I just watched this interview with Joel & Victoria Osteen, and I had two quick comments to make.

1. It really ticks me off when people bash Joel Osteen. I mean, few things push my buttons more than when people who seemingly have nothing better to do with their time trash talk a successful, happy dude who preaches a “feel-good” gospel. (Um, so we’re supposed to preach a “feel-bad” gospel? I think gospel is supposed to mean GOOD NEWS. Hello!) Now, granted, I haven’t read his books or listened to his sermons in-depth. All I know is that what I’ve read or heard from the critics hasn’t convinced me that he’s such a threat to orthodox Christian faith as they make out. My personal conviction is that every preacher needs to find his or her own “message” within the truth of Christ’s redemptive work, and Joel Osteen and his wife clearly base their ministry around the message of hope and a joyful, expectant attitude. Hmm, faith, hope, and love — didn’t some dude named Paul talk about that?

2. 22nd wedding anniversary! That’s pretty awesome. I think for people in their position and influence, and considering all the moral failures we’ve seen in ministry in recent times, that’s quite an achievement! Bless them O God for their faithfulness, and I mean it.

Now do I whole-heartedly agree with the Osteens’ theology? Would I receive spiritual meat attending their church? Do I want to base my own ministry on the teaching that they espouse? Probably not at all. See, that’s the thing — I don’t find the need to agree with someone’s doctrinal framework to appreciate their contribution to the Body of Christ. God is much bigger than any box we might try to shove Him in, and I believe we would do well to remember that.

Rant over.