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RELIGION

No Politics From This Pulpit

Joel Osteen thinks evangelical Christians should participate in democracy. But candidates hoping for an endorsement should look elsewhere.

By Jessica Ramirez | Newsweek Web Exclusive
Jan 25, 2008 | Updated: 11:18  a.m. ET Jan 25, 2008

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  • Posted By: kmgibson @ 04/13/2008 7:10:38 PM

    Comment: I agree with Joe's comments. I find the media -- as well as other church pastors and leaders! -- continually try to ensnare Joel with pointed questions on touchy subjects much like the pharisees did to Jesus. An example would be when the pharisees asked Jesus if people should pay taxes to Cesar (hoping Jesus would say something that would defame him, of course); Jesus wisely responded to give Cesar what is his and God what is his. In the same way, I think Joel has learned to be slow to speak and quick to listen, which is scriptural. And speaking of scripture, if you read your Bible enough you recognize that Joel consistently is quoting scripture even though he does not always give the reference.

  • Posted By: gettinbetter @ 04/10/2008 8:37:52 PM

    Comment: I strongly disagree for a couple of reasons. First, as a First Amendment lawyer, there's a fine line between speaking "from the pulipt" and getting too invovled and run the risk of a particular church or center losing tax-exampt status. Second, in the same vein, it's very important to be certain that our freedom TO PRACTICE our religion can never be construed as crossing the church-and-state line freedom FROM religion -although I know, I know -it's gone WAY too far the other way.....
    Second, from a personal level - I don't think it's right for any ministers, priests, rabbis, etc. to push and encourage their members in a political manner. The leaders are role models and some people can be too easily influenced - not that what preachers may say is "bad," per se, bur rather people may unwittingly fail to think for themselves.

  • Posted By: sisterB @ 04/08/2008 8:38:52 AM

    Comment: I strongly agree with Joels' comments. This is one of the many things I like about him. he preaches the word of God. he makes the word so simply. I am not an American but I like American politics. but politics is the same everywhere. Any time pastors favor one political party or politican over another they are 90% likely to compromise the word of God and their integrity. They get favors and when the politicians do anything contrary to the word of God they have compromised themselves so far that they cannot correct them . As christian we need to keep our political veiws to ourselves and pray for those in authotrty as God called us to . keep up the good work brother Joel.

  • Posted By: sisterB @ 04/08/2008 8:28:35 AM

    Comment: I agree with ocomments. I am not an Amercian . I am from the Caribbean . My view is when any evangelical churchws publicly endorse any political pary over another one, there is some degreee of compromising the word of God and ypur integrity as Pastor. Politics should be kept out of the pulpit.

  • Posted By: debfig1 @ 04/06/2008 4:48:19 PM

    Comment: One of the reasons I am attracted to Rev. Joel Osteen's message is because he does not politicize it. I usually vote Democrat, but I also strongly disagree with the leader's of that party on issues such as abortion. The fact that Rev. Osteen allows for plurality in people's politics, yet preaches the incredible, positive message of Christ is what attracts me to his ministry. I believe that I can be Christian, and not be forced to leave my questions(or brain, for that matter,) at the door of the church. We can agree to disagree with others, yet not compromise our basic values as Christians.

  • Posted By: kortzfunke @ 03/28/2008 9:51:12 AM

    Comment: Popsrobert Browning you prove my point. And my spelling is really not the point. I am married to another attorney and we do not buy into hate in any shape or form and my family is very concerned that human beings attack other people for being proud Americans who want our nation to be more educated, and more humble. We need to attack the real problems that need our attention now. We need to act honorably and certainly beat our chests less whether we are man or woman of any specific religious belief. We need to talk less and act more in ways that end abuse all over the world. We have to start with the mistakes we make at home. We have to end the war and use the money at home. The men and women at our pulpits need to do more for children in foster care, in our educational systems and less with their individual religious beliefs. Angela Kortz Funke, white married mother of three, attorney, who can't spell.

  • Posted By: nkomof @ 03/20/2008 8:24:51 AM

    Comment: I would commend Joel for standing his ground for not making the church a political ground. the church is a KINGDOM by itself, therefore we can not vote two or more governments but as we have chosen this kingdom we must abide by it.
    Msizi.

  • Posted By: christking @ 03/20/2008 6:35:28 AM

    Comment: i strongly affirm that as christians it is not a mere right for us to be of any political influence, rather it is an obligation. we should speak and echo God's will all the time, irregardless of who it affects or who enjoys it or not. in all that we do in life we should do it for God (Col3:17, 23-24). i sometimes feel christians are shying away as the earth is crumbling, were are we when they are legalising homosexuallity in governments??christ requires that we be the salt of the earth, it means we have to make a change on all frontiers. i was personally inspired by mike huckabee and 1 day if christ permits, i will stand for my religion on the political front for my country because i'm still 20!!

  • Posted By: Dyna_22 @ 03/11/2008 2:04:44 PM

    Comment: Amen to that Mr. Pastor, Bother, Reverend, Bishop Osteen

  • Posted By: mitchraines @ 03/07/2008 9:19:45 AM

    Comment: I watcch Pastor Osteen every Sunday. I love that he is not like the other evangelical churches in this country. If I had to depend on them I would never receive a message from God...their message and attitudes are full of hate and rules. Pastor Osteen reminds me that there is hope for me to overcome my problems and the sin in my life...and as a sinner I need that. As for the others I find myself dodging the first stones that they throw to hear what they are saying. Thank God for Pastors who have love and kindness like Pastor Osteen and his ministry. Mitch Raines, San Antonio TX

  • Posted By: Hopeless Democrat @ 03/07/2008 12:17:13 AM

    Comment: I am just SICK! I can't stop crying...I have watched & attended Lakewood over the years. Joel promised Us & The World that he would NOT endorse a political candidate! Obama is my Only HOPE now! My Faith has been sorely tested by this gesture...

  • Posted By: Hopeless Democrat @ 03/07/2008 12:06:50 AM

    Comment: I am a Member of this Congregation too & I SAW Joel Pray over Bill & Chelsea Clinton for all of The World To see! Joel promised us that he would NOT endorse any Political Candidate and He broke his word.PERIOD!

    • Posted By: mitchraines @ 03/07/2008 9:22:46 AM

      Comment: Since when was praying for someone wrong...come on listen to what you're saying. Praying for someone and their trials is not an endorsement. Pastor Osteen did not say I am backing this guy and his wife now all of you vote my way...He prayed for them...now I am praying for you.

