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A Texas (clergy) Man, backing a minority President. If that isn't change, than what is? You go Joel. By the way I bought your Recent #1 best seller and gave it to my Fieance and soon wife to be. She was struggling with life issues. She now has a new found clearity in her purpose on this Earth. A reality check in reality. Joel is a proud Christian with strong values, a man of men, we all could learn from his awsome words. You just have to take the time to listen and absorb.The Bible is also a #1 best seller of all time. A publication you can wrap your head around, with purpose and no fluff. As far as soon to be President Obama, the best of luck and God speed my friend.

JS, Osteen did not say God would stand for some of Obama's positions. I think he was hinting though that the hard right has tended to be very selective about which biblical to promote, and that they have no corner on morality. He is simply saying Obama has great potential as a leader (duh) and encouraging his congregation and followers to pray for him and support him instead of instinctively rejecting a Democrat.

I love Joel Osteen and his message. I don't give a rat's behind what his political views are. I think he is smart to avoid taking a firm political stance. I don't want my religion and politics mixed, thank you. The minute he gets into politics is the day I tune out permanently. The preachers who get into politics are the ones who preach hatred, divisiveness and fear. NO THANKS.

I think what Osteen meant was that – things happen because God permits them (Lam 3:37 and Ps 33:9). It does not mean that God supports them. God allows us to use the power of our free will. It is up to us to make the choice whether we will do it God's way or not. Whatever our choices are, we will face the consequences. God is still and is always Omnipotent. That Obama is President does not mean God is in support or against but God definitely permits it to happen. At the end of all things, God's plans will still stand and Satan will be put to shame!!!

God doesn't make people do anything. People make their own choices to do wrong things. God may lead people to do certain things, like run for a certain office. But I agree with JS that Obama does not follow Biblical principles, like do not murder. If he makes abortions easier to get and takes no stand against abortion, Obama cannot be considered a great president. We do need to pray for him though.

Joel Osteen of the mega, secular, money rich, be happy, pseudo church has no idea what the results of an Obama presidency will be but we all need to pray according to 2 Chronicles 7:14.

"If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

Hold on one second, a religous preacher that is not a democrat basher? Be still my heart. Makes me have faith that the religous nuts are starting to see the light

For clarification he ever said, "that God stands for the positions of Obama." I would argue that God doesn't need a "Christian" in office to accomplish his purpose if you actually read the bible as you are telling Joel Osteen to do, you will find that it was perhaps in leaders that didn't follow stand for the positions of God that allowed his purposes to be accomplished, see pharoah, and the caesars, and a host of other kings in the Old Testament, and even modern day nightmare stories of preachers and leaders of Churches who were living in direct opposition in the ways of God.

For the record Jim I am not offended or pissed off in any way by the first comment, it's a good set of questions and I have a question that i'd like to ask you. If you want to take your wife out to dinner, and you make reservations for her at a restaurant, and then on your lunch break you call her and ask her if she'd like to have dinner with and she agrees, does that mean that she does not have free will because you made reservations and already had planned on doing it before she was asked ?

God does the right thing as long as it's a Democrat that's elected.

Thank you Pastor Osteen for your thoughts on President elect Obama. We all need prayers. I also believe and have faith in Mr. Obama. He speaks from the heart. God Bless him.

I don't believe God makes people sin. I think men and women are evil in their hearts and are prone to sin. I do support Obama, and I am a Christian, but I think everyone has the right to their own beliefs. And personally, I do not care what Joel Osteen thinks or whom he endorses. I think he is a cult leader and he does not impress me one bit. He is getting very wealthy by telling his followers how they will be blessed with riches if they believe. I have never heard him talk about salvation and what is really important.

Church and politics dont mix just as Jesus was asked about giving to ceasar and he kept off by abiding by ceasar.

It is funny that some use religion to justify everything wrong in their lives and everything right is because of their own doing! Religious people are scary. They tend to not think on their own. Frightning!!

JS, I don't think Osteen was leading anyone. He just encouraged people to vote, but did not advise them who to vote for. That was the mistake so many ministers made 4 years ago. Have we not learned our lesson from Bush? I'm glad Obama leaves his religious beliefs out of his politics. I wouldn't want to be governed by a religion. The Constitution should be the only document that governs this land, not the Bible or any other book.

That is why I love Joel Osteen.

Although some "religious" people have been critical of Obama, you must certainly realize that many Christians interpret the Bible differently. That is why we have Protestants and Catholics....Baptists, Presbyterians, Jehovah's Witness, etc, etc, etc... And besides Christianity, we have Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, etc.

Funny thing about Christians in the US, many of them are not "Christ-like"!

Wouldn't trust this man. He is a right wing religious zealot dressed in sheep's clothing.

God puts people in seats of authtority? So God put Hitler, Musolini, Mugabi, Kruschev Satin, Marx, Lennon and the list goes on JOEL!

Joel Osteen is a fake a fraud and tells people what theywant to hear and that is not the truth what Joel states, he better learn more about his teaching and preaching rather than telling us his feelings because his feelings are different from GODS!

Wow, this will spark good discussion/debate. The Bible says that every man shall work out his own soul salvation. If your heart don't condemn you, neither will God. There are enough troubles in the day itself, than to become so disturbed with what anyone says about what God did and did not allow. I believe that He is sovereign (not that this word is spelled correctly but hopefully you get the picture). We are living in a messed up world and we better be about getting our own business straight. After death, according to the Bible, there is judgment. You have a choice to believe what you'd like to believe as well have an opinion about whatever you'd like to have an opinion about. That's America and that's the freedom God offers.

