Joel Osteen, the ever optimistic megachurch pastor and televangelist has been hitting the media circuits this week promoting his new book, I Declare: 31 Promises to Speak Over Your Life. Osteen is the pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, reportedly the largest church in America, with 43,000 people in attendance each Sunday and millions more through internet and television broadcasts. Though Osteen is primarily known for his “prosperity gospel” books and sermons, as a prominent evangelical figure, the megachurch pastor is often asked to share his opinion on political issues.
Osteen tries to avoid contentious topics and on CNN’s Piers Morgan show (where he has made multiple appearances), Morgan called him out for waffling on important issues. When asked his view of the death penalty, Osteen answered: “You know, it’s a complicated issue, Piers. I haven’t thought a whole lot about it … it’s hard for me.” Morgan told him: “You can’t be the man who influences millions of people and sit on the fence about key moral issues like that.”
Read Full Article »