Toxic criticism is quickly emerging as the United States' new national pastime. Distant observers love to criticize others who are actually engaged in trying to make a difference. If social media posts are to be believed, the United States
is a nation of mindless, unfeeling, calloused, inhumane idiots – except for the
individuals who write such claims about others - others who are actually attempting to make a difference rather than merely voice a difference of opinion. This prevailing practice of uninvited criticism offered by uninvolved individuals has become even more prominent in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, perhaps the most
powerful and destructive hurricane to land on US soil in living memory.
As it became evident that the storm would be of historic
proportions, pundits with years of well-honed skills for criticizing the
actions of others under their belts, began harshly assessing the responses of
various individuals and entities. These assessments were based on expectations
that did not truly appreciate the immensity of the destruction or the human
need to assess, adjust and address the situation before engaging in definitive
action. These critiques have been
particularly characteristic of how churches have been viewed in their responses
to this crisis, and no church has been criticized more than Lakewood Church of
Houston, pastored by noted televangelist Joel Osteen.
In assessing Lakewood’s response to Hurricane Harvey,
pundits painted Osteen’s actions as detached, self-centered, lethargic and
inadequate. He was further described as one
more concerned about money and comfort than he was about helping those in need
and portrayed as one who had no true regard for the city of Houston and its
citizens. The problem with these
conclusions are that they are not based on fact. There is an observable history of Lakewood
Church that tells a much different story.
Lakewood was founded by Joel’s father, John Osteen in the late 1950’s. The senior Osteen was known for preaching an
unrelenting message of God’s love and being willing to serve anybody,
especially those who were outcasts. John
Osteen led the church through a period when he faced criticisms and violence
for opening the doors of the church to all people and refusing to serve in a
segregated setting. Such stands
estranged him from other “Bible-believing” ministries of his era, yet Lakewood
persisted in following the conviction that Jesus called His people to love all
people.
As the multicultural makeup of Lakewood became accepted by
outsiders, the church simultaneously maintained a well-earned reputation for
helping the needy and being focused on reaching those who were outcasts. After
John Osteen’s passing and Joel’s assumption of Leadership, Lakewood maintained
its role as a “go to” resource in times of hardship, serving as a literal
shelter from storms in other regional hardships and caring for the vulnerable in
numerous emergency situations. As
Hurricane Harvey loomed, Lakewood’s leadership knew they would help, but weren’t
sure how they would best assist, knowing they had their own vulnerabilities in
terms of the possibility of flooding within the building that serves them. This self-imposed delay for the sake of sound
decision-making and to help prevent Lakewood from becoming a source of trouble
rather than help, became fertile ground for every critic of Lakewood in
particular and Christianity in general.
The crop of criticism and ridicule that has been produced because
of Lakewood’s making more careful assistance decisions has ignored Lakewood’s history,
demonstrated ignorance of Lakewood’s core values and applied unrighteous stereotypes
to a ministry that while not by any means perfect, makes it a point to serve as
a place of refuge and help. Just because
one has an issue with Christians – even when justifiable – does not mean one should
feel free to belittle, berate and insult any church within view without taking
the time to know the facts. Observe all ministries like one would any entity –
with objectivity, fairness and with actual knowledge about what the church
stands for and what the church does.
Among agencies who help in times of crisis, churches are often at the
very core of the groups that help, and often supply the key players who help as
a matter of course in their secular duties.
While it is true that I do not see eye to eye with Brother
Osteen on some matters of doctrine and theology, I have observed him for many
years. I take note that he has not forgotten the hallmarks of the faith, and
has committed the formidable resources of the ministry he leads for caring for
widows, orphans and strangers. I would
invite those who wish to criticize Christians as a matter of sport to know that
while you will assuredly find faults at which to take aim, you will also
certainly find unrelenting devotion in serving others and excellence in denying
self towards which you can strive. Let
us proceed to light more candles and relent of perpetually cursing the
darkness.
No comments:
Post a Comment