  • Posted By: Hopeless Democrat @ 03/07/2008 12:03:56 AM

    Comment: I am just SICK! I can't stop crying...I have watched & attended Lakewood over the years. Joel promised Us & The World that he would NOT endorse a political candidate! Obama is my Only HOPE now! My Faith has been sorely tested by this gesture...

  • Posted By: dyeford @ 03/02/2008 9:25:35 PM

    Comment: I am a member of Lakewood Church and have been for the last eight years. I was in attendance at the service that President Clinton visited. HE WAS NOT ALLOWED TO ADDRESS THE CONGREGATION. Joel Osteen is a man of God and a man of his word. No elected official, or persons trying to become elected officials, have ever addressed the congregation in the eight years that I have been a member.

  • Posted By: dyeford @ 03/02/2008 9:21:57 PM

    Comment: I am a member of Lakewood Church and I was in attendance at the service that President Clinton visited. He WAS NOT allowed to speak to the congregation. Joel Osteen is a man of God and a man of his word. No elected official, or person trying to become an elected official, has ever addressed our congregation in the eight years that I have attended.

  • Posted By: irando @ 03/02/2008 4:40:04 PM

    Comment: If Pastor Olsteen is keeping politics from his pulpit, why was President Clinton allowed to speak today according to CNN.

  • Posted By: JR3451 @ 02/28/2008 12:13:14 AM

    Comment: Many of our founding fathers,including Jefferson, Madison, Adams and Franklin were free thinking "Deists", who believed in a watchmaker God, who set the universe in motion but subsequently took no active role in the affairs of men. These men were even labeled as atheists,heretics and infidels, by their Calvinist contemporaries, because of their intention to establish a secular government. These founding fathers were NOT Christian. History Lesson 101.

  • Posted By: wezlian @ 02/27/2008 10:32:55 PM

    Comment: I feel that most extreme religious groups focus too much on judging others, rather than remembering that we are all sinners and only God can judge each person. I think that this country was founded by people who searched for freedom of religion and other human rights. Our founding fathers (who were Christians) made sure to create our country with these rights in mind, separating church and state. As Christians we cannot condemn others for being different than we are. If we forget this important part of history, then what's to stop another Spanish Inquisition or Holocaust. I thank God for Joel for he is one of the few pastors that really gets the Bible and God's wishes for us.

    • Posted By: Hopeless Dem @ 03/07/2008 12:27:38 AM

      Comment: Then Joel should have invited Obama & Huckabee and prayed over all of them at once. I put my ENERGY and Money into lakewood and it has been abused

  • Posted By: JR3451 @ 02/27/2008 9:52:55 PM

    Comment: Lets talk about what's credible. If the Bible is the word of man,not God, then everything that follows is false .Nothing more needs to be said!

  • Posted By: loveisjesuscristo @ 02/27/2008 8:15:20 PM

    Comment: Why are there people who like to run off into another topic... the discussion should be about politics and religion, Not about whether the bible is credibel (very credible, as a matter of fact!)
    Politics and Religion is not something new to this country, lets look back in history. This country was founded by people who were looking to Praise and Honor God in their own way. Look at the dollar bill, what does it say?? Selfish people who are so insistant on separating church and state, have chosen to ignore our countries past, in order to compromise God's plan and live their lives the way they want to. Its about feeling free by the "world's" definition. Thats not freedom, its a silent jail of doubt, hate, depression and empty idols.

  • Posted By: loveisjesuscristo @ 02/27/2008 8:13:05 PM

    Comment: Why are there people who like to run off into another topic... the discussion should be about politics and religion, Not about whether the bible is credibel (very credible, as a matter of fact!)
    Politics and Religion is not something new to this country, lets look back in history. This country was founded by people who were looking to Praise and Honor God in their own way. Look at the dollar bill, what does it say?? Selfish people who are so insistant on separating church and state, have chosen to ignore our countries past, in order to compromise God's plan and live their lives the way they want to. Its about feeling free by the "world's" definition. Thats not freedom, its a silent jail of doubt, hate, depression and empty idols.

  • Posted By: JR3451 @ 02/27/2008 1:24:53 AM

    Comment: To jdperki; I guess I should be glad that the church doesn't have the power to imprison,a person for theories that don't jive with their dogma, as it once was.(Galileo) Some were even put to death for what you would call fables, which were later on found to be true. More and more of the missing links ,you mention , are found every year in new archeological sites or are these just fake fossils that God has planted as a joke! Again, the Bible is not a book of facts but a book of faith. I can say I have evolved past the questionable beliefs. Common sense and reason far outweigh a biblical fairy tale!

  • Posted By: jdperki @ 02/26/2008 11:45:53 PM

    Comment: the one that tells the true version of creation. not the fables of something exploding and everything just so happens to fall into perfect harmony, or that we evolved from singlecell organisms that crawled up out of the mud and muck. or all of the "missing links" that we just cant seem to find. no, i know that not everyone can and will understand the bible as the truth. as a matter of fact the bible tells us in first corinthians 1:18 "for the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." at one time i was in the same situation. but one day he moved in my life and opened my eyes to just how real he is. i know he is real. i know that without him none of us are anything. i can guarantee you that one day you will also know how real he is. i just pray that it is on this side of death. the old testiment stories may seem far fetched to the natural inclination. but they are far more believable than the evolution theory.
    at one time

  • Posted By: JR3451 @ 02/26/2008 9:20:34 PM

    Comment: To jdperki: Which older version(Bible) is the true book? The one that says people lived to be 900 years of age, the world is only 6000 years old, a man can be swallowed by a whale and later deposited on a beach alive! Noah builds a boat big enough to hold every species, including dinosaurs, to avoid the flood that KILLS everything else on earth. The Garden of Eden , created by an omniscient God , that ends in disaster . Didn't God know it was going to fail? Is this the version that is the correct one ? All of these stories appeared in earlier civilizations before the Bible was ever written, passed down, retold, embellished,retold,embellished on an on. I guess God couldn't come up with any unique storylines. Sorry , but it's all mans creation. And man is still changing the storyline,remember, we have to fit the dinosaurs in there someplace and evolution creates another problem.

