As Houston continues to reel from the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey, Pastor Joel Osteen is facing a social media backlash for closing his megachurch at a time when people are in need.
After the pastor kept Lakewood Church closed during Hurricane Harvey on the grounds that it was “inaccessible due to severe flooding,” a major backlash occurred, with many on social media posting pictures which indicated that the church was usable, according to a report by CNN. The church, which can hold more than 16,000 people, eventually responded to the criticism by shifting its story.
Joel Osteen won't open his church that holds 16,000 to hurricane victims because it only provides shelter from taxes. #HoustonStrong
— Alan Spencer (@MrAlanSpencer) August 28, 2017
Joel Osteen is talking to his people telling them what God wants them to do. Joel obviously does not listen to Him.
— Tommy Chong (@tommychong) August 29, 2017
Chris Christie: I'm a bad dude, I took my family to a public beach I had closed down
Joel Osteen: hold my non-acloholic white wine spritzer
— Dave Weasel (@DaveWeasel) August 29, 2017
Keep saying "it's just Twitter" if you want to, but it was a shaming on social media that got @JoelOsteen to open his Houston church. 😒 pic.twitter.com/BRmva8ivXp
— April (@ReignOfApril) August 29, 2017
Prosperity Gospel preacher Joel Osteen to open megachurch to Hurricane Harvey refugees after public shaming https://t.co/1fjI7raw5y
— Eric W. Dolan (@EWDolan) August 29, 2017
You made Millions of $ with this Jesus con & u can't open the church for #HoustonFloods survivors @JoelOsteen? #Scum https://t.co/zbRIW5nEb3
— KEEM 🍿 (@KEEMSTAR) August 29, 2017
Although Osteen has some defenders under his Facebook post regarding Hurricane Harvey, many other individuals are skewering him there as well.
“Although you may be surrounded by water, like every other part of Houston, what an incredible facility you have to host those who will be devastated by this destruction long term,” said Joanna Morris. “Any plans on opening up Lakewood for salvation for those in need? I mean it’s nice you keep posting other places that have opened up as a shelter, but you are a church after all . . . would be great to hear your plans for helping your community!”
By contrast, Carol Gottshall-Crifo wrote, “Just saw this and checked it is flooded inside making it inaccessible. People need to settle down with the negativity.”
