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)

Honesty Is Important

I have seen some video lectures by a man named Walter J. Veith. In the videos I watched, he explains different aspects of religion - talking about Freemasonry, The Flood and other things. I was really impressed at his knowledge of history and his seemingly honest viewpoint.

In his lectures about some religions, he points out that the fact they are being deceptive should be a clue to the discerning Christian.

Okay.

I noticed in one of the lectures that he seemed so adamant about when the Sabbath should be observed. Since the point he was making had to do with a conflict with the Roman Catholics, I didn't pay as much attention at the moment. Later I noticed he again re-iterated his beliefs about the Sabbath. It seemed extremely important to him.

I love Google.

I Googled Mr. Veith and began to quickly see hits mentioning his Seventh Day Adventist ties.

Wow.

Now, I don't have many problems with the Seventh Day Adventist teachings because I don't know a whole lot about them. The problem I have is that they do lean so heavily on the teachings of their founder, Ellen G. White. I have a problem with anyone who cannot depend on the Bible only to promote and spread the Gospel.

The biggest problem I have with SDA is that they don't identify themselves. If I get talking to someone about the Gospel (or religion in general), I identify myself as a Bible-believing Christian. I tell them that while I don't belong to a specific church, I was raised Church of God In Christ. I don't try to lead a Baptist into believing that I am Baptist. I don't try to lead a JW into believing that I have anything in common with them.

Why wouldn't a member of the SDA want you to know that's what they are? Is it because they are worried that you will hear about their history and beliefs and want to measure them against what the Bible says?

If Mr. Veith had been open about his church affiliation, I still would have listened to his lectures. A lot of the information he gave was useful. I would have judged it all against the Bible, of course, but I would have at least felt that Mr. Veith was being honest.

When someone is dishonest or deceptive about one thing, that makes you question their motives about everything. Especially when witnessing to people about faith, honesty is most important. A person can walk away from you disagreeing with you but still respecting that you were honest.

Peace
--Free

2 Cor 13:7-8
Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.
For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.