I realize the following numbers are suspect and not to be entirely trusted, so when I read that Houston’s Lakewood Church Pastor Joel Osteen’s books and tours take in about 55 million dollars annually, he possesses a personal net worth of over 40 million dollars, and lives in a 17,000 square foot mansion worth over 10 million, I realize those numbers may not be true. However, even if these numbers are cut in half, I think we can all agree they are very high and he is a wealthy man by nearly anyone’s standard.
Joel Osteen is rich by means of providing support and inspiration to thousands of people through his interpretation of a religious text. So when he was recently accused of not opening his humongous church to victims of Hurricane Harvey quickly enough, he became an easy and desirable punching bag, facts be damned.
My simple question is this: Why would a very smart, public relations expert not want to capitalize on this golden “opportunity?” If he turned away victims he would certainly be turning away potential future customers. Say what you will about his message, though his marketing skills are unparalleled and second to none.
I believe we are attacking the man for entirely different reasons.
Joel and his posh wife, Victoria, are no strangers to controversy. No need to get into the nature of these controversies here, just go ahead and google away. As you search, realize the great majority of people are not interested in the details of the Hurricane Harvey incident or other Osteen controversies -we are far more interested in expressing our displeasure towards those who become filthy rich through the manipulation of religion and will seek out any opportunity to lash out and take down one who does.
Any chance to take a good hard swing at one who becomes wealthy through preaching about the benefits of giving -to them- in the name of Jesus Christ- will be thrown down. Thus, whatever your thoughts on Joel Osteen, realize he is just the latest poster child for what most people perceive is wrong about the roles of money and religion in society. It is not him specifically with whom most have an issue, rather it is what he represents.
Yet has Joel Osteen done anything illegal? Is he legally bound to open his church to flood victims at first raindrop? Is he breaking the law by becoming rich? Does he have the legal right to be a two-faced asshole should he choose to do so? No (as far as we know as of this writing), no, no and yes.
I personally am not a fan of Joel Osteen. I do not care for him as he comes across as excessively phony and insincere to me. I do not buy into his religion, his style, his message or anything else about him.
So what? Does it matter what I think of him? I am clearly not within his demographic.
If we have a problem with Joel Osteen for whatever reason- personal distaste, perceived moral bankruptcy, philosophical differences, insincerity, etc. that is not on him. Look no further than those who support him and contribute to his lavish empire. No one is putting a gun to his follower’s heads to demand they give their hard earned money to him or buy his latest book.
If his supporters truly believe he was guilty of turning a blind eye towards those in need, he and his empire will feel the repercussions of that neglect. The market will bear itself out as it were. My, or any other outsider’s criticism is unnecessary and serves no purpose.
And just what gives us the right to play moral authority for another’s life? Why should we demand someone else be more charitable and kind with their personal assets or assets of which they have control? If you believe Osteen to be a self-centered narcissist who does not reach out to those in need, don’t buy his latest book, don’t send him money, don’t watch his television shows. And while you are at it, go ahead and practice what you believe Osteen to not be practicing, kindness and charity. Have you sent money to Hurricane Harvey relief? Have you donated your time and efforts?
If so, good for you! If not, shut up.
It is so much easier to criticize others for lacking kindness than to actually practice it for our self.
If one wants to argue that churches are tax exempt therefore subject to certain expectations of philanthropic duty, I would argue it would be this tax exempt status that should be challenged and changed.
Yes, Joel Osteen is very rich through the preaching of a type of feel good philosophy extracted from bits and pieces of the bible. And if that ain’t your thang, then don’t preach a type of feel good philosophy extracted from bits and pieces of the bible or listen to those who do.
He most certainly is guilty of successfully reaching an obvious market for what he is selling.
If I am going to be critical of anyone, it will be directed towards those that cause harm, oppression and cruelty toward others. Like it or not, disagree with it or not, it is fact that Osteen provides hope and happiness to thousands of people on a daily basis. Not exactly the type of person that will be the object of my personal ire.
So as I read story after story of the lying hypocrite named Joel Osteen, I realize this only represents a much more fundamental issue stemming from a basic widespread belief that the act of receiving money in the name of religion to become rich is morally wrong.
To which I would respond that should you subscribe to this belief, as I do, then do not receive money in the name of religion to be become rich nor give to those who are tying.
I am not.
Yet I support the rights of those imperfect individuals who do.
