Perhaps pressure from media and social networks caused Joel Osteen to finally call homosexuality a sin.
In an interview with Piers Morgan, airing on CNN, January 26th, Joel Osteen goes further than he ever has on the subject of homosexuality. Many felt Osteen has been skating around the issue by saying on numerous occasions that “homosexuality was not God’s best,” a statement that does not go far enough to many Christians. Shows like “The View” and the Larry King Show have tried to get Joel to stop straddling the fence on the issue, and take a defining stance. Christians on YouTube and web-shows like The Gospel View.com have debated the statement stirring up opinions in the Christian community. Host Piers Morgan is the replacement for the recently retired Larry King.
Piers mentions that Elton John is his friend and asks Joel Osteen if he believed that Elton John was a sinner for having a gay partner? Joel said yes, and mentions that there are many sins in the bible, and he is judging no one. Boldly, Piers Morgan says that Joel is judging, referencing the over 8 million people that watch Joel Osteen on television to make his argument.
Later, Joel would sorrowfully state that there are things that he doesn’t understand about the issue.
As a media outlet it was clear to see that Piers Morgan was looking for the headline in the interview. Something that was sure to stir up the internet and media outlets. He got that by bombarding Joel with situational questions that related to the homosexual lifestyle. He added opinions of people being born gay, seemingly trying to see if Joel would approve or disagree with him to add to the debate and audience backlash.
The gay lifestyle is becoming more and more un-popular to speak out against, and increasingly accepted as a part of society. Many preachers are softening their stance on the issue to keep their pews occupied. We can only wonder what the impact of Joel Osteen’s interview will be but one thing’s clear, Joel will continue to field questions on the topic even more by making clear his position. Christians will continue to have heavy hearts on the issue prompting televangelists to answer tough questions.
Do you agree with Joel? Was he bold enough with his position on the issue? Is being Gay still a sin? The last time I went to bible study we couldn’t pick and choose what we wanted to believe out of the bible. What are your thoughts?
