The Church of Oprah?
There is truth in the saying, “the bigger the lie the more people believe.”
I received an interesting email with a video clip which portrays Oprah Winfrey as the leader of a new religion based on her latest book club choice, online class, personal beliefs, past statements, and her endorsement of Barack Obama. This email is making its rounds quickly! Apparently some Christians are extremely offended by Oprah’s views and actions and have made it their mission to expose The Church of Oprah. I wonder if The Church of Oprah gives its congregation free cars and houses lol. On a more serious note, have you seen the video?
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12
Why are Christians so bothered by all of this? Are some operating from a spirit of fear? Are Christians afraid that people will be swayed by new and false doctrines? If a Christian can be led astray by Oprah Winfrey and the concepts in A New Earth, then perhaps that person was not ever really rooted in the Christian faith.
If the concern is for those that are not “saved” being led astray, then Christian’s must seriously ask themselves what (if anything) are Christians doing to really reach the “unsaved.” There is just as much unholiness going on within the Church as there is in the “World”… so much so that the “World” often has a tough time differentiating between the two. There are far too many Christians talking the talk but not walking the walk. So if unsaved people are flocking to religions other than Christianity then perhaps it is an opportunity for Christians to revisit the meaning of:
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.” —Matthew 5:13
Some have taken this video as a sign of apostasy which is prophesized and often pointed to by Christians when finding fault within the world, but too often Christians overlook or refuse to take ownership for the Churches role in the apostasy as mentioned in the messages to the 7 churches in Revelations. It is always easier to point out what we perceive to be shortcomings of others… but it is always tougher to look at ourselves. There is truth in the saying, “people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.”
The Christian Bible says:
Judge not, that you be not judged.
For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.
And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?
Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye?
Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. —Matthew 7:1-5
Just as Christians are instructed to rightly divide the word of God , Christians must also rightly divide everything else that they read, see, hear, and/or come in contact with… It just seems to me that too many Christians spend too much time and focus too much energy casting judgment, being offended and/or protesting things that either do not matter or are completely beyond their control. When it comes to the prophecy of the apostasy it is just like every other prophecy in the Christian Bible, in that these things must come to pass… they cannot be stopped or prevented…according to the Christian Bible the apostasy must happen in order for Jesus to even come back right?
If Christians would direct the same energy and time letting their light shine the world might be a different place. Maybe our prisons wouldn’t be filled, maybe 3rd graders wouldn’t be plotting to attack teachers, maybe there would be no war in Iraq, maybe homelessness wouldn’t be an issue, maybe the sick would be healed, and the blind would regain sight!
The bottom line is this video is counterproductive and the anti-Oprah sentiment does not help win not one soul to the kingdom of God. The only thing that this video does is stir up controversy and create buzz for an 80 page book called Dont Drink The Kool-Aid: Oprah, Obama and The Occult which is going for $12.95.
“God is not the author of confusion, but of peace” —1 Corinthians 14:33
Now once again I ask, who benefits from this video and how many souls does it save from hell fire and damnation? See through the lies of the machine! Christians should not be moved by this video or the book, but should keep their eyes on Jesus. I know this might step on some toes but I’m fed with the nonsense. Be about the Father’s business.
Wake Up And Smell the Coffee!
- Don’t Drink the Kool-Aid: Oprah, Obama, and The Occult
is PROPAGANDA see it for what it is!
According to Merriam Webster Dictionary, Propaganda is defined as:
* the spreading of ideas, information, or rumor for the purpose of helping or injuring an institution, a cause, or a person
* ideas, facts, or allegations spread deliberately to further one’s cause or to damage an opposing cause; also : a public action having such an effect
Propaganda Techniques Exposed »
Popularity: 33% [?]
April 2nd, 2008 at 5:46 pm
What I find really sad(or scary even if you like) is that despite the fact that information is really available and can be obtained almost effortlessly some people will still make up their mind about someone or something based on one video or one sentence that’s dragged out of context. Don’t understand why is it so hard to take some distance and maybe just maybe gain some knowledge before passing judgement about anyone or anything. Apart from that think it’s much wiser to concerned with our own actions before accusing others for this or that.
