For a short time, I subscribed to Matt Walsh's blog on life. I didn't subscribe because I necessarily agreed or disagreed. I subscribed for a different point of view. It's nice to hear and educate yourself about other people's opinions to either strengthen your argument or strengthen your debate. It's also nice to know what other's think. I'm fascinated by people's viewpoints sometimes.
While I respect Matt Walsh's tell it like it is approach to everything, I sometimes think that he posts opinions just to cause raucous. This is both genius and idiotic. On one hand, he's dividing the crowd and causing people to read simply because he's got such a polarizing opinion. On the other hand, he's showing what a judgmental a-hole he is on certain topics. To be honest, I both respect the guy and...well think he's a judgmental a-hole. I think that he is an "arguer". He's always gonna look to be on the smaller side of the debate...and he's good at arguing his points. Still, I had to discontinue reading because I think he's small-minded and it's not worth my time.
His post that threw me over the edge was a post on how Joel Osteen is a heretic. I'm sorry. I couldn't disagree more. Heresy is defined as "belief or opinion contrary to orthodox religious (especially Christian) doctrine." There are two major issues with this. First of all, a belief is defined as "an acceptance that a statement is true or that something exists". Joel Osteen (and his wife) firmly believe that they are doing Christ's work and who is to tell them that they aren't. Who is to say that anyone that is bringing salvation to lost souls is not doing Christ's work. After all, Christ commands us to do just that. The Bible can be interpreted in a million ways but it's very clear that God commands his followers to inform, save and baptize. Joel Osteen (and his wife) are doing that.
The second major issue is that heresy itself isn't distinct to Christianity. While widely associated with it, it is not the only religion that can be used in the context of this word. If this is the case, we're all heretics to some degree because very few religions believe ANY of the same things.
Walsh's blog post was designed to polarize people and make a villain out of Joel Osteen, a conspiracy theory if you will. The fact is that, in my humble opinion, Osteen is bringing people to God. He may not be doing it the way that others do it. He might make a hell of a lot of money doing it (which, by the way, he donates ALOT of...and let's not forget that Solomon was blessed by God and was filthy rich...just sayin). He might say things that can be taken out of context. The proof is in the pudding though. He is bringing people to God...and the people's bringing to God and creating more spiritual fruit and it's going on and on. You may not like his approach but he's doing it.
My final argument and disagreement on this piece is that he refers to Osteen as bringing people to "his God." Okay, big problem with that wording. Christianity is about worshiping a God that is VERY personal. God created each of us and, thus, speaks to us in very different ways. He doesn't speak to us in a way that is belittling or negative. He speaks to us in a way that is uplifting and teaching. Sometimes we don't like his approach but, the fact remains, people are different. They are going to experience God in different ways. Osteen may be bringing people to "his God" but once they accept Christ into their hearts, they experience God in their own way.
I support you, Joel Osteen. Despite the critics, I think you're a good man :)
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