Joel Osteen was on Soledad O’Brien’s CNN show last week, promoting his book, “I Declare: 31 Promises to Speak over Your Life.” The interview was particularly remarkable because Osteen appeared with Deepak Chopra, New Age author of “The Third Jesus” and the “Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga.”
Osteen explained to Soledad, “The theme of this book is simple: You’ve got to send your words out in the direction you want your life to go.” When O’Brien asked if he really believed that speaking declarations out loud can make them come true, Osteen assured her it does. But the really startling thing was that Deepak Chopra (who radiates the spirit of anti-Christ) agreed with Osteen, who beamed with pleasure at the former's affirmation. They were a virtual “mutual admiration society” of two.
Dr. Albert Mohler says, “The appearance of Osteen and Chopra together was a priceless demonstration that the New Thought/Positive Thinking philosophy that drives them both can be grafted onto either Christianity or Eastern religion. In the end, it all sounds the same.” Unfortunately, millions of Biblically-illiterate Christians will be taken in by Joel’s book, thinking that their POSITIVE “words” will effect changes that only the POWERFUL “Word” of God can (Heb. 4:12). I think Joel’s new book should come with a warning: “Let no one deceive you with empty words” (Eph. 5:6).
Hi Dr. Greg,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the timely and informative post.
Though it would feel good if all faith leads to God, that desire for universality of faith being adequate for salvation does not align with scripture. Jesus declared that no one comes to the Father but by Him, and it was later declared that there is no other name by which someone can be saved.
Exclusivity and the narrowness of the road to God were God's decision. God gets to determine the conditions of fellowship, not man.
Anything else robs Jesus and God of the glory due to them for the provision of the way of salvation (Jesus death on the cross).
Godspeed! Larry Q
yes, indeed to your last statement. They are called 'enemies of the cross.' And I am not shy to say that is what Joel is, by his own 'positive' words!!
ReplyDeleteGreg
Hi Dr. Greg,
ReplyDeleteIn response to your initial question, why are they agreeing? In the past, they have received the praise from others for their knowledge, insight, and wisdom. Now, not wishing to speak the truth in love, instead they pursue the ongoing praise of others, rather than the praise of God. Any preacher who has stood at the back of the church and done handshakes with parishioners with a bent ear for praise understands all too well the temptation involved. "Did I do a good job?" A preacher / teacher / blog writer cannot know until one gets to heaven and hears God's assessment. But there is the temptation in the here and now to want the immediate affirmation that we were God's person in God's place doing God's bidding and making a difference.
Godspeed! Larry Q
I've not seen or even heard of the book. Have you read the book? I think Mr. Osteen would at some point in the book refer to scripture if not throughout the entire book. Joyce Meyer is another one who believes we need to think positive thoughts too. What is wrong with that? Should I walk around all day telling myself what a loser I am because I don't have a bachelors degree, masters degree, ect? I think not!! I know that God's word is THE Word, but I do think positive thinking is a good thing.
ReplyDeleteI agree, being "positive" is good but I think one needs to know exactly what that means? I suspect it means a lot of different things to different people. For instance, to Deepak, in his New Age/Hinduistic beliefs he sees it as finding or connecting to the "god consciousness in you" to find positive fulfillment and completeness.Joel certainly acknowledges Jesus and Scripture but to what degree is a serious question as compared to Dr Charles Stanley or Dr. David Jeremiah. Interestingly, Joel decided not to further his knowledge of Scripture by going on to Bible college or seminary in taking over his father's ministry and that may some of his problem - a more limited knowledge and understanding of the Scriptures. His instruction in righteousness seems stunted and he purposely does not focus on salvation or telling people what they need to hear, that we're sinners saved by God's grace and we need to continually examine ourselves daily to see if we are walking in the Spirit. Instead, he tunes out negative words like "Sin", "Hell", "Disobedience", etc, and they rarely flow from his lips as he apparently would rather be seen as a motivational speaker with nothing negative. What's not to like about a pastor who is always telling you your "ship is about to come in" (bringing wealth or heal) or "you just need to exercise more faith and life will get better". The Apostle Paul warns believers through his writing to Timothy about the "Latter Days" when believers will gravitate unto teachers who "tickle their ears" (tell them what they like to hear rather than what they need to hear). Speaking the truth in love, encouraging one another, loving one another, etc, are all part of being "positive" but somehow teachers such as Joel seem out-of-balance. It is impossible to be "positive" if one is living carnally as Paul cautions the Church at Corinth, or if "flesh is weak as it continually fights against the spirit" as Paul again encourages us to be on guard against our old natures and Satan. Paul acknowledges that aren't positive and don't do the things we should and we do the things we shouldn't because our lives are more often than not fully surrendered to Christ. So nothing wrong in trying to be "positive" but Joel fails to explain why most believers can't be positve. Just saying words of affirmation, like "I declare", or by focusing on the "god" in you will not bring positive results, only a surrendered life to Christ and a daily filling of the Holy Spirit.
ReplyDelete