  • Posted By: busibe @ 02/26/2008 10:22:49 AM

    Comment: I am referring to the comment by Mike Bard. This, I am sorry to say, does not have anything to do with the subject, but Bard is my family name and I wonder if he might be a relative of mine down the line somewhere. My e-mail is busibe113@hotmail.com, should he like to respond. Thanks, D. Clark

  • Posted By: jdperki @ 02/26/2008 9:53:18 AM

    Comment: the bible is the inspired word of God. true there are many different versions as of late that "man" has written to fit their personal desires. but if you fall back on older versions, Gods word proves true.
    the bible is full of promises and prophecies that have come true. for instance, up until columbus sailed to the new world, people thought the earth was flat. in the old testiment , the book of job, there is a pasage that states "the earth is a shpere, and he (God) hangs it on nothing." we have grown accustomed to the prosperity messages here in the u.s. 78% of our country claim to be christians, but i have to say that about 95% of the people i meet on a daily basis are living just like the world. (cussing, lying, stealling, adultery, and a multitude of other sins that the bible says are wrong.) we seem to want to put God in the corner and tell him that we will handle everything, until a day like 9/11 comes aroung. then everybody starts calling for his help.
    He told us in His word to "acknowledge Him in all of our ways, and He would direct our paths." we want to take him out of our schools and wonder why there are so many shootings in them now. Psalms 9:17 states "the wicked shall be cast into hell, and the nation that forgets God". unfortunately we are on that path.
    Jesus told the rich young ruler to "go and sell all that you have, then he could follow Him." but that young man loved his possesions more than he loved Christ. we have that problem here today. and for the most part the church encourages it. instead of preaching the gospel.

  • Posted By: JR3451 @ 02/26/2008 1:41:09 AM

    Comment: It"s BEYOND ridiculous to argue over what the Bible says! With 13,000 different interpretations , different churches and mega-church evangelists are still to this day creating their own Bibles for their beliefs in their own church. It never stops! One bible passage can become a whole mini-series in the hands of the modern day story teller. What do you think the original writers of the bible were? Great story tellers! If you believe Gods hand was involved then his influence should create one Bible, one belief system with no argument. Wouldn't the Holy Spiirit work through every believer to be on the same page! (A must read," Misquoting Jesus " by Bart Ehrman on who changed the Bible and why.) Mr. Ehrman chairs the dept. of religious studies at Univ. of N. Carolina and is an authority on the early church.

  • Posted By: uwpdisney @ 02/26/2008 1:01:06 AM

    Comment: To jwil5050: You are right, God is a God of relationship. However, you need to get your scriptures right, because Ezekial 28 does not say that, "Hell was created out of the lust of satan's heart." It's not just for him and his angels. Tell me, why did Jesus say, "I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me." - John 14:6 Also look at Revelation 20:15: "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." That is the same lake of fire that "death" and "hades" had just been thrown into, so you see it's not just for satan and his angels, it's also for those who have not believed that Jesus is the Son of God and that He died on the cross for all of our sins. The bible says that God will judge us. What does a judge do? A judge does not make, or decide if someone is guilty, a judge simply oversees the revealing process of that person's guilt or innocence. We are already guilty by our sin and have basically condemned ourselves and are responsible for paying the price of that sin. But that's why God sent his son to die for us. So that we wouldn't have to pay the price for that sin. John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life." God loves us so much that he doesn't want to live apart from us, but at the same time, he's not going to force us to accept his son, Jesus, as our Lord and Savior because he wants us to willingly love him. He doesn't want mindless people that he has to command all the time and make every decision for them. That's why he gave us the ability to make choices. Because he wants us to love him out of our own free will! God is absolutely amazing that he has done all this, and more, for us! It's amazing to me that some people just don't see the truth in this. One last thing... Jesus would never rub in the face of someone that they didn't save more souls than someone else, so who are you to? God bless everyone! -Mike Bard

  • Posted By: JR3451 @ 02/26/2008 12:57:12 AM

    Comment: God loves us,correct? Think hurricane Katrina and the devastation, drowning, pain and suffering involved. Now picture,if possible, the entire earth flooded killing every living creature. How much pain and suffering was involved from your loving God. Doesn't make sense!

  • Posted By: JR3451 @ 02/26/2008 12:48:10 AM

    Comment: The Christian church is getting more and more watered down with Joel Osteen being the perfect example. People are simply evolving away bacause it no longer makes any sense, and only appeals to those that need a crutch to lean on . The Bible is the word of man, created by man much like the Greek , Egyptian, Mayans,etc etc throughout history that have created divine beings,spirits and the like to fill a void for the unknown. At some point you should realize we simply don't know where we came from but history shows we constantly use myths, legends,stories, like the Bible, to be the answer. Many people can't give the idea up completely so it progresses, or EVOLVES, slowly. Why do you think there are so many non-denominational churches today! Joel Osteen is a motivational speaker using God as his link or crutch to his flock of sheep.( A must read Thomas Paine , THE AGE OF REASON)

  • Posted By: annsmith @ 02/25/2008 11:44:13 PM

    Comment: All I want is Obama to win so I can get my reparations

  • Posted By: aporter600 @ 02/25/2008 11:06:41 PM

    Comment: Joel Osteen is dangerous for those seeking the kingdom of Heaven. He never speaks about the Gospel, nor does he explain the severity of our sin. He continues to preach that if we do our best, God will give us all we want. Well, even if we did our very best, we would still fall short of Christ perfect nature. Yes, I KNOW that God loves us, and I know that he loves his son Jesus more. But I also know that he hates our sin, and without the death of Jesus by the hand of God, we could not stand before God justified by FAITH in the cleansing, forgiving blood of Jesus Christ. God loves us all, but he would not give over his only son so that we can do as Osteen says, and just "try our best to be good." We are not good, God is great, Jesus is mercy. Now, tell me...do you ever hear Joel Osteen tell you this? Search for God's will through his word, not through Joel Osteen. Jesus said he is the way the truth and the life, and no one goes to the father except through him. Not through our works and deeds, not through our best behavior, but through Jesus. God bless you all.

