Okay.Β I couldn’t believe it when my blog was banned by the Pope.Β But I think it has been vindicated upon the news that Joel Osteen has endorsed the 2008 Puritan Reading Challenge.Β Word has it that he is planning a message entitled, “Become a Better Reed.”
Wow, thanks for warning me of the danger of the Puritans. If Osteen endorses them, then they can’t be good!
John,
I think Osteen, as a astute student of 17th century English Puritans, recognized Sibbes as a uniter an not a divider, a somewhat conciliatory pacifist and not a embattled nonconformist. For the gentle, softer side, Osteen says, read Sibbes.
* Note: This post is satire, so before anyone goes any further in the thread and does not recognize the source is Purgatorio, let me make sure this is a joke, as is being banned by the Pope!
Isn’t Marc at Purgatorio great?
Thanks for the Friday (it’s already lunchtime Friday here in Japan) Funny! I plan to post this on my Blog since I just posted on the first Chapter of Sibbes book! π
Loved it!
Now if only we can convince Osteen to go to seminary and get a good solid theological grounding. π
Between Purgatorio and Tominthebox, I’m not sure if my ribs are going to be able to handle the laughter.
This is great!!
I wondered why my blog was receiving more hits from Houston. It must be the fact that the most influential Houstonian is now onboard with the Puritan Reading Challenge.
It is a good thing that I just read the section of Tim Challies book on discernment dealing with the problem of “guilt by association”. Prior to reading that I might just have thrown all of my Puritan Books in the trashcan now that Joel Osteen thinks they are good.
On a more serious note, my copy of “Meet the Puritans” arrived in the mail today. What a great book! Additionally, while WST and monergism do a great job of packaging books for mailing I don’t know how anyone can beat RHB.
Too bad Dr. Mohler didn’t catch wind of this before he did his radio show today! I guess there really is some gospel to Osteen’s madness after all. Hmm… perhaps this wanna-be pastor really has Reformed. Then again…
http://www.albertmohler.com/radio_list.php
Hmm…Osteen and the Puritans? Good start for 2008! I really hope that he endorses the entire challenge. Personally I would be very inetrested to hear him give his thoughts on the “Rare Jewel’ after August!.
Personally I would be very inetrested to hear him give his thoughts on the βRare Jewelβ after August!
No kidding!
You are a genious!!! Maybe Osteen is reading P&P…that would be something!
Just checked his website and thereon he confirms that he READS P&P together with Pagatorio!!!
Tim, you guys got me!!! hadn’t seen the asterik on your first comment.
Timmy, this was pretty good. Glad to see that the challenge has gone farther than expected π Come hang out with me in South Florida sometime. I got a spot at the local Cracker Barrel where we could talk.
All you need now is Chuck Norris and you will have an official move of God. π
CHUCK NORRIS! YES, I can see it now:
“This puritan paperback is CHUCK APROVED”
On a different note, Timmy, did you happen to see Nightline last night? The good right reverend Creflo Dollar was on and explaining how Jesus was never poor. You may have been at work, but it may be out in the youtube land somewhere. FYI.
Rees,
So that means you are going to invite him to speak at one of your Reformed conferences there in Zambia, right? π
Brad,
Great to hear from you man! Yes, we will have to get together, Cracker Barrell style of course!
Zach,
Oh, I am sure Chuck (we’re on first name basis) is well aware of the PRC. He’s a little tied up with the HuckaChuck and lunch appointments with Rick Flair. π
Ron,
No, I missed the Nightline, but I would be interested in watching it. Somehow those specials do wind up on YouTube, so I suppose I will be able to find it there. I am quite sure that Creflo’s statements are consistent with his other wild ideas.
Although I can appreciate the cleverness of this satire, and you are very clever, Timmy, I can’t help wondering how poking fun at a very lost and confused man, who is so highly visible, brings Glory to God. Although we might understand this and enjoy it, I am certain that this type of behavior will not draw lost souls to embrace the truths that we hold dear. It will actually make them want to avoid us like the plague, and by association, the truths we proclaim.
Good humor is one thing and would be appropriate in the privacy of our homes and between mature brothers, but whether or not we should indulge in this publicly is perhaps something we should spend some time “spiritually discerning”.
We are to be “salt and light” and I fear this type of behavior will taste more like vinegar to those who we desire to reach with the truth. Just something to think about.
D.L. Kane
Timmy, Please don’t let Conrad hear you say that about me!
D.L.,
Thanks for the words of caution. Know that I appreciate them very much. The satire, though seldom here at P&P, has the intention to make a candid point through humor. What satire sometimes does is make a particular point in a more illustrative and striking way. I realize that it can be seen inappropriate, but I hope people can see the nature of the post for what it’s worth.
Apostasy from, or preaching an altogether different, gospel is no laughing matter, but the idea that Osteen would recommend The Bruised Read and PRC, I think is – and I think that’s the difference. In other words, it is not a laugh or mockery of the man but the apparent juxtaposition or contradiction that is implied with a health and wealth prosperity preacher recommending the Puritans.
Rees,
If I see Conrad this year, I will be sure to inform him on your plans to have “Your Best Life Now” as required reading for Christian discipleship in your church. π
Just kidding!
D.L.,
don’t be too hard on Timmy, I created and posted the satire on my blog and he linked to it. That being said… I agree with Timmy’s response.
Marc from Purgatorio
Marc,
Sorry for giving Timmy credit for your cleverness.
I really wasn’t “being hard” on anyone. Just expressing a concern that we may all sometimes cross the line for a good laugh and to make a point without really considering the long term or overall consequences. What I think we have to ask ourselves is whether the point we desire to make is really worth fueling the fire of misunderstanding. Many in the main stream perceive us as a bunch of arrogant, intellectual, unloving elitists. This kind of thing can promote that preception.
If you have prayfully considered this and your conscience is clear before God, so be it. Just thought I’d share my thoughts. Iron sharpens Iron.
D.L. Kane
thanks D.L. Sound advice.
SDG,
marc