Earlier this week I was deeply saddened to hear with my own ears that Joel Osteen believes that Mormons are believers in Christ just like himself. For many years, I have tried to stay away from all the negative statements regarding the ministry at Lakewood Church because I didn't want to believe that the largest church in the United States (45,000 members with a viewership of 10 million for their TV broadcast) could be so far from the truth. I just happened to be watching the CBS morning show when this interview caught my attention and I was left completely stunned by what was said.
Some years ago as a relatively new believer, I had an opportunity to go on a mission trip to Utah and visit the center of Mormonism in Salt Lake City. It was clear then and clear now that we are not separated by some minor doctrinal issues but that there are fundamental differences that makes these two faiths incompatible. To mislead people into believing that the gap between Christianity and Mormonism is minor is either the height of ignorance or the grossest deception. In issuing this statement, Joel Osteen invalidated the ministry of all the Christians in Utah who are trying to uphold the truth of Scripture and reach out to people who are lost in a lie.
In the end, all of this points to a Christianity that is failing here in America. We have traded authentic transformation and genuine salvation for a smile and positive thinking. The success of churches like Lakewood, the growth of the emergent church, and the popularity of the prosperity gospel, all are indications that we have veered off the right path. The quest for joy and happiness cannot bypass and overlook what is true. How can we have real joy when our lives are still captive to the false desires of this world? More than ever, we are called to seek a truth, a truth that will set us free.
No comments:
Post a Comment