  • Posted By: Fly Boy @ 02/25/2008 10:08:33 PM

    Comment: Joel tells you a story about your life in every sermon.If you take it to heart and believe in God.Life will get better

    • Posted By: jwil5050 @ 02/25/2008 11:50:16 PM

      Comment: God is not a God of Religion but of RELATIONSHIP, Jesus didnt preach religion he preached RELATIONSHIP. when he came on to the seen, he introduced the realm of ABBA to us. He taught us and is still teaching us about the realm of ABBA. Joel does the same thing. IM NOT SAYING HES JESUS what i am saying is that you dont really see the disciple preaching HELL you see them PREACHING LIFE AND LIFE MORE ABUDANTLY IN CHRIST. These traditionalist need to get over the hell scenerio because if you read your bibles you would see that HELL WAS CREATED OUT OF THE LUST OF SATANS HEART Ez:28 and its for him and his angels. Keep up the Good work Joel and LET GOD BE THE JUDGE OF JOELS SALVATION. by the way, how many people have you lead to Christ in the last 10 years. He's lead 47,000. beat that

  • Posted By: Fly Boy @ 02/25/2008 10:08:12 PM

    Comment: Joel tells you a story about your life in every sermon.If you take it to heart and believe in God.Life will get better

  • Posted By: outbackjack @ 02/25/2008 9:37:49 PM

    Comment: I have already cast my vote and that is for God's Kingdom. People need to realize that God's Kingdom is a real government with a real King, Christ. One can only support one side, either God's Kingdom or rule by man. Very soon God's Kingdom will "crush and put and end" to all earthly governments. (Dan. 2:44) They will all be destroyed. (Rev. 19:19-21) Jesus said his Kingdom was no part of the world. We all must one day "vote" - God's rule or man's

  • Posted By: mynamer is sue @ 02/25/2008 9:00:13 PM

    Comment: the title of this article was No politics from this pulpit, but if you listen to him there is no plan for salvation either.

  • Posted By: jaymiles81 @ 02/24/2008 5:38:31 AM

    Comment: I feel what the person is saying below me. But I believe the some candidates are saying what the majority wants to hear.

    George W. Bush spoke about morality in his campaign. But do I think he was the best man in that campaign? No.

    I can't honestly say that God said vote for this guy. Who says Al Gore dosen't have Christian values.

    Don't get caught up in the talk. The bible says that we will know the tree by it's fruit.

    Now look at the fruit that this administration has produced.

    Think about it.

  • Posted By: jaymiles81 @ 02/24/2008 5:33:35 AM

    Comment: Anyone can say i'm against abortion, or things that align with the gospel. But that dosen't mean that there the best for the job.

    I think it takes prayer obviously. But George W. Bush feels the same way about abortion as alot of christians do.

    But do I feel like God was saying to vote for this guy? For me personally..... No.

    We obviously don't have the same world views. You have to look at everything.

    Has George W. Bush actually stopped abortion? No. So the very thing that we focused on in his running hasn't even happened. So I think that you should pray, and be open about who to vote for.

    God's plan is the best plan. Even if you think the candidate is not for christians.

  • Posted By: close2theend @ 02/22/2008 4:41:07 PM

    Comment: Americans want "change", but we should be careful about what we wish for. As Christians, do we want our leaders to implement changes that do not align with our values? Don't just vote for the person or for party, but how they align with God's teachings. Our world is changing rapidly and we need a leader that won't allow us to turn our back on God.

  • Posted By: close2theend @ 02/22/2008 4:40:26 PM

    Comment: Americans want "change", but we should be careful about what we wish for. As Christians, do we want our leaders to implement changes that do not align with our values? Don't just vote for the person or for party, but how they align with God's teachings. Our world is changing rapidly and we need a leader that won't allow us to turn our back on God.

    • Posted By: jaymiles81 @ 02/24/2008 5:42:47 AM

      Comment: Comment: I feel what you are saying. But I believe that some candidates are saying what the majority wants to hear.

      George W. Bush spoke about morality in his campaign. But do I think he was the best man in that campaign? No.

      I can't honestly say that God said vote for this guy. Who says Al Gore dosen't have Christian values.

      Don't get caught up in the talk. The bible says that we will know the tree by it's fruit.

      Now look at the fruit that this administration has produced.

      Think about it.

  • Posted By: Watchman_Ezk33 @ 02/21/2008 5:18:56 PM

    Comment: I think Pastors should take caution when making political comments from the pulpit. As Christians we should ask ourselves if we trust God to work all things out for our ultimate good or not? Remember, this is just a test................

  • Posted By: Watchman_Ezk33 @ 02/21/2008 5:14:51 PM

    Comment: I believe that we as Christians are in the world and not of the world. We should be cautious in commenting on worldly matters from the pulpit. I trust God and believe that all things will work together for our good!

  • Posted By: scottie3X @ 02/17/2008 12:36:24 PM

    Comment: Joel, I watch your TV shows as I find them on different channals,
    and my vote is for Hillary Clinton, the only one to get this Country back on it's feet.

    • Posted By: Hopeless Dem @ 03/07/2008 12:29:56 AM

      Comment: Enter Your CommentMany of us are Obama supporters. Issue is that Joel Promised NOT to endorse. Period!

  • Posted By: danbogdan777 @ 02/16/2008 1:31:48 PM

    Comment: I do think believers should be involved in politics, but in doing that, they would have to stick with and promote their beliefs at the core of their behaviour, not necesarily impossing them above everyone else but recognizing that ..."who he or she is would determine what he or she would do", for that city, county or country.
    I think is wrong to sitt aside not getting involved at all (moreover, letting UNGODLY people to lead us), and latter on ask God..."Why did you allow this to happen God ?"...

  • Posted By: foster1766 @ 02/12/2008 7:46:53 AM

    Comment: Pastor Joel Osteen is an intelligent man. He could easily use that huge church of his to push a religious agenda, but he does not. I applaud him for that. Religion should stay out of politics, though I have no problem with the religoius being involved in poltics. I prefer people of conviction over people who have nothing to believe in. And a reminder for those who thing poltics and religion mix: it underminds religion. Worship as you see fit. Live your life according to your beliefs. Vote your conscious. Do not use the church to push a political agenda unless you want it to lose its meaning.

  • Posted By: foster1766 @ 02/12/2008 7:45:48 AM

    Comment: Pastor Joel Osteen is an intelligent man. He could easily use that huge church of his to push a religious agenda, but he does not. I applaud him for that. Religion should stay out of politics, though I have no problem with the religoius being involved in poltics. I prefer people of conviction over people who have nothing to believe in. And a reminder for those who thing poltics and religion mix: it underminds religion. Worship as you see fit. Live your life according to your beliefs. Vote your conscious. Do not use the church to push a political agenda unless you want it to lose its meaning.

  • Posted By: squeezyr @ 02/12/2008 7:24:20 AM

    Comment: You evangelicals have been called the Stalanistas and I agree with that. You gag me with your perfectionism and self appointed stupidity.
    All one must do is look at your last wonderful decisions with the war monger GWB. You would prefer to murder, torture, lie and deceive. That is what today's Christianity is all about.
    Jesus taught peace and you teach murder. How dare you call yourself followers of God?

