Snopes Joel Osteen

Snopes Joel Osteen: Debunking the Myths and Misinformation

Introduction:

Have you ever stumbled across a headline claiming Joel Osteen said something outrageous, only to find conflicting information? The internet is awash with misinformation, and prominent figures like Joel Osteen are often the targets of fabricated quotes and misleading stories. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the world of "Snopes Joel Osteen," exploring the veracity of various claims circulating online and equipping you with the tools to discern fact from fiction in the digital age. We'll examine specific examples, explain how misinformation spreads, and offer practical advice on verifying information before sharing it. This post is your ultimate resource for understanding the complex relationship between online fact-checking and high-profile personalities like Joel Osteen.


I. The Power of Misinformation and the Joel Osteen Effect

The internet's vast reach allows misinformation to spread rapidly, particularly when it involves well-known figures. Joel Osteen, with his massive following and influential platform, is a prime target for fabricated quotes and distorted narratives. These false claims can range from the mildly inaccurate to the downright malicious, potentially harming Osteen's reputation and influencing public perception. Understanding the mechanisms behind this spread is crucial to combating it. Social media algorithms, designed to prioritize engagement, often amplify sensational and controversial content, regardless of its accuracy. This creates a feedback loop where false information gains traction and becomes increasingly difficult to debunk. Furthermore, the inherent biases of individuals and their pre-existing beliefs can significantly influence their acceptance or rejection of information, regardless of its factual basis.

II. Common Misinformation Themes Surrounding Joel Osteen

Many false claims about Joel Osteen revolve around themes of wealth, theology, and social responsibility. For example, fabricated quotes often attribute extravagant statements about wealth accumulation to him, portraying him as materialistic and out of touch with his congregation. Other fabricated stories might misrepresent his theological stance or twist his charitable activities to portray a negative image. It's vital to recognize these common narrative threads, as they often form the basis of misleading content. These themes exploit existing societal anxieties and criticisms surrounding prosperity gospel theology, making the misinformation all the more believable to a susceptible audience.

III. Snopes and the Fact-Checking Process

Snopes, a well-known fact-checking website, plays a crucial role in verifying information circulating online. Their rigorous methodology involves tracing the origins of claims, analyzing supporting evidence, and consulting with relevant experts. When investigating claims about Joel Osteen, Snopes meticulously examines the source material, cross-referencing it with official statements, sermons, and other reliable sources. They highlight inconsistencies, expose fabrications, and provide clear explanations of why a claim is false. While not infallible, Snopes serves as a valuable resource for navigating the complexities of online misinformation. Their transparent approach and dedication to accuracy makes them a trusted source for many seeking to verify information.

IV. How to Identify and Avoid Misinformation

Being a critical consumer of information is essential in the digital age. Here are some practical tips to help you identify and avoid misinformation about Joel Osteen or any other public figure:

Check the Source: Is the source reputable? Does it have a history of accurate reporting?
Look for Corroboration: Does the information align with reporting from multiple reliable sources?
Examine the Evidence: Does the source provide verifiable evidence to support its claims?
Beware of Sensationalism: Is the headline designed to provoke an emotional response rather than present factual information?
Consider the Context: Does the information fit within the overall context of the individual's public statements and actions?
Use Fact-Checking Websites: Consult reputable fact-checking sites like Snopes, PolitiFact, and FactCheck.org.


V. The Importance of Media Literacy in the Digital Age

The proliferation of misinformation highlights the critical need for media literacy. Developing the skills to critically evaluate information, identify biases, and recognize manipulative tactics is essential for navigating the complex information landscape. This includes understanding how algorithms work, recognizing common misinformation tactics, and actively seeking out diverse and reliable sources of information. Promoting media literacy education is crucial in empowering individuals to become informed and responsible consumers of information.

VI. Conclusion:

The internet's capacity for rapid information dissemination is a double-edged sword. While it offers unparalleled access to knowledge, it also facilitates the spread of misinformation. Understanding the dynamics of misinformation, utilizing fact-checking resources like Snopes, and developing strong media literacy skills are essential to navigating the complexities of the digital age. By remaining vigilant and critically evaluating information before sharing it, we can collectively combat the spread of false narratives and contribute to a more informed and responsible online environment.



Article Outline: Snopes Joel Osteen

I. Introduction: Hooking the reader and overview of the topic.

II. The Power of Misinformation: Explaining how misinformation spreads online, focusing on Joel Osteen.

III. Common Misinformation Themes: Identifying recurring false claims about Osteen.

IV. Snopes and the Fact-Checking Process: Detailing Snopes' methodology and role in verifying information.

V. How to Identify and Avoid Misinformation: Practical tips for readers to verify information independently.

VI. The Importance of Media Literacy: Emphasizing the need for critical thinking skills in the digital age.

VII. Conclusion: Summarizing key points and encouraging responsible information consumption.


(Detailed explanation of each point is provided above in the main article body.)


9 Unique FAQs:

1. Q: Has Snopes ever debunked a claim about Joel Osteen? A: Yes, Snopes has addressed numerous claims about Joel Osteen, often revealing them to be false or misleading.

