Joel Osteen Comments on 'Con Artist' Televangelists, Politics and Homosexuality

By Katherine Weber , Christian Post Reporter

June 7, 2012

Pastor Joel Osteen recently shared with a Colorado news station how he believes he stands out from other Christian leaders who solicit donations through television ministries, as well as his views on politics and homosexuality.

While acknowledging in the June 5 interview with news reporter Ron Zappolo that some people are often turned off by evangelism, especially due to televangelists who request money while preaching on TV, the Lakewood Church pastor insisted he was different.

"I try to be just the opposite. I try to be myself. That's why on television, I never ask for money. I try to be the opposite," Osteen said.

The popular pastor and author went on to say that he doesn't ask for money on television "because I realize people are thinking, when they flip you on to begin with, they're thinking 'he's after my money, he's a con artist.' You know, you have to overcome that, but I believe that sincerity comes through when people realize you're just trying to help them live a better life."

My Online Blogging Activities Came Into Question

By Kim Hashemzadeh | Yahoo! Contributor Network

I have always enjoyed writing and researching online for my own knowledge on such issues as politics, arts, people, careers, education and so forth. Most of what I write is rather informative about leisure activities, but I have also written on political topics as well, which it turns out would come back to haunt me.

One day I came across a job listing for a part-time teacher's assistant at a daycare. I have a few years experience as a substitute teacher, a lead teacher and a after school teacher in which I have done fine work.

I made it on time to my interview and was asked the general questions interviewers typically ask during the first 10 minutes or so. Later on in the interview I was asked what I do in my spare time, so I explained that I am a very artistic person so I do a lot of crafts and I pay attention to the local politics in my area.