Is this teaching biblical?
Joel Osteen dismissed the fundamental theological differences between Christianity and Mormonism as 'little details.' Mormonism teaches that God was once a man, that humans can become gods, that Jesus and Satan are spirit brothers, and that salvation requires works — each of which is a different gospel entirely (Galatians 1:8-9). As Albert Mohler responded: 'Does Joel not know, or does Joel not care? In the end, we have to conclude that he does not care enough to know, and that is the greater tragedy for a Christian minister.'
What did Joel Osteen say?
"Well, in my mind they are [Christians]. Mitt Romney has said that he believes in Christ as his savior, and that's what I believe, so, you know, I'm not the one to judge the little details of it."
Speaker: Joel Osteen
Source: Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace, December 23, 2007
What does Scripture actually teach?
Galatians 1:8-9
But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.
— NKJV
Paul did not consider theological differences 'little details.' He pronounced a curse on anyone preaching a different gospel — the very thing Mormonism does. Osteen's casual acceptance of a religion that teaches God was once a man and humans can become gods reveals either shocking ignorance or willful disregard for truth.
2 Corinthians 11:4
For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!
— NKJV
Mormonism preaches a different Jesus (spirit brother of Satan, not eternally God), a different spirit, and a different gospel. Paul warned the church about exactly this kind of false teaching — and Osteen tells millions it's just 'little details.'
Related False Teachings
"99.9% of all people are good people."
— Joel Osteen | Denial of Sin
"I don't think anything I've said has offended someone of a different faith."
— Joel Osteen | People-Pleasing Gospel
"I believe there are many paths to Jesus. You don't know how Jesus would reveal Himself to somebody, ..."
— Joel Osteen | False Gospel