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Now, I’m not one to judge but it’s hard not to wonder about the phenomenon that is Joel and Victoria Osteen. They’re currently making their way through the various media outlets to promote Victoria’s new book, Love Your Life: Living Happy, Healthy, and Whole. After the success of Joel Osteen’s first two books, it seems that Victoria couldn’t help herself but to get in on the action. The Osteens have amassed a huge empire that includes their 40,000 member mega-church in Houston, best selling books, worship albums and of course their weekly TV show. Christian supporters would be quick to point out that God is the reason for the Osteens’ popularity and that’s all fine and dandy. But I think there’s a bit more to it than that. Somehow the Osteens have tapped into our society’s need for success and prosperity. Most would agree that Joel Osteen is a great motivational speaker but you can’t really call him a preacher. Yes, he mentions a couple of bible verses every once in a while but he’s basically there on stage to share some cute stories and speak of a God that will grant you wealth and happiness that’s strangely on the verge of sounding like Rhonda Byrne’s The Secret. Essentially the all important message seems to be – if you believe that you’ll be rich and happy, then it will come to pass. Now, I’m no expert on theology but aren’t Christians suppose to strive to be “Christ-like”? I don’t remember Jesus wanting to be rich or living in a mansion and wearing designer clothing. He lived among the poor, the weak and the downtrodden. His concern was not to become wealthy but to help the lost, the sick, the sinners. It seems that the message has been lost along the way. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying all Christians need to be poor and live in a shack but I think Osteen’s teachings are too skewed toward being wealthy and having nice things.

As for Victoria’s new book – in this week’s Newsweek, writer Lisa Miller wonders “What’s God got to do with it?” The book apparently focuses more on achieving one’s own happiness than having concern for others. Victoria also goes on to tell her readers that it’s OK to manipulate others to get your way. According to the Newsweek article, Osteen writes, “I know if I just wait long enough, eventually my idea will become Joel’s idea, and it will come to pass.” So in other words, plant a seed in your husband’s mind, get him to think it’s his idea and encourage him to follow through with the idea and voila, you get your way. sort of subversive, don’t you think? and as for the title of the book, give me a break. Of course it’s easy to “love your life” when you’re rich, pretty and have an arena full of followers!!

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1. Paul McCartney – Citi Field – set list – Billy Joel
2. The Black and White Years – Power to Change

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ramblings by retroDan