On the whole, it wasn't as bad as I feared. Sure, you get the obligatory talking heads counterpoint that shoehorns in some criticism of Joel. Halfway in, the report turns to money. And the reporter fishes for a quote by Joel on success ("Humbled by your success?"). But Joel doesn't take the bait ... and that tends to make the interview portion rather encouraging to see.
What you also see, though, is a bit of Joel as we see him: genuine, authentic, and caring. Reporters wrestling with issues of church & religion range the spectrum, from well-versed to ... well, not. But trying to fathom what it is that makes larger churches tick, I don't doubt, is a unique problem for many. At the end of the day, the majority in this world does not live a life experienced in a church community. And it's an even smaller percentage of people who experience that in a large church like Lakewood. Even then, not everyone sees things the same - it still boggles my mind that anyone would just arrive in time for Joel's message, leave immediately thereafter ... and that's it. But to each their own.
I think the newest round of media coverage on Joel just might be more of a challenge on the media. The first round has already worked in as much of the "money, success, self-help" angle. At the end of the run, it might just have to come down to the fact that there's an actual church going on. We might not be there yet (or really, ever), but as reporters look for new & unique ways to cover Lakewood and/or Joel Osteen, there's going to have to be new ways to do that. Byron Pitts interviews Joel on a tour through Lakewood, in the gym, and at a pickup game of basketball. Credit him for trying.
One factual error worth pointing out, though. Byron Pitts says that Joel got a $13 million advance for his book. Not true. The number comes from estimates of what Joel's book contract is worth. The innovative part of that contract is that it's a co-publishing deal where Joel ends up with a much higher percentage of each book than normal. Part of the tradeoff for such a deal is that there is a lower advance, and therefore greater risk on the part of the author. A simple check in the local paper, the New York Times (or even this fair blog) might have been a good way for 60 Minutes to check their facts:
"The contract does not adhere to the usual book deal with the author receiving an advance on future royalties. The royalty rate is 15 percent of the cover price of each book sold. Rather, the contract is known in the industry as a co-publishing agreement, where the author receives a smaller advance - perhaps $1 million to $2 million - but is then entitled to receive 50 percent of the publisher's profits."
3 Comments
I just wanted to share the letter I sent to Dr. Horton. Good or bad, souls are saved and that is what is most important.
Good Morning Rev. Horton,
I wanted to offer a response to your comments on Joel Osteen that aired on 60 Minutes this past Sunday, October 14th. As a believer, I totally agree with the fact that our hope is in the Lord and in Him, also, should we focus. I just wanted to encourage you moving forward that in this day and age when Christianity and morality in general are under such great attack that we should have a united front. In this I mean, even if you totally (or in part) disagree with the methods of Joel Osteen your response could have been, "He is a brother in Christ and I won't speak against him. If, indeed, his methods are misleading in any way, God is His judge, not me."
For example sake, look at the gay and lesbian community--a lifestyle that has seemingly increased with trend and influence--and notice they don't speak against one another. I'm sure their approaches and views may vary, but when there is a media opportunity, their voice is one. I also use this community as an example because they are one of the smallest, but one would never know it because of their unified voice and influence. How much more should Christianity be as it is one of the largest communities in our nation?
I thank you for all you do and just wanted to encourage you to assist in repairing the world's view of Christianity, and not add to its continued disqualification.
Thank you,
VeRonda Wicks
Hey Greg!
Thanks for sharing! hehehe...I missed the first half of it last night, but I was praying that you'll put it up...hehehe
There's one thing that got me in the video that I caught last night. One of them mentioned that it is heresy what Pastor Joel Osteen is doing. I just don't understand why they're doing that. Why can't they accept that Pastor Joel's way is also God's way? Why can't religion be as simple as that...why have it too complicated that other people don't understand it. Can't they see that there's more people who are accepting God's word because of the way Pastor Joel is preeching?
Anywayz, it was a good show last night.
Thanks Greg for putting this up. Thanks also, VeRonda for that well-versed letter to Rev. Horton...We definitely need to put up a united front as Christians instead of fighting each other constantly. I pray continually for the unity of All believers everywhere. Thanks all and God bless!