Joel Osteen, pastor of the Lakewood church, is known for his motivational preaching but what you may not know is that he does not like preaching about hell, sin or damnation.
When asked by CBS News if he doesn't feel he is cheating people by
not telling them about the Hell part, Osteen responded,
“No, I really don’t, because it’s a different approach. You know, it’s not hellfire and brimstone. But I say most people are beaten down enough by life. They already feel guilty enough. They’re not doing what they should, raising their kids — we can all find reasons.
So I want them to come to Lakewood or our meetings and be lifted up, to say, ‘You know what? I may not be perfect, but I’m moving forward. I’m doing better.’ And I think that motivates you to do better.”
He added, “My goal is to make God good and let them know, hey, I tell them all the time, ‘God’s smiling down on you right now. You’re his child. He’s got a great plan for your life. You can overcome mistakes,’ and to me, that draws people to God.”
Other pastors, however, believe
fire and brimstone preaching may be what the church needs again.
Osteen has often been criticized for preaching what many claim to be a “watered-down” version of the Gospel.
*I believe what people need to hear is the totality of the Gospel. It shouldn't be one sided but balanced. Even Jesus in His lifetime had always pointed people to the reality of hell. He is our perfect example.
People need to know the truth whether it is sweet or bitter. They should not be told what they 'want' to hear but what they 'need' to hear.
That's what I believe. What do you believe?
“No, I really don’t, because it’s a different approach. You know, it’s not hellfire and brimstone. But I say most people are beaten down enough by life. They already feel guilty enough. They’re not doing what they should, raising their kids — we can all find reasons.
So I want them to come to Lakewood or our meetings and be lifted up, to say, ‘You know what? I may not be perfect, but I’m moving forward. I’m doing better.’ And I think that motivates you to do better.”
He added, “My goal is to make God good and let them know, hey, I tell them all the time, ‘God’s smiling down on you right now. You’re his child. He’s got a great plan for your life. You can overcome mistakes,’ and to me, that draws people to God.”
Osteen has often been criticized for preaching what many claim to be a “watered-down” version of the Gospel.
*I believe what people need to hear is the totality of the Gospel. It shouldn't be one sided but balanced. Even Jesus in His lifetime had always pointed people to the reality of hell. He is our perfect example.
People need to know the truth whether it is sweet or bitter. They should not be told what they 'want' to hear but what they 'need' to hear.
That's what I believe. What do you believe?
I believe same jare.why pretend Hell is not real?
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion the more reason why he should preach about hell is because of the people who are dealing with so much here on earth. They shouldn't suffer on earth and end up in hell fire again.
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