Directory of Contemporary Worship Musicians - Way of Life Literature

universalistic gospel of prosperity, self-esteem, and positivethinking. Osteen has built the largest church in America byignoring unpopular Bible teachings such as repentance, hell,separation, and dying to self. In an interview on theinternational cable television program Larry King Live, June20, 2005, Joel Osteen said that he does not know who goes toheaven or who goes to hell. When asked if atheists go toheaven, Osteen replied, “I’m going to let God be the judge ofwho goes to heaven and hell” (Charismanow.com, June 30,2005). When asked where Jews or Muslims go if they don’taccept Jesus Christ, Osteen replied, “You know, I’m verycareful about saying who would and wouldn’t go to heaven; Idon’t know.” When Osteen packed out the Coliseum inCharlotte, North Carolina, in March 2005, a local newsreporter enthused, “Osteen doesn’t rail against gays or thumpa Bible, like so many others do” (“Evangelist: Don’t Worry, BeHappy,” e Charlotte Observer, March 8, p. E1). Osteen’smessage was, “Make a decision before you leave this place,you’re going to get happy where you are.”When New Ager Oprah Winfrey visited Lakewood Churchin Houston on November 6, 2011, Osteen enthused,“Awesome to have you. We’re so honored to have you bothhere, and we just celebrate and pray for you guys with whatGod is doing in your lives” (“Joel Osteen Welcomes Oprah,”Christian Post, Nov. 7, 2011). Nothing could better illustrateOsteen’s apostasy and spiritual blindness. He is one of theheaps of teachers described in 2 Timothy 4:3-4 who arescratching people’s ears with a new type of Christianity andcelebrating their desire to live according to their own lustswhile still thinking of themselves as Christians. Oprah’s 2005book Live Your Best Life described her philosophy thateverything is one and man is divine and man can create hisown reality. Her gospel is that man is not a sinner, God is nota judge, all is well with the universe, and I just need tosurrender to the flow. In a nutshell, Oprah’s gospel is the168