April 2nd, 2008 at 6:18 pm
I agree with you Wiz. It is very unfortunate.
April 3rd, 2008 at 9:08 am
Because Oprah is so famous, other people want a piece of it, and the easiest way to do that is attack her. There is a crazy side to Christian fundamentalism which is best ignored.
If people will buy, read and believe ‘The Da Vinci Code’, you can sell anything.
April 4th, 2008 at 2:38 am
The media is a powerful medium as we know it, and most people use it to pray on the unsuspecting and lazy. There are also the foolish who cannot make up their own opinions and just go with the majority, or simply think their own beliefs are the be all and end all. Religion itself is good, but so many who claim to practise it are really just twisting it for their own benefits.
April 4th, 2008 at 5:30 am
If you call yourself a christian, you would say that Jesus was the only way to heaven. Well Oprah says there are many ways. That is a false teaching. She is leading people that watch her to unbiblical teaching. The apostle Paul call people teaching a false gospel accursed. She should stick to interviewing so called pregnant men.
April 4th, 2008 at 10:03 am
I had not seen this or heard about this until reading your post. Really interesting — thanks for sharing!
April 5th, 2008 at 8:35 am
Yeah, I hadn’t really heard anything about the “Church of Oprah” before either. I think it’s appropriate to question what the producers of that video had to gain from it. At the same time, I think it’s appropriate to question what Oprah has to gain from A New Earth. Clearly spirituality has developed into a profitable business.
April 7th, 2008 at 8:08 am
You question motives. But, the truth of the matter is, if one believes in Christ, they embrace the word of God completely. To distort the truth, as they have from this book, is very misleading. There are many people who do not know Christ, as their Lord and savior. This is not about the Christians who know Christ. This is about those, who will follow the teachings from this book, and class, and will be misled. It is about souls. And it is a battle, those who believe will stand against it. With the word of God. She can turn this around, if she renounces, the devil in this, these principalities, and submits to God, and seeks his mercy. For this is a terrible thing.
April 8th, 2008 at 6:57 am
Why the video may have a selling point for the book, in a nutshell, Oprah’s words are HER words. If you strip away everything else in the video, even the ad, she still said what she said about what she thinks…and it reveals that her beliefs do not line up with the Bible AT ALL. Why should people believe something JUST because Oprah says it? Where is her evidence, really? or would she say the “evidence” lies “within”. bologna! Christians are not “in fear”, but it is a push that we must be aware of the working of what you called “principalities”. The Enemy uses people, even Oprah, to influence the world by twisted and deceptive ways. Christians are urged to pray, make a stand because this IS spiritual warfare and it is NOT something to take lightly. That’s what the video is about. Revealing her for who is. Do not be deceived.
April 8th, 2008 at 7:26 am
In your opening paragraph you state, Apparently some Christians are extremely offended by Oprah’s views and actions and have made it their mission to expose The Church of Oprah. I wonder if The Church of Oprah gives its congregation free cars and houses lol.”
How is it that you single out Christians for propagating this? Also, you make a snide remark about congregations giving away cars and houses, I guess it is ok for you to act in a certain manner while chastising others; right or wrong in giving away cars and houses does not justify the other.
”Start by asking questions like what do the people behind this video have to gain from this?”
You go on to attribute this video to Christians yet give no source
“However, this video does not reveal all of the facts surrounding the clips shown, nor does it give us total insight as to Oprah’s intentions or beliefs.”
You didn’t reveal anything in your blog to enlighten anyone to believe differently. On the contrary, you went on with a rant about Christians, classifying them as all alike.
Why is it that Christians must be “operating in fear”, as you state, when seeing this video? I see it as a video exposing some truths behind someone of power; it seems you are the one “twisting” a situation into something that is not.
Oprah having her own television show gives her a lot of influence and she is using that influence to propagate her beliefs, this opens her up for questioning, as anyone else.
It is interesting that you state, “The twisting of words and Bible interpretation has been used and abused throughout history for selfish gain”, and then you use Bible verses throughout your rant.
