Posted: 10/18/07

Author Sends Out Press Release Defense of Osteen

Apparently Joel Osteen is taking some heat for his new book, Become a Better You. A Christian author who recently wrote about Osteen's rise to glory sent out a press release nationwide yesterday with the headline, "Christian Author Defends Joel Osteen". Here's what the author had to say.

As critics and bloggers take shots at Joel Osteen and his new book this week, Richard Young, who wrote "The Rise of Lakewood Church and Joel Osteen," came to his defense on Wednesday.

"Critics say Osteen lacks biblical references in his books and claim that he preaches prosperity gospel," said Young. "However, I found nearly 130 scriptural references in 'Become a Better You,' Osteen's newest book."

Young, who studied Osteen extensively while writing his book about the megachurch pastor, disagrees with individuals who say Osteen isn't preaching the word of God and that his ministry isn't orthodox.

"Joel uses the Scriptures as a path to Godly living just like pastors have for centuries. He encourages people to live better lives through faith in God and following Biblical principles," said Young. "Although not everyone may agree with his style, he has successfully brought God's presence into the lives of thousands of people through his ministry and books. Few individuals have been as successful as Joel in spreading God's word."

Young uses Sunday's interview on "60 Minutes" as an example of how the mainstream media and some theologians ridicule Osteen.

"Journalist Bryan Pitts asked every possible question he could to trick Osteen into saying something that would discredit him as a man of God. Pitts repeatedly pointed to the lack of crosses and religious symbols inside Lakewood Church and questioned why Osteen called himself a life coach and motivator," commented Young. "In addition, '60 Minutes' interviewed Dr. Michael Horton. Horton, a professor at Westminster Seminary California, called Osteen a heretic and ridiculed his ministry. I don't understand what Joel Osteen does that is so bad that a seminary professor has to condemn him on national television."

Osteen's first book, "Your Best Life Now," was a New York Times bestseller. Young believes "Become a Better You" will be equally successful despite Osteen detractors.

"Joel understands today's culture and that messages of damnation and of a vengeful God no longer resonate with an overstressed society that already believes they are living in Hell daily," said Young. "Instead, Joel tells people that if they draw closer to God that thier lives will be better. This is a message that our society is eager to embrace. Who doesn't seek a fuller life on earth?"

About Richard Young
Richard Young, a Christian author, church consultant and speaker, has spent close to 20 years researching various churches across the country, including some of the most prominent megachurches in America.

His research and travels inspired him to write the recently released "Rise of Lakewood and Joel Osteen." Young's next book, which examines the life and ministry of T.D. Jakes, will be released in early 2008. Jakes is the pastor of The Potter's House, a primarily African-American non-denominational megachurch in Dallas.

My response: Mr. Young, Osteen's using 130 Scriptures doesn't mean a thing when it comes to biblical orthodoxy. Satan's greatest successes have involved the rise of leaders who copiously quote the Scriptures to make their own heretical points. Scripture is not to be treated as a source for proof texts for false teaching. Osteen has no biblical defense for his 'best life now', 'God wants you to be a success' message. In fact, Osteen's message runs counter to Christ's clear command that we deny ourselves, take up our crosses and follow Him. There is no personal cross in Osteen's message to the world, only a better, more effective ME. He has people raise a Bible over their heads at the start of his messages to assure everyone that he believes the Word of God. Then he proceeds to completely contradict the very Word he claims to follow. We are here on this planet for God's glory, not our own. God does not want us on a journey of deeper "self-discovery" as Osteen claims in his new book. He wants us to go deeper and deeper into the knowledge of His Son, Jesus Christ. We are to decrease and Christ must increase in our lives. This biblical framework runs counter to everything that Osteen represents. Your press release only confirms in my mind, Mr. Young, that Joel Osteen needs to repent of his false teaching and his man-centered gospel and stop misleading the millions of people who follow his ministry. He is a false teacher and the consequences are eternal.

By Ingrid Schlueter Email: vcyproducer@aol.com Click here for bio and archived articles