Joel Osteen is right. We need to pray that our leaders do what is right for all of us.

Gods does not make anyone do anything... sheeesssh!! But He does ALLOW things. We are created with a free will – human kind does as it pleases, hence the evil in the world. What we choose to do in our fallen condition, God also chooses to allow, unfortunately for those who get hurt in the process. We all have the choice to live for God according to His Word, or... not. Some do, most do not. Thus the mess this world is in. And just for the record, I do not think Obama is a great person. I think he is basically evil and will work, at first, to win the trust of the right, and then lower the boom when the time is right. In my opinion, he is not to be trusted. He refuses to so much as establish his place of birth, letting the controversy fly (among many other nebulous answers to important questions). I am utterly and completely dismayed at how much he has gotten away with... I mean, why is there not some entity to which presidential candidates, among others, are accountable for such things as proving origin of birth? Or is there...? And if so, why has he not been required to provide this documentation? This country is a mess.

Joel Osteen is a young pastor but quite frankly wiser than most evangelical leaders of the day. I don't know about you but I don't want politics in the pulpit. Joel understands that politics is divisive and he fares a much better chance to reach a diverse group of people with the Gospel by staying away from politics.
Good for you Pastor Osteen!

I love Joel Osteen! We all know you voted for Obama, Pastor Osteen.

I agree with Mr. Osteen in that God allows people to be put in a position of great power. Even in biblical days, the leaders didn't always do what God wanted them to do, but he still blessed them and the people that they lead. If you can't see that Obama has God behind him, then you need to go get your eyes examined.

So, if God is the one who gets to put the right people in office, that means that there was no need for an election in the first place, and that around 120 million votes were wasted - along with lots of money, time and effort. Also, since God is the one who chooses who gets into office, I really have to question his/her/its judgement because God thought Bush was the right person to be in office for two terms, and look what happened to the U.S and the world.

Oh come on Joel. I thought you were a preacher of God's word – how can you when you back Obama who believes in partial birth abortion and then not helping those poor babies that do survive.

Would it be safe then to say God made a mistake in putting George W. Bush in place as president for the last 8yrs? I think Obama will be a great president, but saying God put him in place is a little beyond. Men and women create a lot of this mess we find ourselves in and it appears to give us comfort to interject God in the conversation.

Actually JS, G-d will stand for the positions that G-d deems necessary, not what JS deems the right (and Biblical) position...or what any other person deems to be G-d's position on certain issues. I believe that the primary position that you would argue is against G-d's will is the abortion issue, but that argument falls flat since our beloved president of the last eight years had the opportunity to change that policy but did nothing. Where was the backbone there, eh?

It is the president's job to uphold the Constitution, not an interpretation of the Bible or other religious text.

To JS

Obama has a weak Christian background. I dont think that he has a personal relationship with God. He knows a few principles but he's clueless as to what God really stands for. He's what the Bible calls a 'lukewarm' Christian. The people that really understand the basic principles of Christianity will have to be the Conservative Party of the Republican Party. However, they're a bit MESSED up. I understand why homosexual is wrong and abortion is wrong, but they DONT do anything to advance God's cause of helping the poor and needy of America. It's all about the Rich. There's just something wrong. The closest person that I can think of that is a well-rounded Christian is Mike Huckabee. He seems to understand his obligation of 'doing the right thing'. The obligation of what and how God expects us to treat everyone. He seems like a fair guy.

Oh Wonderful!
So God's to blame for GW Bush, Donald Rhumsfeld, Lon Chaney, and all the gang. Poor God gets the blame for everything including persecution of the Christians and the Jews and genocide everywhere.

However, I hope Obama can fix all of this. I personally am just waiting for Sarah Palin to stick the knife in. Tell me please is she a product of God's great plan for the USA or is she just another of God's little jokes?

Mr. Osteen is right though...you shouldn't do politics from the pulpit. But you shouldn't preach religion from your political office either. No, I'm not saying that Pres-elect Obama has done that. But plenty of others across the nation get themselves voted into office (as has happened with the KS state school board) solely so they can push their religious views onto a single issue.

God did let Obama win this presidency for a reason....Our ways are not always God's. The Lord has a plan for ALL our lifes. God do have a plan for President Obama and as long as he let the God leave him in the right direction he will do fine!

This is to Jim Post. If a man/woman not living in the Word of GOD everyday of their life, you put yourself in position to SIN and judge others. We need more man/woman of GOD, because the evil sin is planted in too many lost souls that is set to destroy others. Look at your daily news for evidence.

Who is this clown now ?

To Jim

Russia threw out God and shut the doors of every church. For fourty years, they woke up to generations of men that lived in darkness and can only do and think EVIL. Russia since then, opened the doors of all churches. Men needs the light of God, otherwise, it cannot be a complete Being. The Good News today is being preached to men in the prisons of Russia. As humans, we are responsible for our own actions and God is there to help us if we ask, seek and pray.

Hummm. So God put Hitler, Chavez, Hussien, et. al. in office too?

And here I thought he was perfect..............

God does not vote! ......[He is not even registered]

Well Sarah Palin thought it was going to be a task from God to get her and John Mccain elected. Thank God it was a task of God to let them loose the election. It seems to be God didnt like all her hate rallys that she was having that endangerd obamas life.

Jim get a life! sound you have bagget

Separation of Church and State.

GOP members for some reason just don't get that.

Finally – a "mega-preacher" who has common sense. Praise the Lord!