April 8th, 2008 at 11:56 am
Brian the video was sent to me and others via email several times by different people who are all “Christians.” I didn’t get any emails from anyone of any other faiths about the video. The video was made by Christians. The book being promoted in the video was written by a Christian….So that pretty much sums up who is propagating it.
Read what I wrote in context and without being defensive and perhaps you’ll better understand what I said.
I’m not clear on your point about the cars and houses. Oprah has been known to give away cars and houses on her talk show. So thats where my rhetorical question about the so called church of Oprah came from. There is no church of Oprah! It was a joke Brian, that was not an attack on real churches that giveaway cars or houses!
As far as me not providing the source of the video that information is accessible to anyone that is interested click on the video, go to youtube, google it, I provided the name of the book that the creators of the video are selling what other sources do you need?
My intent was not to convince anyone to believe differently about Oprah. You are free to believe whatever you choose to believe. My point is before forming an opinion about anything ask questions and get all sides don’t be so quick to rush to judgment.
I don’t know what Oprah believes nor do I know if she considers herself to be a Christian. My intent was not to enlighten anyone on what she believes, only she can do that.
Oprah is many things but she is not NOT a spiritual advisor, a pastor, a minister, an evangelist, biblical scholar, or church leader… Christians that I’ve talked to are afraid that Oprah is leading CHRISTIANS astray…my point is no matter how powerful people think that Oprah is… she does not have the power to lead a person rooted in Christ astray PERIOD.
Rather than focusing on Oprah’s power and her influence why not focus on GOD’S supreme power and have faith and trust in what He is able to do? Someone recently told me that she hopes the video inspires more Christians to get on fire for God and spread the word. I think that is a much more productive response/action for Christians offended by her choices to take. She is not the first or the last that has used tv to… as you put it “propagate her beliefs.”
Based on your comment you are making an assumption that I have something against Christians. Thats funny, because you obviously came to that conclusion based on this one blog post. I know all too well that all Christians are not alike….far from! I haven’t made any blanket statements about ALL Christians, it’s unfortunate that you took anything here as such.
I am glad that we are having this dialogue and I thank you for sharing your thoughts and opinions.
April 8th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
Hello Living Life Abudantly,
Are you a follower of Christ? A true disciple? I only ask to know where you are coming from, not to condemn.
I have not watched the video, however I have been reading some things, which is how I came upon your blog.
I understand what you are saying about Christians not being fearful as fear is not of the Lord. I, as a Christian, can only speak for myself in that I do not feel fearful of Oprah. What I am fearful of is people not thinking for themselves and following a false prophet, or teacher. Those are found in and out of the church. Oprah has a lot of pull on people and she knows it. I personally have not been a fan of Oprah, ever. I have watched her show, many years ago, and when she would speak about her faith, she seemed to be all over the place, so it didnt seem as though she considered herself a Christian, so therefore, I did not either.
As a Christian, if I see a false teaching, I will pass along the info to others. Not to say, “hey hate this person, because they are not Christians”, but more to alert them to false teachings. Christians are called to make disciples, which would include teaching what does and doesnt line up with Scripture.
God is all powerful and is not afraid of Oprah. She can teach and believe as she so chooses, but dont expect Christians to keep quiet about the fact that it is anti-Christian teaching. God says you are either for Him or against Him. Choose this day Whom ye shall serve….
Does that mean we are to be mean spirited about Oprah? No, after all she may come to a saving knowledge of Christ by us praying that her eyes be opened.
Should a Christian not stand up for their beliefs? I dont think that Jesus teaches that. He said that we are to not be lukewarm. I too hope this will ignite Christians to be a light to the darkness, not because of what we do, but because of what He has done!!
