You know the bible also states Beloved, I wish that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers. There are so many scriptures on Gods will for people to invest their talents and multiply their finances whether it be via investments or new businesses, etc. Scripture says that God is the one who brings the increase. Look up books on prosperity from any full Gospel Pastor and you will find hundreds of scriptures on Gods will for us being prosperity. On the other hand, scripture tells us that Gods people perish for lack of knowledge. (look all these up in a concordance and you will find chapter and verse - biblegateway.com has an excellent concordance). If you bought a lottery ticket, and your # was drawn you would be very rich, wouldnt you! NO! The only way you would be rich is if you ACCEPTED those riches that you had won. If you refused to take the time to check the news, and find out if you had won, you would never benefit from the riches that were legally yours, had you taken the time to find out. Same goes for the bible. Jesus said for those who have "ears to hear". That would mean that some people did not hear in their spirit, they didnt "get it" even though they were in full earshot of his messages. If you dont go into the bible and find out what is yours as a result of the last will and TESTAMENT of Jesus the Christ, or the Annointed one, the Messiah, then what he came to earth to make sure you would have would never be realized by you. If you dont study the word to find out who you are as a child of God, and what your inheritance is, you wont benefit from the Holy spirit that Jesus left here with us, nor will you receive the peace that passes all understanding, or come to understand what he said when he stated...that the thief comes to kill, steal and destroy, I have come to give you life and that more abundantly. If Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever, then the fact that Jesus went about healing all who were sick when he walked the earth would come alive in your spirit as you realized that miracles are here for us today, just as they were then if we would only have faith and believe. If we would stand firm, taking up the full armor of God, and if we would understand that without faith it is impossible to please him, for he who comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him. You would understand all of these scriptures and know that he will do increasingly abundantly beyond all that we could ask or think. I could go on and on. Get a spirit filled life bible, and a few books by Kenneth Hagin, Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, Jesse Duplantis, Rod Parsley, Jerry Savelle, and YES, JOEL OSTEEN and you too will learn that God is no respector of persons. What he did for Joel Osteen who invested his faith in God, trusting in him, he will do for you. Dont put a time limit on him. Seek first, repeat first the kingdom of god, and then all these things will be added to you.

God Bless you! Dont leave that Gods lottery ticket in your pocket. Cash it in, and watch your life be blessed. Dont look at Joel Osteen. (and by the way, Joel Osteen gives away so much money, Look up at the one who blessed him and will bless your life as well. Don't be angry if he has put his talents to use and prospered by it. You too have talents that God gave you. Pray about what he would have you do with them to prosper your family's life! God bless you and yours.

I didn't say that Joel Osteen should not be making millions. I suggested that he donate to the poor, homeless, and less fortunate children of God.

"... to whom much is given, of him will much be required; and of him to whom men commit much they will demand the more."
--Luke 12:48

God bless.

How exactly do you know what he does or doesn't contribute to the poor and needy already?

Conde,

I understand what your saying...

Conde,

I understand what you mean.

That being said...Not all Priests take a vow of poverty!! They live pretty good here in the US. Let's see..1. They have housing provided for them..no rent and utilities paid for, plus the added bonus of living right next to work which means they live right next door to blessed sacrament. 2. They do get paid an anual salary. Most receive 25,000 a year. Which is pretty good considering everything else is paid for. They just have to buy a vechicle.
Don't even get me started on the Bishops. They live really good. And they don't take a vow of poverty of which I think should be mandatory.
Don't get me wrong. I love the priesthood. I thank God for it. These men get to consecrate the host into the body of blood of our Lord. They hold HIM in thier fingertips...WOW. But poor priest in the USA.. not really.

As for Carolina Deb...be careful of how you interpret scripture. Especially when it comes to the health and wealth gospel of Joel Osteen..Hugh Hefner makes a lot of money and is properous and gives to charities!!! Nough Said!

Peace,
Anna B.

carolina deb,

Jesse Duplantis?!!! You've got to be kidding me!!!!
Step away from the TV and ...run...quick...to the nearest catholic book store and get yourself a copy of the catechism!!! And a book about the lives of the saints!!

Peace,

Anna B.

Anna B.

Exactly. Because the priest is dedicated to his flock and God, he isn't distracted one iota.

