The truth is, I can't. Not now. I'm speechless. I'm sad. I'm sorry that there are so many people out there who are falling hook, line, and sinker into this type of "create your own spirituality" thinking. It absolutely BREAKS my HEART!
I have loved Oprah and am thankful for all the contributions that she has made to the world at large. She is extremely compassionate and willingly gives to others regularly. I think the world would be a much better place if we'd all learn to give the way she gives. Of course, not at the level she gives...but with the willingness of spirit to do what John Wesley suggests in this most powerful quote:
Do all the good you can. In all the ways you can. In all
the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the
people you can. As long as ever you can.
-John Wesley
Over the past few years with Oprah, however, I've sensed the shift to the New Age spirituality in some of her book selections. As Carmen points out in her blog, there are "half truths" all over Oprah's website. That, my friends, is a danger to any person who is listening and buying into the type of thinking espoused there: be your own God, you are your own Savior, and so on and so on... And the reality is there are tens of thousands of women and men following Oprah and buying into her belief system.
I'm not here to bash Oprah. I think she is an amazing woman who does amazing things. I am here to say that we all have to remember to give the spiritual litmus test to the things that we read and watch. We need to make sure that we "set our minds on Christ" so that we are not deceived by false teaching. But we need to do so in a way that builds a bridge for those who are searching with all their hearts in these areas of deception. Because, in my opinion, the very worst thing any of us could do is harden ourselves to the point where we cannot extend grace and mercy to those we love. And the second very worst thing we could do is turn our heads and refuse to be informed.
I'm sad today. Very. Very. Sad. Now pass that "litmus stick" over here.