2. Q: How can I report a false claim about Joel Osteen? A: You can report false claims to Snopes directly or to other fact-checking websites. You can also report misinformation to the platform where it was shared (e.g., Facebook, Twitter).

3. Q: Why is Joel Osteen a frequent target of misinformation? A: His prominence and influence, coupled with controversies surrounding the prosperity gospel, make him a target for those seeking to spread misinformation.

4. Q: What are some common tactics used to spread misinformation about Joel Osteen? A: Common tactics include fabricating quotes, distorting statements, and using misleading headlines to attract clicks.

5. Q: How does social media contribute to the spread of misinformation about Joel Osteen? A: Social media algorithms often prioritize engagement, amplifying sensational—and often false—content.

6. Q: What is the impact of misinformation about Joel Osteen? A: It can damage his reputation, mislead his followers, and contribute to a general climate of distrust.

7. Q: Are all claims about Joel Osteen debunked by Snopes false? A: No, some claims may be true, but Snopes focuses on verifying the accuracy of information circulating online.

8. Q: How can I improve my ability to spot misinformation? A: Practice critical thinking, check sources, look for corroboration, and utilize fact-checking websites.

9. Q: What is the role of media literacy in combating misinformation? A: Media literacy empowers individuals to critically evaluate information and make informed decisions, preventing the spread of false narratives.



9 Related Articles:

1. The Prosperity Gospel and its Critics: Explores the theological debate surrounding Joel Osteen's teachings.
2. Fact-Checking Websites: A Comprehensive Guide: Reviews various fact-checking organizations and their methodologies.
3. The Psychology of Misinformation: Explores the cognitive biases that make people susceptible to false information.
4. Social Media Algorithms and the Spread of Fake News: Analyzes how social media platforms contribute to misinformation.
5. Media Literacy in the Digital Age: A Practical Guide: Offers actionable tips for improving media literacy skills.
6. Famous People Targeted by Misinformation: Examines other high-profile individuals who are frequent targets of false narratives.
7. The Impact of Misinformation on Public Opinion: Discusses the consequences of spreading false information.
8. Combating Misinformation: Strategies and Best Practices: Offers practical strategies for individuals and organizations to tackle misinformation.
9. Joel Osteen's Charitable Work and its Impact: Examines Osteen's philanthropic efforts and their contribution to society.