To Jim

We were created 'Perfect' and had a perfect union with God. Eve disobeyed and ate of the forbidden fruit and gave it to Adam to eat too. Ever since then, sin entered the world. As a human race, we live constantly in the world that has to choose good or evil. The best God can do is give us the Bible and give us Jesus as a sacrifice. Through Christ, we can come to God and ask to help us live above our sins and to guide us with our lives until Revelation is fulfilled. As Romans said 'where sin abounded.. GRACE abounded'... There's enough love to counteract EVIL.

JOEL OSTEEN ROCKS!

God does allow leaders to take office. To me this is very clear in the election of Obama. The U.S. as a nation has rejected God (right Jim) and has embraced a totally secular way of thinking. In a sense, God has granted us what we have ask for. A leader that totally supports the killing of unwanted children for money (stem cell research) a leader that supports the perversion of gay marriage, a leader that denies the existance of God through the support of evolution being taught to our children. So, as a nation that was founded on Biblical principles (despite what you have been taught in govt schools) how can we continue to expect to be blessed. You see Jim God doesn't cause all of the bad things of the world, sin does. He allows each and every person the choice.

Here is a novel idea. Let the Bible be the Bible and be a book for personal guidance. Let the Government be the Government and have the Constitution and Bill of Rights for its guidance. How about not letting the two intersect? The founders of this country intended it to be that way...let's give it a spin and see how it works. I know the right wingers hate this but the President puts his hand on the Bible to swear to uphold the Constitution, not the other way around. The Bible seems to cause division in this country, but the Constitution brings us together...that is something we need more of in this country right now.

The church has no business in politics. PERIOD
No-one has the right BUT god to decide who is good and who is bad and who goes to heaven and who goes to hell.
The holier than thous who think they know what he (god) thinks are in need of serious help.
We see exactly what religion and politics have done to this country..keep religion in the pulpit and out of the White House. It is one thing to believe in God, it is another to push it down the throats of others (Bush).

That's why I like Pastor Osteen. I am a Christian, I support President Obama and I know God sent him to us to stop the coruption and ungodly acts of President Bush. Bush was the devil in sheeps clothes, and God has saved our Nation and our people by sending us President Obama. God Speed President Obama, we pray that the will and might of Gods hand guide you into this new generation. God bring confort to those who cannot afford health care or put food on the table, God bring comfort to those family's who are losing their young men and women in Iraq and Afgahnastan and those children being killed every day. God bring wisdom to our new President to lead us out of this time of economic nightmares and into a land of new prosperity.
God be with our Nation, our President and our people.

Joel answers to God. He does not have to answer to men. And God does put the right people in office to ALWAYS of course, to advance a greater cause, whether it'd be good or bad. Proverbs 16 "The Lord works out everything for his own ends – even the wicked for a day of disaster". Obama is our FIRST WORLD Prez on the stage.

Another religious fraud heard from. All this Osteen con artist is good for is blowing sunshine up our skirts and now he's trying to get another 15 mins. of fame by saying Obama getting elected is "god's will".

God had nothing to do with it – a great campaign, money and the voters did it...

Commenter Jim seems to think that his post will upset people. However, it is the post by JS that bothers me more. Jim does not believe and states his reasons for it. Although I disagree with his conclusions, he is honest about them. JS on the other hand has interpreted (actually misinterpreted) the bible for all to see. JS has totally ignored the teachings of Jesus in favor of his/her own beliefs in the misguided effort to judge. There are many, like myself, who believe that Obama lives and supports Jesus' teachings as well as or better than any politician alive today (which I admit isn't saying much). Obama may not have perfect biblical stances, but to me they are far more Christlike than those of McCain or Palin.

By the way, God does not put the "right people in office". Human leaders are a human creation. We choose our own leaders, and we are free to make the wrong choices.

They might not say it directly... but they urge people to make the "right" decision (aka Republican) and remind people that Obama "could be" a Muslim.

Was Jesus ever a bigot??

This guy and his wife found the golden goose and Larry King keeps promoting their syrup.

Everybody with his belief. That is his and he has every right to do so.
As of me I believe in the existence of two forces in the universe, the Good and the Evil, undeniable unviresal laws. The Good Angels are lead by "GOD" and the Evil angels lead by "SATAN" the have to coexiste for the Balance of the Universe.
Following one is the choice of each one of us and I don't need to go to any particular church or believe in any pastor to realise that.
You follow the good angels and you will be rewarded with good leaving and you follow the evil angels you will be rewarded with misery.

Thou Shalt not Judge.........

JS – where does it state that Olsteen said Obama follows biblical principle? Maybe you are reading a little too much into this. Joel is exactly right. People have different opinions and believe just as strongly in their faith as the next person. I respect the fact that he did not try to push his congregation to vote for any particular candidate.

God puts them in office? Like it was God's Great Plan to put George W. Bush in office in 2000? God also must have insisted that it take two months and a lot sketchy dealings to determine the winner. Yes, Osteen, you are SO right. Now, let's see how you justify mixing your religious beliefs with politics when it comes to gay rights and abortion? He won't preach politics from the pulpit but he'll climb in bed with politicians at the drop of dime if they promise to continue bigotry toward the gay community or overturn Roe v. Wade. Just another well-scrubbed hypocrite who knows how to work a crowd of desperate rubes into feeling better about themselves. Puh-lease!