Monicalee,

I don't know how he spends his money. I only 'suggested' he donate it to the poor. Considering that his 'financial advisors' said "no comment".

I wonder if my parish priest has a financial advisor?

Rich,

Again, I suggested he donate it to the needy. But if you're feeling empty from that health and wealth gospel, why don't you feast with us other Catholics to praise and worship God in the Eucharist.

God bless you all.

Tito, not all priests are religious. "Religious" is a term designating priests who are members of religious orders, who profess the evangelical counsels (e.g., Franciscans, Dominincans, etc.). Diocesan priests are not "religious" and do not take a vow of poverty.

Please go pick up a copy of Max Weber's "The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism" and clarity on this topic will be solved.

Bill,

Thanks for clarifying that.

I'll ask my parish priest, or any other diocesan priest if they have a multimillion dollar book deal. Then I'll ask them if they donate their money to the poor.

I doubt I'll get to ask that second part of the question.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Anonymous, (would that be you carolina deb?)

I thought you stated that scripture could help me understand God's will, not Max Weber's book.

Do you refer to this book because you don't want to read the scripture verse that states "It is harder for a rich man to pass throught the eye of a needle than it is for a rich man to enter heaven". Like I said before, be careful how you interprete scripture from the health and weathl gospel of Joel Osteen, and especially Jesse Duplantis!!

Anna B.

Wow! Why can't people worry about themselves and what they are doing (and spending) - the guy has charisma - and uplifts people - I have spent my childhood and adulthood sitting through mass after mass - and felt more empowered and closer to God just listening to him once... right or wrong... whether he gives enough or not enough of his money away does not change the fact that he serves people, the poor and the rich. My priest is a nice guy - and I love my religion but the Catholic churches talk about $$$ all the time...not everything that goes in our collection baskets goes directly to the poor - how else would we have some of the most beautiful churches around? Give the guy a break...he does something well and his type of ministry cannot and should not be compared to the priesthood. If that were the case, most our priests would need to take some of the money and spend it on speaking lessons.....just a thought.

Anon,

Excellent points, but don't you think you can get the same advice on Oprah for free? Or if you're incline to pay upfront attend a Tony Robbins Health & Wealth seminar?

Besides, we as Catholics attend Mass to receive Jesus and praise God. Our lives should always be joyous and we should always endevor to learn about our Catholic faith when we are not attending Mass.

God bless.

Ok my fellow catholics perhaps you can help me with this one. I am a cathlolic female marrying the son of an evangelical Houston family. The family first accepted me in but now have had an epiphany of sorts that states that Jesus spoke to them and told them that I was not going to be saved. Since then they are lobbying against our marriage. Any advice??

Hello, Anonymous. Have you been born again?? Catholics can certainly be born again. Devote yourself to Jesus and proclaim him as your savior. Let his will be done. If you love this man, then what are you waiting for?? If it is something you are not willing to do, then perhaps he is not the one for you. Pray long and hard to Jesus for the answers to the questions with which you are struggling.

Born Again Anon,

If this man love's her, then he should support her and convert.

Anon,

Number one, he should be defending you to his parents. As a Catholic woman, you need to marry a Catholic man. If not, your children need to be raised Catholic.

Number two, bail if he doesn't defend you, especially if he doesn't defend you. If his parents are that diabolical to change their stripes after your engagement, then this will be a continuing pattern throughout your marriage--his parents manipulating you.

Number three, you convert and embrace his faith.

I would opt for numbers one and two.

It's easier said than done.

Contact your local priest and recieve guidance from him. Bring your fiance as well.

Don't give up your Catholic faith that easily. We are the Church, the true Church, the Church founded by Jesus Christ Himself.

God bless.

As a 34 year old Catholic, I love my religion. However, for over the course of the past 10 years or so, I have felt seriously let down by my religion. Our church condemns certain lifestyles, yet for years internally covered up sexual abuses by priest on young boys (and girls) throughout the nation. The role of women in our church is shameful. Altar Society? Please. Although it sounds good in theory, often the organization is little more than a group of white haired ladies whose job it is to prepare funeral dinners and clean the church. Absolutely unacceptable in this day and age. And, a priest counseling me on marriage topics? WHAT? Sorry, but he is absolutely clueless about such things. The church needs women with input and position, not just using a dust rag after each mass. As the father of two girls, I find myself embarassed to be bringing them up in such an antiquated culture. The church needs to change with the times, or be prepared for large loss of attendance.