  snopes joel osteen: Your Best Life Now Joel Osteen, 2007-09-03 In this remarkable New York Times bestseller, Joel Osteen offers unique insights and encouragement that will help readers overcome every obstacle in their lives.
  snopes joel osteen: That's Not Funny Matt Sienkiewicz, Nick Marx, 2024-03-26 A 2022 Best Comedy Book, Vulture A rousing call for liberals and progressives to pay attention to the emergence of right-wing comedy and the political power of humor. Why do conservatives hate comedy? Why is there no right-wing Jon Stewart? These sorts of questions launch a million tweets, a thousand op-eds, and more than a few scholarly analyses. That's Not Funny argues that it is both an intellectual and politically strategic mistake to assume that comedy has a liberal bias. Matt Sienkiewicz and Nick Marx take readers––particularly self-described liberals––on a tour of contemporary conservative comedy and the right-wing comedy complex. In That's Not Funny, complex takes on an important double meaning. On the one hand, liberals have developed a social-psychological complex—it feels difficult, even dangerous, to acknowledge that their political opposition can produce comedy. At the same time, the right has been slowly building up a comedy-industrial complex, utilizing the humorous, irony-laden media strategies of liberals such as Jon Stewart, Samantha Bee, and John Oliver to garner audiences and supporters. Right-wing comedy has been hiding in plain sight, finding its way into mainstream conservative media through figures ranging from Fox News's Greg Gutfeld to libertarian podcasters like Joe Rogan. That's Not Funny taps interviews with conservative comedians and observations of them in action to guide readers through media history, text, and technique. You will find many of these comedians utterly appalling, some surprisingly funny, and others just plain weird. They are all, however, culturally and politically relevant—the American right is attempting to seize spaces of comedy and irony previously held firmly by the left. You might not like this brand of humor, but you can't ignore it.
  snopes joel osteen: Rule Your Day Joel Osteen, 2022-03-08 #1 New York Times bestselling author and Lakewood Church pastor Joel Osteen teaches readers to keep their days full of faith, praise, and victory. You would like to savor each moment, grow into your best life, engage in productive relationships, and see your dreams come to pass. But distractions, delays, and disappointments relentlessly hijack your plans and undermine your good intentions. While you can’t control everything that comes your way, you can control how life’s unexpected setbacks affect your attitude, emotions, thoughts, and actions. In his latest work, #1New York Times bestselling author Joel Osteen shows you how to be intentional and Rule Your Day. With his trademark wisdom and unwavering positivity, Joel reveals six keys for claiming control over each new day. He teaches you how to identify faulty thinking, recast your vision for the future, rise above your circumstances, guard your heart and mind against negativity, and transcend distractions to focus on what matters most. When you work with the tools God has given you and take control of your time, you can bounce back from disappointments, prevent poisonous thoughts from entering your atmosphere, and fully enjoy the bright future that’s ahead of you. Don’t settle for surviving when you could be thriving—Rule Your Day!
  snopes joel osteen: Become a Better You Joel Osteen, 2009-08-04 Explains how to apply seven action steps to discover individual purpose and destiny, in a guide complemented by biblical principles, devotions, and personal testimonies.
  snopes joel osteen: Varieties of Anomalous Experience Etzel Cardena, Steven J. Lynn, Stanley Krippner, 2013-08-01 For much of the 20th century, unusual perceptions and sensations, radical alternations of consciousness, and other extraordinary subjective experiences were ignored as legitimate topics of study in mainstream psychology. Recent years, however, have witnessed a burgeoning interest in the scientific study of anomalous experiences. In this updated edition, the editors have invited experts to provide definitive reviews and analyses of a wide range of anomalous experiences, from commonly documented sensations and perceptions like synesthesia, lucid dreaming, out-of-body experiences, and auditory and visual hallucinations, to rarer and more seemingly inexplicable experiences, such as anomalous healing, past lives, near-death experiences, mystical experiences, and even alien abductions. The book makes a compelling case for the inclusion of these marginalized and underrecognized experiences as not merely incidental but essential to our understanding of human psychology. Book jacket.
  snopes joel osteen: You Are Stronger than You Think Joel Osteen, 2021-10-12 With this inspiring guide, New York Times bestselling author Joel Osteen encourages readers to discover a strength that pushes them forward, a power to do what they couldn’t do before. You were designed with the ability and inner strength to stretch to the next level, to stand strong and overcome the opposition, to learn new skills, to believe bigger, dream bigger, and to take on new challenges. In You Are Stronger than You Think, #1 New York Times bestselling author Joel Osteen encourages you to stand firm when the difficulty is not turning around. When the pressure mounts, when you feel overwhelmed, when the struggle looks too big, or the goal is out of reach, you have to remember that is not your destiny. You are more powerful than you think. You need to see yourself the right way and realize what’s already inside you. You were made to outlast the competition, to go further than you thought you could, and live a life beyond what limits you. As you read You Are Stronger than You Think, you will find the power to break the cycle of defeat, the courage to set a new standard for your family, the hope to conquer your fear, and the confidence to accomplish every dream. You will discover that you have more strength, more talent, more determination, and more endurance than you ever imagined. Nothing can hold you back…because You Are Stronger than You Think!
  snopes joel osteen: Next Level Thinking Joel Osteen, 2018-10-02 Set aside the frustrations of your past and step into a new level of victory and favor with this spiritually powerful guide from #1 bestselling author and Lakewood Church pastor Joel Osteen. We all have things that are trying to hold us back: guilt from past mistakes, temptations that we can't seem to overcome, or dysfunctions that have been passed down. It's easy to learn to live with these problems and accept them as who we are. We can all find a reason to live like we're at a disadvantage and become negative and bitter-we came down with an illness, somebody walked out of a relationship, our boss overlooked us. But we have to say, I'm done making excuses. I'm not going to let the past keep me from moving forward and benefitting from the good things God has in store. It is time to say, It is finished. In Next Level Thinking, Joel Osteen writes that we weren't created to go through life weighed down by addictions, dysfunction, guilt, or the past. God created us to be free. Joel encourages readers to leave behind the negative mindsets, the scarcity mentality, and the limitations others have put on us, and shows us how to step into new levels of victory, new levels of favor.
