Selling salvation?

[Mike B.]

This is one of my pet peeves.

Joel Osteen Ministries: Events

I really don't like to intentionally offend people and I hope I don't, but this really chaps my butt!

I find it appalling that a preacher who proclaims the Gospel of Jesus would charge people money to hear him preach.

To me this is almost like..."buy your ticket for salvation now...limited seats available." or "sold out...no more seat available...you lose."

If this man were sincere about wanting people to come to Christ, he'd be paying them to come hear the Good News.

I once heard a preacher say something to this effect..."If Christians truly believed in a place called Hell, which they don't, and were concerned about an eternal soul, which they aren't, they would go to any length to save that soul from spending eternity seperated from God." This preacher also said..."If I could bring one person to Christ and save that soul from Hell by crawling one mile, on my hands and knees, over broken glass, I'd do it." I believe he meant it!

My peeve is this: Selling tickets for people to hear the Gospel, to line ones' pockets, is deplorable!

He and other people like him, make their motivation completely clear!!!

God forgive me for being so judgemental! But this bothers me! Maybe because I'm not getting any of the take! LOL

Someone help me out...how much money does this man make in a year?

[Detector]

I agree 100% Mike B.

Up until the age of 7 I went to church 3 days a week. At that time it was my understanding that a minister basically got their rent, utilities and food paid. My dad was a preacher and he had a second job to make a living.

The biggest reason I no longer go to church is because it has become a "for profit" business. Its not so much about saving souls as it is about making money.

Me and the man upstairs have our own agreement outside the church.

[Army_of_One]

...Yes but he NEEDS the money to wear his expensive suits and such...

[JayhawkMom]

Originally Posted by Detector

I agree 100% Mike B.

Up until the age of 7 I went to church 3 days a week. At that time it was my understanding that a minister basically got their rent, utilities and food paid. My dad was a preacher and he had a second job to make a living.

The biggest reason I no longer go to church is because it has become a "for profit" business. Its not so much about saving souls as it is about making money.

Me and the man upstairs have our own agreement outside the church.

I know what you mean D........I quit going to church for about 10 years because I felt that it was men preaching THEIR word rather than the word of God. I recently started going back to church (a different one than when I was young) because I finally found a church and minister that actually preached and practiced the word of God.....without judgement, without prejudice, without guilt. I've found that the church is only as good as the minister leading it........

[KONQ RADIO]

I know a fellow who bills himself as "The Nightshift Pastor of the Church of the Mildly Annoyed."

[Made in the USA]

Originally Posted by JayhawkMom

I know what you mean D........I quit going to church for about 10 years because I felt that it was men preaching THEIR word rather than the word of God. I recently started going back to church (a different one than when I was young) because I finally found a church and minister that actually preached and practiced the word of God.....without judgement, without prejudice, without guilt. I've found that the church is only as good as the minister leading it........

Which one is that JayMom? I guess I haven't found that one yet?

[JayhawkMom]

Originally Posted by Made in the USA

Which one is that JayMom? I guess I haven't found that one yet?

St. Cornelius Episcopal.....Father Zimmerman is simply wonderful. It is a small congregation and everyone is so friendly and welcoming.......If you are looking for some place to go, I highly recommend it.

[notyoubob]

The Lord LOVES a cheerful giver - and so do I!

[Flying Dutchman]

After 8 years of Catholic school and 4 years of therapy...........I kind of think of it like this:


The preacher says he speaks for God.
He says he speaks to God.
He says that he represents God.
So, then, he is basically God's spokesman........and does not God's spokesman deserve a circular driveway? Does he not deserve a Rolex? I say to you.....does God's spokesman not deserve a brand new Porche?!


Ok then.........amen.

[TigerEyes]

Joel Osteen is clearly the new Jim Bakker. He even buys into the same "prosperity theology" that Bakker did.

Let's hope he comes to the same realization Bakker did, well before the prison time. After all, Bakker's own autobiography bears the title, "I Was Wrong." An excellent read, by the way.