Joel Osteen Is Confused About Both Gays and the Death Penalty

• Give Osteen a break, no matter what he wouldve said people would have found something wrong with it. The whole time he was clearly trying to say that its not his decision or neither does his opinion matter about things like homosexuality, death penalty, and different religions. Only God can say who will go to heaven or hell, All joel Osteen can do is follow the word of God

• Sadly, he was unable to even proof text a simple part of old Deuteronomic textual law, Bsmithqbmom. All Olsteen did was dance around the question - any other religious leader of the cloth from high or middle order religions would have been able to give a direct answer and relate directly to scripture or the canonical law of their faith. Since Olsteen's "religion" was concocted on the idea that "you can be rich, Jesus loves you, and here's how to feel good" then he has no real basis on which to express the actual laws one of faith may be asked to call upon when asked a direct question such as he was. While we all respect your passion for your love of Olsteen, the fact is, you are only focusing on the Gospel (you seem to forget an Old Testament exists) and you are just using the happy-happy-joy-joy answers that Olsteen likes as basis of faith. In which case, there exists a misguided approach to religion. Job was tested to the fullest of his faith in very harsh ways by God, Abraham was tested mightily by God, and many were tormented in the Bible. Because life is harsh, and not always pleasant, then a true student of the word (both Old and New) would understand that life isn't always fun and games, and the Bible makes that very clear. Joel did not break new ground here about it being difficult for man. Don't kid yourself - the letter of the biblical law is clear on the subject, and while you may not agree with it as a person, it's still there in black and white. A man of the cloth could have been equally clear on the subject. It's been laid down for a few thousand years by now, I think God was pretty straightforward on the topic.

• I disagree whole heartedly with this statement. The very reason I disagree is stated within your reply to Patty - "never go to a traditional church" - the fact is, that is where people need to go. Be it Temple or Church, Synagogue or Cathedral, you will not find true spirituality in these nameless, baseless pseudo-religions that have been hand-crafted by a man of excess and wealth. As you are saying "we do not see the weekly goings on" then perhaps it would be a good idea for you to really watch his so-called sermons with an eye towards looking at what is said there, then hit a Catholic or Episcopal Mass, and maybe a Baptist sermon and go to a Jewish temple. Notice how all other real faiths of the world use a mix of lessons, warnings, and parables with leaders who actually know the Bible and can quote scripture, verse, and are very well educated in how these relate to societal issues. They are not there to make you feel good about yourself - they are there to make you think of you, your place in the world, and how that relates to God in the general context of all things in life. You cannot go to Lakewood and develop a real relationship with the living Lord (or Trinity, or God, or Holy Spirit, or whatever faith base you wish to relate to) when the person at its spiritual center - Olsteen - is not exercising real teachings.

• Humility should be a good practice by any man of the cloth (as he so claims to be) - last I checked, the vicars in either Catholic or Episcopal faiths didn't wear Armani suits, and I don't know a Rabbi with a Coach-Leather bound Torah. And, it is simply a fact - she is a Prada purse toting sort of person. Not an insult. Funny that you should see it that way.

• THAT IS NOT TRUE PATTY....Our bible classes, childrens bible studies, and many other spiritual enrichment is not seen on the telecast. You do not see what happens in the life of the church all week long, all day long. Many lives are touched and changed for the better as a result of what you do not get to see on a 30 minute telecast or podcast. Many people who have grown up unchurched and may never go to a trdition church come to lakewood and develope real relationship with a living Lord.

• Religion is not the best thing I agree....but a relationship with our creator is so mandatory to make this tough life's journey....I do not know how people make it with out the love and care of the all gracious and merciful God.

