For years, Christians have had a very weird relationship with Oprah. At different points in her career she's seemed very Godly in her program. She has some Christian values and stands for things we stand for. She's interviewed lots of Christians on her show and has used words like, "faith" and "grace" and "truth" enough times that we're not sure were she stands. But, I think all of that is about to change.Oprah has gotten in bed with a book called "The New Earth." I haven't read it, but Jim Carey says it was really good so it's got that going for it, which is nice. And although Oprah has famously had her book club books in the past, this one is different. She's actually holding online classes around this book. Here is what her site says:
Get ready for Monday night’s class! The energy, the connections and the breakthroughs keep coming every Monday night! Stop the drama. Stop the unhappiness. Stop being stuck….and start being one of the millions awakened by A New Earth.
Wow, I would be really moved except the other thing her site says is see the "interview with the pregnant man." I digress. But what is this book about? Here is the description of Eckhart Tolle from Amazon.
ECKHART TOLLE is a contemporary spiritual teacher who is not aligned with any particular religion or tradition. In his writing and seminars, he conveys a simple yet profound message with the timeless and uncomplicated clarity of the ancient spiritual masters: There is a way out of suffering and into peace.
Again, I haven't read the book, but I will tell you why I don't trust Eckhart Tolle. He kind of looks like one of the crazy sons of the guy that kills everyone in the Tom Hanks movie, The Burbs. Seriously, look at his photo above. That's my chief concern, which is kind of silly. But what isn't silly is that I really think there is going to be a backlash against Oprah over this. I've already gotten a few emails denouncing Oprah today and I expect more.
What do you think?
57 comments:
what do you mean slowly? i vote for rapidly.
I love Oprah. And I try not to jump on the "I'm a Christian and were going to boycott you" bandwagon too often. But I do find the whole "New Earth" thing kind of scary. I put a link to the youtube video on my blog. I'm sure you've already seen it, but check it out.
Oprahs been going that way for a long while now. And don't even get me started on Dr. Phil...
A line from a Casting Crowns song, What if His People Prayed.."What if families turned to Jesus, stop asking Oprah what to do..."
I think there will be backlash for Oprah. Boy, the "New Earth" sure does sound New Agey...is that a word? What concerns me is how many people follow Oprah...she has influence and lots of it. She even influences what people buy...more influence for brands than NASCAR!!
Oprah almost gets it.
She almost gets acts of kindness. Almost gets grace. Almost gets forgiveness and almost gets generosity.
But everything spiritually with her is an 'almost'.
Grandpa always said, 'almost only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.'
I forgot to put this in the last comment, but that dude totally reminds me of Ben from Lost.
Oprah would have had Oswald Chambers on her show, and then all of the critical Christians would have relaxed a bit. The Casting Crowns title is good enough but the lyrics should be "What if families turned to Jesus, start asking Him for good things for Oprah to do..."
Here's how Oswald puts that:
"If we are not heedful and pay no attention to the way the Spirit of God works within us, we will become spiritual hypocrites. We see where other people are failing, and then we take our discernment and turn it into comments of ridicule and criticism, instead of turning it into intercession on their behalf. God reveals this truth about others to us not through the sharpness of our minds but through the direct penetration of His Spirit. If we are not attentive, we will be completely unaware of the source of the discernment God has given us, becoming critical of others and forgetting that God says, '....he will ask, and He will give him life...'."
I really do enjoy a good Oprah show.
Just because she subscribes to a certain set of ideas doesn't mean that I have to jump on the wagon as well.
If she recommends a book that I don't like... I don't read it! what a crazy idea right?
I have to say that I haven't read it either, and while yes, the discussions surrounding it are disconcerting... I think that this "new earth" thing and concepts of an ambiguous God are not new to her... they are not new to earth... these "almost" doctrines are classic, vintage Israel, if you will ... and she's been saying the same thing for years... and years...
Oprah reminds me of the word "heresy" - it really means TRUTH OUT OF BALANCE. There are some elements of truth, but it's twisted. Therefore, it's not true any more.
I never trusted the Gospel According to Oprah, but now that she's in bed with Obama - that clearly establishes where she stands. Be very frightened.
I agree with Sara, he does look like Ben.
I also have a problem with people that aren't "aligned with" anything in particular. Come on, stand for something!
Have you watched the video?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgKIkruHZko
Ben from lost, nice...
Ok, I wrote a post at Christ and Pop Culture that I linked from my personal blog at:
http://www.provocativechurch.com/2008/03/is-oprah-next-billy-graham.html
I believe this is a balanced and fair perspective of Oprah and her new spirituality and not just a piece that screams Oprah is Satan!!!
