Picking on Poor Joel

I usually don't pay much attention to televangelists but one in particular has caught my eye.

My wife made some negative comments about Joel Osteen and how much she disapproved of him. Even though I consider all of them to be con artists, I thought I'd look into the issue to form my own opinion. In my research, I happened to find an interview with him on 60 Minutes.

I was upset with the 60 Minutes interview because the interviewer seemed to be taking a hostile position toward Osteen. The interviewer all but accused Osteen of being the devil incarnate. Apparently there are a lot of theologians who disagree with Osteen's message of hope of postive thinking. It seems that hope is not a part of Christianity and everyone instead should be focusing on sin.

But I like what Osteen says. And keep in mind that that is coming from someone who doesn't subscribe to organized religion and believes televangelists prey on the weak and stupid. Osteen tells people that if they think it, they can make it happen. This is the power of positive thinking. I firmly believe in the power of positive thinking. If you have negative thoughts, you will lead a negative life. Your thoughts, your state of mind, dictate everything that happens to you and how you handle that.

But hardcore Christians say Osteen focuses too much on this message of hope and not enough on sin. Osteen focuses on what is called "prosperity theology." This comes from a line in the Old Testament that says God wants you to be rich. But what, the hardcore Bible thumpers say, about all the messages of sin, despair and suffering?

Osteen himself admits that he's more of a life coach than a preacher. So what's wrong with a life coach motivating you to live a better life? Ah, but there is the problem, my wife says. He's a life coach masquerading as a Christian holy man. That's basically what the 60 Minutes guy said too.

So what? Since when does a priest or minister have some official, greater-than-thou power? They're not elected officials. They are all basically life coaches. They tell you how to live your life, or how their "God" wants you to live your life. I don't think they have the market cornered on life advice and interpreting the Bible. The Bible is not an official and legally binding constitution. It's a collection of ancient parables and stories.

And another thing that impressed me about Osteen is that he doesn't solicit donations on his TV program. To me, that says something about him. He's not just out there to take advantage of people. He does charge an admission fee to his shows but so does every other life coach. He does, however, allow people to donate. I think this is slightly crossing the line but you know what they say about a fool and his money.

So ease up on Osteen! He's not that bad. He has a good message. Who cares if he doesn't tell you everything the Bible has to say?