We have seen many self-help books with a Bible twist hit the bookstores (The Prayer of Jabez, The Power of Positive Thinking, 7 things that steal your joy by Joyce Meyers, and countless others) but it seems that Joel Osteen has come onto the scene unlike anyone else. He speaks of how to improve your life based on what you have inside of you. He is a very likable guy with a nice smile and speaks great motivational words on your life. All the while sprinkling a Bible verse here and there to convince you that the Bible really teaches his "happy-life" doctrine.
"Become a better you: 7 keys to improving your life every day" has successfully labeled itself as a Christian book in the eyes of bookstores. Joel Osteen has also successfully convinced (sadly) that he and his building of people are a church. Despite the absence of Jesus Christ and the blood of Calvary, the atonement, the nature of sin and condemnation, a holy God and unholy mankind, and the gospel of law & grace, Joel Osteen has been labeled an Evangelical Christian preacher.
I have said this many times before, if Joel Osteen would simply call himself a motivational speaker and NOT a preacher of the gospel he would not be considered a leading heretic in our culture. Just because there's a bible verse from time to time, calls his building a place of worship, and happen to meet on Sunday morning, doesn't make it a church anymore than you standing in a garage makes you a car.
But sadly, American Christianity allows a man like this to be labeled in the camp of believers. Joel Osteen asks this question in his book:
"What must you do to become a better you? I am hoping to help you look inside yourself and discover the priceless seeds of greatness that God has placed within you." According to Osteen, you have whatever it takes to be a better you by simply looking inside. God is a grandfather that will give you whatever you want as long as you follow a few simple steps.
In the link below you will find an audio discussion about this book. Michael Horton is a professor at Westminster Seminary (and a guest professor at RTS). You can download this for free or just listen on your computer. If you would like to listen simply click the title of this blog above. I highly encourage you to listen to this broadcast. I don't think there is any question that you will be shocked at what this man is teaching.
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