• I agree, he is an encourager type of motivationalistic leaderr who encourages individuals by sharing with them what Jesus Christ wants those who need encouraging to hear.Joel never claims to have ever gone through formal religious training. Joel Osteen is simply telling those who care to hear, that Jesus Christ loves us and that He has our best at heart and that we do not have to live defeated lives. That is the Gospel,the good news Jesus came to this world to share. And yes you are correct he is quoting the Bible to us, and it does make it easier to make this life's journey.The answer was not hollow. God knows and loves the homosexual and He has a "best plan for his/her life as well,however it is up to that individual to establish a personal relationship with the lord to find out what that is...and not simply do what comes naturaly but what God has predestined supernaturally for that person.This is what he has for all of us....Joel took the biblical stance that is difficult for "man" who thinks from a natrual perspective to understand.

• Religion ruins everything. Always has - always will. Religion is a place for stupid people to retreat because truthful complex answers to life's problems confuse them and they're frightened of anything unfamiliar - so the huddle together under their bibles and words of faith feeling superior to the "sinners". I really wouldn't give a shit - but the scary thing is - so many people in this country fall for it.

• "hiding behind the bible?" How bout you stop hiding behind your rage? If you don't like what the bible says, guess what? You, like most people in the world can- wait for it- not read it. But, not reading the bible isn't enough for a rage-filled man like you, is it? You have to vent, vent, swear, swear, call people bigots and whatnot. The bible says what sin is, and there are A LOT of them: gossip, slander, heterosexual sex outside of marriage, and homosexual sex, to name *just* a few. If you don't care about what the bible says, fine, WHO CARES? Nobody says you have to. Man up, little girl and live your life without this insecure baby whining. Yeesh. And, no, I don't oppose gay marriage or hate gays and yet I don't hate the bible- weird I know. Am I blowing your mind?

• Gil, great replies all around- very respectful toward all faiths and very accurate about Osteen. Not that ridiculous people will appreciate your opinion, but it's good.

• I like how you think your reply is pithy even though you can't even spell. You're dumb, aren't you?

• What a sad statement about Micheal Vick. We should never forgive him until the SOB actually shows he has repented and until now he has done doodly-squat in that department. SHAME ON YOU JOEL OSTEEN!

• I like that philosophy: Short, sweet, and you have all the answers before lunch time.

• I did not know that. Where did you see that? I’m not getting any hits on “Victoria Osteen” (/Iloff) and “Facts of Life”… Come to think of it, though… she might have been Tootie.

• He's being true to himself.He's not disrespecting anyone.And if you dont like his answeres to his questions dont watch/listen when hes on. His shows let people believe that sinners can and are forgivin if you make a mistake correct it be true to yourself and others.And know with prayers and faith kindness to others.All things are possible.Being lucky is so different than being blessed.

• My gaydar is never wrong and it tells me that Joel is probably in the closet, just like those money loving scientology actors.

• i like how you think "prada purse toting wife" is an insult. your poor arent you?

• This is Chris Hetzelt - Pretzel, I would like to say that Piers Morgan, your show has done extremely well, for it just starting. You are a excellent interviewer, much like Larry King in his own way. Your interview with Joel and Victoria Olsteen was.... compelling. Like the title of your blog site notes, Joel did not seem to have a definite answer, or judgement of Homosexuality...even after you, Piers said that in the past he seemed to have wavered in his answer, well it matters in that from him, in relation to social conservatives, Joel seems to not judge but to give literal interpretation of scripture as he states that being gay is a sin,,ahh which means missing the mark, from God.?...ahhh, He talked about looking at all the other sins, I think he jabbed at social conserative for almost obsessing about taking an anti-gay stance...We know the psychological motivations behind homophobia.(Fear,obsession, and self- hate projection.) Joel does not come across as a self-righteous cold-hearted jerk...So if he is going to fill Baseball Stadiums more love to him and his wife.

• who cares? gay people are going to hell. the end.

