Is your church a cult?

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-06-2009
Is your church a cult?
1
Fri, 02-27-2009 - 7:11pm

I was reading

Pages

Avatar for rollmops2009
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-24-2009
Sat, 03-14-2009 - 4:20am
Those guys remind me of mediums a little, similar schtick, and both prey on gullible people.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2009
Sat, 03-14-2009 - 12:51pm
How so? Have you watched Joel Osteen? Can I ask how you think he is"preying" at gullible people? He does not take money from the donations of the parishioners going to the church. When you give to your church, that money is usually separated and some of it pays for the priest, minister, pastors salary. Not true in Joel Osteen's case.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2009
Sat, 03-14-2009 - 12:52pm
How so?
Avatar for rollmops2009
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-24-2009
Sat, 03-14-2009 - 1:24pm

He is really something else:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=di9-PebV634&eurl=http://www.blog.joelx.com/joel-osteen-megachurch-pastor-without-christ/668/

"Buckets of money -- over $43 million a year gets collected in the church, another $30 million or so comes in the mail. It's a cash cow and a family business. Osteen's brother, sister and mother are ministers in the church. But the real money for Osteen comes from his book sales, which are re-packaged versions of his sermons. His latest book, "Become A Better You," for which he reportedly got a $13 million advance, debuted in October at number one on the New York Times bestseller list and is on the list today. The book lays out seven principles he believes will improve our lives."
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/10/11/60minutes/main3358652.shtml

But, yeah, I am sure none of that money ever gets into his pocket, his wife's pocket or the pockets of his siblings. Besides, he can live off the books if he has to.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-06-2009
Sat, 03-14-2009 - 1:28pm
He also has no formal divinity training, no degree in any kind of religious study and seems stumped by the basic tenets of scripture. Yet he has a 'cultlike' following based purely on his megawatt smile and ability to get people to give up over $73 million a year. Some "reverand"
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2009
Sat, 03-14-2009 - 1:30pm

1. You did not answer my question


2. I did mention that he is not paid from the donations given to the church. He makes his salary from his books and shows. The church needs to have money to run, as all do and it does so by donations.


3. I TRULY believe in "The Secret" and motivational speakers like Joel Osteen. Positivity goes ALONG way in life. Think positive, you will get positive. Think negative and you will get negative.


Avatar for rollmops2009
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-24-2009
Sat, 03-14-2009 - 1:32pm
Yes, it is pretty repulsive. I was wrong on one point though, most mediums do not haul in anywhere near that much money.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2009
Sat, 03-14-2009 - 1:34pm

Motivation, postive thinking, being spiritual. These are all the things Joel Osteen and other motivational speakers and ideas (The Secret) provide to other. I truly believe being positive helps in my life.


Someday I WILL win the lotto, why? because I know I will and am bringing those lucky vibes to myself. I have done it before, saying I will win something and have.


More negativity in your (general your) life brings more negativity. There are too many things to be happy about, too many blessings and miracles I have experienced and many more to come to be negative in my thinking.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2009
Sat, 03-14-2009 - 1:35pm
Again, it is all a spiritual thing and positive thinking. Good things will come to you if you believe they will.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-06-2009
Sat, 03-14-2009 - 1:41pm
no not on that scale butwe had some chick named Lisa williams at our theater last year (a promoter or 'rental' show) and she sold out -- at liek $75 a ticket -- 1310 seats. And EVERY person that called for tickets had to give their own story about how they wanted her to talk to their grandma or something... seriously..what people will believe.. I'm in the wrong line of work

Pages