We have lived in Houston for 10 years. Two weeks ago, we decided to drop in to a service at Lakewood. In that one visit, I felt more uplifted, motivated and inspired than I have been in the Catholic Church in the last 10 years combined. I was challenged to live lift to its fullest potential. To make a difference. To stop judging others and accept them for their difference. The list goes on and on. The experience far different than being badgered for money for a new church building that is not needed.

And now, with all the problems of the world, our bishops are tinkering over changes to English prayers that have been recited for decades. What wasted, misguided efforts. The Catholic Church could and should do so much more to inspire their members to live to their fullest abilities, not shove unimportant word changes down their throats.

And as far as women in leadership. I was moved in my visit to Lakewood by Victoria's imvolvment in the service. She is a great role model for my girls. No, she is not perfect, but as far as I can tell, has never claimed to be.

I commend Lakewood and its ministries for what they do. They reach people. They change lives. And they will be criticized every step of the way....but they will continue to do the work of God that is near and dear to their hearts.

I love my Catholic upbringing. I think the Catholic Church can learn a lot from churches like Lakewood. I hope and pray that the Catholic Church begins a period of adjustment towards a more inclusive culture.

Would love to go on, but the kids are getting up from their naps and we are headed out to have some fun.

Peace to all.

WWHW?,

The Church was established by Jesus himself when He asked Peter to build it upon this Rock. The teachings have not ever changed since the inception of the Church in A.D. 33.

If you want to be 'entertained' then Joel Osteen is for you.

But if you want to experience the sacrefice of Christ Himself in the Eucharist, then the Catholic Church is where you should return to.

Joel and Victoria are very successful preachers and the fact that they are spreading the Word of God is in itself commendable.

No organization is perfect but the Message never changes in the Catholic Church.

If your issues for switching Church's is because you would rather have a 'woman' priest and because of the homosexual abuse cases, then that is your prerogative. If that is your 'basis' then you need to question why you are a Christian, because Catholicism is The Church where Christianity was founded upon.

Wouldn't a priest, who has received at minimum a six year post high school education in theology, philosophy, the teachings of Jesus, counseling, scipture, and tradition being drawn from almost 2000 years of experience be enough to convince you that maybe, just maybe, the priest counseling you has something to share with you in assisting your marriage and child rearing?

Where did Joel Osteen recieve his education? His marriage of what, 10 or 20 years?

I'd take 2000 years of Church experience any day over a couple with poor religious instruction (average at best). Not to mention that a priest usually has a four year undergraduate degree prior to studying to become a priest for six additional years. Then in many cases is an assistant pastor for up to ten years before completely running his own parish!

Talk about the quality of pastoring you are getting from an average priest?!

You want numbers?

Lakewood has what, 30,000 to 35,000 congregrants and maybe a couple of million of television viewers each week? The Catholic Church has over One Billion adherants. That is the number '1'. Not counting the countless others who make inquiries to the Church.

God bless you on your journey of faith.

Tito,
Good post (the original one).
Carolina Deb,
Put down the Kool Aid and back slowly away to Richmond and take it East over to St. Thomas.

I'm born/raised Catholic partially Jesuit-educated (meaning where I went to school, I did not study to be a priest) who has a lot of problems with the Church and how it is administered. BUT, I respect it. Lakewood is sad aberration of Christianity. But what is more sad, is the countless who have decided to make their adherence to their religion more palatable through entertainment and listening to somebody tell them what they WANT to hear, not what they NEED to hear.

Wow, these are really insightful.
Perhaps Osteen has uncovered something that can be implemented into the Church?? Is it time? Who knows. What would Jesus do? Would he be adhering to the Church's ways of old or to Joel's way? That is the question.

WOW! Now he can bail his wife out of the Continental Airline lawsuit!

Praise the lord!

Anon,

Let's be charitable no matter how humorous his problems may present themselves as.

God bless,

Tito

Dear Lakewood: Give me back my Compaq Center/The Summit please! As someone said, Olsteen tells people what they want to hear, not what they need to hear. The Gospel of prosperity is a scam. What happens when you apply all of his teachings but still have bad health or no wealth? Guess that means you aren't doing it right...yeah whatever.