  • Posted By: Mandykathleen @ 02/11/2008 12:49:05 PM

    Comment: I agree with pastor Osteen. There are people at church who are going through very difficult experiences and are in great need. We don't depend on the government for what we need. We depend on God for our needs to be met.When I go to church I don't want to hear the bulletin or politics. I want to worship and hear about Jesus. If God was leading the pastor to endorse one I know he would but God must not want him to.

  • Posted By: Mandykathleen @ 02/11/2008 12:41:52 PM

    Comment: I agree with pastor Osteen. People come to worship God. Some of them have great needs and they need God not politics. The government is not what we depend on it is God. When I go to chiurch I don't want to hear the bulletin and all that. I want to hear about Jesus .

  • Posted By: cyrilokeke @ 02/10/2008 6:32:18 PM

    Comment: Jesus said that the Children of this world are in many ways wiser than the children of the Kingdom, the world push their agenda - the world want abortion legalized, the world want homosexual marriages legalized,the world are saying that they want prayers removed from schools, and on goes the list..Christians do not need to sit on the fence when it comes to politics.Pastors aught to use their God given position to
    lead the people to make the right political choice because there are good candidates and bad candidates
    also.
    From Edozie

    • Posted By: foster1766 @ 02/12/2008 7:55:02 AM

      Comment: In the words of James Madision, "It is proper to take alarm at the first experiement on our liberties... Who does not see that the same authority which can establish Christianity, in exclusion to all other Religions, may establish with the same ease any particular sect of Christians, in exclusion of all other Sects? That the same authority which can force a citizen to contribute three pence only of his property of the support of any one establishment, may force him to conform to any other establishment in all cases whatsoever?"
      From the Supreme Court Case Engel v. Vitale, 370 U.S. 421, 430 (1962).
      The Establishment Clause, unlike the Free Exercise Clause, does not depend upon any showing of direct governmental compulsion and is violated by the enactment of laws which establish an official religion whether those laws operate directly to coerce nonobserving individuals or not. ??? Its first and most immediate purpose rested on the belief that a union of government and religion tends to destroy government and to degrade religion. ??? The Establishment Clause thus stands as an expression of principle on the part of the Founders of our Constitution that religion is too personal, too sacred, too holy, to permit its ???unhallowed perversion??? by a civil magistrate. Another purpose of the Establishment Clause rested upon an awareness of the historical fact that governmentally established religions and religious persecutions go hand in hand.

  • Posted By: swissmom @ 02/10/2008 4:15:53 PM

    Comment: Thanks for keeping politics out of the polpet. We hear plenty of it elswhere. Christians can listen and decern themselfs what is right. If we as Christians need guidens from Churchleaders ol the time we have missed the boat. Thanks for having faith in the People Joel. A note to the kelsch person. Joel uses Gods word well when he preaches, backs it up with exaples from everyday life, gives people hope, comfort and faith for the future. I thougt that is what God wantet us to do. God bless Ursula

  • Posted By: swissmom @ 02/10/2008 4:11:57 PM

    Comment: Thanks for keeping politics out of the polpet. We hear plenty of it elswhere. Christians can listen and decern themselfs what is right. If we as Christians need guidens from Churchleaders ol the time we have missed the boat. Thanks for having faith in the People Joel. A note to the kelsch person. Joel uses Gods word well when he preaches, backs it up with exaples from everyday life, gives people hope, comfort and faith for the future. I thougt that is what God wantet us to do. God bless Ursula

  • Posted By: Nilitau @ 02/10/2008 3:40:28 PM

    Comment: kelsch,

    Could you specifically show us why you believe Joel Osteen is not called of God.

    • Posted By: kelsch @ 02/10/2008 4:00:55 PM

      Comment: Just pick up your Bible and read and then watch his interview and his sermons.

  • Posted By: eolivo @ 02/10/2008 12:42:05 PM

    Comment: i agreed with pastor Joel of keeping politics ot of the pulpit. because the pulpit is a holy place that sholuld be to preach the world of god only.

  • Posted By: Pamela1961 @ 02/10/2008 5:58:19 AM

    Comment: P.S. the reason we have so many extremist in the Muslim faith is because they have turned into politicians. It is a very dangerous road to cross. The Rev. Osteen is just that a Minister. He knows that is his calling and not politics. Why would he want to pick a political party when his ministry serves all. Our country created a separation of church and state for this very reason. Freedom of religion should and does rein in this country as it should be. It is up to each individual to make their own decisions as God has deemed by giving us choice.

  • Posted By: Pamela1961 @ 02/10/2008 5:47:54 AM

    Comment: I totally believe with what the minister said. Your belief on all the issues no matter how passionate they are should not be on the pulpit. It also should never be the evangelicals against the rest of America. It's divisive and we don't need that now. We as Americans go to different churches but have our faith to guide us. We vote on issues and with our heart, but we also need to vote on the facts that exist. A Minister who places himself in the middle of politics runs the risk of becoming considered a politician. Ministers have a great and humble job and that is speaking the word of God. Even some Ministers do not interpret the Bible exactly the same way, and I'd hate to see the Press pitting them against each other in a political race.

    I am a Christian and find no need to call myself Evangelical or any other label but Christian, because to be being called a Christian is the greatest thing of all and it was because of God that I am one, not a political party.

    • Posted By: kelsch @ 02/10/2008 9:41:55 AM

      Comment: Perhaps if Joel Osteen were truly teaching the Gospel, you would be calling yourself, as Jesus did, a "Believer". In Mark 16:16-18, Jesus tells us the difference between a Believer and an unbeliever and how important believing is. Joel Osteen's ministry sidesteps the truth of the gospel. While he teaches a prosperous view, he has failed to guide his flock to understand the truth of the word and to fully engage them in seeking the Holy Spirit for their victories. He never tells them that without the Holy Spirit, they are damned. Self-righteousness is not possible and our mission is not for our success but for the continued work of Jesus Christ on this earth. Joel Osteen's ministry is growing because he's teaching to itchy ears. We have become a society devoted to consumerism... like the Babylonians. Osteen stated the renovations on the stadium where he holds church cost about $100 million dollars... and it's RENTED! I'm sure that the Lord's ministry on earth could have compared in numbers to Osteen's since the Sermon on the Mount counted 5000 MEN! There were women and children there too. I wonder what HE would have done with a 100 million dollars? I can tell you for sure that he would not have indebted Himself to it. Even with the massive amounts of donations he receives, it would take 100% of Osteen's earnings over years to pay for these renovations. There was never an intent by the Lord for us to go sit in pews every week and hear a popular view of the Bible. We're commanded to be disciples of men and if we truly believe the Word, we will find we have itchy feet instead of itchy ears and we can't wait to follow the Lord's direction of going into the highways and byways to minister the gospel to those who are perishing.

