As a Catholic school 5th grader in the heavy metal days of 1985, I was given a stern warning for flashing the “Hang Loose” hand signal, which according to my principal was a bit too reminiscent of the universally known sieg heil to Satan. This past weekend, megachurch pastor Joel Osteen found himself in a similar predicament for flashing the real deal, thanks to some of his occult-wary fans on Twitter.
As reported by The Christian Post, Osteen and his wife Victoria were attending their son’s graduation from the University of Texas this weekend, when he posted a photo of himself and his son taking part in the time-honored tradition of flashing the “Hook’em Horns” hand sign.
We had a great day celebrating @JonathanOsteen‘s graduation from the University of Texas at Austin! So proud of him! pic.twitter.com/fHATVCFPQy
— Joel Osteen (@JoelOsteen) May 20, 2017
Among the generally good-natured and congratulatory comments, some worried the presence of a potentially devilish signal could send the wrong message.
@marthalouise14 @PeterBahi @Farand_Ess @JoelOsteen it actually represent Evil.. we have many examples in the Hollywood industry!
— GowinDgospelRapper (@GoWinDrapper) May 25, 2017
@JoelOsteen @JonathanOsteen That Sign Though…
— SABATO FAUSTINUS (@Sabato_Oukoo) May 20, 2017
@JoelOsteen @JonathanOsteen Why you do that sign with your finger?
— Natalia (@Sandragdg) May 20, 2017
@JoelOsteen @JonathanOsteen Why on Earth would you use the devil sign? My goodness a thumbs up would work or you don’t have thumbs??
— askofu indimuli (@ian_indimuli) May 20, 2017
@ebealforty4 @JoelOsteen @JonathanOsteen wow, “Hook em” like how this false prophet hooks his followers by being charismatic and manipulative. Hes satan in disguise as a friend.
— Christopher Pewl (@ChrisPoool) May 21, 2017
@JoelOsteen @JonathanOsteen That Demonic signal …. Pastor?! Really?
— Jesse Samson (@JesseSamson4) May 20, 2017
Victoria Osteen only fanned the flames by posting a photo of herself and her son flashing the horns. Some demanded to know if hailing Satan was a family affair:
Congratulations @JonathanOsteen on your graduation from the University of Texas at Austin! I couldn’t be more proud! pic.twitter.com/cw7hcChut6
— Victoria Osteen (@VictoriaOsteen) May 20, 2017
@JoelOsteen @JonathanOsteen That’s symbol depicted by your fingers has sent a very deep message on your identity.
— Oyola Kiasa (@sir_oyola) May 20, 2017
@VictoriaOsteen @JonathanOsteen Doing horns?! Even though is UT, that symbol ain’t good! Thats devil’s symbol!
— Isaac Hogg (@isaachogg) May 21, 2017
@VictoriaOsteen @JonathanOsteen Why you are showing illuminati symbol
— Saheer.E (@SaheerHilliyas) May 21, 2017
@VictoriaOsteen @JonathanOsteen That symbol you just threw up tells the real you you cant be on the fence ….
— sylvia leal (@realeal) May 23, 2017
Featured image via Twitter
