Judy reporting for Paula's show on Rev. Joel Osteen: was surprised...

[DeepModem Mom]

that it was reported he never talks about politics, abortion, etc., or even sinners -- just a positive message. Heard his sister, who preaches in Florida, ask the Lord to give everybody a well-paying job with full benefits! He's making a lot of money from book sales, apparently has an enormous following, and has, I think they said, the biggest church in the land (the mega of megas?). Has quite a blonde wife, also. I've only channel-hopped past him. Anybody know anything about this guy? Just curious if he's different from the usual mega-preachers we know so well.

[Coyote_Bandit]

1. He's no different

just a little more sugar and spice to camoflague the same old bullshit. He believes in Holy Spirit baptism (speaking in tongues), teaches the prosperity (your material well being is a reflection of your spitituality) and Word of Faith (name it claim it) doctrines.

[DeepModem Mom]

5. Thanks, CB.

[priller]

2. My parents like him, I was surprised to discover

They are both retired teachers, are not church-goers, and generally skeptical of TV preachers. But they do seem to like him a lot.

Of course, they also *love* Raymond, so...

[DeepModem Mom]

7. Well, a LOT of people loved Raymond! Although the great Peter Boyle...

was the one I loved. (Certainly not that conservo, Patricia Heaton.)

[JI7]

3. i listen to him at times

it's interesting listening to him. i'm not christian and don't really care for what he has to say. but i just find it interesting to see the way he speaks and the audience interaction.

i'm not sure if i would say he is different from others though. aren't many of the televangelists mostly positive during their preaching on tv ?

[DeepModem Mom]

4. I think some get some political stuff across, especially...

on those sit-down-and-talk shows. Of course, I only see them while channel-hopping. This guy does have a gift many of them have in that they have some particular way of talking that causes people to listen, even if they don't agree with what they're hearing. Jimmy Swaggart, for example -- Jerry Lee Lewis's disgraced preacher cousin -- I thought was mesmerizing to watch: his voice, his movements, that tic he has with his head.

[JI7]

9. yeah, although he does have a "used car salesman" thing about him

but i think the appeal is probably that he provides a "feel good" type performance.

[zoeb]

6. I watch him some

I find it fascinating that he's not begging for money every few minutes. He seems to me like the Dr. Phil TV evanglism...lots of common sense type talk and he doesn't quote scripture to get the point across. His style is really unique and refreshing.

[DeepModem Mom]

8. Interesting! nt