    • Posted By: kelsch @ 02/10/2008 9:30:50 AM

      Comment: Part of the problem with ministers like Joel Osteen is that he hasn't identified himself with the Lord by the Lord's definition, "Believers". Mark 16:16-18. In these last words Jesus spoke before his final ascension, He explained what separated the Believers from the unbelievers. Mr. Osteen does NOT preach on this subject. He has greatly filtered the gospel, which God condemns in Jeremiah. His congregation is not invited to be born again. His congregation is not told that only through the power of the Holy Spirit in a born again life can they truly be victorious. In his recent 60 minute interview, he has proclaimed to have a better way than the Lord did by eliminating all the Lord's warnings in favor of his "uplifting" message to all those itchy ears in his stadium. In his estimation, the Sermon on the Mount was not necessary. I heard someone once say that you could tell if your church was a good one if it was growing. Interestingly, the Bible says (KJV) Matt 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.. Joel Osteen is leading his flock into a false security. The life we live in Christ is not for our comfort of financial prosperity. I encourage his attendees to rush for their Bible and concentrate their efforts into reading and understanding it... through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. If you're not born again and don't have the Holy Spirit dwelling in you, all you have to do is ask the Lord in faith and trust.

      • Posted By: panzerguy @ 03/27/2008 3:56:01 PM

        Comment: Even the Devil "believes." God does not really care about how you treat Him. He cares more about how you treat your fellow brothers and sisters. Try running a simple same restaurant by ignoring the facts of life, like bills and salaries, and you will soon go out of business. It takes money to run a Church and keep it running. Get over it. $100 million??? But toss in "40,000 members." Do the math. That's $62 per year per member on a 40 year lease. Joel has an economically efficient Church when you figure out the cost per member. Lowest per member compared to any smaller sized congregation. Paid your heating bill lately??? You try running a tiny 100 member congregation for $6,200 a year! The pastor would need a job at McDonalds. Joel has a staff of over 300. Please. enough with the ignorance, that religion can do with little money.

  • Posted By: enemyofthestate @ 02/08/2008 4:55:53 PM

    Comment: First and foremost,perhaps whoever wrote this article should learn about their own country! This is NOT a Democracy! This country is a REPUBLIC, read the Constitution. Democracy ALWAYS fails!. There has never been one in the history of the world that has ever succeeded, and this one is on the fast track out because men and women have been deceived into beliving a LIE. And as far as the comment from kmphx3, why then do Churches Incorporate?? They DONT need permission from a foreign entity to operate, the foreign being the IRS.! Why do you think they will be able to force HATE crime legislation down the Churches throat, because they are creations of the STATE. Wake up people and come out of her, the Corporate Church that is. If you really wanted to give to GOD in the form of tithes and offerings, you wouldnt be waiting at the end of the year to get it back from the IRS!

  • Posted By: jackiereed563 @ 02/08/2008 4:36:06 PM

    Comment: "...but I don't feel like I have to quote so many scriptures to prove myself."
    You've got to be kidding me!? I think this statement leads us to see that he is very misguided in his own teaching approach! First of all, he shouldn't be trying to "prove himself" at all. That in itself is not something a Christian should do, least of all a supposed leader of the flock. It's not about tying the scriptures into your message, it's about basing your message on the scriptures. I don't know as much about joel osteen as others might know, and i was interested in his ministry, but even that one comment gives me reason to doubt. Perhaps i should find out more before giving a biased opinion, but so far this is my understanding...

    • Posted By: kelsch @ 02/10/2008 9:51:20 AM

      Comment: AMEN!

  • Posted By: midnight05 @ 02/04/2008 9:54:38 AM

    Comment: Good Lord, how vacuuous can you get?

    I am against preachers endorsing anyone from the pulpit. First, it's a violation of the essential separation of church and state but second, pastors wield too much influence with their church members and that makes for dicey pastoring as well as dicey politics.

    • Posted By: Antoinette @ 02/08/2008 4:40:54 PM

      Comment: Honestly I do not think there is anything wrong with a Pastor speaking about politics over the pulpit. This world belongs to God, not man. God's way should be the way and who better to lead the people than a genuine Pastor. I am not talking about these made up Pastors, but a Pastor called by God. To teach us and give us things from the mouth of God. A Pastor's hear should always be to the mouth of God and he should speak only what God tells him to say, not what people think a Pastor should say. If the church united as one , be on one accord and not discord, we could be a powerful people. One voice , one vote. How can we say we are Christians voting for political leaders who believe in Murder(abortions) and same sex marriages? Pastors should address this issue accross the pulpit and I feel there is no better place to do it. Thank you so much. God Bless.

      • Posted By: kelsch @ 02/10/2008 9:53:23 AM

        Comment: If you've sought the truth from the mouth of God in His Holy scriptures, then you know that Joel Osteen is NOT "called of God". He's attempting to replace Jesus' message with his own.

  • Posted By: PeeJay @ 02/03/2008 10:48:16 AM

    Comment: I agree with Pastor Osteen, there should not be politics in the pulpit. The pastor, through teaching the word of God & sharing the spirit of Christ, helps us make the right decisions, but should not make our decisions for us. Each of us should make his or her own decisions, political or otherwise, by listening to the voice of God within our own hearts. This is why the Lord gives us free will. We need to be convicted of what is right, which comes from the voice & spirit of God in each of us, rather than from what another person, even a church leader, tells us. The Pastor???s voice is there to guide us to the voice of God, not to substitute for it. Pastor???s are human beings & as fallible as any one of us. When we listen only to the voice of a religious leader on any issue, unless the leader is a true prophet of God, we are usually receiving the word of God not full strength, but diluted. This is because it first goes through the understanding & interpretation of another human being. There is value in what our Pastors teach us, but we must constantly subject it to the litmus test of the Truth as the Spirit of God reveals it directly to us daily, and listen to the still small voice of God inside.

  • Posted By: PeeJay @ 02/03/2008 10:46:29 AM

    Comment: I agree with Pastor Osteen, there should not be politics in the pulpit. The pastor, through teaching the word of God & sharing the spirit of Christ, helps us make the right decisions, but should not make our decisions for us. Each of us should make his or her own decisions, political or otherwise, by listening to the voice of God within our own hearts. This is why the Lord gives us free will. We need to be convicted of what is right, which comes from the voice & spirit of God in each of us, rather than from what another person, even a church leader, tells us. The Pastor???s voice is there to guide us to the voice of God, not to substitute for it. Pastor???s are human beings & as fallible as any one of us. When we listen only to the voice of a religious leader on any issue, unless the leader is a true prophet of God, we are usually receiving the word of God not full strength, but diluted. This is because it first goes through the understanding & interpretation of another human being. There is value in what our Pastors teach us, but we must constantly subject it to the litmus test of the Truth as the Spirit of God reveals it directly to us daily, and listen to the still small voice of God inside.

