Although I like some things about Reverend Osteen, and I am sure God is doing good things through him, I think it is unfortunate that he is listed as the most influential Christian in America. There are many other people on the list whom I think are actually being used by God in more dynamic ways, such as Rick Warren and James Dobson and James Kennedy, etc. I sometimes worry when someone like Reverend Osteen, who can be easily misinterpreted as preaching a "feel good" Gospel, is assigned this type of a rating. But...again....I do know God is using him.
I have responded on our blog about your list. http://spm1313.blogpsot.com
All but two or three represent the apogee of the Charismatic Renewal or the Evangelical wind of the USAmerican Church. #45 is very creative. #28 is the closest thing we have on the list to one of the mystic fathers of the past. #8 and 12 are "new" voices in our culture. There is not another mystic, artist, scientist, musician, poet, literary artist among them. But for Billy Graham, most of them will not be remembered in 100 yrs.
I must agree with your choice of Joel Osteen. I know some want to cast stones but influence can be easily measured and Joel's influence cannot be denied. Who else preaches to over 40,000 each weekend? Who else has the largest television ministry in the U.S.? Who else fills arenas across the country? Who else has sold millions of books that has touched lives? Joel Osteen is only one in the country that meets that standard. But then again I am biased. I wrote a book about Joel that is just been released to bookstores. The Rise of Lakewood Church and Joel Osteen.
I think it's a sad statement that Joel Osteen tops the list. Mainstream evangelicals need to work harder to fight the prosperity gospel
Didn't Osteen go on CNN and an completely sidestep the question about who would and wouldn't get into Heaven, saying he didn't know if people of the Jewish or Muslim faiths are wrong? I understand that he doesnt't want to sit in judgement, but over and over again he said he believes in Jesus, the Bible..." If he believes what is in the Bible than he should be ready to stand up and say that the Bible teaches only those who receive CHRIST, not Allah into their hearts and ask him to be Lord of their lives will go to Heaven. His dancing around this question did nothing but tell all of the nonbelievers out there that there is more than one way to get into Heaven and as long as you lead a "good" life, that will do. I think it's sad that this man has been heralded as the the most influencial Christian. Scripted prayers,sermons, incorrect information to non-believers. This is not a man I would want influencing the non-believers I know.
Unfortunately the list says influential not, those that rightly divide the word of truth. Influental here means popular, ear tickler, etc. If he was speaking the truth in love, he'd have a fraction of the attention, as well as Rick
Warren et al.
I agree with Marshall. Here is the dictionary definition of in·flu·ence. (¹n“fl›-…ns) n. Abbr. infl.
1. A power affecting a person, thing, or course of events, especially one that operates without any direct or apparent effort. 2.a. Power to sway or affect based on prestige, wealth, ability, or position.
The blog proposition focuses the second definition of opinion or perception - not on actual fact. The first definition of influence focuses on the reality and would require scientific study.
My web site favorites list contains many of the top 50 in the poll. I find them interesting, challenging and inspiring. Yes, these fifty do have influence, but - on whom? how many? to what degree? compared to whom else?
Therefore, based upon the question, the responses make interesting blog discussion but cannot be construed as reflecting the reality, actuality or the truth.
Have fun!
I enjoyed reading your top 50.
blessings
Steve Appel
I grew up in a Methodist church and enjoyed it. With today;s demands on our time aside from work, I find that Joel provides just enough of the rich mix of Christian guidance in the best venue for today;s baby boomers that were raised in the Protestant religion. He provides the leadership and inspiration across many venues, and makes us relate and feel good,,,, the perfect antidote to today's hectic lifestyle and schedules, and very appropriate for this millenium.
I must admit to being a "newbie" when it comes to Joel Osteen. My wife actually brought me to his TV sermons. I am sure Joel's style and smile can be a turn off to some. But I find the positive air his messages take on to be refreshing in this day when many of my Christian-based TV channels contain speakers trying to get a doom-and-gloom message out between sobs. I find my own positive outlook on my Christian life and life itself comes closer to Joel's than some others who would bring me down if I was to be exposed to their sermons for very long.
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