  snopes joel osteen: How to Be a Perfect Christian The Babylon Bee, 2018-05-01 With a biting, satirical style reminiscent of The Onion, How to Be a Perfect Christian takes a humorous look at the quirks of cultural Christianity while subtly challenging the reader to search for more than a cultural faith. Written in the trademark style of The Babylon Bee, this book humorously satirizes cultural Christianity while peppering in subtle challenges to the reader. Through humor and sarcasm (and a handy meter to rank your holiness as you progress through the book), readers will be called to find a more biblical understanding of the Christian faith, all while poking fun at the quirks of the modern, American Christian community.
  snopes joel osteen: You Lost Me David Kinnaman, Aly Hawkins, 2011-10-01 Close to 60 percent of young people who went to church as teens drop out after high school. Now the bestselling author of unChristian trains his researcher's eye on these young believers. Where Kinnaman's first book unChristian showed the world what outsiders aged 16-29 think of Christianity, You Lost Me shows why younger Christians aged 16-29 are leaving the church and rethinking their faith. Based on new research, You Lost Me shows pastors, church leaders, and parents how we have failed to equip young people to live in but not of the world and how this has serious long-term consequences. More importantly, Kinnaman offers ideas on how to help young people develop and maintain a vibrant faith that they embrace over a lifetime.
  snopes joel osteen: Salvation with a Smile Phillip Luke Sinitiere, 2015-11-13 Joel Osteen, the smiling preacher, has quickly emerged as one of the most recognizable Protestant leaders in the country. His megachurch, the Houston based Lakewood Church, hosts an average of over 40,000 worshipers each week. Osteen is the best-selling author of numerous books, and his sermons and inspirational talks appear regularly on mainstream cable and satellite radio. How did Joel Osteen become Joel Osteen? How did Lakewood become the largest megachurch in the U. S.? Salvation with a Smile, the first book devoted to Lakewood Church and Joel Osteen, offers a critical history of the congregation by linking its origins to post-World War II neopentecostalism, and connecting it to the exceptionally popular prosperity gospel movement and the enduring attraction of televangelism. In this richly documented book, historian Phillip Luke Sinitiere carefully excavates the life and times of Lakewood’s founder, John Osteen, to explain how his son Joel expanded his legacy and fashioned the congregation into America’s largest megachurch. As a popular preacher, Joel Osteen’s ministry has been a source of existential strength for many, but also the routine target of religious critics who vociferously contend that his teachings are theologically suspect and spiritually shallow. Sinitiere’s keen analysis shows how Osteen’s rebuttals have expressed a piety of resistance that demonstrates evangelicalism’s fractured, but persistent presence. Salvation with a Smile situates Lakewood Church in the context of American religious history and illuminates how Osteen has parlayed an understanding of American religious and political culture into vast popularity and success.
  snopes joel osteen: Bad Religion Ross Douthat, 2013-04-16 Traces the decline of Christianity in America since the 1950s, posing controversial arguments about the role of heresy in the nation's downfall while calling for a revival of traditional Christian practices.
  snopes joel osteen: Swaggartism Mark Swarbrick, 2020-04-29 Jimmy Swaggart was one of the most famous televangelists of the 1980s. He has made a comeback and is now preaching dangerous false doctrines to millions of people, teachings that are warping the minds of those beguiled by his false doctrines. There is something terrible happening to those who get involved with Jimmy Swaggart Ministries, as many people attest. One person writes, My mother has left her church, turned her back on her family and friends and watches the Swaggarts 24/7. She has excommunicated me because I won't follow the Swaggarts. Another person commented, What Pastor Mark wrote completely describes a friend of mine that I was not able to un-program. Swaggartism destroyed her marriage and then she turned on me for trying to help her. And yet another says, My husband was a sweet Christian man, then after getting into Jimmy Swaggart's Message of the Cross, he has become hard to get along with. He never laughs, smiles or acts happy! Is there any way I can make him see the truth about Jimmy Swaggart before it's too late? Has my husband been brain washed? This book tells the history of Jimmy Swaggart from boyhood to today and delineates his false teachings and exposes them to the light of scripture. If you know someone who is being seduced by the siren song of the Swaggarts, this book is the antidote.
  snopes joel osteen: The Economics of Fantasy Sharon Stockton, 2006 The author examines the evolution of the rape narrative in twentieth-century literature: What accounts for the persistence of the old story of male power and violence, and female passivity and penetrability? How has the story changed over the course of the twentieth century? She investigates the manner in which the violation of the female body serves as a metaphor for a synthesis of masculinity and political economy.
  snopes joel osteen: Blessed Kate Bowler, 2013 Gospels -- Faith -- Wealth -- Health -- Victory -- American blessing -- Megachurch table -- Naming names.
