Where did Joel Osteen get the saying "this is my Bible I can do what it says I can do"?
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This question is about the phrase 'this is my Bible I can do what it says I can do' and where Joel Osteen got it. We understand some folks do not approve of his theology but we ask that you stay on topic to focus on the phrase.
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What does the Bible say about the prosperity gospel?
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Asked August 13 2013
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Mary Jackson
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Anonymous
I would be hesitant to fully take on what Joel Osteen claims as he teaches the Prosperity Gospel, which is not the gospel inherent in scripture. Osteen's Prosperity Gospel is, in summary, the claim that 'true' believers can find wealth and prosperity here on earth when following God's commandments and word, therefore, creating the false dichotomy that believers that are not prosperous must not be 'true' believers or that they are not believing enough. Imagine the deep despair this would create in the mind of the Christian who has struggles - financially, physically, or otherwise. That despair could then turn into disdain or discontentment or lowered self-esteem, in turn, 'proving' Osteen right - that is called confirmation bias, or self-fulfilled prophecy. No, the true gospel should be understood in the context of examples of true believers: martyrdom, difficulty, antagonism to the faith, and normal life hardships. It is a normal, if not required, life for the believer to suffer trials and tribulations to develop perseverance, patience, and long-suffering. Thus, I would always question Osteen's claims and cross-check them with the entirety of Scripture.