Articles
Spirituality According to Oprah
This is the actual title of an article, believe it or not. In the October 2015 issue of the AARP Bulletin we are treated to Ms. Winfrey’s view of religion. Not surprisingly in this age of navel-gazing “spirituality,” Ms. Winfrey lumps Christianity in with other religious systems which are examined in her seven-part series Belief that aired on her network October 18-24, 2015. Here is an excerpt:
Q: You mentioned that you pray every night. Do you consider yourself a traditionalist?
A: I’m definitely not a traditionalist, because a traditionalist would be going to church every Sunday. I still love church. My favorite church service is T.D. Jakes at the Potter’s House. I don’t think there is a better preacher in the country. His ability to interpret scripture is like no other. I also like some of Joel Osteen’s work.
Q: Some people question whether you can be a Christian and also embrace so-called New Age philosophies. How do you respond to that?
A: My response is that I love the church. I love what the church offers to us as a culture – black people in particular. We would be nowhere without the black church. But for me to live in a world that is not inclusive of other people who are not Christian would be the opposite of Christianity. I can’t define “God,” so to be open to the mystical and mystery of God is a natural part of myself. So people criticize me for not being what they are, and I say, it’s working for me and … continues to work for me, in a way that fills me with a sense of peace … about what God means to me.
Here are brief Scriptural responses to some of Oprah’s observations:
1) Heb 10:24-25: “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” It appears that Ms. Winfrey thinks being present for worship is merely being a “traditionalist,” and she prefers to engage in worship by watching T.D. Jakes on TV.
2) Gal 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” There is no “black church” or “white church” or “Latino church.” Ms. Winfrey admits that she sees the church as an integral part of her culture and that African-American churches have played a vital role in defining black culture. I’m sure that is true, but this is not the role of the Lord’s church. Paul fought many battles to ensure that Jews and Gentiles were inclusive in one body and unified in doctrine and worship. The very term “black church” is an oxymoron based on New Testament teaching about the church that Jesus established.
3) 1 Cor 2:16: “We have the mind of Christ.” The mind of Christ is knowable insofar as He has revealed Himself by the Spirit. God can be defined because He has shared His character and purposes with mankind. But Ms. Winfrey would prefer for Him to remain a “mystery” so that she can define Him as she chooses. That “works” for her. Oprah is a perfect example of how Christianity has been reduced to mysticism in our culture. It has happened by mingling the beliefs of conflicting faiths into a personal philosophy that suits the individual. Legitimate faith conforms to God’s revelation: “Faith comes by hearing ... the word of God” (Rom 10:17).
