In an interview with NorthJersey.com this week in preparation for a book signing, pastor Joel Osteen admitted he’s “never really thought about” whether or not Christ was poor. The comment came in the midst of a conversation about whether or not Osteen qualifies as a “prosperity” preacher.
Osteen said he’s heard that “when [Jesus] was arrested and crucified, they sold his robe, and it was ‘seamless'” and finely made. “But I never really thought about whether he was poor or not. I think his needs were supplied,” he finally answered.
Osteen, pastor of 30,000-member Lakewood Church in Houston, has been criticized by more fundamental ministers for focusing his sermons on God’s plan for His followers’ success and happiness while avoiding harsher subjects like repentance, but Osteen says he “doesn’t have the heart to beat people down.”
“I think they’re already beaten down by life,” he said. “There is a part of Christianity that says you’re supposed to suffer and be poor and downtrodden. I don’t believe that’s how God wants us to live. I think He wants us to excel and be happy and be a blessing to others.” He also said he doesn’t like the term “prosperity gospel”: “That’s telling everybody God is going to make you rich. I never do that.”
His latest book, I Declare: 31 Promises to Speak Over Your Life, offers a daily declaration for Christians to assist them in “taking charge of their future,” according to the Lakewood website.