• She was a Facts of Life star....so no ... :)

• She was a Facts of Life star....so no ... :)

• Joan, yes I have. And I have been to his so-called "church" - and he has no theological basis for his so-called "religion." If you truly believe Christianity is just a way of life, then Joan, I am sorry to say, you miss the entire point of spirituality and God as a whole deity concept. I am not here to argue any point of homosexuality, I am being serious that this man is not any type of "man of the cloth" - he is just a motivational speaker. I know Rabbis that make clear sense and delve into tough subjects better than this charlatan. I have heard Baptist preachers who can really get into morality concerns based on scripture (and actually quote and explain) as opposed to just trying to make you feel good. Because real faith, real Christianity is MORE than a way of life - and in many cases, it is in and of itself a religion by its own nature. For Wiccans, their religion is a way of life as well. Ditto Hindus, Buddhists, and so forth. They are all at once ways of life and religions for those that adhere to the principles thereof. Before you jump on trying to break this out as semantics, Joan, you better bring more to the table than an attempt to degrade Christianity as merely "a way of life" - because that in and of itself means that one just looks at the Bible and says "hey, this is a way of life" - true, so why not start piling up the laws in Deuteronomy and living by that? Or perhaps you need to throw down your net and stop fishing, give up your possession and become a fisher of man? Because that is a way of life. Religions, such as Christianity in its whole form meaning those who see Christ as the savior (and thusly gave His life to save ours) so so much more than a way of life. It is a learning process, a growth process, and it requires that its followers learn scripture and grow from that. Not listen to some snake oil salesman who tells you to feel warm inside.

• He asked the question because the reality was, Berrilyn Smith, that he was avoiding the question by giving hollow answers. He was only answering the question tangentially and not directly and avoided taking stances. This "pastor" is just a motivational speaker who quotes the Bible to make you feel good as opposed to a mantra. The reporter was doing the right thing - and this is an award winning interviewer, who knows and can smell bollocks like the kind "the pastor" was spewing out.

• What about shell fish and poly-blend clothing? Why cherry pick about homosexuals? Makes no sense. Or maybe it's because it's easier to hate others than to not eat shellfish and wear blended clothing, among other things.

• When you say that gays are living in sin, that is not love. That same logic has cost the lives of an untold number of men and women, all in the name of God. But I guess it's easier to judge others than to look inside and examine why you have a problem with homosexuals. That's something Joel hasn't done. He cherry picks the Bible, ignoring the bits about shellfish and poly-blend clothing, and focuses on gays. Not very Godly in my opinion.

• Peter had money? So he and his boy Jesus were living it up? I don't think so. I read about humility and charity, not a desperate money grab to the top.

• Mr. Osteen answered the question....why did the host keep reformulating the same question over and over as if he was trying to cause the Osteen's to somehow change their initial response. Mr. Osteen said that he allows the Scripture to be his guide....Could the Pastor have been more clear... Berrilyn Smith

• The fact that we have mega churches is an appalling reality all in it's self. Joel Osteen is just a spiritual and emotional fluffer. You go to his ostentatious establishment pay some money sit down and get your spiritual side pleased by some mullet sporting son of a preacher man. Nothing he says really amounts to shit. It makes you feel good like a fast food burger does. Full for a second, and then more empty than before when you have time to think for yourself. That is if the folks that go there religiously are still capable to do so. People argue that it's harmless, but with an audience htat size I don't believe so. I would love to see Joel on Jon Stewart.

• damn, i would like to lay my penis in his wife's mouth.

• I don't think his wealth can be judged. his book sales are a windfall. he didn't have to do anything ruthless even to an honest competitor to earn it. some people are very good custodians of money. slowly they give it away. the fact that he leads a sober and thoughtful life wherein he has found a similar woman who loves him unselfishly and they have two healthy children and a few bucks should not lead us to jealousy. All posters here have the opportunity to write a book and win a popularity contest at the cash register. Joel will use his windfall unselfishly and many will benefit from his wisdom. I had never heard him speak until last night but now I am a fan. His opinion of homosexuality is suitable for his position. He empathizes with gay people but does not personally believe their lifestyle will lead them to true peace and satisfaction in life. That's his opinion and I am generally onside with that myself. I simply feel that some people have some mixed up chemistry and they are actually comfortable being intimate with someone equally mixed up. By mixed up, only compared with the majority of heteros. We dominate because historically we have the children. only 5% become homosexual. no big deal. some are mixed up and may eventually find a loving partner of the opposite sex. that should be encouraged by those who feel strongly about it, but they should back off when it comes to being too judgemental or punitive in a legal sense.