I agree with J S. on this. Osteen needs to stick with what he does best: create a mega-church and bring in mega-money. I didn't vote for him, but I will support Obama as the President of the United States. To even infer that God Almighty puts the right people in office is utter stupidity. Some of God's most sacred teachings have no connection at all with Obama's stance and political/moral viewpoints.

dear sirs,
I'M VERY FOND OF CNN REGARDING ANY MATTERS.
i do agree with Mr. Osteen in talking about President 0bama.
deep inside my soul and for being GOD'S CONFIDENT I know and I've been praying to THE ALMIGHTY for good 10 MONTHS to allow Mr.Obama as our President(FOR SURE I'M NOT A PROPHET,AND DON'T INTEND TO BE),but with prayers h'es going to be one of the best USA president,if not the best.
I see him as a wonderful human being,with great common sense,agressiveness in solving problemns and very high knowledge for choosing people to work with.Starting with JOE BIDEN.

MAY GOD ALWAYS BLESS YOU ALL.

EDUARDO.
i

So, JS, are you saying that in a country where there is supposed to be a separation of church and state, that a person who is a Christian, that could or has run the country should govern in the way or principles of the Bible? How are you so sure that any president has or has not followed Biblical scriptures? George W. said that God told him that he was supposed to be president of the United States and guess what, he became that? How do you know that he wasn't supposed the tear the country to the shreds they are in now? Doesnt the Bible predict the end times? How do you know that God hasn't ordained President-elect to correct the wrongs of the W. to show that a Christian can separate church and state, govern one way, and live a totally different way in society. Was God on Bush's side when we went to war that was never declared?
I believe that faith was intended for mankind to have common ground to agree and treat each other as equals, but due to free will, some of us has totally screwed that up. We haven't fully learned that it is okay to disagree, but do it respectfully and continue to live a happy, prosperous and abundant life. But we have all seen what "government" can do when it is installed based on the Bible, right? All governments persuaded people, abused power, killed for no reason, judged people but didnt want to be judged and became corrupt...doesn't that sound like our political system? Maybe we all are following the Bible, whether we want to or not...maybe we are supposed to be doomed in order to become one with God in all His righteousness...

Is it possible to vote for Obama after a Christian truly searches his/her heart? Yes. Jesus taught about caring for the poor and the oppressed in the society, about being a peace-maker, and about loving a neighbor who doesn't share your religious background. Obama follows these principles. To only focus on "anti-abortion" and "anti-gay marriage" as the core of Christian values is very misguided. Jesus also taught to examine our own flaws before pointing fingers at others.

I'm sure there's a higher being unless you created yourself. I believe in God. I believe Obama has every intention of being a great president.

Our constitution and forefathers says separation of church and state. We live in a diverse nation and you CAN NOT govern an entire country based on your own religious views. One of the problems with people who want to govern this way is you pick and choose what is godly and when it is convenient to not choose bible principles God somehow goes out the window. Example: abortion is a moral issue that should be between a woman, God and her doctor. No one else has the right to dictate to a woman what to do with her body. We all will have to answer to God one day for our deeds whether they be good, bad, right or wrong. And the irony in trying to mix religion and government is that there has NEVER been a president who can stop any of the things we get so bent out of shape about. Even if there are laws in place, people will find a way to go around it just like when there was back ally abortions going on. If people were more concerned with under privileged children, molestation, poverty and loving your neighbor unconditionally, they world would be a better place no matter how you look at it. We were not placed here to judge, but rather spread the good news, and live by example. If a person chooses to reject the good news then that is their issue. God does not make us do anything and gave us this little thing called FREE WILL. I know some people read their bibles, but pray for understanding and revelation knowledge when you read.

Sorry Joel, but I do not agree that God puts people in the offices. I do believe that people do not pray for guidance oe wisdom on whom to vote for. I hope Obama is a good president but I do know one thing for sure that if and when he makes good desicions, I will give God the glory and not Obama. That would just prove that people are praying for him as we should as the Bible tells us to. As JS said, I do not think that Obama follows Biblical principles, at least not yet!

I agree with you Jim- atheists, agnostics and freethinkers are the most hated minority in the world, and for some reason it's okay to openly hate us. We are not protected by political correctness in the least like other groups are.

That man sounds like Palin, God will help win the war. Man starts things and then pray that God will help them. But God has no interest in man made problems. In other words give your a– to Satan and your soul to God. Man will be his own downfall and God will wait on man to redeem themselves unto him. Obama has nothing to do with anything but evil men do. Evil men are the ones that can and will destroy with words and deeds.

JUST WHAT THE AMERICAN PUBLIC NEEDS IS ANOTHER RELIGIOUS FREEK COMING ON BOARD THESE PEOPLE WILL LOAD UP THE PAGE WITH A SMOKE SCREEN SO PEOPLE DON,T SEE WHAT IS ACTUALLY GOING ON...CONFUSE THE PUBLIC DIVIDE AND CONQUER THIS IS WHAT OBAMA IS DOING....

God gave us free will, anything and everything we do we do of our own
mind, to believe or not to believe in god. You just pay for your choices down the road when the time comes for us all to be judged...and if even there turns out to be no god atleast we can say we lived a good life and treated our fellows brothers and sisters well....choices of good and evil....

Refreshing to hear a pastor of a mega-church de-politicize the pulpit.
Hopefully others will learn from this example ...

God can and will use ANY man or woman to do his will, even if you dont agree with his choice its just something you will have to accept.

We are all praying for him. I agree he will make a great president.

JS...

would God stand for some of the positions of BUSH???

It's great that a pastor who actually uses the brain God gave him is getting some attention. So many of the nut-jobs get the spotlight all the time, and it's so ironic to me that these people don't see the similarities between themselves and the Pharisees that Jesus always scolded.

I'm a Christian with strong beliefs, and I'm so glad that we finally have a president who will take James 1:27 to heart: "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

It's all about taking care of those less fortunate than us.

