On Larry King last night, mega-church preacher Joel Osteen and his wife Victoria, Jim and Tammy 2.0, offered beaming advice about how to have it all with God's help. We were sort of shocked by the exchange about undergarments, in which Osteen said women shouldn't dress up for work or the outside world, but for their husbands; translation: they should wear sexy underwear. An excerpt from the transcript:
Larry King: Is this -- is this true, that you once exhorted women in the audience to shop at Victoria's Secret to help their marriage?
J. OSTEEN: Oh, well, that was -- that's probably true. I think the whole...
KING: That's why you're smiling all the time.
J. OSTEEN: OK. OK. I hope it was in a good context, though. I mean, I wasn't -- it's too much to explain now, but yes I did.
V. OSTEEN: Yes, he was encouraging women. He was encouraging women to take careful [care of?] themselves.
J. OSTEEN: Yes.
V. OSTEEN: And to not go around in their old, you know, bathrobes, and that they could add that spark to their home. And I think that was great.
KING: What's wrong with that?
J. OSTEEN: No, there's nothing. And that was my point, don't go look good and dress up to go to work and dress up to go to event[s?] for everybody else. Dress up for your own husband. I mean, look good at home.
Of course, we think you should dress up for your spouse, but the implication here seems to be that women's role in the outside world isn't that important ,and also that it's up to women to keep the spark alive.
Why isn't Osteen telling husbands to go to Calvin Klein?
Click on the image below to watch the Osteen interview.
Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 23)
1. Although I am Jewish I try to watch his show every Sunday. He allows me to rethink the way I live my life and how to make it better. As for the wives shoppping at Victoria Secret, Yes I think we as women should always feel sexy and beautiful. I also think it is the husbands job to help with it. We (women) need to feel appreciated and loved. Inreturn, men can dress, smell and work out too! Marriage is never easy, but wanting your spouse to want you should be. Intimacy doesnt start or end in the bedroom! Thanks Joel, just remember, men can be sexy too!
susan at 3:55PM on Oct 17th 2007
2. I don't see anything wrong with a woman dressing for her husband inside their bed room. Just don't do it anywhere else. I've been married to the same sexy woman for almost 50 years and she still looks good in Victorias Secret things!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks, Gary Franklin
Gary at 4:07PM on Oct 17th 2007
3. I agree with Joel. Wives should always look their best for their husbands. Our undergarments are for his viewing only (hopefully). By purchasing and wearing sexy undergarments, it is simply showing our mate that we care how we look to him.
I'm sure Joel thinks husbands should also look their best for their wives. But, he wasn't asked about that matter. Thanks, Joel, for being real and transparent in your ministry and life.
Joy York at 4:11PM on Oct 17th 2007
4. #1, Wrong Susan, you should emulate Ada and do all you shoping at Schwartz's Army & Navy Surplus Store up in the Bronx.
JZeeee at 4:13PM on Oct 17th 2007
5. I watch about once a month. It's great to have someone filling your heart with a positive message and a "You can do anything you set your mind to attitude". Rather than life is crap, and we are all going to Hell in a handbasket.
A little more sunshine in life is a good thing.
rwilliams at 4:16PM on Oct 17th 2007
6. I think Joel Osteen is one of the best preachers of our time. He is uncomplicated, down to earth, and honest. He is always happy and he spreads God's word with happiness and joy. I love him and love to hear his messages.
God Bless
sUSAN at 4:27PM on Oct 17th 2007
7. I really hope that Joel's comments don't get blown out of proportion. I think its great to mention that wives should consider wearing nice or sexy undergarments for their husbands.(Husbands should consider wearing their best also). Sometimes people forget that when you get married its supposed to be forever. God blesses your marriage continue to make it as special as the day you said "I Do". PEACE/JOY
Anthony Elkins at 4:30PM on Oct 17th 2007
8. I did not see the episode that Larry King was referencing, but believe that Osteen speaks with a light, uplifting spirit. My interpretation of the comments as portrayed here is a positive one.
Most people give the bulk of their day to day energy to their careers, children and demands of others, so it is absolutely crucial to bring that spark to the relationship. Whether that's Victorias Secret or that thing you know would be a genuine expression that your spouse would be grateful for, it's a good thing. It takes a concerted effort in today's busy lifestyle. Men and women both.
Live Your Dreams
GoalGuru.com at 4:33PM on Oct 17th 2007
9. I watch Joel Osteen regularly and appreciate his honesty and positive spirit. I am a wife of twenty years and I agree, every effort should be made to look just as good at home for your husband as you do for work, church, etc.
khandi at 5:04PM on Oct 17th 2007
10. olstein is a wonderful preacher but i already know about victoria secret, my husband also buys it for me and ladies remember men gets turned on by sight ive been doing so for the past 23 years . we both work but there is always a surprise at the end of the day if not sexual but as appreciation
lynette at 5:11PM on Oct 17th 2007
11. what a wonder preacher he shoul advise both husband wife to appreciate each other as well as the kitchen
lynette at 5:22PM on Oct 17th 2007
12. sUSAN: Listen to your favorite preacher and you will see that he wishes his women to be submissive. That is not how God intended a relationship between a man and a woman. Read your Bible.
Nicki at 5:23PM on Oct 17th 2007
13. I don't know what the big deal is. I heard a pastor say the same thing while preaching at a church I attended over 5 yrs ago. Too bad no one gave him this much attention for saying the same thing. I guess the difference is Joel Osteen is famous and that pastor isn't. Still, both husband and wife should work to maintain their appearance in order to keep the spark alive in their marriage.
Vee at 5:36PM on Oct 17th 2007
14. I guess I am the odd man out..Osteen seems rather phoney to me. All fluff and no substance. When pressed to give his opinons on relevant social issues, Osteen says he has none. He has none? What is he, a computer?
David S. at 5:44PM on Oct 17th 2007
15. The author gave a nice try at twisting Joel's words and intentions when he made those comments. I think it's very true, women and men will often dress up and look nice for everyone but thier spouse and really our spouses are the most important people in our lives. Way to go Joel, I support you one hundred percent! Joel is a great communicator and great encourager and reminds us to put things in the right perspective in this crazy world we live in.
Melissa at 5:57PM on Oct 17th 2007