  snopes joel osteen: Trump: The Art of the Deal Donald J. Trump, Tony Schwartz, 2009-12-23 President Donald J. Trump lays out his professional and personal worldview in this classic work—a firsthand account of the rise of America’s foremost deal-maker. “I like thinking big. I always have. To me it’s very simple: If you’re going to be thinking anyway, you might as well think big.”—Donald J. Trump Here is Trump in action—how he runs his organization and how he runs his life—as he meets the people he needs to meet, chats with family and friends, clashes with enemies, and challenges conventional thinking. But even a maverick plays by rules, and Trump has formulated time-tested guidelines for success. He isolates the common elements in his greatest accomplishments; he shatters myths; he names names, spells out the zeros, and fully reveals the deal-maker’s art. And throughout, Trump talks—really talks—about how he does it. Trump: The Art of the Deal is an unguarded look at the mind of a brilliant entrepreneur—the ultimate read for anyone interested in the man behind the spotlight. Praise for Trump: The Art of the Deal “Trump makes one believe for a moment in the American dream again.”—The New York Times “Donald Trump is a deal maker. He is a deal maker the way lions are carnivores and water is wet.”—Chicago Tribune “Fascinating . . . wholly absorbing . . . conveys Trump’s larger-than-life demeanor so vibrantly that the reader’s attention is instantly and fully claimed.”—Boston Herald “A chatty, generous, chutzpa-filled autobiography.”—New York Post
  snopes joel osteen: Create a Better Brain Through Neuroplasticity Debi Pearl, 2019-08 What if you could equip your child's brain so they can be happier, more self-disciplined, self-confident, and self-motivated? The science of neuroplasticity says you can, and this book shows you how!
  snopes joel osteen: Irresistible Andy Stanley, 2018-09-18 A fresh look at the earliest Christian movement reveals what made the new faith so compelling...and what we need to change today to make it so again. Once upon a time there was a version of the Christian faith that was practically irresistible. After all, what could be more so than the gospel that Jesus ushered in? Why, then, isn't it the same with Christianity today? Author and pastor Andy Stanley is deeply concerned with the present-day church and its future. He believes that many of the solutions to our issues can be found by investigating our roots. In Irresistible, Andy chronicles what made the early Jesus Movement so compelling, resilient, and irresistible by answering these questions: What did first-century Christians know that we don't—about God's Word, about their lives, about love? What did they do that we're not doing? What makes Christianity so resistible in today's culture? What needs to change in order to repeat the growth our faith had at its beginning? Many people who leave or disparage the faith cite reasons that have less to do with Jesus than with the conduct of his followers. It's time to hit pause and consider the faith modeled by our first-century brothers and sisters who had no official Bible, no status, and little chance of survival. It's time to embrace the version of faith that initiated—against all human odds—a chain of events resulting in the most significant and extensive cultural transformation the world has ever seen. This is a version of Christianity we must remember and re-embrace if we want to be salt and light in an increasingly savorless and dark world.
  snopes joel osteen: Think Better, Live Better Joel Osteen, 2016-10-04 Change your life, reprogram negative thinking, and lead a more blessed, fulfilled life with these everyday lessons from Lakewood Church pastor and #1 New York Times bestselling author Joel Osteen. Your mind has incredible power over your success or failure. Think Better, Live Better offers a simple yet life-changing strategy for erasing the thoughts that keep you down and reprogramming your mind with positive thinking to reach a new level of victory. As a child of the Most High God, you are equipped to handle anything that comes your way. To claim your destiny, start thinking about yourself the way God does and delete the thoughts that tear down your confidence. When you train yourself to tune out the negativity and tune into your calling, you'll begin to live the wonderful plans God has made for you.
  snopes joel osteen: Healed of Cancer Dodie Osteen, 1986-07-01
  snopes joel osteen: Why Pastors Quit Bo Lane, Ramon Presson, 2014-03-25 My journey as a pastor had quite a few ups and downs. Although there were many aspects of serving in full-time ministry that I loved, there were more things that happened along the way that made a negative impact on both myself and my family. After I resigned from the pastorate, it took several years of forgiving and getting plugged in to a healthy church before I really began to heal from the hurt. Whether you've spent your entire career as a pastor or if you have recently thrown in the towel, Why Pastors Quit is an easy-to-read book that will encourage you and make you ask the question: What can I do to help change the statistics?
  snopes joel osteen: Southern Crossroads Walter Conser, 2010-09-12 The South has always been one of the most distinctive regions of the United States, with its own set of traditions and a turbulent history. Although often associated with cotton, hearty food, and rich dialects, the South is also noted for its strong sense of religion, which has significantly shaped its history. Dramatic political, social, and economic events have often shaped the development of southern religion, making the nuanced dissection of the religious history of the region a difficult undertaking. For instance, segregation and the subsequent civil rights movement profoundly affected churches in the South as they sought to mesh the tenets of their faith with the prevailing culture. Editors Walter H. Conser and Rodger M. Payne and the book’s contributors place their work firmly in the trend of modern studies of southern religion that analyze cultural changes to gain a better understanding of religion’s place in southern culture now and in the future. Southern Crossroads: Perspectives on Religion and Culture takes a broad, interdisciplinary approach that explores the intersection of religion and various aspects of southern life. The volume is organized into three sections, such as “Religious Aspects of Southern Culture,” that deal with a variety of topics, including food, art, literature, violence, ritual, shrines, music, and interactions among religious groups. The authors survey many combinations of religion and culture, with discussions ranging from the effect of Elvis Presley’s music on southern spirituality to yard shrines in Miami to the archaeological record of African American slave religion. The book explores the experiences of immigrant religious groups in the South, also dealing with the reactions of native southerners to the groups arriving in the region. The authors discuss the emergence of religious and cultural acceptance, as well as some of the apparent resistance to this development, as they explore the experiences of Buddhist Americans in the South and Jewish foodways. Southern Crossroads also looks at distinct markers of religious identity and the role they play in gender, politics, ritual, and violence. The authors address issues such as the role of women in Southern Baptist churches and the religious overtones of lynching, with its themes of blood sacrifice and atonement. Southern Crossroads offers valuable insights into how southern religion is studied and how people and congregations evolve and adapt in an age of constant cultural change.