Thank you for you blog, I pray you will have many blessings and a truly abundant life in Christ Jesus…
April 8th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Living Life Abudantly Guy,
Hello. I was just reading your blog post after seeing the now infamous Oprah Youtube flick. I felt that it was very well stated. I don’t know if I am willing to be classified or labeled as a Christian..because I feel that the word has lost its originality, having been trampled upon by the feet of denominations and groups upon groups of people who can’t seem to agree on the principals taught by one God, and one Bible. So I will say that I am a believer in the Way, as Paul did in the book of Acts. That Way, is of course Jesus Christ, who is the only way unto salvation. I agree with you on the terms that people who call themselves Christians seem to be stuck on whatever they can catch in the media or from word of mouth that smacks of the end times. Yes, our focus should be on Jesus, but the truth of the Word of God is specific and non- contradictory regarding how we should be looking for Him. Not in our balogna sandwhiches, or the pattern of spaghetti on our plates — even in a tear that is coursing down some statue’s cheek. He is Jesus, our Lord…our God, existing outside the realm of symbolism, and way above human superstition. My own experience has been, that when God shows up, there is worship and adoration and respect. And when the Holy Ghost has something to say through people in a congregation, or to address people in large groups, it doesn’t involve symbolism analysis. When things begin to happen to indicate His return, or the end of days or whatever, nobody’s gonna have time to write a book about it, or send a video through Youtube. These people shouldn’t be wasting their time pointing out who the proverbial antichrist is or isn’t. It will be obvious to those who are aware of what the bible says about it. Your insight was definately well put, and I agree with what you had to say.
April 8th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
I really appreciated wathcing the You Tube video regarding Oprah. I don’t care what they gain from it, but I do care about praying and that video woke me up to something I know I need to pray about. I am so thankful that someone had the guts to do it even though it would mean persecution (even from Christians). But then maybe that’s good to, it gets us talking and thinking and hopefully praying. So though I don’t agree with your assessment on the youtube video I think it’s great that you are thinking about it and care so much.
Can you imagine what would happen if we did that. It would be awesome. May God give us His wisdom and His love in these matters.
No matter what the truth is regarding Oprah’s beliefs wouldn’t it be great if we all prayed for Oprah as much as we reacted to these blogs
April 8th, 2008 at 11:24 pm
April 8th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
C Friesen I think prayer is much better and more powerful way of going about it
April 8th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
C no worries there is no condemnation I am a believer and follower of Jesus
It sounds Like I am on the same page as Shauna.
April 9th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Hi Living Life Abundantly!
I kinda think I understand where you are comming from. It wasn’t that long ago that I got caught on the scripture (not sure just now where it is) that says “God shows mercy on whom he shows mercy on” - so in a way I kinda understood where Oprah was comming from - how could there only be just one way … a lady told me - “no - Jesus is the ONLY way” but I still didn’t understand really. Since then I got an understanding from a conformed MUSLIM who was teaching about the importance of Jesus (God) sacrificing himself on the cross. He said it like this - If you offended a janitor and said you were sorry and gave him $100, he would say no problem - I wish you would offend me every day! (to get money from you, ya know?) But it wouldn’t work with the owner of the company the janitor worked for. He also said that if you wrecked someone’s Roles Royce you couldn’t replace it with a Toyota, you need something of equal value. Nothing WE can do would ever compare to the greatness of God and us offending Him … The man was saying - eye for an eye equality as something people can relate to. Jesus HAS to be God to make it equal to who we offend when we sin. I don’t know if I did it justice - I saw it on GODTUBE.com
There are so many people who don’t understand sin and Jesus dying on the cross. So Why are only Christians sending this out? I would hope that when they do - they are also telling the truth about Jesus so those who may not be as strong in the faith can understand WHY this is a major concern. As a Christian I had to learn and understand WHY Jesus was the ONLY way to God. First on faith, I had to believe that the Bible was truth. Then God had to tell me in a way that made my mind “click” - that helped me to accept what I couldn’t understand and couldn’t take on faith alone. I had to be established, rooted and grounded in Christ. Apparently Oprah never was. That and the fact that power curupts made Oprah a candidate for swaying billions of People - and God says “my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” It is our responcibility as Christians to try to warn people, correct people, and love them. When I watched this video of Oprah, my son (9 years old) asked “Do you like Oprah?” I responded - How can I when she says things like this?? With Kids - you try to keep them from bad influences - If Oprah is endorsing mind control and Anti-Christ ideas - how could I trust her? How could I “like” her? She is more dangerous than people may think! She is giving away Millions on the “Big Give” and saying we are our own savior? Isn’t that kinda contradictory?? Then the poor are their own savior … sorry to get off on a tangent - but so many would be greatful or greedy to follow her due to her good works - but it’s not WORKS that gets us into heaven - it’s our faith that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and being born again. I pray that God change her and she repents before it’s everlasting too late.
