“Tastes Great!”, “Less Filling!” You probably remember that commercial from some years back touting the positive points of new low calorie Lite Beer. Today, I want to focus on what some religious critics are calling “Gospel Lite.” Joel Osteen is the pastor of the Lakewood Church in Houston, now the largest church in America. You may also know him from his weekly television program. His first book, Your Best Life Now, was a great success and now his follow-up Become A Better You hits the shelves this week.
Osteen’s messages seems to appeal to many people, or in other words, “Tastes Great!” To his critics, there’s not much difference between Dr. Phil, Oprah, Dear Abby, and Osteen when it comes to telling people how to make their own lives better. Osteen’s style and venue differ greatly from most self-help gurus. While Dr. Phil and Oprah give advice from a couch in a television studio and Dear Abby from the pages of the newspaper, Osteen gives his warm, fuzzy advice from a pulpit in a huge mega-church (which was once the Compaq Center in Houston). With a never-ending smile, Osteen dispenses faith without fear, love without consequences, and joy without tears. Critics say it “tastes great” because there is nothing but sugary sweet words of affirmation. In a recent interview with Larry King, Osteen said, “I don’t think I need to hit people over the head with guilt or fear, only the goodness of God. You can be assured that God is pleased with you.”
Critics also call Osteen’s brand of preaching light on solid theology or “Less Filling!” They ask, “Where are words of repentance, sin, or grace?” Many critics point to his “Prosperity Gospel” as well. He often tells his listeners that God wants to give them wealth, status, and even power through promotions at work. Such a theology has been panned as considered wrong by most Christian denominations. God doesn’t answer prayers to provide everyone a Mercedes Benz or Presidential suite at posh hotels.
To his defense, Osteen says that he did not see himself as a preacher and until the death of his father, founder of the Lakewood Church, was not intending to preach. He holds no seminary degree and was a producer of the television show at for seven years before becoming the pastor. He simply felt it was his time to step up and take over the ministry.
As a pastor, I have mixed feelings about Osteen and his self-help gospel of affirmation. On one hand I understand the critics, some poor theology yet sweet words to the listeners ears. But I also have to be careful to not condemn Osteen. While I may not ready to hold him up as the next Billy Graham, maybe he should not be dismissed as another Jim Bakker either. His brand of the gospel seems to be more akin to the power of positive thinking of Norman Vincent Peele from years ago. Biblically, I think of when the disciples ran to Jesus in Mark 9: 38-40 saying, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not stop him, because no one who does a miracle in my name will be able soon afterward to say anything bad about me. For whoever is not against us is for us.” But that must be measured against scriptures like 2 Peter 2:1-19”…there will be false teachers among you. These false teachers will infiltrate your midst with destructive heresies, even to the point of denying the Master who bought them. As a result, they will bring swift destruction on themselves.” Is he teaching truth or simply whispering sweet nothings into people’s ears? Is there any balance to his preaching? Will we hear any words of challenge to repent… change… and be obedient or simply work hard to “smile and be nice?” Yes God loves us, but I am troubled that his words are simply too one sided.Time will tell if Osteen is someone who is to be taken seriously or if he is simply the flavor of the day. Other tele-evangelist like Oral Roberts, Jimmy Swaggart, and so many more have simply come and gone, mainly due to their own inept behavior. But let’s not throw Joel Osteen out too quickly. He is reaching many people. For his sake, I pray that his Gospel Lite is truly based on scripture and the “Light of the World… Jesus Christ.” It’s something to think about. You will have to make your own judgment on that!
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