Secular media calls Osteen "new-age" in Easter article

[Pleye]

With all the new age / emergent hybrid stuff entering the church those on this forum are used to the terms. But if you mention that there are New Age elements to a Christian in a church who is using Shirer's DVD on contemplative prayer techniques, you usually get a defensive response.

Well, what kind of response do you get when the secular media calls Joel Osteen a "new age television clergy?"

From: http://www.dailybreeze.com/ci_8667265


The need for hope in tough times can manifest itself in many ways.

Some suggest that it's a longing for inspiring leadership that has led to the success of such new-age television clergy as best-selling author Joel Osteen.

...

"He has tapped into the desire of (congregations) in the times we live in who are hungry to be inspired and uplifted instead of being sermonized about hell and damnation," said USC religion professor Leo Braudy.

Osteen himself said these times call for religious and secular leaders who call upon the better angels of people's nature.


You may be more disturbed by the phrase "...led to the success of such new-age television clergy." Don't offend, embrace new-age, be successful.

If you consider big numbers success.

[historyb]

He tickles ears, but offers no Gospel.

[Pleye]

"He has tapped into the desire of (congregations) in the times we live in who are hungry to be inspired and uplifted instead of being sermonized about hell and damnation," said USC religion professor Leo Braudy.

This just struck me again.

The "desire" of congregations...
... is to be inpired and uplifted
... not to hear about hell, damnation, prophecy, sin, repentance, restoration
... want to hear "God is good", not "Hell is bad"
... don't want to hear "God hates sin" and "Satan masquerades as an angel of light"

And just to be clear, my shock in that article was the use of the phrase "new age".

[billiefan2000]

He tickles ears, but offers no Gospel.

history is right and he is far from alone when it comes to pastors who tickles ears and dosent preach the gospel

[wife]

it is amazing that the secular media has picked up on this but many in the "church" haven't:tsk

[Gabby]

Osteen and others like him remind me of what Jesus said:

“Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in you hindered.”

These guys are hindering ones who are seeking the Truth, taking away the 'key of knowledge'. They haven't embraced the real Gospel themselves, and they are keep others from it, as well.

[Pleye]

it is amazing that the secular media has picked up on this but many in the "church" haven't:tsk

This is what shocked me as well. You tell someone in church that McLaren uses New Age practices and encourages their authors and they get defensive. They start saying things like "can't throw baby out with the bathwater" and "we just use the parts we like" or "that's your interpretation of the Bible and this is their interpretation" - the perfect New Age response!

I listened to Bob DeWaay talk about this on a radio program and he said people don't like it when you suggest something may be wrong with one of their teachers.

I told my mom WAAAAY back in the mid-90's that Oprah was New Age because she was watching it a lot. She went to her Catholic Priest and the priest said "it is ok to watch Oprah as long as you know what the truth is." So I asked my mom what the truth was and she didn't know how to answer.

Likewise, many Christians say they are grounded, they get their guidance from the Spirit because they are Spirit Filled, and they are under the blood, etc. But if you ask them what New Age is they can't answer. I agree, most of this stuff is subtle in the church and that is why it is so dangerous. People who think they have discernment are being taken in.

Now the secular media called Osteen one of many television new-age clergy, what would happen if someone came in your church and called your pastor New Age?

[billiefan2000]

it is amazing that the secular media has picked up on this but many in the "church" haven't:tsk

is is sad but It is mainly cause many in the "church" are more intrested in having itching ears than hear the truth


http://www.alittleleaven.com

http://www.sliceoflaodicea.org

[Pleye]

I don't want to drag this away from the secular calling Osteen New Age but I had to say this. I find it odd, maybe you do as well, but to me Osteen is boring. Incredibly! I don't want another business meeting when I go to church. I'm not interested in hearing about how good I could be. I'd rather analyze something, look for ways to improve it or make it more efficient. That means looking at what is WRONG with something and I can tell you people just hate that.

What really makes my ears tickle is someone in the style of John Hagee. Strong, not afraid, will speak prophecy, doesn't mind saying what is right and wrong. That makes me say "ahhhhhh."

[ByHisGrace]

Gabby, your post is excellent.