As for Judging other people - Her OWN WORDS and the BIBLE judge her - If we don’t guard ourselves, we can get caught up in things that hurt us. And if we just pray about it - it’s like being given a talent and hiding it so no onw takes it from us. We have a greater responcibility than just praying - but as we send it out - we should remember to pray as well. Sorry if this comes out kinda harsh - but I have come to realize that God is a jealous God and if we aren’t for Him - by doing the things we should do - then we are against Him.
April 10th, 2008 at 8:12 am
The quote is great, the theme of this last season of the wire.
April 10th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
I would like to say I enjoyed reading your blog Living Life Abundantly, but I must disagree with some points respectfully. I believe praying for Oprah is only one of the things that needs to happen. When a person of great power is using that power in a negative way sometimes drastic things are needed to happen (see the transformation of Saul to Paul). Oprah is a great influential speaker and it needs to be said that what she is saying is wrong. Not only that, but a stand against it must occur.
If a person can’t make up their mind, let’s not punish them for it, but embrace them and show them why what Oprah said is wrong. You are saying that people who are truly grounded in Christ will not be swayed, but what about the people who aren’t? That’s kind of selfish to say only worry about the rooted isn’t it? Are we not in the soul saving business? One of the thieves who died alongside Christ on the cross wasn’t rooted, but still entered the kingdom.
Not everyone was fortunate enough to be raised in the church, or have grown up with a bible scholar. These people many times need someone or something to lean upon for guidance. We should be the light guiding them to Christ not Oprah. If your parent or close friend believed in what she is saying would write them off as unrooted, or rebuke her words and teach the gospel?
April 10th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Oh yeah, Shauna, the bible is very clear when it says that “the wisest of the wisest will be fooled”. So don’t think that just because someone is a scholar, the antichrist won’t trick them.
April 10th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
christianity can be claimed by anyone but if you dont believe the words of the bible your claims are fake if jesus was not God in the flesh than he lied to the world and should not be followed by anyone –funny how some of the haters of christianity claim to be christians just not believing that jesus is the only way which he himself said oprah’s belief does not come from the bible but man therefore not of God she is being very crafty in not denying the christian faith out right and furthermore there is a bigger problem when those who claim to be christians cant check the bible as a reference and see if she lines up with the word or seeks to discredit ti
April 11th, 2008 at 7:50 am
John 14:6 says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life - no one comes to the Father but through me.” I beleive the scripture is very clear. There is no other way. So no wonder when a born again beleiver,… a Christian (Christ follower) gets fired up when someone says (as Oprah did) … that there are all kinds of paths to God.
It’s not about religion at all. It’s about having a RELATIONSHIP with Jesus Christ.
It’s about turning your life over to Christ and allowing the Holy Spirit to work. Christians have been called out of this world. God’s Word tells us to seperate from the world’s lifestyle. Don’t sit on the fence, don’t straddle the line, don’t be double minded. To live a holy life is to live a “set apart” life.
It’s hard to hear a person say that “there is no God - or - there is no hell - or - there is no heaven - or - when you die nothing happens - or - there is no sin.” While there tough to hear we continue to listen,… to care,… to love,… to plant seeds when these kinds of doors are open.
Oprah has such a big following,… such an influence — that when she says something like she did (about her belief / Jesus) it makes you cringe because you know the TRUTH…. and you want to help people see the light…. you want to help people find that personal relationship (not religion) through salvation.
In these days we live in Satan is working overtime,… there are false prophets and preachers and so on that spread so much false information that people don’t know what in the world to beleive. II Cor. 11:13-14
As Christians, keep standing your ground,… keep pressing on …. keep testifying,… keep teaching,… keep preaching the Word,…. keep being that witness that Jesus has called you to be so that one day you will hear those words, “Well done good and faithful servant.”