Wow... a relegious freak that I half way respect!

JS – Pastor Olsteen did what was right. He serves a large congregation of varying beliefs, backgrounds, etc. He is doing what is right in the sight of God. The bible tells us to pray for our leaders. To me that is making a strong stance. And I don't think God would have agreed with all of McCain's postions either. That is why we are all imperfect. But i forgot maybe only God speaks to you. So before you go calling some one else blind what do you see? And the 21st century church is one of the most influential movements ever. Look at the different television channels, internet, etc. You seem so stuck in your ways of God is this and only this that you are missing His move. You better wake up before you completely miss His move and are left.

AMEN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mr. Osteen is a simply charlatan just the same as every other “would be” man of god who thinks the bible is the written word of a god. So, this moron feels that “his god” wanted Bush to be our president for the last 8 years?!? Well, if that’s the case ... I just wish his god would stay the hell out of our politics if his god isn’t any brighter or loving than that!!

Totally agree with JS. Jim, your are in for a large disappointment when you see God. Everyone will eventually have to answer for how they have lived. Whether you are forgiven for sin is the freewill part. The free will you talk about is evident in your comment. Everything isn't predetermined. You have and are being misled. I challenge you and anyone else with your views to look into what the Bible says about eternity. Look towards Jesus and if you don't like everlasting life you can always go back to everlasting death with Satan. There are your two choices. Freedom in Heaven or bondage in hell. GOD BLESS US ALL.

I thought only God is great.

Preachers should represent God's word properly. We see this characteristic in Joe Osteen. Joe is a real man of God, unlike many preachers who align themselves with political parties. They would not give praise where it is due, unless the person they are praising belongs to the party they support – and that is a real shame. Such preachers should not call themselves christians.

"I believe God pust the right people in office."

Seriously?!? That would mean that everything every politician has ever done has come from God.

God-er, SOMEONE help us!

Anyone who preaches the love of God is okay with me. Just give some of that mega-cash he's making to the poor and needy. Status means nothing; serving your fellow man is Everything.

A reasonable right wing Republican? Who knew!

Perhaps Joel Osteen's most powerful message is that he wants to keep his church out of politics. In these days, you have to consider that significant statement.

Claude Osteen had a much better record than this one. Go Dodgers!

God can use anyone for His purpose and to His glory and do it without the person realizing He is doing it! God has a plan and it is going in the direction He prophesied in His Holy Word – The Holy Bible. And that is the only place you will find God's purpose and plan for mankind and His creation! Yes, God puts people in the position where He wants them to be to accomplish His purpose!

He is to be worshipped.

@ JS: I in no way would slam religion. But the US is not supposed to be led 'according to the bible". We have this thing called seperation of church and state. It was one of the hallmark principles that this nation was founded upon.

This is not a country for just ONE religion. It's a country for ALL religions. I do not want my country based on the Kuran or any other religious writings. I want it governed based on laws written by men. I'll read the writings of god and follow them on my own time. I don't need a politician to do it for me!

I can't stand when people bring God into politics. Keep your beliefs to yourself.

“Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able?
Then he is not omnipotent.
Is he able, but not willing?
Then he is malevolent.
Is he both able and willing?
Then whence cometh evil?
Is he neither able nor willing?
Then why call him God?”

"If God listened to the prayers of men, all men would quickly have perished: for they are forever praying for evil against one another."

Epicurus, 33 A.D.

The comments that Mr Osteen made on Larry King is typical of now adays "preachers' that will not tell what the Bible says on biblical issues . How can a borne again Christian say that he thinks he;s great. Does God think he's great by believing in abortion that is strictly against God"s word. and other issues contrary to what is in the Bible. As a Christian I have to wonder about his heart or his motives as to why he states what he said. Ididn't hear any comments of Jesus Christ or the warnings against a nation that has forgotten God. Yes his Church is full of people that don't want to hear of sin and repentance. Maybe God will show him personally who is Great. May God help.

THIS IS GREAT! I was pleasantly surprised! Obama will make a great President!

"I believe God puts the right people in office"... soooo it was God behind the election of GWB... twice?? Slow learner I'd say!

God puts the right people in office?? I don't think so Joel !!! People determine who is President, Prime Minister, whatever. Their beliefs may lead them to vote a certain way but God doesn't directly effect it one way or the other. However, it is refreshing to see an evangelical preacher that respects other points of view. WOW!!!!

Jim,

I am sure it is very easy for you to not believe in god. To feel as if there is no accountability in this world. To think there is no higher being. Yes that is very easy and probably helps you sleep at night. The truth is god gives us free will. That is why people can abuse their spouse and commit fraud. God can try and direct us but that does not mean we will follow. As some people say "Faith without works is dead" meaning you have to do your part as well. Jim I hope you change your mind and try to trust in god and open your mind to his obvious existence. This world is to complex and to beautiful to just have happened by accident. Well good luck in your journey through life. Since you believe it has no meaning or consequence or substance. I hope you can still have some type of motivation.

Yeah, god did a wonder on us 8 years ago by putting Bush in office. Thanks god.

When will people wake up and realize this is the 21st century? I pair of hands working on solving problems does much much more than a pair of hands folded in prayer.

If God puts the right people in office, what happened in 2000 and 2004? No WAY was Bush the right man for the Presidency either time.

This is the reason we have separation of church and state, thank God. A Divine Creator who offers free will and let's us make our own choices wouldn't limit that by "supporting" a Presidential candidate. While I appreciate that Joel didn't want to preach politics from the pulpit, he's not doing President Elect Obama any good preaching after the election!

