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Location: In a little house on the prairie - literally
10,202 posts, read 7,926,708 times
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I'm quite surprised that they were found not guilty of any charges. Regardless, no matter how much woo you think is being served up from a pulpit, let the people who come to hear it enjoy their entertainment. Heck, they don't even have to pay for parking or admission if they don't want to.
It is a low brow action by these members of a different christian sect. I wonder if atheists came into their church and bellowed statements how they would react? It seems in Texas, a precedent may have been set for boorish behavior in religious assemblies, without any consequences.
I was shaking my head over this. I had jumped to the conclusion that some hothead atheists had sneaked into the Osteen talk to disrupt it. And I was all ready to say that, while heckling isn't illegal - like picketing - there ought to be some protection where it gets over the line from permissible protest to intimidation.
Another thing that stuck in my mind from my youth was an article on the Daily Rag where some bod referred to "I disapprove of what you say, but will defend to the death your right to say it" and declared that he thought that if you disapproved you should prevent them from saying it. I disapproved of that suggestion and wondered how to prevent him from saying it.
This is an interesting conundrum. On one hand, I vehemently disagree with Osteen's teachings and I am happy to say that to anyone that asks. One might be tempted to cheer them.
On the other hand, as a pastor, I have pondered what I'd do in a similar situation. There are groups that think my church teaches falsely. I've never met anyone that would take it to the extent they did in Osteen's church, but in the event that something like that happened, I've wondered what I'd do. I do believe that we should have the right to worship, and I believe that Osteen's church has the right to exist and conduct services without harassment.
This is an interesting conundrum. On one hand, I vehemently disagree with Osteen's teachings and I am happy to say that to anyone that asks. One might be tempted to cheer them.
On the other hand, as a pastor, I have pondered what I'd do in a similar situation. There are groups that think my church teaches falsely. I've never met anyone that would take it to the extent they did in Osteen's church, but in the event that something like that happened, I've wondered what I'd do. I do believe that we should have the right to worship, and I believe that Osteen's church has the right to exist and conduct services without harassment.
I would lead the church in a rousing song if you are ever heckled in church. It is a nice way to drown out the heckler, soothes the congregation and empowers them. Sooner or later the hecklers either leaves or joins in the song.
I would lead the church in a rousing song if you are ever heckled in church. It is a nice way to drown out the heckler, soothes the congregation and empowers them. Sooner or later the hecklers either leaves or joins in the song.
heh...you haven't seen how small our congregation is, or what happens when something happens in a small town. It doesn't take a lot of shouting to cause a disruption. On the other hand, we are well-respected in the area, and there just aren't the type of people that would do that sort of thing.
heh...you haven't seen how small our congregation is, or what happens when something happens in a small town. It doesn't take a lot of shouting to cause a disruption. On the other hand, we are well-respected in the area, and there just aren't the type of people that would do that sort of thing.
It pays to be prepared. If there are three of you and one heckles, sing Happy Birthday to the heckler.
Even in my beloved Stepfordville there are radicals.
As a Born Again Christian, I take issue with Osteens prosperity gospel message. If God wanted us all to be wealthy, why was Jesus basically homeless and poor while He walked the earth? Pastors that only preach "Love and forgiveness", without discussing repentence, and judgement are either liars and fakes, or more concerned about what their audience thinks than they are about what God thinks.
As a Born Again Christian, I take issue with Osteens prosperity gospel message. If God wanted us all to be wealthy, why was Jesus basically homeless and poor while He walked the earth? Pastors that only preach "Love and forgiveness", without discussing repentence, and judgement are either liars and fakes, or more concerned about what their audience thinks than they are about what God thinks.
I think you should write a Dear Joel letter.
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