  snopes joel osteen: Quiverfull Kathryn Joyce, 2009-03-01 Kathryn Joyce's fascinating introduction to the world of the patriarchy movement and Quiverfull families examines the twenty-first-century women and men who proclaim self-sacrifice and submission as model virtues of womanhood—and as modes of warfare on behalf of Christ. Here, women live within stringently enforced doctrines of wifely submission and male headship, and live by the Quiverfull philosophy of letting God give them as many children as possible so as to win the religion and culture wars through demographic means.
  snopes joel osteen: The Book of Mormon Girl Joanna Brooks, 2012-08-07 From her days of feeling like “a root beer among the Cokes”—Coca-Cola being a forbidden fruit for Mormon girls like her—Joanna Brooks always understood that being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints set her apart from others. But, in her eyes, that made her special; the devout LDS home she grew up in was filled with love, spirituality, and an emphasis on service. With Marie Osmond as her celebrity role model and plenty of Sunday School teachers to fill in the rest of the details, Joanna felt warmly embraced by the community that was such an integral part of her family. But as she grew older, Joanna began to wrestle with some tenets of her religion, including the Church’s stance on women’s rights and homosexuality. In 1993, when the Church excommunicated a group of feminists for speaking out about an LDS controversy, Joanna found herself searching for a way to live by the leadings of her heart and the faith she loved. The Book of Mormon Girl is a story about leaving behind the innocence of childhood belief and embracing the complications and heartbreaks that come to every adult life of faith. Joanna’s journey through her faith explores a side of the religion that is rarely put on display: its humanity, its tenderness, its humor, its internal struggles. In Joanna’s hands, the everyday experience of being a Mormon—without polygamy, without fundamentalism—unfolds in fascinating detail. With its revelations about a faith so often misunderstood and characterized by secrecy, The Book of Mormon Girl is a welcome advocate and necessary guide.
  snopes joel osteen: The Unshakable Truth Josh McDowell, Sean McDowell, 2011-08-01 The name Josh McDowell promises real-life, on-the-street Christian apologetics. In his first Harvest House book, Josh joins his son Sean to draw on his life’s work and comprehensively address a vital issue: why an entire generation of young Christians—and millions of older believers—is confused about what they believe, why they believe it, and how it’s relevant. The Unshakable Truth is uniquely positioned for younger Christians because it presents apologetics relationally, focusing on how Christianity’s doctrines affect relationships. The authors... ground every assertion in the overarching story of creation, incarnation, and re-creation. distill 12 crucial “faith statements”—for example, “A personal Creator God exists.” explain why each statement is trustworthy, how it applies to real life, and—using examples, stories, and experiences—what its relevance is. A spiritual gold mine for parents, youth workers, pastors—anyone wanting to reveal Christianity’s relevance to today’s life and culture.
  snopes joel osteen: Social Murder Wayne Michael Dunwell, 2023-03-31 “Ronni’s mind fell completely silent. She stopped being aware of the room around her, there was only the hateful figure of a bully and an abuser ahead of her, all else was a blur.” You’re in a strange city. Your friend is missing. Could you find the courage to do what is necessary? Would you even know where to start? These are the questions faced by law graduate Ronni Wong when her friend Jenny disappears after a date with a man she met online. Finding evidence suggesting that Jenny’s internet lover hides the darkest of secrets, Ronni is forced to embark on a journey through social media to discover the identity of a kidnapper, and then a dangerous race against time through the streets of Metro Manila to save her friend’s life. The clock is ticking, can Ronni make it in time? Join Ronni as her investigation into one disappearance leads her into mortal danger. Social Murder will keep you on the edge of your seat, and at the same time challenge you to think about how you use social media. Are you safe online?
  snopes joel osteen: Simple Church Thom S. Rainer, Eric Geiger, 2011-06 Now in paperback, this multi-awarded national best seller shares a clear message from case studies of 400 North American congregations: church is done best when it's kept simple.
  snopes joel osteen: Just Give Me Jesus Anne Graham Lotz, 2009-04-27 How did the apostle John know that, two thousand years after he lived, your life would need a fresh touch from God? How did John know that, at the beginning of a new millennium, our lives would be so busy, our focus so divided, our bodies so tired, our minds so bombarded, our families so attacked, our relationships so strained, our churches so programmed . . . that we would be desperate for the simplicity and the purity, the freedom and the fulfillment of a life lived in Jesus’ name? John probably didn’t know. But God did. That’s why He gives us Jesus! And that’s why, as Anne Graham Lotz reveals, John’s eyewitness account of Jesus’ life is unmistakably relevant to your life today. The same Jesus who turned water into wine is the One who provides for your needs at this very moment. Enter into His life and find your soul refreshed with Living Water. This new edition of Just Give Me Jesus contains an in-depth devotional guide to help you explore the words of John in a personal and practical way, either on your own or in a group. You’ll find inspiration and revelation as you study the Scripture more closely and record your reflections in space provided at the back of the book.
  snopes joel osteen: The Endless American Midnight Christopher Loring Knowles, 2020-12-03 Essays collected from The Secret Sun. Where we are now and how we got here.
  snopes joel osteen: When God Spoke Greek Timothy Michael Law, 2013-08-15 Most readers do not know about the Bible used almost universally by early Christians, or about how that Bible was birthed, how it grew to prominence, and how it differs from the one used as the basis for most modern translations. Although it was one of the most important events in the history of our civilization, the translation of the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek in the third century BCE is an event almost unknown outside of academia. Timothy Michael Law offers the first book to make this topic accessible to a wider audience. Retrospectively, we can hardly imagine the history of Christian thought, and the history of Christianity itself, without the Old Testament. When the Emperor Constantine adopted the Christian faith, his fusion of the Church and the State ensured that the Christian worldview (which by this time had absorbed Jewish ideals that had come to them through the Greek translation) would leave an imprint on subsequent history. This book narrates in a fresh and exciting way the story of the Septuagint, the Greek Scriptures of the ancient Jewish Diaspora that became the first Christian Old Testament.
