophet" or anything else. He doesn't claim to be perfect, he only gives out what he has learned from reading the bible and from his own experiences. He touches my heart and I am very much closer to God because of the Teachings of God that he shares.

I think that Joel Osteen has a wonderful ministry; he has helped many and always has a message of hope and encouragement.

Update: I think it's sad that people have so many hateful judgmental things to say about Joel, and not just ministers, but people in general.  Here's another Scripture from God's holy Word that might help us all when we get into that criticizing mood:

Matthew 7:1-5  "'Judge not, that you be not judged.  For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.  And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?  Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye'; and look, a plank is in your own eye?  Hypocrite!  First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.' "

Many of the critics here are looking at Osteen's 30 minute TV program.  I ask you, if you had to reach across the world and grab the interest of people who can select from 122 channels what is the best way to do it?

There are plenty of preachers yelling at the TV screen.  Osteen has decided to take another approach.  

If the body of Christ grows because of Osteen's work then who are we to question him.    I ask and challenge you---- WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO BRING THE WORD OF CHRIST TO ANOTHER?  If you have done nothing, then maybe you need to stop posting on messages boards and get to work.