• Also, I meant to add - since God is clearly using HIV to punish the promiscuous, he must also be creating viruses because he hates: People who get bit by dogs (Rabies) Chinese people (SARS) Indians (Smallpox) Etc etc. Because no one would be so idiotic as to suggest that he can determine which viruses God manufactured as punishment, and which ones are just naturally occurring, non-punitive little bastards. Right? I mean...right?

• No, so God must hate them even more - he's punishing them and it's not even their fault! By the way, you sound particularly full of the love of a man. A man named Jesus Christ. No homo?

• Nice catch, ftexas. I did not realize that til I went through it a second time - even those people who have a casual knowledge of the Bible are pretty good about quoting the actual verse, even if they can't get the chapter / verse. Proving the point, he's a motivational speaker that uses the Bible as his mechanism for profit. Feel Good, I Say God, Go Home Feeling Warm and Fuzzy.

• I particularly liked the fact that he couldn't recall Bible verse(s) that condemned homosexuality. Most "Christians" can quote chapter and verse. Eaters of shellfish will burn in hell for their sin.

• You need to go back and read the scriptures. Jesus said those that give up houses or land in this life will receive will receive a hundred fold in this life. Give and it shall be given unto you pressed down shaken together running over shall men give unto you. Jesus once said it was easier for a camel to enter the eye of a needle than for a for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. Peter than said Lord then who can be saved. Peter must have had money. What the Lord was meaning to be saved you have to trust in Him to be saved not your riches.

• Well I can tell you do not tune into his services. He preaches a way of life. Christianity is a way of life not a religion. God is not against a Gay person, but He is against his life style. Common sense can tell you that is not what God wanted for man and woman.

• by answering that he thought homosexuality was a sin, he was holding to the scriptures. i disagree that all he cares abuot is money. i think he could care less and thats probably why he has so much of it. the reason that he is blessed in my opinion, is that he has the wisdom to live according to the scriptures. He is an example of someone who "seeks first the kingdom of heaven" and is it any surprise that the biblical promise of " and all this will be added unto you," has manifested in his life? Jesus rode in to Jerusalem on a donkey not to set some impoverished example, but rather but it to fullfill a prophesy. Joel Osteen seems to really love God as well as people and it's fair to say that perhaps the greatest essense of God is love. You know we all have a whole bunch of knowledge and we think we know a whole lot of theology. Eventually, at least in my life I've come to the point, where I realize tat knowledge means nothing compared to the wisdom that is as simple as Jesus' summation of all of the law to "love the lord your god with all mind... and love your neighbor as yourself." These are the lord's words and a child of five can fully comprehend them. So why is it that barely any of us have the wisdom and love to do this and when somone who clearly does, we throw stones and complain that he is prospering? i wish i had the tinyest fraction of his love for the kingdom and i'd gladly throw all my useless knowledge away.

• What stance? He has no stance. He straddles the fence and he's a snake oil salesman calling himself a preacher and yet preaches nothing. He's a feel good motivational speaker and has the Bible in his hand to tell you how good you are. No lessons learned from any potion of the Bible, just some proof texting of scripture to make you feel nice inside so you don't have to deal with real topics.

• Joel and his mentally insane wife are traders to the people and only care about stealing people money over bull crap words and they need to be stopped along with other TV religious figures too. That why we all got so much hate in this world.