You all are way more religious than Jesus ever was. And we wonder why the world is so screwed up today. How about Christians get it together and then find out what it takes to do God's will in the earth. If Christianity is about making it past God's judgement He should just take us away from here the moment we make a vow to Him.

FourHead Productions,

We have come together. It's called the Catholic Church, 1.1 Billion strong.

As far as the world being screwed up, you chalk that one up to liberals and their ideas.

Tito

As long as men argue over doctrine and condemn each other, regardless of religious affiliation, and seek not the One truth within, but seek to prove other men wrong, those are the men who falsely lead... God conciousness is unifying, truthful, peaceful, and compassionate. To offer any man salvation through God conciousness and awareness of the spritual self that is not separate from God, is offering the chalice of eternal life. "Heaven is neither lo here nor lo there but it is in and of you". "Verily I say unto thee, let he who is without sin cast the first stone". "Other sheep have I that are not of this flock". Only the divisiveness of your perverse doctrines will separate you from the One God. Live non-judgementally in love and compassion and you will drink from the cup of life. All men may drink of the Father's cup... faith is substance, and faith in eternal life will lead you thru the gate to your Father's glory.

Anonymous,

So EACH man has his own truths?

God bless,

Tito

Alas my child, there is but One truth. The common thread that binds us all to the Father. There is no seperation between men and God except that which men choose. The spirit in each man, the Father's blueprint, His spiritual spark is our common thread, our One Truth. Men choose to seperate themselves from God, thru their thoughts and doctrines. God does not seperate himself from you, hence the scriptural reference regarding heaven being in you NOW! God bless you dear soul... may peace, compassion and understanding be yours eternally!

Dear all,

Constructive criticism is appreciated towards me and anything related in my posting. But uncharitable diatribes will be deleted.

Tito

Where is the love of Jesus in all this. I feel a lot of anger among you. I'm a young Christian and
I thought God loved all his children: red and yellow, black and white, catholic, christian and
jews. Why are you so competitive
when in comes to your faith in Jesus Christ. Your not selling cars here. We all love and serve
the same GOD. Let's love each other and our differences and
Thank GOD we live in a country where we can all worship GOD in our own way. The whole idea is
to bring others to Christ, some will come as Catholic and some will come casually as Christians
or by other faiths.
I really don't think GOD cares as
long as we all come and bring a few
friends each with us.

Learning to live by his good works, walking in faith and forgiveness,

D.

I don't know anything about Joel Osteen, his wife or church. Nor have I have seen a ministry lesson broadcast from his church. No doubt the Osteen's have a lifestyle many people wish to have. Managing a church that size, with the amount of revenue the church surely receives is a major job. There are Board of Directors to please, not to mention congregants, overseeing many committees, coordinators, paid and volunteer staff members, educational programs, outreach programs, the physical facility maintenance, and collaborating with IT professionals to work at getting the "message out". There must be a fantastic advertising budget that requires multiple media venues, the weekly broadcast included. Is it possible a high profile minister, with a large staff that travels frequently on church business might accumulate frequent flyer miles and frequent flyer miles could have been used to purchase or upgrade the Osteen's airline seats to first class? In a church with 35K congregants is it that unlikely a congregant gave the Osteens his/her frequent flyer miles for their personal use? Appreciative congregants often bestow gifts of all amounts to churches earmarked for the ministers personal use as a token of appreciation. Small churches receive these types of gifts, just imagine what a church of that size might receive. If the church participates in frequent flyer programs the Board may require that frequent flyer miles be used for church staff travel. A church of that size must have a designated meeting/travel planner for the numbers of meetings, conferences, events etc. presented annually. Meetings often require air travel, hotel rooms, possibly meeting rooms away from the church and those events could generate frequent flyer miles. Is it possible the church provides an agreed number of personal trips as part of his/her annual salary? The church could provide an established dollar personal travel expense account as part of his/her salary. If treated like a flexible spending or cafeteria plan it could be forfeited if not used at year's end. Considering their churches growth the Osteen's work is pleasing many. The end result could just be they are receiving some perks that are not costing the church anything extra at all.

I have read post for years and get sick and tired of people saying that Christians with money should take a back seat and do nothing with there hard earn money but feed the poor and so on and so on. No one mentions not casting your pearl before the swine. Also no one mentions that Jesus wore the robes of royalty. Do you recall the lady that used all the perfume on Jesus feet. Read it.

