**UPDATE** CNN is reporting Osteen is opening the church up today (August 29, 2017). Also, **UPDATE** I had no idea Joel Osteen was such a polarizing figure, but it does not make up for the fact that he looks like he is made of plastic.
*ORIGINAL STORY*
Wow. Some major breaking news coming out of the Houston area today in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.
Courtesy of The New York Post:
Televangelist Joel Osteen cancelled services at his Houston megachurch Sunday and has yet to reopen its doors — despite the fact that thousands of flooded-out residents are desperately seeking shelter.
The perpetually smiling pastor told followers on Twitter on Monday to lean on their faith.
“Jesus promises us peace that passes understanding,” he wrote. “That’s peace when it doesn’t make sense.”
But Osteen’s comforting words didn’t sit well with critics, who want to know why the doors to his 16,800-seat arena at his Lakewood Church near downtown Houston are closed.
I don’t care how you slice it, Osteen has made millions off of his image as a beacon of Christianity. This doesn’t seem like a very Christian thing to do. Like, man – you have the capacity to really help your community when it matters the most and you just close up shop, citing flood damage. Flood damage that people around the church are refuting. Obviously, the facts are still coming out, but Osteen doesn’t exactly have the best reputation to begin with. The guy lives a lavish lifestyle, and appears to be made of plastic. We’ll see as the news continues to roll out.
Regardless, this is a bad look. And, naturally, Twitter has taken aim:
Joel Osteen is worth $50 million, and has a $10 million house he pays no taxes on. How much has he donated to the relief effort? $0
— (((Gumbercules))) (@gamblor5555) August 28, 2017
Joel Osteen is not a Follower of God, because followers of God would risk their own lives to help others out of the Flooded waters. #Houston
— ⚾️ⓡⓚⓤⓚ (@rkuk17) August 28, 2017
It’s funny how it takes a hurricane to show the world how big of a pile of shit Joel Osteen really is.
— Space Cowboy (@brandoncox18) August 28, 2017
People: Joel! Need you to open the mega church for the flood victims.
Joel Osteen: pic.twitter.com/JZ6zREAOTL
— Hon. Art Bowser (@artiesportsbar) August 28, 2017
“For I was a stranger and you invited me in” – Jesus
“If you happen to survive the flood, kindly send me all your money” – Joel Osteen
— Dr. JP, Self-Helpist (@JPHaddadio) August 28, 2017
How long have I been telling you all that Joel Osteen is a fraud? That man is a business man first and foremost…..
— RoLdog (@roldog_) August 28, 2017
Joel Osteen’s Houston home on the left.
His Pensacola home on the right.
He shut his doors to the people of Houston during this crisis. pic.twitter.com/tPkG9G652E
— Anonymous TV (@AnonTVofficial) August 28, 2017
Joel Osteen won’t open his church that holds 16,000 to hurricane victims because it only provides shelter from taxes. #HoustonStrong
— chris molinari (@czarcastic1) August 28, 2017
Joel Osteen getting called out on twitter is everything
— Erin Nicole (@ENTracy5) August 28, 2017
Joel Osteen claims his megachurch is unavailable for flood victims as he is packing it full with two of every kind of animal.
— Fake Dispatch (@Fake_Dispatch) August 28, 2017
I remember the 2010 flood here in Nashville. You feel a sense of helplessness in all of it, and there’s not much you can do until the water subsides. That said, do what you can – J.J. Watt set up a fund on YouCaring. Help Houston.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. A strong advocate of GSD (get shit done) and #BeBetter, he’s down to talk Tennessee Titans and Alabama Crimson Tide football over a beer any day. Check him out covering the WWE for WrestlingNews.co. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley, @WrestlingNewsCo
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