    • Posted By: Hopeless Dem @ 03/07/2008 12:37:41 AM

      Comment: Enter Your Comment Then what in God's Name happened on Sunday?!

  • Posted By: robparks @ 01/31/2008 2:41:42 AM

    Comment: You should be politacal from pulpit but not takes sides , because we are on on side Jesus, Chirstians values should be expressed whether your a Dem. or Rep. There are no sides in Chirstainty theres just Jesus , Romans Chapter 13 is a exmaple of Good goverment. If we have obtain salvation by Grace and have Faith in the Life, The Death on the Cross, and Ressurrection. In each of us. The current goverment will look foolish , we have the power , history shows that , Christ through His Spirit brought down the Roman Empire.MMMM , I think Joel should do a Study on Romans to understand this. Its not about the canaidite its about God.

  • Posted By: sayitboldly @ 01/29/2008 6:41:35 PM

    Comment: 501 c churches are compromised they sell out to tax free money instead of trusting God and standing for truth...they bow to non tax status and compromise doctrine and impact in world

    • Posted By: mariaowens03 @ 02/09/2008 11:03:40 PM

      Comment: I am been impressed upon to start ministry and we started in our home, first with bible study on wednesday night and then sunday morning service. We were reading up on 501c churches and tax cuts, etc. and after reading all that I decided that I cannot sell out to the worlds government system to be a god over what God has called me to do. So I am truly trusting God to sustain our ministry. On another note I do not want to judge Mr. Osteen, because there are many lives that he is being used to change and it is also up to each individual to read the bible and gain a relationship themselves with God.

  • Posted By: patsykdavis @ 01/29/2008 1:46:11 AM

    Comment: Jesus is still on the throne and He is all we need. If more people would give as much time to prayer for our country as they do to their opinions and views, this nation would be a much better place. I agree with Brother Osteen and his late father, that church not the place for politics. It is a holy place, to reverent and worship God , for all the blessing he has given us and to win more soles to Christ.. Worship and Praise to God in itself will keep us in His grace. We are not the leaders...If you wanted to run this country according to you thoughts and opinions, then why didn't you run for president? Maybe Brother Osteen would vote for you. Let's just pray for our leaders and give our prasies to God . As Brother Osteen has said many times..."God is in control" He is the ONE we need to be talking to. Would you talk to the flight attendant about how a plane you were on is being handled? Our president is our hope and we must pray for his guidance... but God is our KNOW. Thanks

  • Posted By: sbond @ 01/28/2008 6:36:30 PM

    Comment: peace and love wrote, "It is urgent that those of us who feel that far right conservatism has ruined our country MUST get out to vote. Politicians who are against this - Democrats - have the responsibility to get the majority view into power. We currently have a President who speaks to Jesus and then makes decisions for the country. Between the war and the economy that has obviously not been a good choice for us as Americans. I'm voting for whoever is running against the GOP candidate"

    Would you rather that the president didn't speak to God?? Guess again, we as a country would be worse off without a leader taking spiritual advise from God. If you have a better solutions, lets hear it, please.


    • Posted By: favone @ 02/05/2008 11:45:33 AM

      Comment: You will know them by their fruits, and if the man in the white house now is talking with God, there is no evidence of it.

  • Posted By: sbond @ 01/28/2008 6:28:30 PM

    Comment: Joel you are by far the best minister for today's christian. I love to hear you preach and to hear your wife encourage people. Thank you for supporting the separation of church and politics. You are a great example as a minister.

  • Posted By: princessssss @ 01/28/2008 6:08:48 PM

    Comment: joel you are so wise at listening to your father and god the father as well i am proud of you

  • Posted By: flow4et @ 01/26/2008 2:15:03 PM

    Comment: It was refreshing to see a man of God reminding us of the true purpose of the church. Its so tiring to see so many ministers abusing the tax exempt status of thier temples by using their pulpits as platforms from which to become involved in the affairs of Ceasar.

  • Posted By: peace and love @ 01/26/2008 11:15:33 AM

    Comment: The fact that Mr. Bush lied about the war affected the way Americans looked at the war. How can anyone make a choice is our leaders are full of lies? I personally and many I knew were against invading another country. We knew we would eventually leave with our tails between our legs just like Viet Nam. This is what we face now. For those who still support the lying corrupt administration, you just haven't been paying attention.

    • Posted By: nyborn @ 01/26/2008 4:38:28 PM

      Comment: I have paid attention more than most as I've been involved front line with it in Iraq. You think we want to be there? NO! Do we want to be seperated from our families? NO! Do we belive we must see this through til they can stand on thier own as a country? YES! Don't assume that we are blind we have our opinions but we can lay them aside to accomplish the mission, unlike Somolia. I just remember when the elctions were held here in America and the Democrats took control the first question on all the locals minds was: are you leaving? (mean the US miltary) They were very worried and upset of the idea that we might leave at that time. Wow, after some of the statements made here about rape and destruction it would seem that those people would want us out of there as quick as possible.

  • Posted By: OnTheRightSIde @ 01/26/2008 11:06:55 AM

    Comment: Well, This does not surprise me for Mr. Olsten. He is as lukewarm on politics as he is the Gospel. It it might ofend a potential giver or book buyer.....don't do it.

  • Posted By: nyborn @ 01/26/2008 11:04:36 AM

    Comment: I would like to make a fact known. So many people seem to think that separation of church and state is in the Constitution, it's not. It was from a letter from Thomas Jefferson in 1802 to the Danbury Baptists. Oh and by the way, anyone that refers to the war as illegal or President Bush as war mongering maybe look at where you stood when we first went in, then get back to me. Most if not all the country was for it then things get hard and people start waving the flag, the white one.

    • Posted By: kmphx2003 @ 02/08/2008 4:12:21 PM

      Comment: Thank you so much for stating that the idea of separation of church and state in not in the Constitution. There is no article, amendment, or anything else in it that states it. It's a shame that the media and others have pushed it down so many throats believing it to be the truth when it wasn't . Also, thank you for serving this country. The troops never get enough credit for the work that is done. No one likes war, but regardless of political affiliation or whether or not the war is agreed upon, the troops, their jobs, and families should be supported until it is finished.

