Monday, June 15, 2009

Questions For Oprah Fans

A great many people admire Oprah Winfrey. Her fans admire her for what she has accomplished, or because she is a black woman (double minority) who has done so much with her life, or because she seems to be so down-to-earth and compassionate. I have one niece who just cannot get over how Oprah has overcome so much to reach such heights of success. I heard one lady say that Oprah is the kind of woman she could see being great friends with - you know, someone fun to hang out with or share confidences with. I agree with all of that.

But I have a problem with Oprah. I think she is dangerous.

With all her fans and all her money, Oprah has a lot of influence. What frightens me is that she seems to be using that influence to - knowingly or not - lead people away from God. I'm not talking about people who never had an interest in God in the first place; I'm talking about Orthodox Christians.

Here is what I would like to know: how much do those Oprah fans (the ones who are Christian) know about Oprah's faith or lack of? Here is what those fans should want to know about a woman they look to for so much feedback on their lives and goals. (And, remember, I am asking this of Bible-believing orthodox Christians):
  • Does she, like you, believe in Jesus, the Son of God, the second part of the Trinity?
  • Does she believe that the ONLY way to God (not "a" god) is through His Son, Jesus Christ
  • What exactly does she mean when she talks of "many paths" to God? Which path does she plan on using? Has she picked one and committed to it?
  • Why did she do the New Earth classes with Eckhart Tolle? (His beliefs are clearly not in alignment with Christianity.)
  • What does she think about the Bible and orthodox Christians who believe the Bible is God-breathed and the final authority on how we live our lives?
  • If she has a particular belief or faith system, why not be more open about it so that people can decide if they still want to be influenced by her?
I'm not trying to be mean-spirited. I'm just tired of Christians thinking that it is okay to be vague about their beliefs. Who are we trying NOT to offend? Who are we trying to please? Oprah? It's not like she can get us into Heaven or send us into Hell. Oh - wait... Scratch that part about Hell. Actually, she - and anyone else teaching false doctrine - can lead the way to Hell.

Be careful, people. Be more aware of who and what you open your ears and minds and hearts to. I don't know whether or not Oprah is concerned about your soul, but you should be concerned about hers. We should all be praying that she quit following all those many paths and get on the right one.

Peace
--Free

2Cor 11:4
1Tim 4:1
Gen 3:1-6
(BTW: I got the Bible links to those verses via here)

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