  snopes joel osteen: Faith in the Halls of Power D. Michael Lindsay, 2008-10-29 Evangelicals, once at the periphery of American life, now wield power in the White House and on Wall Street, at Harvard and in Hollywood. How have they reached the pinnacles of power in such a short time? And what does this mean for evangelicals--and for America? Drawing on personal interviews with an astonishing array of prominent Americans--including two former Presidents, dozens of political and government leaders, more than 100 top business executives, plus Hollywood moguls, intellectuals, athletes, and other powerful figures--D. Michael Lindsay shows first-hand how they are bringing their vision of moral leadership into the public square. This riveting volume tells us who the real evangelical power brokers are, how they rose to prominence, and what they're doing with their clout. Lindsay reveals that evangelicals are now at home in the executive suite and on the studio lot, and from those lofty perches they have used their influence, money, and ideas to build up the evangelical movement and introduce it to wider American society. They are leaders of powerful institutions and their goals are ambitious--to bring Christian principles to bear on virtually every aspect of American life. Along the way, the book is packed with fascinating stories and striking insights. Lindsay shows how evangelicals became a force in American foreign policy, how Fortune 500 companies are becoming faith-friendly, and how the new generation of the faithful is led by cosmopolitan evangelicals. These are well-educated men and women who read both The New York Times and Christianity Today, and who are wary of the evangelical masses' penchant for polarizing rhetoric, apocalyptic pot-boilers, and bad Christian rock. Perhaps most startling is the importance of personal relationships between leaders--a quiet conversation after Bible study can have more impact than thousands of people marching in the streets. Faith in the Halls of Power takes us inside the rarified world of the evangelical elite--beyond the hysterical panic and chest-thumping pride--to give us the real story behind the evangelical ascendancy in America. This important work should be required reading for anyone who wants to opine publicly on what American evangelicals are really up to. --Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) For people wanting an understanding of how evangelicals have acquired so much power, money, and influence in the past 30 years, this is the ultimate insider's book. --Sojourners Magazine Anybody who wants to understand the nexus between God and power in modern America should start here. --The Economist Fascinating. --John Schmalzbauer, Wall Street Journal
  snopes joel osteen: Satire in the Trump Years Dash MacIntyre, 2021-03 A best-of collection of comedic, satirical news articles written for the author's website, HalfwayPost.com.
  snopes joel osteen: Blessed in the Darkness Joel Osteen, 2017-10-24 Find comfort in dark times and grow your trust and faith in God with this inspiring and insightful guide from Lakewood Church pastor and #1 New York Times bestselling author Joel Osteen. All of us will go through dark times that we don't understand: a difficulty with a friend, an unfair situation at work, a financial setback, an unexpected illness, a divorce, or the loss of a loved one. Those types of experiences are part of the human journey. But when we find ourselves in such a place, it's important that we keep a positive perspective. Joel Osteen writes that if we stay in faith and keep a good attitude when we go through challenges, we will not only grow, but we will see how all things work together for our good. Through practical applications and scriptural insight, Blessed in the Darkness focuses on how to draw closer to God and trust Him when life doesn't make sense. If we will go through the dark place in the valley trusting, believing, and knowing that God is still in control, we will come to the table that is already prepared for us, where our cup runs over.
  snopes joel osteen: No Fear Tony Perkins, 2015-09-08 This book heralds a new generation of Christians who are more than bold…they are fearless! No Fear draws you inside the stories of young, ordinary believers who, despite incredible opposition, courageously stand up for God’s truth. Tony Perkins pairs each story with a biblical example and gives practical ideas for building a “no fear” perspective every day. Today, followers of Jesus Christ face more opposition to their beliefs than any generation in American history. Yet even in such a hostile cultural and political environment, it is an exciting time to stand firm in the faith. You have been chosen to live in this important hour, and reading these stories will inspire you to the same kind of courage. So what are you waiting for? “Tony Perkins has discovered a new generation of young people who love following God more than the crowd...You will discover there is still hope for America and the world after reading their stories in No Fear!” —Todd Starnes, Fox News Channel “No Fear...is a must-read book that will inspire a courageous heart in tomorrow’s movers and shakers. —Dana Loesch, nationally syndicated radio host, author, host BlazeTV “As the world continues to spiral into an anti-Christian age, it’s important to empower our young people with the strength and conviction to hold fast to the teachings of Christ, and No Fear does just that.” —Dr. Jack Graham, Senior Pastor, Prestonwood Baptist Church Includes discussion questions after each chapter.
  snopes joel osteen: Swaggart Ann Rowe Seaman, 2001-04-01 By 1987 Swaggart was one of the most popular video preachers in the world, with a weekly television audience of 2.1 million in the US and a worldwide audience of millions more in 143 countries. But then, in a cheerless motel west of New Orleans, Jimmy's life and ministry took a calamitous turn. This the tale of the rise of two intimately linked colossi of the American century: Pentecostalism, the fastest growing religious movement in the world, and its evil twin, Rock 'n' Roll. A major theme of the book is how the religious ecstasy of Pentecostalism - the rousing music, the speaking in tongues, the reception of the Spirit - combined with its severe sexual repression leads to the kind of furtive acting out that brought down not only Jimmy Swaggart but also other evangelists. It is the story, too, of the rapid rise of the Religious Right, with its competing personalities and ideologies. In the end, the author sees Jimmy as a victim - like many others - of a primitive faith colliding with the forces of the late 20th century fame.