There will be some Christians lucky if they get a pat on the back if they don’t get their rear in gear and make a stand for Jesus. Wave the banner high,… stand on the Word, … and have enough compassion not to give up on those who don’t see it your way.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
MARANATHA!
April 11th, 2008 at 11:59 am
I just have to say that Christians are not afraid, but are concerned. I am a true, fundamentalist, Bible-believing Christian (really the only way to be a Christian). I am rooted in the Truth and can recognize false teaching/prophets like Oprah and Tolle. If Christians didn’t care about the lost and even the “Christians” who are searching for answers outside of the BIble, then we wouldn’t be sending this around. We are trying to help the lost and confused “Christians”. It is not fear because in Christ, we have nothing to fear. It is because we truly want to see as many souls saved through the knowledge, love, and faith in Jesus Christ. That’s my two cents.
April 21st, 2008 at 10:37 am
Marenda, I am really confused about your stand–I’m not sure what you are saying. As a Christian are you justifying what Oprah is saying? What are you denoucing? Fear? Its one thing to denounce fear but its completely another to stand by and watch someone tear apart the Gospel–not our doctrine or our beliefs but what the infallible, inerrant Word of the one and only true living God teaches us. The very Gospel of Christ!!
This woman with all of her power and influence is teaching a doctrine which appeals to human logic and sensibility but doesn’t conform to God’s Word. Its not fear that leads us as Christians to wage war against it. Its vigilence. You say what is the purpose of propagating this video all over the internet–its war Marenda!!
This may sound corny but what would Jesus do? What would the Apostle Paul do? What would the first century Church do when they came up against something so blatantly anti-Christian? Would they smile and say there’s nothing to fear or would they stand and boldly denounce it with their dying breath even if it meant stoning or being torn apart in a coliseum full of lions and spectators.
Hebrews said that the earth was not worthy of the men and women who chose the latter. I made a promise to God when I got saved that I would do no less. So if the internet is the method of choice, if sending e-mails and warnings is effective or if standing in the public square and debating with the deceived is the right choice I’ll do it. Its not out of fear, Mallenda–its out of a deep, conviction for the Gospel and for advancing the Kingdom of God.
Oprah’s not the enemy. She’s a precious soul for whom Jesus died. But her words are Satan-inspired. And as he always has done he’s waging a war of words to decieve the very elect if possible. And since my words have power and life I’ll use them to wage war against hers–every single chance I get. Thats not fear that’s wisdom, courage and power.
April 21st, 2008 at 11:28 am
I am a Christian. I believe that religion as a whole is a crock. To be a Christian is to follow Christ and because we are instructed to come together in His name you have to find a church that follows the Bible as closely as possible. Now having said that, the Bible tells us there will be false prophets and teachers. The stuff Oprah is peddling is just that false and the major concern is the souls of the lost. I would love to think that everyone is going to heaven as a saved person but that is not going to happen. God grants us free will to make a choice. He wants us to serve Him but we have the right to choose.The Bible says “I am the way,the truth, and the life and no one commeth unto the Father but by me.” There is only one way and if you miss it you have condemmed yourself to eternal Hell. What would you rather have and eternity in heaven or one in hell. You choose because if you do not choose Christ then YOU have chosen hell for yourself. The consequences of your actions could be eternal damnation and that is not something to play with. Make the right choice before it is too late.
Sandi
April 21st, 2008 at 3:06 pm
No one follows the same path to God. Everyone’s experience is slightly different, however, if that path isn’t through God’s Son Jesus Christ (John 14:6), where is that path truly leading? Back alley’s in the worst neighborhoods even have some light. That isn’t the light I want to follow. What does Matt 7:13-14 say? The highway to hell is broad, its gate is wide for many who choose the easy way. But the gateway to life is narrow. You’ll see Christ standing at that narrow gate with his arms open wide. Don’t miss Him for a counterfeit.
