Joel Osteen, known by some as an inspiring preacher and by others as a questionable figure, has a moral code that he adheres to in his personal life.
Interestingly enough, this code is named after another televangelist, Billy Graham, who was highly respected during his time.
Even a prominent American politician, former Vice President Mike Pence, follows this code.
It appears that Osteen’s rule applies to the women in his life as well.
Billy Graham, unlike many other TV preachers, managed to maintain a scandal-free reputation throughout his career.
This may be attributed, in part, to the “Billy Graham Rule.”
This rule states that a man should never be alone in a room with a woman who is not his wife.
The intention behind this rule is to prevent temptation and to avoid any appearance of wrongdoing.
Joel Osteen, in an interview with Vice, confirmed that he has always lived by this rule, as did his father.
While this rule may protect individuals from accusations of impropriety, survivors of s**ual assault argue that what churches truly need is transparency and an accountability process that allows victims of abuse in religious settings to seek justice.
Avoiding one-on-one interactions between men and women does not address the larger issue at hand.
It is worth noting that opinions regarding Joel Osteen are polarized.
Some view him as an inspiring preacher whose message brings comfort and hope to millions of Christians.
Others, however, believe that he is a charlatan who manipulates the faithful for financial gain.
Critics point to his alleged wealth, rumored to be around $60 million, and claims that his church did not provide shelter to Hurricane Harvey victims.
Regardless of one’s perspective on Joel Osteen, it is intriguing to observe the influence of the “Billy Graham Rule” in his life.
This code, designed to maintain moral integrity, extends beyond the realm of televangelism and has even reached the highest levels of American politics.
The debate surrounding this rule raises questions about the effectiveness of avoiding potential impropriety versus addressing the systemic issues within religious institutions.
In conclusion, Joel Osteen’s adherence to the “Billy Graham Rule” in his personal life is a topic of interest and
