Joel Osteen
Houston megachurch holds healing and thanksgiving service a week after deadly shooting
By Juan A. Lozano — February 19, 2024
HOUSTON (AP) — Osteen's Lakewood Church has not had services since the Feb. 11 shooting that sent worshippers scrambling for safety.
Here’s the latest on the investigation into the shooting at Joel Osteen’s megachurch
By Juan A. Lozano and Jim Vertuno — February 15, 2024
HOUSTON (AP) — The shooting is one of many that have involved shooters who legally obtained guns despite criminal history and mental health problems.
How Texas church shooter bought rifle despite mental illness and criminal history is under scrutiny
By Jim Vertuno and Juan A. Lozano — February 14, 2024
HOUSTON (AP) — Houston Police did not say whether the AR-15 was purchased retail, which would have required a background check if bought from a federally licensed firearms dealer, or a private sale, which would not.
Reluctant pastor’s son to most-viewed preacher: Shooting puts new spotlight on Joel Osteen
By Ben Finley — February 13, 2024
(AP) — The 60-year-old regularly preaches to about 45,000 people a week in a former basketball arena and he's known to millions more through his television sermons.
A shooter opened fire in a Houston church. Gunfire has also scarred other Texas places of worship
By Jim Vertuno — February 13, 2024
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Police identified the shooter as Genesse Ivonne Moreno, 36. Authorities said Moreno's 7-year-old son, who the shooter brought into the church, was shot in the head and critically injured.
What to know about a shooting at Joel Osteen’s megachurch
By Juan A. Lozano — February 12, 2024
HOUSTON (AP) — Osteen said the violence could have been worse if the shooting had happened during the earlier and larger late Sunday morning service.
Sheriff says suspect ‘is down’ after shooting at Joel Osteen’s Texas megachurch
By Juan A. Lozano — February 11, 2024
HOUSTON (AP) — Lakewood Church had earlier posted on social media there was an ‘active situation involving shots fired’ at one of the largest megachurches in the U.S. during its typically busy Sunday services.
A TikTok Jesus promises divine blessings and many worldly comforts
By Brandon Dean — November 16, 2023
(The Conversation) — A scholar of American religion explains how a new phenomenon of Jesus images on TikTok is tapping into the prosperity gospel, a Christian belief that God will reward faith with this-worldly comforts.
Elon Musk loves The Babylon Bee. Will he let the site back on Twitter?
By Bob Smietana — November 8, 2022
(RNS) — The Christian satire site’s connection to Musk is the latest example of the Bee’s rise from a would-be pastor’s side project to a conservative powerhouse.
How America’s conservative youth movement grew a powerhouse on the cult of rage
By Yonat Shimron — October 31, 2022
(RNS) — In a new book, Kyle Spencer documents the rise of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk and talk show host Candace Owens and their growing influence on conservative youth culture.
‘The Righteous Gemstones’ laughs with Christians, not at them
By Jillian Cheney — February 11, 2022
(RNS) — The Gemstones represent some truths about many filthy-rich televangelists and church leaders, priming them to be a perfect parable for Christianity, for those who have ears to hear.
Plumber reportedly finds cash and checks in walls of Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church
By Emily McFarlan Miller — December 3, 2021
(RNS) — Did a plumber just discover a new clue in a seven-year-old burglary case at the Houston-area megachurch?
For some churches, paying back PPP loans is better than forgiveness
By Bob Smietana — November 2, 2021
(RNS) — A handful of congregations decided to pay back their large Paycheck Protection Program loans.
Amid calls to #TaxTheChurches – what and how much do US religious organizations not pay the taxman?
By Ryan Cragun — August 12, 2021
(The Conversation) — Megachurches and the men who lead them can be superrich. So why don’t the IRS and local authorities see a cent in taxes? A scholar explains.
George Floyd anniversary is a chance for white evangelicals to stand up for Black lives
By Doug Pagitt — May 25, 2021
(RNS) — Our community has a moral obligation to support Black lives.
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