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:17 am
Im sorry but this is troubling to me. How can you write something like this? Its like your saying that we have to compromise what the bible says. God said that He is the same yesterday, today and forever. Jesus said that He is the only way, the truth and the light…no one comes to God but by Him. I guess you MISSED the part when it showed that Oprah says that there are other ways to God which totally opposite of what God said. You are reading scriptures out of context. I guess nobody here wants to be blunt with it….well Im going to. Jesus said that He came to bring a sword…not peace. This is clearly what the book of matthew was talking about when Jesus was talking about the last days. We are definitely living the last days by seeing people comprising the word of God and trying to fit the scriptures to please them. You can be decieved if you want to, but I’m not. How can you say that we as christians are responsible for prison growth and little kids plotting killings? When all of this was fortold way back in matthew! See your facts are not straight!
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:20 am
Cam you are reading what I said out of context!
April 25th, 2008 at 9:11 am
Before I get started I would like to say that sometimes it is hard to tell a persons tone of voice with text. So let me say I am using a loving tone here, not a harse one.
I am a continuously growing christian. Have been for as long as I can remember. Christianity has been the cornerstone for all I have done in my life. I completely believe in the Bible and that Jesus IS the only way.
Having said that…I am not perfect and neither are any of you and neither is Oprah. We are all striving to do our best in this life with the help of God. Why are so many Christians on the defense here? Why don’t we start praying for one another and Oprah and stop all the verbal beating and stop defending our own opinions as the only way. I have to say that what Marenda has said I feel is right on.
I started watching the New Earth webcast and started reading the book when this all began. I was really getting a lot out of it…although I DO NOT believe everything that the author believes as far as I can tell, because he really doesn’t go into his beliefs that much. The purpose of the book is not really to sway my belief in Jesus and I always have weighed what I read against the Bible. So I take the parts that are helpful and for the most part it has been helpful. It is helping me to get in touch with my feelings and helping me to become at peace and stop fighting What is. It has started me thinking about my thoughts and how I am not my thoughts…I am the soul that God created. I use different words for things than the author uses, but they are all the same. Reading this book actually created a desire in me to get into the Bible even more. (Is that desire inspired from Satan? No I don’t think so.)
After I had gotten into the book a couple chapters, my sister sent me an email with this video in it and It started to really bother me that Christians (my brothers and sisters in the Lord) started to slam someone that is doing her best to become a better person. Complete judgement!! It did not open my eyes to their way of thinking, instead I started to feel disappointed in my Christian family. Seeing how judgemental and sometimes down right mean we as a whole can be.
So again I turned to the Bible praying that God would speak to me directly about this issue. I started reading where I had been reading last, and this area that I had highlighted (at a previous time on the opposite page) kept grabbing my attention, so I read it. This is what it said…
“God is not the author of confusion, but of peace” —1 Corinthians 14:33
I started to cry. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that God was speaking to me. As a child of God you know your Fathers voice. And this was His voice.
This said to me that it is okay to read this book, because it had started the process of peace. I do not believe if this book was “of Satan” it would cause me to want to become a better Christian. It would not create in me the desire to become closer to God and it would not create a in me the desire to read God’s word. And all of that has happened since reading A New Earth.
BUT I DO NOT believe that this book is for everyone, but for me it is okay. Each person has to go before God and see what he has to say to them. I do not judge any of you for NOTreading it, please do not judge me FOR reading it.
Again I would like to say. Let’s just stop acting so holy like we are all such perfect Christians and start accepting and loving people. We are all striving to be as good as we can (will God’s help of course.)
April 26th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
Bless you Shell, Cam, LLA, Tim, Seth, BigDaddyLint, Bless you All.
God didn’t use a giant to take down a giant, nor did it take an orator to remove the Jews from Pharoah and Eypgt. David and Moses were round about normal guys just like each of us. Each of you have posted words that will reach many. Thank you.
My Prayers are the Lord of Peace and Understanding will pour down His abundance upon Oprah. As you all know There isn’t a way to discribe the awesomeness of being with our Abba Father. Her earthly weath can’t begin to provide her with the same satisfaction as Jesus Christ.
May 2nd, 2008 at 6:54 am
y’all should leave Oprah alone, at least she is using her money to help others not buy private jets for her church.
the christian religion is just a deceptive teaching, bombarded with excuses of God knows best, on why I have to go on probation for doing nothing, he knows best why everything I do goes wrong. I have been a christian for 27 years and all I have endured is pain and hope of this mighty and merciful God coming to help me, and he never came. Oprah is right, how can a God who owns the whole world be jealous? of what? if he owns it all and can do what he wants? until my life changes for the better I will join oprah preach.
