The new list of the Top 50 Most Influential Christians in America is out. #1 is none other than Joel Osteen. As a tribute to this prestigous honor, I thought I would post a couple of popular YouTube videos of Osteen where he talks about the Bible and savlation in Jesus Christ alone. You think the Church in America is in trouble? Listen to/watch the answers from our “#1 man.”
On Scripture
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3euLlSdy2c]
On the Gospel
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfwYU2pmWYQ]
On Salvation
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPeYUXuuRUM]
Note: Of those in the top 10, only one who influence me as a Christian. Only a handful in the entire top 50. How am I supposed to interpret this reality? If these are the leading influences of Christianity in America, I hope I am abnormal.
*** P&P got exclusive insider info about who barely missed the Top 50 list. Below are numbers 51 and 52. Enjoy.
51. Pastor Tony Smith
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAjaigXw03c]
52. Robert Tilton
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lX5osjoL1Rw]
It’s interesting that they included Pres. Bush on the list since he neither pastors, teaches, or writes theologically. But I guess Joel Osteen can now say that he’s more influential than the president of the U.S.
Now THAT’s a scary thought!
Timmy,
Have you picked up the new book ‘Believer’s Baptism”? If so what were your thoughts?
David,
I have not. Have you?
Adam,
In the top 10, we have a person who denies the Trinity, a leading proponent of pomo, a leader of the seeker-sensitive movement, the founder of the television station who holds the record for the most heretical broadcasts, and a couple who do not believe that those who do not believe in Jesus will go to hell. I don’t know where Bush stands on these, but maybe if he go on TBN and denied the Trinity, hell, and pronounced more blessings of health and prosperity, he could have made it in the top 10.
Thank God for John Piper though! He basically preaches against everything represented in the remaining top 10. Now that’s ironic.
I’ve got it but I haven’t had a chance to read it. I’m looking forward to it though!
David,
Is that the one that Dr. Wellum contributed to? Or Dr. Nettles? I think there’s a couple coming out this year . . .
Timmy,
Where does Billy Graham fit into things in your mind as one of the top 10?
Just curious,
Thanks.
Timmy:
Thanks for the work you do on your blog. Your passion comes through loud and clear. I am astounded every time a list like this comes out and I agree that the church in the USA is in deep trouble. Even in our own convention, Bellvue is in the midst of being torn apart. God have mercy on us all.
Dylan,
Graham is a tough one for me. I have deep respect for him, for his integrity and longevity in ministry, his love and commitent to Christ, etc. I also have serious disagreements with Graham on several issues, including his view of decisional regeneration, inclusivism, and probably on inerrancy (though I would need some clarification on that). Regarding his being in the top 10, I am not sure how he is currently influencing Americans or Christianity at this time, but then I again I don’t know how the people who put this list together measure “influence.” Suffice it to say, Graham is one of the most admired men in recent history, and that should be recognized. I just wonder if his ministry and legacy will also include his weak and I would argue unbiblical stance on key issues.
I hope that gives you a little on where I stand with Graham. I wrote recently on his Newsweek special several months ago. You can retrieve those articles in the best of 2006 post I did last week.
Jeff,
Thanks man. Indeed, evangelicalism and the SBC is in a crisis and need of real leadership from this new generation. We need men like Carl F.H. Henry, Machen, Schaeffer, and Lloyd-Jones in our generation. A new day brings new challenges which must be met with new leadership. May there be men for the day.
Thanks for clarifying. It was a very balanced and careful response, much along the lines of what I would answer if I were more articulate.
I’m thankful that God uses weak and broken men to build his Kingdom rather than waiting for us to get everything just right. If that were not so, there would be no Church today and I certainly would be a useless tool, unfit for service.
Timmy,
It was edited by Dr. Schreiner and Dr. Wright. It includes contributions from Dr. Wellum, Dr. Kostenberger, Dr. Garrett, Dr. Stein and of course Dr. Schreiner and Dr. Wright. The title of the book is “Believer’s Baptism: Sign of the New Covenant in Christ” you should check it out maybe post a review for us.
Well, since you have the book already, how about when you finish it and write a review, I will post it here on P&P? 🙂
Seriously, I saw it in the bookstore today. I was tempted to get it, but I am trying to keep myself from purchasing books that are not required for my Spring classes right now. I am definitely interested in reading it, however. The table of contents look appealing, and I am certain that the scholarship will prove more than competent to handle the current issues regarding baptism today.
http://web.archive.org/web/20050815081239/http://www.joelosteen.com/site/PageServer?pagename=LarryKingLetter
Pretty much what I expected for a list mostly bad with some good ones mixed in there. I was a little surprised that Rick Warren was so far down at 16, I thought he’d be #2. Especially since this is a gauge of “influence” and not orthodoxy. Robert Tilton at #52…you’ve got to be kidding!
Renee,
In fairness, I appreciate the link. It appears that he realizes that what he said was wrong and unbiblical. I wonder, however, if one presses the issue with him today if he would articulate the same response. What troubles me, however, is how similar this approach of correction is/was with Billy Graham. Graham has a front-page cover article in Newsweek in which he appears to deny inerrancy and clearly argues against explicit faith in Christ alone. The next issue, he offers a weak clarification . . . in the “letters to the editor” section! Who reads that I might ask? For ever million who read the article, I estimate a thousand read the letter to the editor. Such is the letter on Osteen’s website. Millions listened and watched on Larry King Live. How many, do you think, have read this article?
When you are placed in front of an audience with the gospel, your true colors shine. Has MacArthur or Mohler fumbled the faith on Lary King Live or anywhere else? No, because it is the same with them no matter how big the audience or being afraid of offending someone. They are God’s representatives, and the only person they are afraid of offending is Him. A Christian leader should not have to be going back and forth making clarifications or corrections after the fact when in essence, they don’t really matter anyway.
That may sound harsh, but the reality is we have spokesmen for the evangelical world who either don’t know what they believe or are too embarrassed to say it like it is. Ted Haggard did the same thing when interviewed by Barbara Walters on the “heaven” special. As convictional and confessional Christians, we should not accept such weak and tipid presentations of the truth.
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