(CNN) – Famed pastor Joel Osteen reiterated his position that Mitt Romney is a Christian on Tuesday, saying as long as the likely GOP presidential nominee believes that Jesus is the Son of God then he subscribes to the Christian faith.
"When I hear Mitt Romney say that he believes that Jesus is the Son of God–that he's the Christ, raised from the dead, that he's his Savior–that's good enough for me," Osteen said in an interview to air on CNN's "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer."
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While Osteen described the Mormon faith as "not traditional Christianity," he said he believes Mormons fall under the Christian tent.
"Mormonism is a little different, but I still see them as brothers in Christ," the pastor argued.
Romney's faith has largely remained an outlier in this presidential cycle, though some have expressed skepticism at the likely Republican nominee's religious views.
A leading Baptist pastor in Dallas, for example, made headlines in October when he urged Republicans to vote against Romney, saying voters should elect what he called a Christian, not a Mormon. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints identify themselves as Christians.
More recently, some students at the evangelical Liberty University have taken issue with Romney being tapped to deliver the school's commencement address in May.
Recent polls, however, show a majority of Americans are open to having a Mormon as president.
Romney is not the only one who has taken heat over his faith. Polls have shown a small minority of Americans have questioned whether President Barack Obama is a Christian.
Countering the speculation, Osteen said Tuesday he has spent time with the president and has no doubt about his faith.
"I believe with all my heart that he's a Christian, as he says he is," Osteen said.
Watch the full interview HERE
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Arguing about religion is about as significant as two chimps arguing about which stone works better when cracking nuts. Totally absurd! Why don't you just put an atheist in the office already and be done. Why do we have to insist that a president has to be a religiously delusional nut before he is a "legitimate" candidate?
As a Democrat and voting for The President; can we stop this useless debate on things that do not matter? Kennedy was a Catholic. Reagan was divorced. Gov. Romney is not a bad man; its the lack of policies he embraces – The man will say most anything to become President; that is not the kind of man I want as my President.
no, Romney is not a Christian. Romney is a Mormon. There is a big difference between Christian beliefs and Mormon beliefs.
AbacusAmy–were david and his son christian? at any rate, though there probably were christian polygamamists somewhere, generally not so much.
it offends me that romney would be attacked about this religion. in america everyone gets to participate. nevertheless, if you don't accept the nicean creed you are not a Xtian.
That's nothing to be proud of anymore. Today's Christians aren't too nice....
Seems to me that many people could lower their blood pressure if they would stop looking under every rock for somebody else sin. Someone they usually dont like. Ones personal belief is personal and who is so sinless as to question it. I know of no one. Christian values will be respected when a spade is called a spade regardless and not some sort of spin zone to fit the current situation. The spin zone has just about put our nation out of business regarding truth.
The Mormon church believe in Christ just as the other Christian faith believe him as the son of God.
who gives a good golly rats arse – is he a decent man, intelligent, world minded, fair, understanding of all people and their needs, does he understand the political dynamics in the world. personally, I don't think so but he sure as H gets a pass from me on what kind of believer he is. grow up America
Remember the Bible says that the devil also believes in God, but that dont make him a Christian.
It is sad that this statement is even necessary.
We are slouching towards a Kristchun theocracy – and it ain't pretty!
How can this guy say he s a christian when Jerry Falwell's son and most of the evangilcals during the primar siad that the mormon religion is a cult but I guess they hate black people and working people more than $... I guess he converted after Santorum dropped out so he's oaky now..I"m confused who's right oh I see it's the guy that can profit the most...
Frank Thomas says, "True mormons only believe jesus was a prophet, they do not accept the holy trinity, how can they be called christians??".
Actually, Mormons belong to the Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-Day Saints. Notice the name again...We are Christians. He IS the VERY LITERAL Son of God the Father. I love him and am grateful that He is my Savior!
Maybe Frank and the rest of you should find out from an active, practicing MORMON what we believe and not just from your drinking buddies when you're smashed at the local bar. I'll keep you in my prayers.
Perhaps Mr. Osteen would be wise to research what the Mormons mean when they say "son of god" This heresy was already addressed by early church fathers.
Why doesn't everybody Google the top ten strange beliefs of the Mormon religion..
Of course you are allowed to practice any religion you want. That does not mean religion shouldn't be a determinant when analyzing candidates. Most amusing is how fundamentalists are twisting themselves in knots as they excuse their support of Romney after years of calling him a heathen. Just proves that even for the Christianists, morality is a moving target.
Wow, why is there so much hate towards the morman religion? What did they do to the Born Again faith that inspires such un-Christlike feelings/reactions/comments? The ONLY thing that should matter is the man himself. If your boat was sinking, would you judge your rescuer by his faith or would you just show gratitude that he is pulling you out of a much worse situation. From everything I can find this guy is charitable, ethical, raised a great family, and knows how to get things done.
Say that you do hate the morman beliefs and think they are sinners. Doesn't Christ teach us that we don't have to agree with the sin to be able to love and respect the sinner?
Lets get over these insane religions tangents and focus on the Country.
So what about that Book of Mormon, Joel? Do you believe all of it, some of it, or none of it? (sound of crickets)
Wow, why is there so much hate towards the morman religion? What did they do to the Born Again faith that inspires such un-Christlike feelings/reactions/comments? The ONLY thing that should matter is the man himself. If your boat was sinking, would you judge your rescuer by his faith or would you just show gratitude that he is pulling you out of a much worse situation. From everything I can find this guy is charitable, ethical, raised a great family, and knows how to get things done.
Say that you do hate the morman beliefs and think they are sinners. Doesn't Christ teach us that we don't have to agree with the sin to be able to love and respect the sinner?
Lets get over these insane religious tangents and focus on the Country.
Well, Romney is not only multiple choice, but he's all the above also.
Mitt Romnety is not a christian...No morman is a christian!!!!
Pastor Osteen should remind his flock that Obama is a Christian too, for what it's worth.
Snake oil salesman defends car salesman.
Finally, a voice of reason on the matter!
well that solves that problem, I was curious if Osteen was actually a christian or just some guy on TV trying to make a dollar. Obviously he has no idea what Christian beliefs are, either you are Christian or you are not. Like the wise Yoda said Do or do not, there is no try. Either he is one or he is not. Does he know that Mormons also belive that they get their own planet/paradise when they die? Glad to know Osteen is a money/ratings hog. Its stuff like that, sadly, that makes me ponder my own faith. How can so many different views be the right views?