Osteen offers to pray at gay mayor's swearing in
Oh the price of popularity!
Church Ministries Representative, serving in the Midwest, for The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry
[Paul J. Scharf] Oh the price of popularity!Why is this a price to pay? Apparently he wanted to do this.
Is this a surprise to anyone?
Raises the question, which came first, the popularity or the fast & loose attitude toward the Bible?
But the more interesting question is what does praying for a new governor say about the governor’s lifestyle? What if he/she is a heavy drinker rather than openly practicing homosexual? What if the gov. is greedy or dishonest or arrogant or an adulterer? Where do you draw the line?
Personally, I’d find it hard to single out one sin and say “This is grounds for not publicly praying for the person,” to the exclusion of other sins.
But I would certainly not volunteer for the job of the public ‘blessing.’ I’d have to publicly pray that that the gov.-to-be sees the error of her ways and—better yet—finds the Savior.
But the more interesting question is what does praying for a new governor say about the governor’s lifestyle? What if he/she is a heavy drinker rather than openly practicing homosexual? What if the gov. is greedy or dishonest or arrogant or an adulterer? Where do you draw the line?
Personally, I’d find it hard to single out one sin and say “This is grounds for not publicly praying for the person,” to the exclusion of other sins.
But I would certainly not volunteer for the job of the public ‘blessing.’ I’d have to publicly pray that that the gov.-to-be sees the error of her ways and—better yet—finds the Savior.
Views expressed are always my own and not my employer's, my church's, my family's, my neighbors', or my pets'. The house plants have authorized me to speak for them, however, and they always agree with me.
Thanks for you post Aaron. You beat me to the punch. At the risk of taking a hit, I do have a thought to add. Like Aaron, I would not volunteer. But I also wouldn’t turn down the invitation either. I have prayed at a Fire Associaion meeting. There were several hundrud men and women there and most were unsaved. I know many personally were involved in ungodly lifestyles, yet I still prayed.
I am not an Osteen supporter at all. But If I were asked to pray over a newly elected mayor publically I would. I would use it as an opportunity to do what God calls all believers to do (praying for elected officials) I would put some Gospel thoughts in the prayer, and I would use the mingling time after to build redemptive relationships and witness. I may be wrong, but I don’t believe that praying over a new mayor equalls endorsement - it can but it does not have to. I think it can be done in a way that glorifies God.
OK, I am ready for the arrows now. :)
I am not an Osteen supporter at all. But If I were asked to pray over a newly elected mayor publically I would. I would use it as an opportunity to do what God calls all believers to do (praying for elected officials) I would put some Gospel thoughts in the prayer, and I would use the mingling time after to build redemptive relationships and witness. I may be wrong, but I don’t believe that praying over a new mayor equalls endorsement - it can but it does not have to. I think it can be done in a way that glorifies God.
OK, I am ready for the arrows now. :)
Roger Carlson, Pastor Berean Baptist Church
I concur with Roger & Aaron regarding the willingness to pray in such a venue, without necessarily volunteering. What I find puzzling, though, is why Osteen was asked? Certainly it could simply be that his is the largest church in Houston…TX…USA. But if Osteen were indeed a Bible-believing, faithful-to-the-Word preacher, would he even have been asked, regardless of his church’s size? If instead of saying, “Homosexuality is not ‘God’s best,’” Osteen proclaimed that homosexual/lesbian behavior is an abomination to the Lord, would he have been anywhere near the dais? I kinda doubt it.
Of course, maybe the mayor is a comfortable member of his church. :~
Of course, maybe the mayor is a comfortable member of his church. :~
If you’re a public figure like Osteen, you can always have a press conference after the prayer and say “I’m following the Bible in praying for those in authority. To be clear, I do not intend my prayer to be an expression of approval the authority’s sins, but am rather seeking God’s aid in the work of governing justly and wisely. As with anyone else, I would encourage the mayor to seek redemption in the only One who can provide it. The Lord, Jesus Christ.”
And leave it at that.
… walk away, while reporters shout “Are you saying that the mayor’s sexual orientation is a sin?!”… “Do believe those who don’t share your opinion about Christ are all going to Hell?!” … “Do you believe homosexuality is ‘an abomination’?!” …just keep walking.
And leave it at that.
… walk away, while reporters shout “Are you saying that the mayor’s sexual orientation is a sin?!”… “Do believe those who don’t share your opinion about Christ are all going to Hell?!” … “Do you believe homosexuality is ‘an abomination’?!” …just keep walking.
Views expressed are always my own and not my employer's, my church's, my family's, my neighbors', or my pets'. The house plants have authorized me to speak for them, however, and they always agree with me.
Osteen was asked because he’s safe. He appeases the conscience of the religious but doesn’t step on toes. This is why Aaron (or those like him) weren’t asked to pray. Our officials want to appear religious but refuse the accountability of God’s Word.
If asked to pray- pray but don’t bless. We absolutely cannot condone that which rejects the righteousness and sovereignty of God.
If asked to pray- pray but don’t bless. We absolutely cannot condone that which rejects the righteousness and sovereignty of God.
I think it’s still possible to bless, but you do want to be careful about perceptions and what your blessing. The Roman officials that would have come to mind when 1 Tim.2:1-2 was written were pretty conspicuous sinners, too, I’m sure. But since authority is a gift from God (Rom.13:1-7), we can certainly pray for their safety and effectiveness in doing the work of governing justly. That’s a blessing… it’s just not a “I approve of everything you do” blessing.
But I have to admit, the 1 Tim. passage doesn’t say “bless them.” The gist seems to be “Pray that they will leave you alone!”
But I have to admit, the 1 Tim. passage doesn’t say “bless them.” The gist seems to be “Pray that they will leave you alone!”
Views expressed are always my own and not my employer's, my church's, my family's, my neighbors', or my pets'. The house plants have authorized me to speak for them, however, and they always agree with me.
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