Joel Osteen, the renowned preacher, garners mixed opinions.
Some find his message comforting and hopeful, while others criticize him as a charlatan profiting from a diluted gospel.
Detractors point to his alleged immense wealth, rumored to be around $60 million, and claims that his 16,000-seat church turned away Hurricane Harvey victims.
Snopes confirms these allegations.
Regardless of one’s stance on Osteen, it appears that he adheres to a particular moral code in one aspect of his life.
Interestingly, this code carries the name of another televangelist, although less controversial.
Surprisingly, a well-known American politician also famously abides by this code.
Moreover, Osteen extends this rule to the women in his life.
Billy Graham, a highly respected televangelist known for avoiding scandal, lends his name to a rule that may contribute to his clean reputation.
According to Vice, the “Billy Graham Rule” mandates that a man should never be alone in a room with a woman who is not his wife.
By following this guideline, temptation can be avoided, and any questionable behavior can be preemptively dismissed.
Osteen acknowledges his adherence to this rule, stating, “I do and I always have [lived by this rule], and my father did too.”
Notably, former Vice President Mike Pence, though not a televangelist, also upholds this principle.
While avoiding situations where a man and a woman are alone may safeguard against accusations of impropriety, survivors of s**ual assault argue that transparency and an accountability process are crucial within religious institutions.
These survivors emphasize the importance of allowing victims of s**ual abuse in religious settings to seek justice.
It is clear that Joel Osteen has implemented a strict rule for women in his life, aligning himself with the principles set forth by the esteemed Billy Graham.
The debate surrounding Osteen’s credibility and practices continues, with supporters praising his positive influence and detractors questioning his sincerity.
However, regardless of one’s opinion, it is evident that this rule holds significance for Osteen and those who adhere to it.
As discussions on transparency and accountability persist, it remains essential to address the concerns of s**ual assault