May 2nd, 2008 at 11:02 pm
It’s interesting to me that the author of the above article has proven her own point about propoganda and calling out the plank in your brother’s eye merely by typing the above article.
Food for thought.
Truth is truth.
Beware of lies.
God is jealous for the hearts of men to turn to Him and nothing else.
By buying false doctrine and beleif we are feeding God’s jealousy for we are giving our hearts to someone besides Him.
Worship God.
May 16th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
I’m not as concerned about how many believers in Christ are moved by Oprah’s new age philosophies. For truly, if it is that easy for them to be led astray, they were’nt Christ’s to begin with.
My concern is for the people whom traditional religion has tainted; and whose hearts are open to anything other than God, whom they truthfully so desperately need.
However, the bible teaches that if you keep going down the path away from Him, “heaping to yourselves teachers, with itching ears”, that He will give you over to that.
There are people who choose to believe or shall I say adhere to or gravitate to certain practices such as the occult and the New Age movement, and others in direct rebellion to what they know in their hearts is the truth. However, if the truth be told they just choose to live another way - an so convince themselves over time, or allow themselves to believe that they can “create God in their own image”.
The challenge is God is not separate from His Son! His Son is not separate from the Crucifixion and the Crucifixion is not separate from the Blood!!!
You can’t create a god that makes you feel comfortable about yourself! You suck - to put it bluntly. There isn’t anything good in you unless Christ is there. You were indeed created in the image and likeness of God, but after the fall your soul came under new management - so to speak. However, because of Jesus, being the only way back to God, all of that can change - and God truly does love you eventhough you suck! Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father except through Me”. Now that’s a bold statement if its not the truth!
So, yes there are many roads to God, Oprah - and they all lead to destruction - read Matt 7;13-14.
Everyone, choose this day whom you will serve, if God (Jehovah) be God, choose Him, if Oprah…
July 13th, 2008 at 5:27 am
“God is not the author of confusion” plain and simple after reading all the twists and turns and pinning stuff on Oprah and the fact that she’s backing Obama what are they really trying to say and where and whom is the message coming from. That was confusing for me.
Thanks for taking the time to post this blog I am in total agreement with you…they’re working that age old fear tactic.
N
July 15th, 2008 at 11:02 am
Marenda I agree with you. I beleive fear keeps people from growing spiritually. I AM a true Christian from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet. And, I read “A New Earth” and I am STILL a Christian! (I did not turn into a foaming mouth, crazed devil worshiper.) Oprah is not trying to steer people away from Christianity, nor is Eckhart Tolle (author of “A New Earth”). I can just about guarantee that many of those who are criticizing have not even cracked the book! They have no idea what’s in it or what he was talking about. Close minded people are more vulnerable to satan’s attack because they refuse to learn anything different and open their minds to what’s out there. They think that anything that steps outside of what “Grandma”, “Mama”, and the old saints said should be toldly rejected without any exploration or question. Jesus encouraged us to be wise. How can you be wise if you NEVER learn about anything or try to get a better understanding of what you THINK you know. READ the Bible people! Really READ it!!!! Some of this stuff that you are rejecting is exactly what Jesus was trying to teach! Jesus didn’t just hang out with people who agreed with him or sit around pointing fingers and condemning people who didn’t understand his teaching. He talked to EVERYBODY!!! Jesus did NOT discriminate.
Martin Luther King Jr. read the teachings of the Dalai Lama - Was HE the antichrist? NO he was not. HE was trying to gain wisdom. Some of these “new” teachers speak of peace, love and understanding. What is “antichrist” about that? If I am not mistaken, that is what Jesus, the Christ taught. But, we have gotten away from the REAL teachings. We are into judgement and condemnation of anybody he doesn’t walk, talk, speak and act like we do! Now WHO’S not acting like Jesus? Hmmm….
July 18th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
I still have not heard the name of Oprah’s church. What is the name?