(CNN) -- Joel Osteen is the senior pastor for the Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. It's America's largest congregation. His wife, Victoria Osteen, is the co-pastor there.
The Osteens, known for their optimistic outlook on life, visited "Larry King Live" Tuesday night for a wide-ranging interview that covered President Obama, same-sex marriage, the recent outbreak of mass shootings, the state of religion in America and more.
The following interview has been edited for brevity and clarity:
Larry King: Since you were last on, we have sworn in our first African-American president. What are your impressions [of Barack Obama]?
Joel Osteen: Well, I think he's doing a great job. I'm impressed with his skill, his calmness, his just strength under pressure. These are tough times for him.
King: And you, Victoria?
Victoria Osteen: I've been really impressed. In fact, I've been impressed [with] the first lady. She stepped up, and she's done a remarkable job.
King: Recent polls show 12 percent of Americans still believe Obama is a Muslim, and 35 percent say they don't know his religion, but to most of them it don't matter. Should it matter?
Joel Osteen: Well, it matters to me. It matters to me that I know he loves the Lord, and I think it's important that he has convictions from his faith. So to me, it matters when I'm making my personal decisions.
King: Does it matter to you, Victoria?
Victoria Osteen: It does. It matters to me. ... I believe he is a Christian.
Full story here
I have always been very suspicious of Olsteen. His dad was a great minister and a great man of God. But frankly his kid inherited his dad's reputation but not his convictions. All you have to do is look at Obama's record and you will see that hardly ,"Loves the Lord."
ReplyDeleteOlsteen is what is worng right now with Christianity He wants to look good sound nice wihtout standing uo for what is right.
Shame on him
Joel Olsteen is a fraud and a deceiver. He doesn't even have a Theology degree. his is in marketing. No cross in his church. Very few mentions of Jesus in his sermons. His is a new age feel good/God wants you rich religion which is sending him and other straight to hell.
ReplyDeleteSomeday we will all stand before God and be judged for our sins of COMMISSION ......and..........OMISSION.
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid these folks, like many other mega-churches will be hit with that "omission" thing!
The "seeker-friendly" atmosphere they have does not allow for calling sin EXACTLY WHAT IT IS.
It does not allow for preaching on the blood of Christ and how that can change a person.
They "people" are of the Oprahholics who teach that you will find God "within you" and you will rise to the level you feel capable of reaching and that is all that is necessary.
YOU DENY ME BEFORE MAN AND I WILL DENY YOU BEFORE MY FATHER, WHICH IS IN HEAVEN!!!
Cliff in Ca. WOn't let me post my name.