Beyond the Smile:How Joel Osteen’s Teachings Diverge from Biblical Christianity

Joel Osteen is the pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, which is the largest church in the United States. His wife, Victoria, serves as the co-pastor. Together, they promote a message centered around "hope, healing, and forgiveness," as stated on the official Lakewood Church website. Osteen's influence extends globally through his television program, which is viewed by 20 million people each month across nearly 100 countries. His 2004 book, Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Living at Your Full Potential, became a bestseller, further solidifying his reputation as a leading voice in Christian media. However, despite the outward success, Joel Osteen's teachings have sparked significant debate within the Christian community. This report delves into the theological foundations of Osteen's ministry, critiques his interpretation of biblical teachings, and examines the broader implications of his popularity.

Historical Context of Joel Osteen's Ministry

Joel Osteen’s ministry is rooted in a family legacy that began with his parents, John and Dodie Osteen. They founded Lakewood Church in 1959 and initially grew their ministry through a television broadcast that reached a wide audience. Joel Osteen joined the church's efforts in media production in 1982, overseeing its broadcasts and expanding its reach. Following the death of his father in 1999, Joel Osteen took over as the senior pastor of Lakewood Church. Under his leadership, the church has experienced exponential growth, now boasting a membership in the tens of thousands and a weekly attendance that fills a former basketball arena.

Doctrinal Foundations: What Does Joel Osteen Teach?

The doctrine espoused by Joel Osteen and Lakewood Church, as outlined on their official website, aligns with traditional Christian beliefs in some key areas, such as the inerrancy of the Bible, the Trinity, and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. However, Osteen's teachings diverge significantly in other areas, raising questions about the theological soundness of his ministry.

The Prosperity Gospel: A Core Tenet of Osteen’s Message

A central theme of Joel and Victoria Osteen’s teachings is the "prosperity gospel," which asserts that God’s will is for believers to be blessed with material wealth and success. This message is often summarized in phrases like "God wants to bless you financially," which Osteen frequently uses in his sermons. This perspective stands in stark contrast to passages like 1 Timothy 6:6, which emphasizes contentment over material wealth. The Lakewood Church website encourages tithing as a means to financial prosperity, referencing Malachi 3:10, a verse from the Old Testament that promises blessings for those who bring tithes into the storehouse. Critics argue that this interpretation takes promises made specifically to Israel under the Old Covenant and incorrectly applies them to modern New Covenant believers.

Name-It-Claim-It Theology: The Power of Positive Confession

Another controversial aspect of Osteen's message is his promotion of name-it-claim-it theology, also known as word-faith theology. This teaching suggests that believers can essentially "speak" things into existence through the power of faith-filled words. In Your Best Life Now, Osteen writes, "We have to conceive it on the inside before we’re ever going to receive it on the outside." This idea implies that a person's thoughts and declarations can shape their reality, which critics argue is an unbiblical concept. The Bible teaches reliance on God’s sovereignty and will, rather than human ability to manipulate outcomes through verbal declarations.

The Absence of Sin and Repentance in Osteen’s Message

A notable omission in Joel Osteen's preaching is the lack of emphasis on sin and repentance. While he speaks extensively on self-improvement, happiness, and success, there is little mention of the need for repentance or the consequences of sin. This lack of focus on fundamental Christian doctrines like sin, judgment, and salvation through Jesus Christ alone has led many to question whether Osteen’s teachings can be considered genuinely Christian. In various interviews, Osteen has avoided affirming that Jesus is the only way to heaven, and he has refrained from calling certain behaviors sinful. This ambiguity suggests a form of theological relativism that diverges from orthodox Christian teachings.

Theological Critique: What’s Missing from Osteen’s Gospel?

The core of Christian preaching, according to traditional biblical teaching, involves a call to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as the only means of salvation. Jesus Himself emphasized self-denial and the taking up of one’s cross, a stark contrast to Osteen's message of self-fulfillment and material gain. Scriptures like Luke 14:33, where Jesus tells His followers to "give up everything you have," underscore the call to a life of sacrifice and commitment to God’s kingdom. Osteen’s teachings, by focusing predominantly on personal success and positive thinking, neglect the deeper spiritual truths that form the foundation of the Christian faith.

The Impact of Osteen’s Teachings on Believers

The widespread popularity of Joel Osteen’s ministry raises important questions about the impact of his teachings on the spiritual health of his followers. By emphasizing material prosperity and personal happiness, there is a risk that believers may develop a shallow faith that is ill-prepared to endure trials and hardships. The Bible warns against a love of the world and its temporary pleasures, as seen in 1 John 2:15–17. A gospel that prioritizes worldly success over spiritual growth can lead to disillusionment, especially when adherents face real-life challenges and find that "thinking happy thoughts" does not bring about the desired outcomes.

Contrasting Osteen’s Teachings with Biblical Christianity

A critical examination of Joel Osteen’s teachings reveals a departure from core biblical principles. Whereas the Bible presents a gospel that is deeply concerned with sin, repentance, and redemption, Osteen’s message often centers on self-actualization and financial gain. Jesus’ call to "repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 4:17) and the apostolic emphasis on preaching Christ crucified (1 Corinthians 1:23) stand in contrast to a message that seems more aligned with motivational speaking than with biblical proclamation.

Evaluating the Legacy of Joel Osteen’s Ministry

Joel Osteen's ministry at Lakewood Church has undoubtedly influenced millions of people, drawing large crowds and building a vast media empire. However, the theological implications of his teachings warrant serious consideration. While Osteen offers messages that are uplifting and encouraging, they often lack the depth and doctrinal rigor required to sustain a robust Christian faith. For those seeking spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of the Christian gospel, a more biblically grounded approach is essential. As the Apostle Paul warned in 2 Timothy 4:3, a time will come when people "will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions." Osteen's popularity may reflect a broader trend in contemporary Christianity that favors comfort and convenience over conviction and commitment.