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Mega Church and Gay Marriage
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Joel and Victoria Osteen
On Tuesday night, Joel and Victoria Osteen were interviewed on Larry King Live. During the course of the evening Joel and Victoria, who pastor America's largest Christian congregation at Lakewood Church in Houston TX, commented on everything from Obama to gay marriage. While many non denominational Christians laud Joel and Victoria for their upbeat approach to Christian living it is apparent that even mega churches and mega pastors struggle when asked to speak out about Biblical and moral issues:
King: Do you think that eventually many more states are going to allow same-sex marriage?
Joel Osteen: You know, I don't know where it's all going ... I'd love to see it stay between a male and a female, not knocking anybody else.
King: Supposing there were more states that had it. What would be the harm?
Victoria Osteen: We really want to see marriage between a man and a woman. There [are] going to be people who get together and have relationships and have what they call their families. But I just think marriage should be sanctified by the church. It should be between a man and a woman.
Those more obvious right wing Christians who, when questioned, come right out and speak their positions regarding issues like gay marriage are often maligned and mislabeled as ignorant, narrow minded and intolerant while their opposing homosexual counterparts are often progressive, enlightened, and embracing of diversity. Certainly there must be a way for the Bible believing Christian to speak clearly and persuasively (without malice) regarding difficult issues that face us daily.
Whether I agree or disagree with a person's position on any issue, I normally respect those who represent themselves with strength of conviction and with tact. Qualifying statements - while spoken so that one does not "offend" only serve to weaken one's position on any topic. The bottom line is - if you're for it, say so. If you're against it, say so. This is still America and we should never be afraid to state our position on any topic.
The Osteens and Lakewood Church do a lot of good things for a lot of people and this commentary is not to detract from this organization, but it does illuminate a potential danger in the maintenance of mega churches. Pastors who feed a flock this size risk watering down the message to appeal to the numbers and if this becomes the regular course of action, the mega church has minimal impact on the lives of the congregation.
What are your thoughts? Has your church discussed topics like gay marriage? If you are a Christian, do you find it difficult to voice your views for or against this subject?
Peace
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