    • Posted By: Dave in NM @ 01/26/2008 11:12:55 AM

      Comment: Ahh, the "surrender" argument. So if you break into someone's house, rape their children and destroy what you don't steal, leaving out the door you came in is "surrendering?"

      /The Constitution does prohibit the official establishment of religion

      //Many of us, myself included, recognized the war for what it was from the beginning

      • Posted By: nyborn @ 01/26/2008 4:29:14 PM

        Comment: Did we have some bad information, yes. After we destabalized the country, is it right to leave them to fend for themselves with the other wolves in the region? No. Having been there I can tell you were things bad when I was there, yes! I felt bad for the people. Is it better with additional troops yes. Explain the recent decrease and stabalization and tell me why cutting tail and running is the best plan? Oh and oranges and apples doesn't work. WMD and all that stuff aside I know what we're doing is the right thing because I saw how Saddam lived and how he treated people and heard the stories Iraqis would tell us. They waited at our gate fof daily jobs because thier country had none. I saw the way the kids waited for the convoys for toys and food we could spare.

        • Posted By: Dave in NM @ 01/26/2008 5:05:04 PM

          Comment: You're switching horses midstream. You started by saying "everyone was for the war at first, now you want to quit when it gets difficult." Now you're saying we started the war on "bad information," without admitting that that essentially amounts to a illegal war run by an administration that intentionally manipulated the evidence. Saying how bad Saddam was, and how happy the kids are to see the convoys, is just plain changing the subject. (Of course, it's all pretty far afield from the topic at hand, which is church/state separation.)

          All that being said, I want to add that, however we feel about the war, the vast majority of progressives are VERY much on the side of the troops. You guys didn't create this situation, and I know the vast majority of you are doing a very hard job well. I'm grateful that you volunteered to serve your (our) country.

  • Posted By: peace and love @ 01/26/2008 10:54:52 AM

    Comment: It is urgent that those of us who feel that far right conservatism has ruined our country MUST get out to vote. Politicians who are against this - Democrats - have the responsibility to get the majority view into power. We currently have a President who speaks to Jesus and then makes decisions for the country. Between the war and the economy that has obviously not been a good choice for us as Americans. I'm voting for whoever is running against the GOP candidate

    • Posted By: Dave in NM @ 01/26/2008 11:04:46 AM

      Comment: Yes - this! Every election, it becomes more crucial that we get these people out of power. It's intensely frustrating to see continued support for their politics among people who purport to love this country (and have the gall to pretend the rest of us don't). Truly loving this country, and its core ideals, means voting against neoconservative theocrats, period.

  • Posted By: Dave in NM @ 01/26/2008 10:35:49 AM

    Comment: A point that is almost universally lost in these discussions is the fact that the separation of church and state was intended, not only to protect the people from the tyranny of the church, but to protect the church from the corruption of governance. This has obviously taken place among the hyper-conservative segments of Protestantism that have come to the fore since the Reagan-era integration of religion and government. Gone is the emphasis on kindness, modest living and acceptance, replaced by a mean-spirited adversarial approach toward women and gays, rampant materialism (austerity doesn't sell!) and a means-justify-the-end approach toward politics and world affairs. It's a disgusting perversion of the Bible's teachings, and living proof that the founders of this country were right in constructing the wall between church and state.

    (No, I don't believe religion was ever immune to the lust for power; I just think modern political conservatism has dragged politics and religion to new depths.)

  • Posted By: kortzfunke @ 01/26/2008 10:10:36 AM

    Comment: And do not even get me started with the catholics and their priests and how much they have done to protect children that have been born or make the world a better place.. Religion should remain private and low key and people should be politicized and wake up. AKF

  • Posted By: kortzfunke @ 01/26/2008 9:47:50 AM

    Comment: This is an outrage; religious wars are historical evidence that religion has no place in politics and especially pious and hypocritical people who ware their religion as badges and have more sex with people they are not married to then hard working married people taking care of their children and not having the time to go to church and call them selves Christians. Christian political issues kill abortion but leave hundreds of thousands of kids in fostercare with closed records and big drug companies pumping their latest experimental drug into them. Or how about universal medical care for US citizens. Well the Christians will have to end the war first because the economic devastation that we are experiencing is directly linked but heh who are the evangilical christians backing George Bush and his war mongering chest ponding cronnies! You could say I am a pissed American. Angela Kortz Funke - a mother, an attorney, a woman

    • Posted By: popsrobert @ 03/26/2008 6:00:43 PM

      Comment: Angela Kortz Funke has a multitude of comments that show up in an online search. They all amout to one thing and I'll leave it to the individual to discern exactly what that is but a short proofread of any of her writing will tell you what is wrong with the U.S. court system if she truly is an "Attorney" She can hardly spell, although I'm sure she'll tell that it is due to the liberal rage she feels. As for the mother part she must be either single or have been artificially fertilized because one look at the overwhelming liberal manhating zeal would surely be a call for the best viagara you can buy. Please feel free to call on me any time A K F I'm sure we could have a grand time together. Robert G Green American, Father and Hardworking Consrevative

  • Posted By: ronmorr @ 01/26/2008 9:28:46 AM

    Comment: Wonderful! Separation of Church and State is in our Constitution. If they can't keep politics out of the pulpit they should immediately lose their tax exempt status.

    • Posted By: Hopeless Dem @ 03/07/2008 12:34:07 AM

      Comment: Enter Your Comment Amen! This is an abuse of My Energy, Prayers & Money.

    • Posted By: Dave in NM @ 01/26/2008 11:17:54 AM

      Comment: I despair of this ever happening, but yes - several churches should long since have lost their exemptions (to the extent to which exemptions should ever have been granted in the first place).

      • Posted By: Hopeless Dem @ 03/07/2008 12:32:54 AM

        Comment: Enter Your CommentAmen to that! Joel didn't ask us as a congregation if we wanted our Prayers, Energy & Money to support Hillary Clinton...I view this as a proverbial Abuse of Power and I am swick about it...
        He should have prayed over the whole bunch Republicans included.

  • Posted By: peace and love @ 01/26/2008 8:46:54 AM

    Comment: Christians believe that religion is okay in government as long as it's THEIR religion. They aren't so sure/welcoming if another religion appears.

    Religion and politics don't mix. Individual beliefs guide individuals. Keep it out of government.

  • Posted By: ndolan622 @ 01/25/2008 11:35:12 PM

    Comment: I have always enjoyed Joel Osteen! And I was baptized Catholic!

 
 
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