Bottom line is you will never please everyone. If I make 1,000,000 in one year (which I have done many times over) and give 20% of my income to tithes and offerings I will roughly have $400,000 after taxes. A person whether they are a preacher, a teacher, an investor or what every they did to make that money with the sweat of their brow is entirely up to them. If the things people buy controls them and it becomes there God then that's a problem. But GOD wants his children to have nice things. If that is not true then what is a blessing all about? Oh God, thank you for blessing me with this $6.00 an hour job and this Walmart shirt that fades out after two washes and gets holes in it after 3 weeks of wearing it? Give me a break. I buy $150 shirts and have 30 plus in my closet and they look brand new and have had them for 8- to 10 years. I have 15 pairs of shoes that cost over $300 each and have had them for ten years on average. I tried the walmart thing just two months ago. Went in and bought $100 in shirts at $6.88 a piece. ALL the shirts are faded and no good after 3 months and even washing them in cold water. My point is this. Get a life and work as much as Joel Olsteen and maybe you can take that vacation. People that make money typically sacrifice something to get there. While you are watching T.V. wasting you time doing that for 4 hours a day and talking about other people spending God's money you could be working and making enough money to go on your on vacation. Guilt doesn't help and if the Holy Spirit is involved the decisions Pastors make will ultimately be ok with God.

Based on comments on this site I am supposed to work my butt off and just hand over everything I make to a bunch of people that don't even want help in most cases. Give me a break!

I bought $25.00 shirts today for my 6 year old girl at Macy's. So I guess I am supposed to make my girl look like a bum and provide for everyone else's family when they just sit at home and watch t.v. . Bottom line all of us make choices daily what we do with our time. Did you get up at 4 this morning and pray and then go to work and will you go to bed at midnight to create a new plan for you life to make money and provide more money for the church?

For the last 20 years I average 16 hours a day of time being up. I have an incredible job that I created so that I could provide for my family. I don't over work, but I do work longer than the average. Joel Olsteen does the same. The average person works 30-45 hours a week. I average 70, but I am healthy, great marriage and spend no less than 2 to 3 hours A DAY with my child in quality time.

I say get a life to all of you that don't have enought goals to want the best for your family. That's like saying, "Oh God, just heal me a little bit". Give me a break. The witness is in the miracle of making money legally. I have an 8th grade education and was locked up for 5 years as a kid. I was told I would never become or have anything.

I travel literally almost every month now for relaxation. I am sorry that most of the people in the world didn't take the time to figure out a way to make their money work for them. Do any of you understand the rule of 72? Learn it. I make money while I sleep because of this rule. This is not MLM...its interest on your current money.

Before you start trying to make Christians feel bad about their money why don't you focus on making some yourself so you can give more to the Houston people yourself.

God gave us all gifts. He says to use your money wisely. How can you use it wisely if you don't have any. It also says to give it to your childrens children. What are you going to pass on to your children that microwave oven in your kitchen.

GOD WANTS US ALL TO HAVE MONEY AND FOR MONEY NOT TO HAVE US. Read the scripture that says money answereth ALL THINGS.....oh never heard that one huh. Find it. It's there.

From
Rich in spirit, rich in faith and down right rich.

Joel Osteen is a great conn artist. He is rich and lives in a mansion. How to be rich? Become a T-V Evangelist or whatever you call him. Joel Osteen =$$$$$$$$$

I would ask why did Jesus come to the earth to do? Was it to make us rich?
We don't even understand the sin message on how to live Holy as He is holy so why are we so into wealth and materialism ignoring selfishness of heart and what sin is. Only those that clean from a guilty conscience and walk in spirit and in His truth not sinning and learning how not to sin by having God's word through Christ in our daily lives. All will take care of itself afterwards as you stay and live His word to be Holy righteous and perfect as He says we should be through and in Christ. Self esteem isn't what Christ is about. Feeling good about yourself and hating God's truth isn't Christ. We can take all the scriptures concerning prosperity and beat that message to death and convince ourselves, out context of the total reason and plan Christ came,to say He wants us to be wealthy in this world that will be burned up in the fire laying up treasures and pleasures upon this earth when He tells us the opposite. Riches(love of money) brings all kinds of trouble spiritually. Now you are gonna say that whoever, a Christian, has a lot of riches can still have them if he or she doesn't love them....think again concerning human nature and gold. Ha!Ha!Ha! The dependency then would become the riches and wealth eventually. You cant love mammon and Christ at the same time for you will eventually love the mammon and quit depending on God and His Christ as all the faith preachers have gotten into. Its all marketing techniques to deceive the unbelieving and be given over to a strong delusion to believe a lie. Few there will be that find and live the faith life in Christ due to their own lustful choices of dwelling upon this earth..anchoring themselves so. If you wonder what the faith life in Christ is then you had better begin to find out. It ain't money and materialism nor self esteem GUARANTEED BY GOD AND HIS CHRIST.
Lust of the flesh lust of the eyes and THE PRIDE OF LIFE IS....SIN.

Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.Philippians 1:10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;
Philippians 1:11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Philippians 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
Philippians 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
Philippians 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Philippians 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
Philippians 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
James 4:5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?
James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
James 4:9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
James 4:13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:
James 4:14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
James 4:15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
James 4:16 But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.
James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
John 6:28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
John 6:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. Jesus Christ is lord.

Come on people, do you seriously believe that God wants you to be "Catholic"?

How about: Study the Bible, Pray, Worship in Spirit and in Truth. Do what Jesus tells you to do. Love your neighbor. Help those who can't help themselves. Spread the good news of Grace and Love, in word and deed!!!! That is true Christianity, whether you're Catholic, Pentecostal, Baptist, Lutheran, whatever. Anything else is a perversion.

I think the heart of the matter for the original poster: What's the line between judging someone and exhorting someone?

Nathan,

It's futile going into semantics and/or definitions of words. Especially if you're a Protestant. Having the fullness of truth helps us in our mission in evangelizing the world. We've been successful for over 1,975 years.

To quible with a Protestant on what the meaning of a defintion does nothing towards attaining eternal reward with God our Father.

I can only pray for you as a seperated bretheren of your particular ecclesial community that someday you to will encounter Jesus' bride, the Catholic Church and return home to Rome.

God bless,

Tito

What strikes me in a major way as a Christian raised Catholic about Mr. Osteen's proclamations and Carolina Deb's support for them in this forum is the 'total' lack of referencing Christ's own behavior,therefore, example to us,while on earth. It seems that they cherry pick scripture which can easily be taken out of a greater context to make them feel o.k about their collection of material possessions and money. They seem to believe that because I have accumulated/manipulated thru one manner or another all these material toys and money-that God is being favorable to me. This new age theology seems to me to turn Christ's teachings upside down and on their head. It is frightening to see the Lord's word manipulated to justify ones sole personal wealth.
This seems to me to be a road away from the main thrust of the New Testament and Christ's behavior on earth which emphasises charity and sharing with others as its major thrust. Christ always gave and socialized with the least in society, whether lepers, prostitutes. indeed, He died near naked, and without any wealth on a cross, even for the thief Dismas He fed the poor masses who could not feed themselves at gatherings as with the fishes and loaves. Christ is our most perfect example as Christians..
Never is there one instance where Christ asked his Heavely Father for Himself or any of his apostles for material wealth. Just the opposite was true , the apostles and prophets and saints all worried about first being their brothers keeper . Gaining material possessions as a top priority was antithetical to their actions and belief in God. Sharing and nurturing of the masess was the order of the day. Having just enough sustenace to get by was their example to us."Give us this day our daily bread"
Indeed ,Christ has shown that money when taken as a goal and end in itself to enrich oneself was dangerous and a false God with very bad consequences. All we need remember is the example God made out of Judas and his 30 pieces of Silver/Gold. Judas chose to put the false god money over his own Lord and Saviour, Christ.
Finally-as regards personal aspiration for money and wealth, remember, Christ throwing the high priests, Philistines and money changers who today would today be networkers out of the temple/church and tossing thier tables over. Christ was emphatic that this was a place to worship the Lord . It is not a place to preach the theology of money, and how to justify a person's tremedous wealth in God's name in the face of poverty all over this country and the world.
Joel Osteen in his mansions and tremendous wealth preaches a false theology to me-given what I was taught in my Catholic education and study of the bible.
Further Christ in his humanity never owned any material possessions past the clothes he wore on his person. And, further he admonished us to take care of our fellow man past our own immediate wealth. 'What you do for the least of My bretheren you do for me'.
He who gives his life for another man does so for Me. Thou shall not worship false gods [money is a primary seductress of this world]Let us not forget the classic "The love of money is the root of all evil".I feel Mr. Osteen is a businessman who manipulates God's word for his own purposes. He is obscenely wealthy doing this business from his church. And, he has a flock who want to be legitimized for their their own wealth or others who's sole mission is to attain it as Mr. Olsteen has fed them the -kool aid- that it is God ordained.
The commandment -Thou shall not covet thy neighbors goods-also shows an emphasis on sharing ..
I see Carolina Deb's support for Mr. Osteen's theology of western materialism as very dangerous as his preaching and theatrics hihack and manipulate very selectively words of Scripture to promote a blind myoppic selfishness which rewards one with material goods, other toys and money -as the reward for beleiving his wetern materialistic theology.
I will take as i was taught [before this materialistic cancer began spreading] Christ's examples and words and be rewarded in heaven and with His grace..for I believe God has commanded me thru His action and words to share whatever resources I have with the lesser among me-starting with my own family-looking for no earthly profit margin .