Jim, I'm right there with you. Why is Joel Osteen's opinion of any importance whatsoever? This is a man, like countless others, who's entire life and career is based on nonsense. If praying works so well, then why are there still diseases, natural disasters, etc.? Give a person a fish and they'll eat for a day; give a person religion and they'll starve to death while praying for a fish. God is pretend. Wake up folks.

Jim,

Blah blah blah.

I suppose you know so much better than everyone else.

Keep your philosophy 101 arguments for freshmen at college.

You can't just accept that this guy is supporting Obama right now.
Keep picking at that scab, i'm sure the type of attitude you exhibit is really going to unify the country.

Just like people should respect your views, you should respect theirs. I highly doubt you are any different than any of the other billions of people on the planet, and thus you have no extraordinary knowledge of higher beings.

just sayin'. being tolerant means you let people believe what they want, and you clearly want to belittle people who have views different from your own.

Joe is a real man of God, unlike many preachers who align themselves with political parties. They would not give praise where it is due, unless the person they are praising belongs to the party they support – and that is a real shame. Such preachers should not call themselves christians.

Who follows Biblical principles??? John McCain???? Pls give me a break... Obama is a good man period.

Thank you Pastor Osteen! I am an Evangelical and a Democrat and have been so turned off by the Evangelical Republicans who have been claiming that they have the monopoly on faith and values since 2000. Well....we have been seeing that they fall just as often and just as hard as the rest of us. And, you know what those that judge get judged so would have been better if they said less because you don't get followers for Christ by being loud and judgemental....Jesus was never that.

Here is a man of God. I am absolutely in support of the view that The Church has no place in politics. Only a self-righteous (Pharisee) will tell his congregation that voting for a particular candidate is a ladder to hell.

Beware of fake pastors!!!

Wow a rationale mega-preacher – who knew?

If people truly followed their heart, their core, they could only have voted for Obama and not the pathological liars mccain or palin who spouted lies, negativity and smears from their so called christian lips.

I like Obama and that's why I'd rather this sleaze-ball charlatan would keep his lying mouth shut.

I don’t want any of Olsteen’s slime to get on President Obama.

Joel Olsteen is a money-grubbing hypocrite.

We'll take it wherever we can get it. Joel Osteen doesn't seem to be a fanatic, he appears to be quite level headed and a firm believer in God.

I think that Mr. Osteen's observation that religion should not be preached from the Oval Office is correct. I do take into consideration when voting for a candidate that they should have a strong moral character, preferably guided by a deep faith, but it is my belief that the separation of Church and State, as laid down by the Founding Fathers of our country, is the best way to govern. We cannot be a Democracy and a Theocracy at the same time.

Forcing law upon people based on religion did not work for those who were killed in the Muslim Conquests and then the Crusades, did not work for those in Europe where conflict arose between the Catholics and the Protestants, is not working for people killed in the conflicts between the Isrealis and the Muslims, the Shia and the Sunni, nor is it working for those in conflict with the Taliban, just to name a few examples.

Historically we have seen that the differences in beliefs are too ingrained and too fervant to overcome. Luckily, we have also seen that tolerance of one another, and government policies that are inclusive of everyone, regardless of religious belief, can and have bridged differences and resulted in a peaceful existence between all religions or lack of religious beliefs.

More clergy need to follow Osteen's advice and leave individual political choices to individual consciences. Had that been done in 2000 and 2004 we may not have the mess we have today and there might not be those clerics who should now be asking for God's forgiveness after strongly lecturing people to vote for Bush. The point being that people need to look at all issues and decide for themselves without letting others sway them based on limited issues.

God puts the right people in office, huh? So does god make the right people abuse their spouse, commit fraud and do all the other horrible things going on in the world? Do you really find comfort believing a being higher than yourself has predetermined everything? Which of course would imply no one has any free will or makes their own choices because it has all been predetermined.

CNN, please post this. I'm sure it will piss off a lot of people but it will stir great discussion.

That's about right. The church of 21st century. So weak, no stance, and no backbone. I support Obama's presidency and I think he has great potential but I do not think he follows Biblical principles. To some that is a good thing to others it is a bad thing. However, Joel needs to read the Bible and not lead the blind into believing God would stand for some of the positions of Obama.

well said!

We dont want a preacher that's holier-than-thou that will tell us what to believe and to question our faith and think that only republiklans love God more than the ordinary man!

Joel Osteen.... ha ha ha. He is more of a motivational speaker than a preacher.

See, Obama can be liked by people from all walks of life. He's diverse, thats why he has the ability to bring unity to America. If he plays his cards right, and stays true to his foundations, than he will do so accordingly

It's too bad that most of the religious groups on the right like Dr. Dobson can't be as tolerant and open minded as Pastor Osteen is. To me this is what real Christianity is about. Being accepting and giving a person a chance. Not to be judgmental and accept diversity even if you don't always agree with the other person's views. The far religious right seem to think you only have to be Republican to be a Christian. There is nothing FARTHER from being the truth.

Perhaps Mr Osteen can help me reconcile the greatness of The One with his attitude towards the murder of the unborn and children that are murdered because they survived botched abortions. Please do not think you can always sit on the fence. Be luke warm and you will be spat out

Mr P-E Obama check your back for sharp objects whenever this person talks to you.

I hate this guy, the biggest hypocrite of all. He reminds me of Jim Jones.

I'm so glad Mr. Osteen has an open mind – he's setting a very good example for us all.

I agree with Joel Osteen on this one. Just like politicians shouldn't be telling people which religion they should belong to, preachers shouldn't be telling people how or who to vote for.

