OFCI Report: Editorial, My Conversation with a memeber of Joel Olsteen's Church, Lakewood

A few hours ago I had a very interesting conversation with a member of Lakewood Church, Pastored by Joel Olsteen. And during this conversation I began to wonder from this talk if everything that we have labeled Pastor Olsteen as, is really just a unfair generalization of him being a "Motivational Speaker" and not a Pastor or him being a Prosperity" Preacher or Is he really who is who God called him to be. The Reason this has come to mind is because the man began to talk in a certain way that says that Lakewood church is more than just a church where Pastor Joel is preaching more than a Hippie Love everbody, do the right thing, and lets all feel good, love God , and if we give him a few dollars he will grant us our every 'wish' type of message. He shocked me because he begin to talk about love, and how God is love, about witnessing to folks, and drawing people to Christ through love...He really shocked and impressed me because he made me think that there really is more to Lakewood and Pastor Joel and his winning smile and feel good messages. I know sometimes in society, by the standards of others, that we are not valid because we don't measure up to other people's view of us...and if we are to much above what they expect than there must be something wrong with them.so we want everyone to fit in our own little box and be what we want them to be. So, now as I have had this conversation I am wondering should I look at Pastor Joel in a whole new light or do I continue to look at him as the same and chalk it up to this man over exaggerating about his Pastor. No doubt Pastor Olsteen is not your conventional Pastor, but none the less he is a Pastor. And it is his right to run and teach his church in whatever manner the spirit is leading him. As I listened in more I began to wonder if our sterolization of Pastor Olsteen is based on the fact that we see and hear him on tv, and make our judgement on the fact that we hear messages after  they are cut, polished, and edited, where he seems flawless, or is it the fact that we have been to the church and seen what is happening behind the scenes before it gets to the cut and the polish. Either way Pastor Joel is receiving backlash because he is folowing his God in the way of leading his church. There is a saying Never judge a man until you have walked a mile in his shoes, well for all of us that put a bad label on Pastor Olsteen, we have  a lot of walking to do, and we better hope the shoes fit. Cause if not....Then we owe not only God an apology because he is in control of this situation, but we will have to swallow our pride and eat a lot of crow....

Editorial: In (insert Your God's name Here) We Trust....

Lately if you have been watching the news or reading your local newspaper,  you may have noticed a lot of talk about religion, especially pertaining to the Muslim Religion and Christianity. And some of that talk has been about religious tolorance towards each other. I'm all for respecting the rights given by the 1st Amendment towards religious freedom and all, but does it seem that we as America is moving away from it's founding principal of serving the One True God, to paganism and serving many gods. All throughout high school we have been thought how the "Founding Fathers" were strong in their belief in the God of the Bible, and how those beliefs help shape America and it's laws around the country today. We also learned about how as this belief was spread throughout the country many also came to believe and follow this God of our "Fathers" and trust in Him. Now it seems that America, with those residing here from other countries, cultures, and religious beliefs, is becoming as diverse as its settlers are. The question is, Are we as a country founded and built on Christian Beliefs and values moving away from its core and moving towards incorporating other values into our system? Like I said before, I support the 1st Amendment and how it gives us the right to worship and serve any god we choose. But do we back away from what was and follow what is just because times are changing and people are changing, and opinions seem to rule the world? I was always thought to stand strong in what I believe and never waiver from it no matter what others may say, but it seems that in this day and time everytime a new opinion comes about or the popular flavor of the month come around we as americans are changing more than a chameleon in a tree. The Statement used to be: In God We Trust, now it seems to be: In Which god Do You Trust....