Oprah’s New Age gospel
- Mar 12, 2008 - 11
A recent Washington Post column has blogosphere feminists a little upset.
Charlotte Allen’s “Women vs. Women” is a tongue-in-cheek diatribe about how dumb women can be. Since I am a woman, I should be insulted. I am not, however, because beneath the insults are some gems of truth and wisdom dealing with rising above feminist dogma and using our God-given gifts, including our brains.
Allen observes that women get hyper-emotional about things and rely on feelings to the extent that we’re easily led. Her first example of this is the national phenomenon known as Obama-mania. Women screaming at his campaign appearances. Women “falling for the presidential candidate, literally.” One radio host has counted five faintings at Obama rallies since September. My question would be, are they swooning over the man, or his policy prescriptions?
Allen writes, “Reading about such episodes of screaming, gushing and swooning makes me wonder whether women—I should say ‘we women,’ of course—aren’t the weaker sex after all. Or even the stupid sex. . . .”
Allen goes on to wonder how women can catapult chick lit, like Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love, to the top of the New York Times best seller list. Or how Oprah Winfrey can be so influential among women. Or how we’re more inclined to fall for “feel good gummy spirituality.” She continues, “Women’s foolishness is usually harmless. But it can be so . . . embarrassing.”
Embarrassing? Maybe. But not harmless.
The spiritual aura around Barack Obama is a phenomenon that will likely fade as the nation engages in intelligent consideration of the issues that face us. But the cult of Oprah Winfrey and the human-centered New Age gospel she promotes is downright dangerous.
There is no question Oprah is a tremendous influencer of women. Dustin Benge, a young pastor and student at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, wrote of her power on his blog:
“Working in the Louisville, Kentucky Brooks Brothers, I have begun to understand what impact she has on American women. Her show, Wednesday, February 20, featured the Brooks Brothers ladies non-iron shirt. I will have to say that this is a wonderful shirt, one that does not require ironing and is extremely easy to care for (not meant to be an advertisement for the store). Before the show was over we began to receive calls from women all over Louisville and other surrounding towns and states wanting these shirts. When we opened our doors for business Thursday we were bombarded with ladies looking for the ‘Oprah shirt’ for their wardrobe.
“I am extremely grateful for the advertisement and the business we are receiving from this plug. However, I began thinking about how much influence Oprah has over the women of this nation.”
Middle-aged women comprise the vast majority of Oprah’s audience. For the four weeks ending May 5, 2007, 72.8% of visitors to Oprah’s Web site were female; 66.4% were 35 or older. Many are inspired by her story. She grew up in Mississippi without electricity or running water. She was raped at age nine. As a young teen, she bore a child who died in infancy. During her formative years a man, not her biological father, raised her.
Oprah realized her promise through education and sheer grit. Today she operates a vast media empire that includes her popular TV and radio shows, a magazine, a book club, and even an acting career. She donates millions to worthy causes and practices hands-on philanthropy.
Oprah seems to have it all: beauty, a gorgeous wardrobe, business sense, a direct and engaging interview style. Oprah is open, transparent and makes women feel she’s just like them. She inspires fans to improve their lives as she did hers. Her roller coaster battle with weight humanizes her as does her obvious love for people. She addresses issues that women care and want to know about. In her repertoire, there is something for every woman. A couple of recent show topics caught my eye: “High style on a budget with Vera Wang” and “Get the best jeans for every body.”
But there’s a real concern with regard to Oprah Winfrey and her tremendous influence. It’s one thing to run out and buy a shirt she recommends. It’s another to dabble in her eclectic mix of New Age spirituality.
Intertwined with the encouragement and practical things Oprah brings to women’s lives is her spiritual advice. For years, she has included America in her journey toward self-fulfillment and meaning in life, which she admits does not consist in material things or professional success.
Oprah knows we are spiritual beings. And she has the money and the stage upon which to elevate her hand-picked spiritual guides and gurus, who pull together their versions of truth from various religions and philosophies.
Oprah’s current favorite “teacher” is Eckhart Tolle, with whom she is hosting a 10-week interactive “webinar.” More than half a million people in over 125 countries signed up for this live online gathering based upon Tolle’s best-selling (thanks to Oprah) book A New Earth.