Anything called "A New Earth" concerns me. When used with earth, world, globe, etc. "new" is even worse than "post-modern."
Hi, I'm Patti. I don't know you and you don't know me, but I love your blog and would like to post a link from my blog if that's cool.
www.thatweirdgrrl07.blogspot.com
Ben from LOST...funny..check this video on Oprah and Christianity...a New Earth...
http://youtube.com/watch?v=JW4LLwkgmqA
these are getting really dumb. seriously, you need to ask for some help.
HA! This explains the forward I just got from my grampa denouncing her as the anti-christ. I wonder if he's admonished gramma for being a fan...
Can we not pray for Oprah? Love her as we love ourselves?
What do you think of the the newest book in sort of the same genre as the secret and a new earth but yet its not because it is motivational not mystical and gives tools on how the mind works? It doesn’t tell people what religion they ought to believe and it doesnt take people away from Christianity, its titled “Free Mind Free Body” by D R Boisse it offers something A New Earth does not. And it demonstrates how we are stuck behind our own self limitations by our beliefs while the author Boisse recognizes a person’s beliefs are their choice and it just gives you insight on how your mind works. I bought paperback on Amazon and ebook is at http://www.freemindfreebody.com.
I hate talk shows.
Mostly they're shallow fluff, and usually somehow like Oprah but not as popular.
Why are they so influential?
People trust these TV shows more than family, friends, the bible, scholars, and all other things that should be A LOT MORE influential than "Oprah".
Oh my the gamut would be "burn her at the stake" to "let's love her to Christ" - she is an example of how we are accepting secular culture as some guideline to salvation. Ain't no truth but the truth - and all the multimillionaires in Hollywood or on tv aren't going to change the truth. I her show when Oprah did makeovers and interviews with movie stars about their movies or interesting diet programs - she is an accomplished interviewer. Follow her spiritual advice - naw! Everyone has an opinion - but opinions don't make truth.
Wow- so you're the other guy that saw "the 'Burbs?" It's nice to meet you
A good post I read recently stated the sad thing is not that Oprah is going New Age, but that Christians feel betrayed by her. We shouldn't be holding her up as some Christian icon because she has on a few occasions mentioned that she prays.
I watch some of her shows with topics that interest me, but I don't expect to get spiritually fed by her.
I'm sure some churches will call for us to boycott her. My stance will be the same as it was during a Walmart boycott our former church asked us to participate in. I don't expect a secular company to practice Christianity. And I didn't expect Oprah Winfrey to lead the masses to Christ.
Don't let anonymous commenters get you down. This list is really good.
It saddens me, actually, that people might get:
1) spiritual advice from a talkshow host
2) elevate her into a 'deity' that WHEN she does wrong their opinion gets devestated.
Meh. The axiom of people ultimately failing you really holds true here.
repentance comes from the joys of heaven, not the fear of hell-thus, to boycott nonchristians for acting like nonchristians just makes christians look like pharisees and that is sure to when her over right??
it is a shame that people would get advice from her, but you can't completely blame the buying on the seller.
at least sees searching right? if nothing else, that validates the exixstence of the basic question that christianity claims to answer.
I don't like Oprah because, well, I am a man.
Still, as far as this goes, it just strikes me as something that someone who says things like "I'm not religious, I am spritual" would be into. If I did watch Oprah, which I don't, I wouldn't boycott her because of this, because I just don't care. It's just more vacous "religion-lite" to me.
98% of truth is still not the truth. The reason Christians have no choice but to denounce (crap Christian word, I know) Oprah is that she denies the power of Christ and the "New Earth" bandwagon basically asserts that we are individually gods of our own life. Amazingly enough, it teaches tons about healthy human relationships, which is where the truth lies. Most Christians (including myself) could learn a thing or two about relationships. If we had, we wouldn't need an Oprah. Ouch.
Is Mr. Tolle a youth pastor?
Not much else needs to be said, but I especially agree with sarah and cz. And anyone who looks like Ben from Lost cannot be up to anything good.
it would be one thing if Oprah claimed to be a theologian but I think her only claim is that she's a really famous talk host...
i think christians always like being "against" someone - it's our way of feeling not of this world!
If christians, loved and served others more than they denounce Oprah, the world would be a better place. They all make Oprah more than she is. God is bigger than Oprah, people!!!
I haven't read the book, but I did watch Oprah show when they discussed "A New Earth." It happened to be running on our DVR on the same night that my husband and I lead a young adult small group. During the course of our Bible study, we talked a little bit about what the phenomenon of Tolle's book might mean.