Please watch the two videos in the link.

http://www.blog.joelx.com/joel-osteen-megachurch-pastor-without-christ/668/

ask youself, what kind of person lives a luxurious lifestyle, while people live in horrible poverty and are starving to death.

Thosands even live at their local garbage dumps. Trying to scavage enough to survive another day.These are women ,men, and children.

The type of person who does this is heartless and loves money more than humanity.

Christ would NEVER act like this!

Living in luxury ,with full understanding of suffering, is to live an evil,shamefull life.

Jesus Christ want us to help the suffering, not make excuses.

God Bless.

Yes, God wants all his children to prosper. But you can prosper without being a multi-millionaire, with multiple homes, taking expensive vacations on a regular basis, etc... And, no matter what scripture you pick and choose out of the Bible, God is NOT pleased with those who live lavish styles, while others struggle to keep food on the table, or electricity for warmth. A person does NOT need millions to live a comfortable and prosperous life. Sometimes, I think God allows some people to have millions, and billions, just to see what they'll do with it. And, IF Olsten is giving millions to the poor - not "charitable organizations" (and I seriously doubt it), then he could give a LOT more, because he STILL is a very, very, wealthy man! The poor widow who gave her only mite, was more blessed in God's sight, than those who gave more, but who gave LESS with their hearts. GOD IS WATCHING US ALL, including Joel Olsten!

is nobody's gaydar gun going off Joel is a fruit loop...with his 6 bentley's every other word out his mouth is give...how bout give me a break!
He is a genious...he got his cult following for sure...is he a man of God?? God will figure that out.
The catholic churh is no better living in thier gold towers...theres enough gold at the vatican to feed every hunger child on this earth. they wonder why the church's is going through so many tribulations...karmas a bitch.

Anonymous,

It's wonderful thing that God gave us free will so we can witness ignorance and bigotry firsthand via your comments.

The "gold towers" you refer to were built through contributions to the Church. Which so happens to have the largest hospital, school, and other social services in the world. Bigger than the United Nations and United States combined.

So continue to tell your bigotry.

Like you said, God will figure you out.

remember it is the ignorant others who make these type of people rich-nothing else.The church will be the down fall of man on this earth for they spread lies and deceit and donnot tell people the truths of the Bible.MIX -the church tells all-for it is alright in the eyes of God.You who hav eyes to see and you who have ears to listen-the church is corrupt.Take head- the church will lead Gods people straight to hell.The more people they can get to their churches the richer they become.God says to seperate yourself from the Babylon system-greed,lust,envy etc.Donot mix-keep yourself pure-dont corrupt yourself.Look at all the signs in the world today and just see what people are doing.Satan would love to corrupt all of Gods people so that they no longer will be pure to inhert eternal life-then he(SATAN)will win all souls over to him to burn in fury forever.Dont be stupid-open ur eyes and see whats happening.You came into this world with nothing and all of us will leave it with nothing-BUT WILL U HAVE ETERNAL LIFE OR NOT?kEEP "FEEDING" SOMETHING AND IT WILL EVENTUALLY GROW INTO SOMETHING MASIVE-IF U CATCH MY DRIFT