Tolle describes himself as a “spiritual teacher,” and his lesson is that humans should distance themselves from their egos and open up to a “higher self.” Don’t create your own suffering by stressing over the past or the future, Tolle advises. Live in the now. Oprah says this message is aimed at helping people “with spiritual growth” and “the languaging of new consciousness.”
What does that even mean?
Actor Jim Carrey thinks he knows. As one of several celebrities endorsing the book, Carrey says it answers the universal question, “Who am I and why am I here?”
Christians should find that answer in God’s Word. We are made in the image of God to live in relationship to Him. The thing that blocks that relationship is sin. The remedy is Christ’s forgiveness, not us somehow attaining a new level of consciousness.
Tolle’s message is one of many modern versions of the ancient quest to escape suffering and attain peace. He says he draws from Buddhism, Islam and Christianity. He denies that he’s offering a religion, but Christians who buy into this are in danger of having their faith sidetracked.
Oprah has also been offering daily classes on her XM radio station on the book A Course in Miracles. The author, Helen Schucman, claims that the book was dictated to her by an inner voice, which she identifies with Jesus Christ. Folks, it’s a false Christ; the listener is taught that there is no sin.
A couple of years ago, Oprah spawned another spiritual phenomenon: The Secret. Rhonda Byrne produced a DVD in which she claimed to have found the secret to life: Think about it . . . and it will come to you. A Porsche, a cancer-free body, whatever. The Secret aired on Oprah’s program and was lapped up by consumers. The book came next, and with Oprah’s endorsement, became a best seller, spawning Secret clubs across the country. Millions of Americans are intrigued with this idea that our thoughts create things. It’s another narcissistic, human-centered lie that denies the powerful creator God.
Lots of smart women love Oprah. Lots of Christians are fans. Fine, try her diet tips. Emulate her generosity. But remember, everything about Oprah’s message is human-centered: “Discover, embrace and nurture yourself . . . celebrate and honor you!”
This works OK when it involves health and home. But our Brooks Brothers seminary student has some better advice: “Pick up your Bible and begin reading the inspiring stories of women of faith.”
Do you love Oprah’s passion for life and for others? Do you share her taste for ancient wisdom? You can find role models in God’s Word—women who loved God, trusted Christ, and by faith, walked the path He laid out for them. In their examples, there is wisdom.
Penna Dexter is a board member of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, a conservative activist and an announcer on the syndicated radio program Life on the Line. She currently serves as a consultant for KMA Direct Communications in Plano, Texas, and as a co-host of Jerry Johnson Live, a production of Criswell Communications.
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11 comments (post your own) feed
1 On Mar 12th, 2008, at 2:04pm, Mary Jane Stauffer wrote:
Yes, I agree with Ms Dexter. I have watched some Oprah with my 92 year old mother.
I have found myself yelling at the TV, telling Oprah to just trust the Lord Jesus Christ. She would certainly find the answers for which she keeps searching. I remember when my friends joined “millions” of other viewers to purchase the “Oprah bra”. I’m certain that that was the most purchased bra of the month.
I admire the progress that Oprah has made. I certainly respect the money that she makes available to people in need and I’m sure it comes from the heart and not just as a tax deduction.
2 On Mar 12th, 2008, at 8:42pm, mike nash wrote:
it appears oprah like thousands of rich people is searching for that lonliness inside the soul which longs for but just cant or want accept through knowing jesus as the answer to all problems.very sad. thats why we need to pray for her and all people in her situation.what will it profit her to gain the whole world and loose her soul.
3 On Mar 13th, 2008, at 5:50pm, Dustin Benge wrote:
It is such an honor to be quoted in this article. Thanks so much Penna for noticing my small article in the far reaches of the internet. Also, thank you for your timely remarks concerning this issue.
Blessings - Dustin Benge
4 On Mar 14th, 2008, at 12:14pm, Jackie Olsen wrote:
Good article! I have read more articles expressing how foolish Christians are in their faith and belief in God. If something is missing in anyone’s life, all they need to do is read the Bible. If they have a hard time understanding what they read, a Bible Study will help them with that. Knowing God and having a relationship with Him will fill what is missing in your life and soul. Oprah’s New Age gospel sounds like she is starting her own religion. I, too, think Oprah has done so much with her earnings. So many impoverished people have benefited from what she has done. Others can take a lesson from Oprah on her kindness and generosity.
