"O" Man!
The topic and content of this evening’s post comes by way of my friend and co-worker “Larry”.
A few weeks ago we were having water cooler conversation, and as they usually go the conversations last way too long and eventually morph from one subject to another. Between the two of us, the conversation usually makes a right hand turn toward some aspect of Christianity, be it praising God, acknowledging His work in someone’s life or reflection on Scripture.
As was the case a few weeks ago, it was I who was the one to turn the water cooler conversation to the subject of false prophets, false doctrine etc. I don’t recall the exact catalyst for the detour in topic, however the Oprah Winfrey, and her philanthropist (I think that’s the right terminology) ventures became the topic at hand. Perhaps a week earlier, I recall having caught a snippet of a story (drive-by browsing) on her efforts to build/open a school for girls in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Back on topic… so “Larry” and I are discussing the story, contributing each other’s opinions to the conversation, “Larry” being a bit more reserved to pass judgement than me in most cases. Essentially my two cents worth lent to the conversation amounted to me making a statement to the effect of: “Dude! There’s something that stinks about Oprah“. The statement; which I’ll credit as discernment given by the Holy Spirit, was at the time; a call on what seemed to be just as much a PR opportunity/scheme as a genuine altruistic gesture.
Fast forward to yesterday afternoon, I make a visit to Longing for a Holiday at Sea, whereby out of curiosity (meow) I catch a link from a visitor’s comment that provides a video on Oprah Winfrey, her spirituality & a book that she’s endorsing(?). I thought that the video was interesting enough to share in the context of prior conversation between “Larry” and I, so I sent him the link. “Larry” had a similar reaction as mine, so much that he found some more videos later in the evening of Oprah ( link#1 , link#2 ) with Oprah and “spiritual” buddy Eckhart Tolle. One word… “disturbing”.
Be sure to check on the video titled “Denies There is Only One Way” from link#2,and listen carefully at the end, there’s an audience member standing up literally and figuratively. Oprah raises her hand up to the lady as the audience member is in essence witnessing to Oprah about Jesus Christ; Oprah says: “OK, OK..I can’t get into a religious argument with you”, before the video ends you can hear a member say “It’s not religion..” 
2nd Thessalonians 2:9-12
9 The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, 10 and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11 For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie 12 and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.
Grace and peace be with you.
First, like the new look!
Second, you know the old saying that the best way to recognize a counterfeit is to know the real thing? Well, Oprah’s not the only one pulling the “masses” away from orthodox Christianity. There’s bad theology, even heresy, right in the so-called Christian church. And the reason people are so mislead is they simply don’t know the Word. They don’t know the truth. And I venture to guess that many are Christian in name only, so much easier mislead. Oh, for a revival to truly turn hearts back to Him. As for Oprah’s negative comment about God being jealous: it’s not a jealousy as in “I need your love,” but as in, “I desire to fill you with my love and am so sick in my heart and even angry that you have so foolishly turned to useless idols instead.”
Christopher says:
Thank you for the compliment on the blog’s face-lift, a small part of what I believe are changes that the Lord is speaking to me.
I couldn’t agree more concerning a lack of knowing the word on the part of “Sunday Christians” etc,; of course even the “elect” are not immune from being deceived,which in circular logic gets us back to your point, know God’s word. Bury it deep in your heart. God’s word is not simply a part of your life, it is your life.
As for Oprah, what I found disturbing (as in watch for false doctrine eg. the Gnostics) is her statement that Jesus isn’t the only way, coupled with her brand of spirituality that she’s selling/offering as a substitute idea for what Jesus did for us, reconciliation to the Father. If Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6), and Oprah says differently, one of the two would be making a false statement. Oprah attempts slight of hand with word games, similar to Bill Clinton’s “It depends on what your definition of is is” routine by playing the all paths lead to the same destination card.
Don’t drink the Kool-Aid!
Grace and peace be with you.
I wish I could remember the specifics, but I’m pretty sure Ravi Zacharias touched on this topic (Oprah’s spiritual advisor) in one of his recent radio broadcasts.
Christopher says:
“E.B.” If you recall the details, please do send me a link. Thanks for visiting.
Isn’t it amazing the influence Oprah has in so many ways? Look at Obama’s rise. Don’t you think she helped, just a little? And when she touts a book, it becomes a bestseller. Let’s pray for her salvation! But what’s so insidious (as I suggested above) are the strands of junk making their way into the evangelical church from the insiders.
Christopher says:
You’ve just stirred up the hornet’s nest.
Seriously, your questions and comments have got me going enough, where a post is called for.
To be continued….
Holiday:
Of all the people that have huge power in this country, I suppose Operah is one that has done LESS harm. At least she’s got people reading, a tradition that would seem to be dying with all else that is traditional.
Christopher says:
Jen,
Thanks for visiting and taking the time to leave a comment.
WhatI was posturing is that Oprah, given her celebrity status,popularity, immense influence and assumed rejection of God based on her comments in videos, presents a false non Scriptural perspective of salvation, that has potential to influence many of her fans to adopt worshiping a false-god or idea.
From a scriptural perspective “less harm” sounds like similar rationalization of a “white lie” vs a “LIE”, either is still not the truth. I don’t personally have any evidence that the philosophy of Eckhart Tolle (seemingly endorsed by Oprah) has actually been linked to anyone renouncing Christ, other than Oprah’s own word. That however doesn’t prevent me, or anyone else from pointing out that what the two endorse is against what scripture says.
Again, thank you for your first time visit.
Grace and peace be with you.
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