  snopes joel osteen: Exceptional You! Victoria Osteen, 2019-04-02 Become the exceptional person God has called you to be with these seven practices for living a fulfilled and plentiful life from Lakewood Church co-pastor and bestselling author Victoria Osteen. In her latest book, Exceptional You! Victoria Osteen shares seven ways to become the exceptional person God has called you to be. She says, If you're going reach your highest potential in life, you're going to have to develop the ability to see beyond where you are right now. Through empowering, uplifting stories and biblical teachings, Victoria will encourage you to set your mind and intent towards the important things in life with seven exceptional practices: Keep your memory box full of encouragement Lift up your eyes Know that you are chosen Love well Keep your accounts short Live in your space of gratitude Start your day off right Live encouraged, live empowered, and live intentional, and see the new and exciting things God has in store for you.
  snopes joel osteen: The Myth of Persecution Candida Moss, 2013-03-05 An expert on early Christianity reveals how the early church invented stories of Christian martyrs—and how this persecution myth persists today. According to church tradition and popular belief, early Christians were systematically persecuted by a brutal Roman Empire intent on their destruction. As the story goes, vast numbers of believers were thrown to the lions, tortured, or burned alive because they refused to renounce Christ. But as Candida Moss reveals in The Myth of Persecution, the “Age of Martyrs” is a fiction. There was no sustained 300-year-long effort by the Romans to persecute Christians. Instead, these stories were pious exaggerations; highly stylized rewritings of Jewish, Greek, and Roman noble death traditions; and even forgeries designed to marginalize heretics, inspire the faithful, and fund churches. The traditional story of persecution is still invoked by church leaders, politicians, and media pundits who insist that Christians were—and always will be—persecuted by a hostile, secular world. While violence against Christians does occur in select parts of the world today, the rhetoric of persecution is both misleading and rooted in an inaccurate history of the early church. By shedding light on the historical record, Moss urges modern Christians to abandon the conspiratorial assumption that the world is out to get them.
  snopes joel osteen: Peaceful on Purpose Joel Osteen, 2021-05-18 Live from a place of abundant peace in the midst of life’s everyday worries and stress with #1 New York Times bestselling author Joel Osteen. In Peaceful on Purpose, Joel shares the secret to living at peace while under pressure. You will discover how to guard your mind and heart to keep the challenges and chaos on the outside from getting to your inside. If you’re tired of living in tension and frustration, weighed down by the troubles of life, then it’s time for a change. In Peaceful on Purpose, you will discover that you were not designed to carry that heavy load or to just live worried, uptight, and on edge. You were made to enjoy your life, but too often we allow our situations and other people to determine whether or not we’re going to be happy. You’ll learn how to control your attitude when you can’t control your circumstances. You have the power to remain calm in times of adversity. When you live from this position of peace, you will have more passion, more contentment, and more joy in your life starting today!
  snopes joel osteen: Thy Word is Truth Edward Joseph Young, 1963 Since its first publication in the USA in 1957, Thy Word is Truth has been recognized as the classic popular exposition of the biblical doctrine of inspiration. This book explains the importance of the doctrine of biblical inspiration. Without it the reliability of the Bible is in serious doubt, the integrity of Jesus is put in question, and the only final authority men have in matters of faith becomes their own conscience. If we cannot trust what scripture says about itself, how can we trust what it says about God, about man's need, or about Christ's saving power? Furthermore, Thy Word is Truth explains why this doctrine has been so fiercely contested. It is precisely because it lies at the heart of Christianity. - Back cover.
  snopes joel osteen: Elmer Gantry Sinclair Lewis, 2023-01-01T20:36:53Z Elmer Gantry isn’t suited to be a lawyer, so he becomes a preacher instead. Although he experiences a variety of failures, and even more successes, Gantry ultimately finds this new career path suits him very well indeed—despite his drinking and womanizing. Throughout his time as a preacher Gantry progresses through the hierarchies of the Baptist and Methodist churches, dabbles in revivalism and “New Thought,” and even experiments with politics, all the while emerging from scandals relatively unscathed and ready to move onward and upward once again. Sinclair Lewis published the satirical Elmer Gantry in 1927 much to the dismay of the religious community. It was denounced from the pulpit, banned by many, and even engendered threats of violence. Despite this—or perhaps because of it—it went on to become a massive success and the best selling novel of that year. One of the most savage satirical assaults against institutionalized religion and its hypocrisy in American literature, Elmer Gantry continues to be a window into a particularly important aspect of American history. This book is part of the Standard Ebooks project, which produces free public domain ebooks.
  snopes joel osteen: Empty Out the Negative Joel Osteen, 2020-11-10 Release the negative thoughts and feelings that are weighing you down and make room for the good things you should have in your life with #1 New York Times bestselling author Joel Osteen. You were created to be filled with joy, peace, confidence, and creativity. But it's easy to go through life holding on to things that weigh you down-guilt, resentment, doubt, worry. When you give space to these negative emotions, they take up space that you need for the good things that move you toward your destiny. How much room are you giving to shame, to regret, to being against yourself? Whatever it is, it's too much. Life is too short for you to live bitter and discouraged, letting your circumstances hold you back. Every morning you have to empty out anything negative from the day before and put on a fresh new attitude. Power up and get your mind going in the right direction, and you'll step into all the new things God has in store for you.