It's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than it is for a rich person to get into heaven. -Jesus said that ... he also said sell all your stuff give it to the poor so you have nothing, and follow me, maybe he was talking to his disciples there but it's good advice for all of us, I'm sick of the health and wealth Christians, all we need to do to figure this out is the overused wwjd he would give all that money to the poor and couchsurf or sleep outside, of course Joel Osteen isn't Jesus, not even close, he's just a sinner like the rest of us

now, now, lets not forget the vatican here. they have billions of dollars in pure gold. where did they get that gold?oh, i know, they purchased it with all the money poor people give to the church believing that they will earn salvation. The Bible( no matter what translation) shows clearly that salvation is found throgh asking jesus, not a priest, to forgive your sins and take you to heaven when you die . salvation is found through faith not works. Historically speaking,catholic missionaries never evangelized there area with the true gospel, they exploited the indigenous tribes in giving them their precious belongings. Joel osteen has done something similar. he's preached a gospel of prosperity through giving to his church and attending his church. he doesn't care about helping people find salvation, he cares about people prospering so that they may give more to his "ministry". what people truly need is someone to help them find true salvation. someone who will care for them and pray for them . someone like an independent fundamental baptist. After all, isnt that what jesus did?

Good job on this posting. I think you found every relevant scripture there is in the bible. That was impressive. A couple of them were eerily on mark. I don't know if many people here have seen a posting about Osteens new millionare mansion but it has the best pics ive seen of it http://bit.ly/jdT46W

Heya¡­my very first comment on your site. ,I have been reading your blog for a while and thought I would completely pop in and drop a friendly note. . It is great stuff indeed. I also wanted to ask..is there a way to subscribe to your site via email?



Catholic Books

Don't worry about what he makes, worry about how you can be a better person. I find it funny that CATHOLICS are worried about how much money someone has. Stop by the Vatican much? Maybe someone forgot that envy is a deadly sin. You sound like a whining jealous brat. Bottom line God has blessed him; perhaps for dedicating his life's work to preaching or renewing so many people's faith in God. For those of you who choose to quote the Bible to bring light to your opinion of another's sins, you have failed to comprehend God's teachings. You are supposed to cover one's sins, not try to convince yourself or others that you are a good person. How much do you donate? Start there! If you think you are a better judge of who is deserving of blessings, I've got news for you, you're not. Try being happy for someone other than yourself. Crawl out of your dark evil hole and perhaps God will bless you.

"but for those who are factious and do not obey the truth, but obey wickedness, there will be wrath and fury."
--This assumes he's wicked, but where is even the claim that he's done wickedness? And if there is a claim, where is the evidence of it? It is possible to "serve his flock" and have wealth.

I'm a Catholic but I've grown very frustrated with the Church lately.

It is pushing for open borders. But the sovereignty of states is sanctioned in the Bible. And when you tell people to cross the desert to come hide from the authorities in your church you're condemning many of them to death in the crossing, either by the elements, thirst, or by sadistic coyotes.

"and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one."
--Yet the Church will not acknowledge the 2nd Amendment, let alone the simple and basic right of self-defense. How many Christians have been and are being slaughtered out in the open in Middle Eastern countries? Yet the Church tells them all that violence even in self-defense or the defense of loved ones, even children, is wrong. So these people allow themselves and their children to be slaughtered, and the women and girls raped, then slaughtered, or enslaved. All because saving your life or the life of another innocent involves (GASP!!) violence. To me, that's just wrong. Nowhere in the Bible, either one, does God command us to offer our necks to our enemies because defending innocent and good people with violence is wrong. Nowhere. If its in either of them, please enlighten me.

And according to Catholic teachings and law, Priests and Nuns take a vow of poverty and celibacy. Well, Joel Osteen and others like him are not Priests.

And one last thing: "Global Warming" is a Leftist hoax to steal our wealth and destroy our countries. A hoax that Lenin and Trotsky would be impressed by.

Any preacher that profits excessively from the church and lives extravagantly will NEVER get my respect or attendance or money when there are people starving all over the world. $40M net worth- there are CEOs in our country that do not have anywhere near that net worth! Something is wrong with this picture. Preachers are supposed to be humble and not filthy rich. I am not saying he should live in a cardboard box or anything. If you don't want people questioning your motivations - then don't live so extravagantly. You may be doing good things but I question the real reason WHY-- just saying