Basically, the book's main theme is how you need to live in the moment and be fully present--a theme that the New Testament has been teaching for about 2000 years. On that particular episode, Oprah, in front of her millions of viewers, confesses outright that she is a Christian. Whether or not that is a PR move, I don't know, but I don't think boycotting Oprah is the answer..."A New Earth" is exactly what she claims it to be: the book flavor-of-the-month (I think we boycott too much anyway. Let's lighten up). Next month it will probably be "How to Get the Greatest Thighs of Your Life in 3 Days," or something equally ridiculous.
I think they are certain things Oprah highlights that are full of truth, compassion and generosity. That doesn't mean I agree with her all the time but I don't think she is "evil" or needs to be boycotted.
And I am totally confused by the Obama bashing in the comment above. I guess we can't be Christians and vote for Obama either? Strange...
I love Oprah...or used to. But I truly feel sorry for her because she has missed the boat completely.
I think my beef with Oprah is that there are so many souls out there who don't know the Truth and are searching for it. They see a role model in Oprah and she may be the only "spiritual" icon in their lives. But she has it wrong... My mother-in-law LOVES Oprah and LOVES Dr. Oz. My husband and I just don't get it--husband doesn't trust him or anyone who is on her show regularly (like Dr. Phil was). It's like MIL takes everything he says as gospel. Oy! Drives us crazy. Bought us the books for Christmas and whatnot. And yes, we do need to pray for her. I don't take what she says as Truth, but some people are much more impressionable.
LOVE your blog.
IT IS WHAT COMES OUT OF MAN'S MOUTH THAT MAKES HIM GOOD OR EVIL. JESUS SAID THIS OVER 2008 YEARS AGO.
(1) JELEAOUSY
(2) HATRED
ARE CONCEIVED IN THE HEART AND MANIFEST THEMSELVES WHEN THEY ARE ACTED UPON ON ANOTHER HUMAN BEING.
THE DESIRE TO CONTROL WHAT ANOTHER PERSON DOES OR SAYS ALSO STARTS WHEN THE PERSON WHO FEELS HE HAS THE RIGHT TO CONTROL RESORTS TO MARGINALIZE SOMEONE ELSE.
SOMETIMES ONE WONDERS WHETHER THOSE WHO FEEL THEY HAVE THE POWER CONTROL WHAT OTHERS DO OR SAY HAVE THAS POWER FROM GOD. THE QUESTION IS, "WHY WOULD GOD WANT TO INFLICT THIS KIND OF PAIN ON THE OTHERS USING THESE CONTROL FREAKS?".
CHRISTIANS SHOULD PROCEED WITH CARE BECAUSE WHEN THE TIME OF JUDGEMENT COME, THEY WILL GIVE AN ACCOUNT OF HOW THEY TREATED OTHER HUMANS.
THEY CANNOT PREACH HATRED OF HUMANS THEY SEE AND PRETEND THEY LOVE GOD/JESUS WHO THEY DO NOT SEE!!!
BE AWARE OF FALSE PROPHETS WHO ARE WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING. THESE PROPHETS ARE SELF RIGHTEOUS AND PREACH NOTHING BUT HATRED.
THERE IS WHAT IS CALLED "FREEDOM OF CHOICE" IN THIS COUNTRY. GOD ALSO GIVES EVERYONE FREEDOM OF CHOICE. YOU CAN CHOOSE TO GO TO HEAVEN OR HELL.
Hate to be the totally unspiritual one, but I can't help but give credit to your subtle "Caddy Shack" reference, "she's got that going for her, which is nice." Since nobody else seems to have noticed I had to say it.
I guess the Dalai Lama's blessing for Bill Murray is as Jim Carey's blessing to this book.
Dear anon -
It was long in coming, but thanks for grabbing the Caddyshack reference. Well done. Well done.
Jon
I think Oprah made herself clear long ago.
http://www.wfial.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=resources.oprah
Obviously none of you have read the book. If you had, you would realize that your comments are from your ego (read "the flesh") and you are not present and living in the now. It can be a beautiful thing and it's exactly what Jesus asked of us. Perhaps you should read before you assume it's "crap" - I assure you, you will be truly enlightened and the resonance of Jesus is throughout.
I'm a black Christian so yeah, part of me likes her. But I'm boycotting her show or anything. She can say some things that are really off but most of the programs on TV are off in their theology, but you won't see me giving up TV anytime soon.
scottie:
While I would not use the word "crap" to describe the book in question, I would go as far as to say that the book is no more useful than The Secret which Oprah also lent her name to in order to bolster the gross sale success...
