The Feel Good Gospel of Self Esteem and Prosperity

But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. (2 Peter 2:1-3 KJV)

Joel Osteen was recently interviewed on 60 Minutes. In the interview, Byron Pitts read the following quote from Osteen’s book, A New You.

“To become a better you, you must be positive toward yourself, develop better relationships, embrace the place where you are . . . “

He continued, “Not one mention of God in that. Not one mention of Jesus Christ in that.”

Joel’s response was, “That’s just my message. There is scripture in there that backs it all up. But I feel like Byron, I’m called to help people – How do we walk out the Christian life? How do we live it? And these are principles that can help you. I mean there’s a lot better people that qualified to say ‘Here’s a book that’s gonna explain the scriptures to ya.’ I don’t think that is my gifting.”

In response to this, I invite you to watch the following video by John Piper.