5 On Mar 15th, 2008, at 9:43am, sandra wrote:
I have been very concerned since I first heard of Oprah promoted these books. I read the information on her website. In the 1980’s I worked for a Dr. who had his office organized based on Scientology. It didn’t bother me at first but then the Spirit I accepted in my heart begin to nudge me. There was no internet and limited resources on this. I couldn’t find information on this new thinking. I talked to my minister father. He had heard of Scientology & admonished me to pray read the Bible.
I didn’t lose my faith but it had an effect on me. These books remind me of Scientology. We must pray for the Spirit of God to move. Yes Oprah had a difficult childhood but being from the same are in MS as she I know many others that did as well. She has long left her roots & is now seeking for fulfillment that money & success can’t buy. Oprah hasn’t succeed at marriage or a family. The void is from her leaving the true and living God.
6 On Mar 18th, 2008, at 8:42am, Tina Gilmore wrote:
Excellent article. I totally agree with you. I haven’t cared for Oprah for quite some time though. It seems she flip-flops her beliefs depending on whom she has on her show. It is so sad, something so simple and free, the love, forgiveness, and acceptance of Christ can be made so....complicated. And, indeed, how easily a woman can be swayed and influenced. Thank you for sharing. I listen to your program when I can!
God Bless you!
7 On Mar 26th, 2008, at 2:45pm, Glenda wrote:
Oprahs money is not the issue, I dont think, it is her influence on people. The Bibile tells us how we are to live and what we are to believe. I pray for Oprahs soul and for any she may sway with her noncense.I dont watch her any more because I prefer God fearing people. Thank you. Glenda
8 On Apr 1st, 2008, at 2:35pm, james rhoads wrote:
it’s a shame that ms.winfrey’s beliefs are so far out....when she has help many people...but she is just not thinking...that jesus of the bible is the only way to happiness and salvation of their souls..we do not know the day or the hour of the Lord’s return,but we are one day closer to that event in human history...the fact that Jesus will split the eastern sky....and people such as Oprah Winfrey..have gone down the wrong path in their thinking...then and only then will they say that the statement that they uttered...about “there is no sin” and “the pathetic error of clinging to the old rugged cross” the events to come will open their eyes to the truth..but then it will be to late for them,i guess all we can do is to pray for them,that somehow their eyes may be open to the truth of Jesus’s teachings and that he is the only way to everlasting life....
9 On Apr 2nd, 2008, at 10:51am, Jean U wrote:
Good article, good comments. I’d like to add from MK 9:42 (Mt 18:6-9, Lu 17:1-2), “If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were..” Oprah has been led astray and is leading millions astray. Also, remember “For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against ....the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."(NRSV) When one sides against God one sides with these forces, I know in our day people don’t want to acknowledge evil and sin and their source, the father of lies, but that only allows him more opportunity to deceive. Pray, stay in the Word, stand for what is right. Perhaps also boycott sponsors?
10 On Apr 9th, 2008, at 12:16pm, Asia wrote:
She isn’t about self-centeredness. If you don’t “Discover, embrace and nurture yourself...then you will never be able to do the same for others. Look at the man in the mirror first. This is in the Bible, if you pay attention to principles.
And since when did healings become a “narcissistic, human-centered lie that denies the powerful creator God? Especially when we can give credence to God and Jesus for blessing us with this ability.
I sure hope you don’t think that the plan for “especially” Christians is to STILL suffer. How about YOU PEOPLE read YOUR BIBLES…
11 On Apr 12th, 2008, at 9:45am, Sue Thomas wrote:
I feel sorry for those of you that seem to be so full of fear. Why are you afraid of someone who is disscusing things like love. What is wrong with focusing on things other than sin? We all know that at times we falll short of the Glory of God, and the frailty of our humanity, but why dwell there. I hear so much fear and judgement. Oprah is trying to empower people to do better to live better lives. Isn’t that what Jesus try to do as well? Open your minds and hearts and let go of all the fear.