As I've stated before, the Olsteens do have doctrinal errors and some of them are serious. Here's CRI's take:
Part 1:
The Teaching of Joel Osteen Pt. 1 - YouTube
Part 2:
The Teaching of Joel Osteen Pt. 2: Barack Obama, Mitt Romney, and the Bible - YouTube
I personally think theological ignorance is a large part of Olsteen's problem as he never graduated from the college he attended (e.g. Oral Roberts University) much less attended seminary and graduated with a divinity degree. Joel is academically and theologically unqualified to hold the position of senior pastor that he holds. To put it bluntly: he's a Bible school
dropout, in other words.
The other part of his problem, in my opinion, is that he displays a measure of denial and wishful thinking when solid orthodox Christian theologians do take the time to correct his theological misunderstanding.
That said, I like the Olsteens as people. I don't believe they're exercising denial from passive/aggressive rebellion or ego. My opinion based on everything I've heard from them and read, qualified and normalized, is that they are moral, honest, and socialized Christians who deeply believe in what they are doing.
But, Joel is theologically unqualified for the position of senior pastor and his dismissal of orthodox Christian theologian's scholarly correction is a continuing problem for the assembly he pastors.
That said, I don't even view the fact he's unqualified for senior pastor as a material problem because it can certainly be resolved. In fact, there are a great many preachers, pastors, and evangelists throughout the history of Christendom that God called to ministry who obtained the necessary competency and credentials "on the job" so to speak.
But the second issue (being unwilling to take correction from orthodox Christian theological scholars) i
s the real problem with respect to Joel Olsteen. He displays negative volition toward taking correction from orthodox Christian scholars.
Nevertheless, many people are being added to God's kingdom through the ministry he leads
anyways making the Olsteen's ministry truly a mixed blessing.
I'm going to step out on a limb and say the good presently outweighs the bad with respect to the Olsteens and their ministry which is bringing people into God's kingdom and setting them on the narrow path despite Joel's ongoing and sometimes serious doctrinal problems which fortunately are not enough to classify him as a heretic.
But he is theologically ignorant to a material degree, academically unqualified for the position he holds as senior pastor, and to the best of my knowledge not under the authority and discipleship of a world class orthodox Christian scholar like Craig, Geisler, etc...
So while he may mistakenly think Mormons are Christians he himself is not a Joseph Smith if you know what I mean... lol.
I just wish he'd discern that he needs to take the next step and come under the authority and accountability of a world class orthodox Christian theological scholar like Craig, Geisler, etc...
THEN, it would be ALL good.