Incredible…
Televangelist Joel Osteen canceled services at his Houston megachurch Sunday and has yet to reopen its doors ā despite the fact that thousands of flooded-out residents are desperately seeking shelter.
The perpetually smiling pastor told followers on Twitter on Monday to lean on their faith.
āJesus promises us peace that passes understanding,ā he wrote. āThatās peace when it doesnāt make sense.ā
But Osteenās comforting words didnāt sit well with critics, who want to know why the doors to his 16,800-seat arena at his Lakewood Church near downtown Houston are closed.
āYou have taken so much money away from your people to live like a king,ā entertainment publicist Danny Deraney blasted. āItās the least you could do.ā
Washington, DC-based writer Charles Clymer tweeted pictures of Lakewood Church, which did not appear to be damaged by floods.
āIt doesnāt make sense why youāre not opening up your mega church to house Houston citizens, help me understand that. Jesus,ā according to Florida-based writer Emily Timbol.
While the church and its arena have not suffered any flood damage yet, ministry spokesman Donald Iloff said their property is inaccessible because of surrounding waters.
And it makes no sense to open church doors when the city and county are already treating thousands of flood victims at the nearby George R. Brown Convention Center, according to Iloff.
Oh, so government has got it, no need for anyone else to lend a hand. Is that it?
Vox nails it:
As does Chris:
Worship in a time of flood is not preaching. It is firing up the kitchen, making soup, and filling sandbags. You can clean up the church once the people have homes they can return to. But now we should be doing charity from our churches. For they are not ours, but Christās.
And our worship of Christ is costly.
Guess this demonstrates clearly, had there been any doubt in anyone’s mind; Osteen’s ‘church’ is not of Christ.