• Wyatt, You don't get sickle cell anemia and red hair from sticking your 'you know what' in the somebody's "you know where". Craig

• Theological? Either this Abram chap is an employee of Six Flags Over Jesus (Olsteen), or this person needs to learn the definition of the word theological. Let's be real, take just the Old Testament. Religion is not all blue skies, lollipops, sunshine, candy canes, and puppy dogs. It's dealing with moral issues, it's about grappling with right and wrong, and it's about a struggle of self versus ego versus good versus evil. And you are supposed to have takeaways and learning experiences. All Olsteen does at Six Flags Over Jesus is make you feel good about just being there. There is no, zero, zilch theological anything to this guy or his teachings. Inflammatory issues, you say? Religion is about inflammatory issues that you work through within your faith - and again, have lessons to grow off of it. The reason is he is attractive is because he takes a weak person's approach to religion - "I don't wanna learn and hear bad stuff... waaaaaahhhhh.... make the man stop telling me things.... waaaaahhhhh" - and instead it's about making you feel warm and fuzzy so you stop crying. To be frank, I have more respect for an atheist or agnostic than I do for this charlatan who does nothing but acts wishy washy and teaches nothing.

• Hello, is it a troll you're looking for... Also, since we're feeding it, God must hate black people because of sickle cell anemia. And Celtic people because of red hair

• Like all the straight people who have HIV? But no, those are just unlucky souls, unlike those heathen gays. And no God does not have a plan. It's bullshit and the last resort for the simple. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeSSwKffj9o

• Not every priest hates gays. Only bigots do. And for the love of all that is fucking holy, stop hiding behind the Bible. It's a cowards defense. Stand up and accept the fact that you support bigotry like a man, not a damn coward.

• Fear? That's sadness boy, not fear. It's pretty obvious that God has a lesson for the promiscuous and a reward for those who choose not to be.

• This charlatan took The Summit, where we won back-to-back championships, and turned it into a house of lies. He cherry picks his way though a version of My First Bible to justify his wealth and lavish life. His followers have their heads in the sky with all his talk about getting rich and living the good life, all while ignoring what Jesus said. I guess giving up money and possessions to follow him are not as fun as living with obscene wealth.

• Joel only stated what the Bible say. If you don't like it, then you have a problem with God not with Joel.

• Yes, let's all give this man a round of applause for being a homophobic bigot.

• And that matters in this discussion how? Oh wait, you were just trying to gin up some good old fashioned gay fear, weren't you?

• That's beautiful! Also, we learned a lot about his knowledge of religions of the world by this statement: "I spent a lot of time in India with my father. I don't know all about their religion. But I know they love God." So, India massive as it is, has ONE religion and it's montheistic?

• Last resort of a bigot.

• Not all priests hate gays and homosexuals. That's the thing. His answer was a damn cop out and you know it. And what part of the scriptures does he follow? Certainly not the parts about Jesus commanding people to give up their possessions and follow him. He is a prosperity preacher who only cares about money and living the good life, no matter how you get there. Why does he need to live such a lavish life? A donkey was good enough for Jesus, but this man and his family fly first class to ski resorts. I guess first class is the new donkey.

• I applaud Joel for his stance.

• I refer to his mega-church as Six Flags Over Jesus. It's a whole lot of fun, but you don't expect to learn anything. I also suspect that prayer never hurt anybody but it didn't make anybody rich either. However, prosperity gospel does work for the minister.

• One in five gay men in the United States has HIV, and almost half of those who carry the virus are unaware that they are infected, according to a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/23/AR2010092306828.html

• Her family owns a jewlrey store, so no, I doubt she'd be working the walmart.

• If he has an obligation to hold to the scriptures, I guess he should start doing that. He says he doesn't know if you have to be a Christian to go to Heaven. He says salvation is a combination of grace and acts. Both of these directly contradict the scripture. He's not teaching the scripture, he's teaching Prosperity Gospel. That's not what God promises in the Bible.

• Joel Osteen is the primo guru for the latest twist in our American religious experience -"you're a winner, you deserve enormous wealth, fabulous health and nothin' but blue skies". The lamentive songs and prayers of past generations are a thing of bygone years - and probably sorely needed in this "me first" generation. Now, it's all about the "entitlement" righteously due to those followers who ante up plenty of giving and lots of involvement. Osteen's church, like those of it's ilk, dole out a feel-good, motivational pablum that's easy to love. Sadly, none of it is remotely connected to the admonitions of the scriptures (self-sacrifice, humility, reverence) and certainly could never be found in the message of Christ.

