The Church of Oprah

Millions of people around the world religiously tune in to her show everyday. If she recommends a book in her book club, it becomes an instant best-seller. And if she features a product on her show it becomes everybody's favourite. There is no doubt that Oprah has the power to influence. But what kind of influence is it?

On the surface, it seems quite harmless. She advocates love, acceptance, tolerance and second chances. She is all for the poor and the less fortunate of the world. She's keen to help people put their lives back together, and to be the best they can be. Sounds like a Christian message of love, hope and redemption, right? Well, not really. Her very palatable message is fooling people, posing as a substitute for true redemption, found only in Jesus Christ.

Oprah's gosel is a feelgood message about what humans can achieve on their own, through empowerment and realization of their own abilities. It is basically the New Age message of a divine self, or the god within. According to this view, human potential is unlimited! We really can create a utopia for ourselves, living together in peace and harmony. Why? There's no such thing as sin! No need for repentance, no need for Jesus.

It's no wonder her show is so popular. It feeds our pride and confidence in ourselves, ignoring our true need to rely on God. And it fits right into the popular views of our culture, which says that tolerance is the highest of virtue, and the only truth is that there are many truths (relativism).

So what should we do as Christians? Don't buy into it! Be alert and aware. Pray for discernment. Understand the times we live in, and equip our minds. Engage people in conversation, guiding them gently to the truth. Stand strong in the true message of Christianity, which is that salvation comes in the name of Jesus only!