The bottom line is this, she is saying that this book holds the answers to all the questions the Bible fails to answer... And the Bible makes the exact opposite claim when it says of itself that it is sufficient for everything we might need in order to do every good work...
I am, of course, paraphrasing, however, you can see for yourself, in 2 Timothy, Chapter 3. My reference is at the end of the chapter, but the part of the Bible that refers to Oprah is the first half of that same chapter...
Don't get me wrong, I don't hate Oprah, in fact, I pity her... She misunderstood a very simple passage of the Bible at a relatively young age, and has allowed that misunderstanding to corrupt the rest of her life it seems. I pray for her salvation, as I do for anyone who thinks that they themselves are divine and basically good without the need of forgiveness... Anyone who thinks that there is more than one way to get into heaven - needs a lot of prayer...
-Benjamin
I have been confused about Oprah for a long time.
I do enjoy a good Oprah show. The Puppy Mill show was spectacular.
I do agree, though, the A New Earth stuff is very New Age, and though they are striving for a good thing (peace), in the end, it leads to sin and death. Satan is using Oprah, because she has lots of influence on America and all over the world.
I think the best things we can do is:
1.) Pray. Every day. Together. (Wouldn't that be awesome, to all pray at the same time for something meaningful to us?)
2.) Tell Oprah and the author of A New Earth (politely) what you really think about this. Remember, we would get farther if we were polite, and if we did it together.
nancy leigh demoss was talking about this book and oprah's support of it on her show this morning. as she has become such a public icon, i have no doubt that oprah is more of a secular christian than anything else. i do have to give her props for introducing me to the neti pot though (via dr. oz), as it has helped with my sinus problems.
on nancy's show today, they played a clip with oprah misinterpreting the saying that God is jealous, as she took it to mean that God was jealous of us, which He isn't. she said that it struck her as being wrong. this just tells me how little oprah understands scripture. i feel that she has become too immersed in worldly culture to truly appreciate what an intimate relationship with God has to offer.
Hey everyone,
just to let y'all know: Eckhart Tolle is hardly a new face. It's just that he has apparently managed to make the leap to the USA now. He's a celebrity of the New Age scene and has published many books over here in Germany. His content is, of course, insane sci-fi, but there are people who swallow it.
There isn't nearly enough estrogen in my system to let me enjoy Oprah. And as an atheist I think all that spiritual stuff - Christian or not - is fluff. But let it be said loudly and clearly that she has put millions of dollars of her own money on the line to help people in desperate need, in a non-sectarian, purely practical way. I don't have to agree with her 'spirituality' to appreciate that.
I have loved OPRAH for years...but she has gotten into some demonic stuff with this "New Earth" jazz.
It troubles me greatly. And it should trouble every Christ-follower.
I'm so jealous -- I read all the way down all these comments thinking I was the only one who caught the Caddyshack reference. Big hitter, the Lama. Nice catch, anon.
I think he looks kind of like a Hobbit.
It's not Oprah, it's billionaires with a vague sense of spirituality that I have a problem with. It's frivolous people pretending to be religious, but not having to make any of the sacrifice.
Has anyone thought about actually reading the book for yourself before you post like you're an expert on it?
Richard -
Thanks for the comment.
I can't speak for other people, but I didn't feel like this post indicated I was an expert on the book. I mentioned twice I hadn't read it and didn't discuss the content of the book in any sort of detail. My one point of contention was that the author looks like the bad guy from the Burbs. And when it comes to comparing people to bit characters in Tom Hanks movies, I am an expert on that.
Jon
Nice "Caddyshack" reference Jon.
-JD Hall, Fresno, CA
This might sound harsh. Scratch that...it IS going to sound harsh. I think that Oprah + Obama might = the antichrist.
Okay, I'm no prophet, but seriously...take a look at how much power each has, how much influence (and they do some great things, don't get me wrong), but the lack of truth they stand on while holding such an authoritative position is scary.
Oh my...I laughed till I cried after scrolling back up to check out this guys pic against the memory of the crazy son from the 'burbs. Wow. You just made my day. And I was having a pretty terrible day. Thanks.
Lets face it, Oprah was never Christian in the first place. She occupied that space in the media that most Christians adore, the outspoken deist. Deists are those who will profess the existence of a higher power, the importance of faith, but never attach this to specifics. It doesn't matter how much she speaks about god, if it isn't the God of the bible then its meaningless. In a way all this New Earth malarkey is at least honest.
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