• And you were doing so well, Mr. Morgan. Why on earth did you devote an hour to someone who understands nothing, and knows less.

• "We have gay people that come to our church!" I know he did not just use the "my best friend is black" defense.

• You know this pastor is a person who has reached out to and helped countless millions of people; a bridge builder and possibly the least judgemental pastor of those who are well known in our country. And he clearly lives within the grace that he preaches. When he indicates that he struggles with an issue, he atleast has the humility to admit that he doesn't have an authoritative opinion on a subject. Perhaps he has the wisdom not to get tangled up in these inflamatory issues. perhaps it's a combination of both. I was saddened to see htat all the media outlets picked up on and chopped down his comments about homosexuality. He was clearly stating that as a pastor, he has an obligation to hold to and teach the scriptures. Although he also stated that as a human being, he is not the judge, nor does he look to judge anyone. He also made it clear that there are many other sins that are discussed in the bible such as pride, greed or slander and that perhaps the church in general, focuses more on homosexuality than perhaps it should. Frankly to his credit, he has a much kinder, healthier and scriptural and theologically sound approach than most religious leaders. I think we have alot more to gain by learning from the example of his life, than we do by trying slice him down

• I didn't go to seminary... ummm you can still enrol Joel

• Sure, every religion gets some things right and some things wrong. These nut cases, like Olsteen, are the truly spooky ones. Single-handedly he leads herds of people into his so-called "church" to preach to them. However, like it or not, the fact is that church (regardless of faith) means dealing with sins, morality, talking about right and wrong, finding a guiding message, and so on. What Olsteen does, really, is just give you warm-fuzzies without dealing with anything in particular. Rarely does he apply any principle of value, and mostly spends his time making you feel good about yourself. Or telling you how, with some faint-hearted attempt at using scripture, to make yourself feel better about yourself. Not once does Olsteen actually get into the nitty gritty the way a Rabbi, Priest, or Preacher at a respected faith institution would. Olsteen is nothing more than a snake-oil salesman who happens to be charismatic, charming, and is just a glorified motivational speaker who uses the Bible as his foundation (as opposed, to say, a 7 Habits system or some other catchy methodology with a marketable name). People that actually wish to seek faith through a higher power would be best to avoid this guy and his Prada purse toting wife and find a real faith based institution that makes you deal with all aspects. For what you get when you see this charlatan is nothing more than a great speech sprinkled with the word God in it.

• She probably would be best suited to the cubic zirconia jewelry sales. But yes, I agree.

• Am I the only one who thinks Victoria Osteen would be selling cosmetics at Wal-Mart if she had not married Joel?

• KING: Because we've had ministers on who said, your record don't count. You either believe in Christ or you don't. If you believe in Christ, you are, you are going to heaven. And if you don't no matter what you've done in your life, you ain't. OSTEEN: Yeah, I don't know. There's probably a balance between. I believe you have to know Christ. But I think that if you know Christ, if you're a believer in God, you're going to have some good works. I think it's a cop-out to say I'm a Christian but I don't ever do anything ... KING: What if you're Jewish or Muslim, you don't accept Christ at all? OSTEEN: You know, I'm very careful about saying who would and wouldn't go to heaven. I don't know ... KING: If you believe you have to believe in Christ? They're wrong, aren't they? OSTEEN: Well, I don't know if I believe they're wrong. I believe here's what the Bible teaches and from the Christian faith this is what I believe. But I just think that only God with judge a person's heart. I spent a lot of time in India with my father. I don't know all about their religion. But I know they love God. And I don't know. I've seen their sincerity. So I don't know. I know for me, and what the Bible teaches, I want to have a relationship with Jesus.

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