He loves to restore opportunities that once seemed lost forever. And sometimes He brings those opportunities back in ways we haven’t considered or weren’t looking for. It may not always be the way we thought; but if you’ll stay open, God will bless you beyond your wildest dreams.” Such is the language of the “prosperity gospel”; accused by some as having an unbalanced emphasis on God’s promise to bless those who follow his commands rather than being focused on the pursuit of holiness through personal sacrifice. But it is a message that works for Victoria and her husband Joel, as together, they are considered an inspiration to millions.
Victoria also has a strong interest in children’s literature and has published a children’s book box set entitled “My Happy Heart.” These books serve as tools for parents who wish to raise their children with the knowledge of God’s greatness. In 2010, Victoria founded the Victoria Osteen Child Legacy Program; a program that works to get books in the hands of children in an effort to break the cycle of illiteracy.
In addition to being an author and philanthropist, Victoria hosts a live, call-in radio show every week on Joel Osteen Radio on Sirius XM. In the show, Victoria espouses her practical wisdom and reminds her following to approach each day with faith and gratitude. Her message and a personal approach are appreciated by a large variety of listeners all over the globe.
Controversy
A church as successful as Lakewood, the third-largest church in the country, is not going to be without its naysayers. Joel Osteen has been portrayed in a Washington Post article as the “preacher America loves to hate”. Joel and Victoria are unarguably wealthy and their message seems to be that God always blesses the righteous with health, wealth and happiness. Joel has been painted as a preacher that cares more about wealth than welfare and that his church focuses extreme theological weight on tithes and offerings but, at the same time, is not a leader in charitable giving. This type of behavior tends to raise eyebrows, among Christians in particular, about who is the primary beneficiary of the so-called “prosperity gospel”.
When the hurricane hit Houston, people were looking for places to seek refuge. Joel and Victoria Osteen said they were praying for the victims of the floods but did not immediately offer their church as a place where victims could seek shelter. The thought of rain-soaked Houstonians being turned away at the very doorstep of the Lakewood church became a public relations nightmare for the church. But the real tragedy is that this behavior reflected poorly on all churches, even those that acted more graciously by providing shelter for anyone in need. Joel, Victoria, and Lakewood are capable of doing many good, even great, things; but it must always be focused on the messages of sympathy and benevolence and not just necessarily the message of the prosperity gospel.
Sources
https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2017/09/02/joel-osteen-right-close-lakewood-church-but-he-lost-chance-teach-christianity-kirkland-an-column/622215001/
Return to the previous page| Birth Date: | 28 Mar, 1961 |
| Age: | 59 yrs |
| Occupations: | Writer Politician |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Huntsville |
| residence: | Houston |
| Education: | University of Houston |
| Gender: | Female |
| Description: | American pastor, author |
| Spouse: | Joel Osteen |
| Net Worth 2020: | 100 million |
| Net Worth 2021: | 100 million |