I knew there was a reason I liked this guy, he is following biblical principles.

I have gotten sick to death of all those preachers out there who tell me if I am really a Christian I'll vote a certain way and if I don't, I'm not following God's will. There is no direct pipeline so that God will only tell a few chosen people what the rest of us are supposed to do. Sorry but I'm not about to drink their kool-aid.

I knew a long time that this man is really a man of GOD.Most preachers have condemned their parishioners for voting for Obama,to the extent of telling them to confess for voting obama. God knows why Barack won. He is there for a purpose,let's keep on praying for him.

Another Mega preacher millionaire who has used religion as a way to empower himself. I always feel sorry for the followers of these people who don't realize that they are in it for one thing only, to put money in these morons pockets. Anyway it's time to get religion and any religiouly leaning legislation done away with. I'm always amazed at how these people would let you think they have some hotline with GOD and know what he/she thinks. I hope "GOD" is wondering why the richest country in the world has forgotten it's own people. The elderly, poor children, and those suffering from discrimination on a daily basis. I guess "GOD" just loves those who profess their faith publicly, even if it is all SHOW!!!

These Osteens are questionable.

I work in the same complex as Osteen's church.
If grandeur is akin to holiness, this multi-millionaire is one holy moley!

This is ALL we need – is this an attempt at a new Billy Graham or just a Billy GRaham wannabe?

This is ALL we need – a new Billy Graham? Or just a Billy Graham wannabe?

I watch Joel's program weekly and he is one who truly 'walks the talk'. He is a man of integrity and of good character and I appreciate the fact that he recognizes that people (Christians and others) are intelligent enough to make up their own minds, polically, and that we don't need someone telling us, from the pulpit , how to vote. He also acknowledges that no matter who is in office, we need to be prayerful and supportive of them. That is one ot the reasons others have embraced his ministry so much; because he is about bringing people together to a higher level than separating them and tearing them apart. **CNN, please publish. Thanks.**

this is why people love you so much joel, vote your convictions, that' s what america is all about. i also think obama-biden will be great for our country.

Not only God is gonna hook up my boy, but is gonna give him the wisdom and courage to succeed.

But this will be much better when God confronted Cain that's for sure, LOL!!

I like this guy's approach to church and elections. If I lived in Texas, I might even vote for him for a state office.

There is a reason why his Church is growing so fast.
He always preaches acceptance and not division.

Is Joel out of his mind? Barack Obama is "Hello" for ABORTION!

Barack also said he would sign into law the provision to lift all restrictions on abortion.

He voted against the infant protection act. Joel do you watch the news?

And we care what "smarmy" Osteen says?

This is political news?

Joel Osteen is a wonderful pastor. I visited his church once while in Texas was very impressed with this message and his congregation. If more pastors would act in the manner Pastor Osteen does it would be much easier to spread the word of christianity. He is soo NOT judgemental and very caring.

Obama might as well be a baby-killer himself, supporting late term and partial birth abortions (not saying that to make people angry, it's just a fact). Surprising that an evangelical Christian leader would "think he's great" in light of that.

Anyway, MY opinion is that Obama is our saviour and that's all that matters. Can't WAIT for the new federal government to pay off my mortgage!! He really is great, even if he is pro-abortion. Who needs babies when the government is going to take care of us!!

For once an intelligent pastor who understands that you can be Christian and be democrat/republican/indpendent or not vote at all.

Ever? If you had good reason to believe that a man or woman running for office held views inimicable to the values of liberal democracy, who advocated, say, wholesale slaughter of innocents, even then would you keep silent?

For evil to triumph all it takes is for good people to keep silent.

Mack

This man should be symbol for other pastors, etc. It is so welcoming for a religious person to state the churches should not get involved in politics.
With the separation of church and state, do not understand how some of these religious organisations maintain their tax free status, etc when they so strong get involved in politics.

Well said Joel!

Try that with James Dobson....you know,the 'man of God' who ask christians to pray that God send rain to disrupt the DNC Obama open studium acceptance speech gathering.
Same God,different followers.

I don't follow Osteen very much, but he seems like a genuine person. I respect him for keeping politics out of his church. I wish others would do the same.

Barack Obama and Joel Osteen have much in common – they are both dyed-in-the-wool Hope Mongers! Many Blessings to them both – we and this country and this planet need more just like them.

How refreshing a realistic/reasoned man of faith. I agree – politics has no place in the pulpit.

That was nice of Olsteen! I've always liked him.

Wow....

Go Joel Olsteen !!

On open minded mega-minister.... never thought I'd see the day...

Who?

So irrelevant!!! I could care less what Joel Osteen, or Pastor Saddleback Ranch, or any other clerics think of Barack Obama. What matters is our new President's platform, his ideas, his goals, and his plans for getting this country back on track, and re-establishing our standing on the world stage.
Separation of church and state - in ALL forms and on ALL levels - needs to end, period.
And speaking of irrelevance, Larry King doesn't seem to me to be relevant any longer. He spends too much time talking to the wrong people about the wrong topics.

Is he the most positive person or what?

All Believers will stand in agreement with Pastor Osteen on this issue. We must pray for Obama just as we prayed for Bush. God does not make any mistakes and He appoints leaders to fulfill His will.

By God's grace and mercy, Obama will be a great President if he receives wise counsel, exercises integrity and remains humble.

This nation needs a change of leadership with clear objectives to bring us out of the horrible situation the former administration has led us into. We all need to support Obama and this administration for the benefit of this nation, our people and the world.

