I'm not sure what to think of him. I'm always a bit suspect of these holier then though people that always seem to be lifted up to a high place only to fall from grace, badly. I've never been one to follow the teachings of TV preachers. His ideals, and message is widely accepted already in a great many religions and in part of human life. I do find myself particularly captivated by Kent Hovind and his thoughts on creationism.
Everything is nonsense to you. So what else is new? Seems anyone with an opinion that differs from your own, or your agenda here is "nonsense". Back on topic - There was a rather interesting interview with Cavuto with Olsteen talking about morality in politics. http://video.foxbusiness.com/11273885/?category_id=1292d14d0e3afdcf0b31500afefb92724c08f046 Of course to Mr Negativity Zibblu, it would be "nonsense".
*sigh* (I really did sigh when I read that... I don't know why I torture myself by "viewing" posts of ignored people.. I ignored them for a reason!) if you can't tell the difference between actual scientific reasoning and the kind nonsense that Hovind spreads then that means our educational system here in the States has just one more failure to add to it's huge list of failures.
Its simply amazing how someone that is "ignoring" me, still finds the need to respond and attack. He's still on Hovind... Wow, for someone that is "ignoring" me, it kinda begs the question why he's taking this thread off topic again in response to something I posted. Talk about SIGH!!! wow. Sigh!!!
I would rather see Joel Olsteen stick to the words in the Bible and not change them to fit the "health, wealth and prosperity" crowds. I believe there are a couple of videos on YouTube showing some re-written verses. Watch some ignorant character try to compare what I know of the Bible. I wonder who it will be?
I've noticed a great deal of born agains do this as well.. Well, my wife calls it "non-denominational".. Anyway, whatever they are called seems a great many in Christianity do just that; re-interpret or restate the meaning into their own words to suit their agenda. Like I said before, I'm always leery of these "tel-evangilists". They always rise up to the top and then fall hard. Power can even corrupt the most genuine of heart!
Actually all the non-denominational churches I know teach verse by verse and encourage everyone to use a Bible to double check what it says. It seems like the denominations change with time-zones, I have seen the same denomination be quite the opposite from what they are on the West coast. I guess some of the TV ones might be considered non-denominational, but I really don't know. Most are just in it for the money and I would not want to be in their shoes when judgement comes.
As a Christian and Youth Leader in our church, you would probably think that I would love this guy. But I really don't. I'm not going to tear him down, but I think his messages are little bit misleading. He has a lot of "Serve God, Get Rich" type messages. However, there isn't anything further from the truth about what the bible says. I'm not saying that Christians can't be rich, but rather that we're not guaranteed that. Another problem I have with him is that the bible, a book he quotes from and the foundation for Christian living, is pretty straight forward. When he's asked tough questions like, "Will muslims go to heaven?" on CNN, he answers with, "Well, it's not really my place to decide." DUDE, Jesus said in the bible "I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me." How much clearer can it be? The only way to heaven is through Jesus Christ. But for some reason he is scared to say that because he doesn't want to be viewed negatively. It's better to tell what you think than to skirt the questions in my opinion. I just lost a lot of respect for him over that.
It really depends on what you call non-denominational. When I say "born again" I'm talking about the loopy ones that (well they are loopy to me) seem to articulate are certain sense of grace by graphically displaying the presence of the holy spirit within them... Not sure how to say that without offending that particular section of Christianity. The non-denominational, or just "hey we're Christians", you are correct. In fact, they all seem to carry their own "Bible's" with them to church. In other words they are reading along, not being led. What I am referring to specifically are some church's I've experienced that have ministers that will read a passage and then render their interpretation of what it means. To me, I've found reading the "Bible" not unlike that of reading a work of art. Interpreting the underlying meaning, the allegory, the symbolism of the work as a whole. All the while placing it within a time in history and the context which surrounds that time. I guess its possible to derive any number of meanings out of a given passage. I just prefer to be left to do that on my own. I'm not sure what they are. They are appear to supercede all denominations. Again, I really question the motivation and whether its more about generating revenue than it is salvation. Hey, I guess all religion is in it for some type of monetary gain. How that money is used defines whether that intent is justified. Passing the plate pays the electric bills and keeps the preacher fed. That just makes sense. Jimmy Lee Farnsworth and some type of "Bible Land" amusement park? I kinda have to question the motive. After years of Roman Catholic upbringing, I'm content to thank God for being alive today and giving me the time to help my pals fill two food pantries today. We all worship in our own way. I learned a long time ago that when I need someone's help doing it, I'll ask... And I doubt very much that spiritual guidance for me will come in the form of a credit card, phone call and TV time with Joel.