My initial thoughts about Osteen would be negative given my feelings about the big box churches, but if he walks the talk and does not preach about politics then I hope that there are more like him!

I hope that other churches can learn from this example, and support our president elect, regardless of whether or not he actually espouses their own personal beliefs or those of their church.

I guess this makes me cautiously optimistic about Osteen, but no more likely to attend any church service, having long since given up on formal religion in the form of regular church attendance - too many churches spawning Sarah Palin wannabes and other haters like that.

wow, thats kind of refreshing to see a Mega-Church Pastor say something like that.

While as a Christian we should always pray for our elected leaders, he is wrong to say that Pastors should not influence the vote. They should preach against abortion and the sanctioning of the homosexual lifestyle while also preaching the love for sinners to help them spiritually and physically when possible.

Pastor Osteen should really search where his soul since he is the Pastor of the largest church in America.

Wow a religious leader I just gained some respect for. Thank you Mr. Osteen for understanding the religion and politics shouldn't mix.

Well, I agree with him on two points.

Obama will be a great President and we need to pray for him...

AND.... preaching politics from the pulpit is wrong.

Never thought I would agree with a TV Evangelist.

And that is how it should be.

Good job Pastor Osteen

He would say anything to sell a book and make a buck....

Amen!

What is the point of this interview?

What???? Finally someone who understands the role of religion in Government. Which is to not have a role. It reminds me of the saying in the bible: "Give Caesar that which belongs to Caesar and God what belongs to God".

Next up, a statement from some right-wing nutjob bible-thumper saying this guy isn't a true Christian for supporting Obama because Obama supports gay marriage and the right to choice.

Wise choice to stay out of pre-election stuff Joel.

I listen to hear the word of GOD not a pastor's political views.
I was sorely dissapointed that my favorite television evangelist Ed Young was all but cheerleading for McCain. I love Ed but have no intrest in his political views.

Just preach the word of God brother..

Pastor Osteen is right! I watched it during the elections with disappointment. Some so-called men of God going to the extent of telling their church members who they should to vote!!! Pastors should not preach politics on the pulpit please America!!! What are you giving as a lesson?
Pastor Osteen, you are such a wonderful man of God. Keep it up and the Lord for sure will continue indwelling your church and family.

Take that Mike Huckabee...and Sarah Palin......

Joel Osteen is a good man – I listen to him regularly and enjoy his preachings.
It makes me happy that he's endorsing Barack Obama by saying he will be a great president. Maybe now some of the naysayers will stop with the Obama hate.
I'm also glad he dosen't preach from the pulpit like so many other "ministers" do.

I like Joel Osteen. I am glad he decided not to preach politics. That is really annoying to me that churches do. I feel that only prayer for all the leaders should occur in church, not church leaders telling people who to vote for. Even if he was not a political supporter of Obama (very few in TX are), I think it is wonderful to have someone like this which such a relationship with God to be praying for you. Keep doing great things Osteen.

I'm not religious in any sense of the word, but there are some religious leaders I have always admired and respected. Joel Osteen's one of them. Unfortunately, there aren't more like him out there.

finally a preacher with some sense!

Also, god doesn't put people in office. Voters do.

Does he reeeally think GOD put W. in office??

I think Pastor Osteen will be perfect for Obama's inauguration. Like Obama, he is an inspirational leader, gives hope to the hopeless. Olsteen's church is also non-denominational!!

Wow, thank you Rev. Osteen for having some common sense and decency. It is very rare to find a minister (especially one at a mega-church) who will actually acknowledge that people, Christian people, have many different viewpoints. It is even rarer for a minister to admit that those with differing views from the standard right-wing conservative "love God just as much."

Thank you, again, Rev. Osteen for keeping politics out of your pulpit and for praying for our future President. I believe that God hears our prayers and that we all need to pray at this time to give our leaders stregth and intelligent and the ability to move mountains.

Smart man, look for him on a religioin committee under the new administration

That's what real people of God do. God bless you pastor Osteen. Your philosophy is part of what is prospering you and your church. Thank you.

While I disagree on many of Mr. Olsteen's radical decisions, this is one I am pleased to hear. He is a powerful, well-respected man with enough power to persuade a few thousand undecided voters in the election, and the fact that he didn't is commendable. James Dobson should take a lesson from the Olsteen playbook: no politics from the pulpit.

Wonder where God was when Bush got elected for two terms?

Always good to check in with Martin Short.

Did that moron believe God put Bush into office? Please. When are we going to stop giving air time to the likes of him and Rick Warren. I belong to the Roman Catholic church, and have yet to be reminded the last time a priest came on air to promote a book for his personal wealth. This article is absolutely disgusting.

Osteen has a different attitude than a lot of the mega, radical evangelical churches do. He is more pragmatic and looks at the realistic side of things. Obama is a great Christian! Obama truely believes the words of Jesus! "What you do to the least of these you do to me" and Obama trys to live by these words. God Bless Obama and his team!!! AND GOD bless the future of America and NO MORE WARS!!!

Well that sure makes me feel a whole lot better. Joel who?

Ok, if God puts the right people in office how do you explain Bush and Cheney?

Good for you Mr. Osteen. It's about time that a major church leader says something sensible and truthful about our President-elect.

Call me crazy,but is there a fellow American out there who really
takes a televanglist seriously? I have watched Mr. Osteen's show
and frankly, he seems a little more down to earth than some of his peers in the televangelist industry or market, and yes-it's there to make money. I am still getting over the story of his wife's incident with the flight attendant. Thus, perhaps he should stick to his mega-church and soliciting donations.