Thursday, August 11, 2011

What Oprah is Teaching Millions About Spirituality

“O” God: A Dialogue on Truth and Oprah’s Spirituality


A book that has a unique apologetic approach to addressing the Spirituality that is promoted by Oprah Winfrey and her many guests she’s had over the years. The book is a dialogue of two women that are huge fans of Oprah and their journey to find the truth.

Pantheism and Eastern Spirituality has been steadily rising in the West, thanks in part to Oprah and many of her guests, friends and book club books she promotes through her TV shows. New Age spirituality keep coming with every New Season, promoting a new age spirituality and pluralism that many may not truly know what is being served up theologically and why these teachings are not consistent and contradict Christianity. If you are unfamiliar with how Oprah and her guests beliefs differ from orthodox Christian beliefs this book will give you some basics on the theology and doctrines being taught and how to Stand Firm in the Faith and discern the differences.


Books and Authors such as “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne’s, James Ray, Elizabeth Gilbert author of “Eat, Pray, Love, Eckhart Tolle author of “A New Earth” and Marianne Williamson, and others, literally were skyrocketed to fame with appearances on the Oprah Show, and their book sales are in the millions.

Oprah draws millions of followers due to her likeable personality, her generosity and down-to-earth charm. With it being reported in the news today of Oprah’s possible consideration of a move of her program to Los Angeles, she may have more influence then ever. This is a good book to give to a friend that may be dabbling with New Age spirituality. There are also discussion questions in the back of the book which makes it great for study groups.

After reading the book, there could not be enough said about discerning what Oprah Winfrey and her guests are promoting, and it is consistent with what the teaching found says to do: 1 John 4:1 “Beloved do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”


Josh McDowell is the Author of 110 books including the best sellers More than a Carpenter and New Evidence that Demands a Verdict.

Dave Sterrett has ministered to students and educators with Josh McDowell in Russia, Poland, and the United States. Sterrett also partners with Probe Ministries International in Plano, Texas and teaches on Christ-centered living and Christian apologetics at conferences, schools and churches.

Copyright © 2009
Publisher - WND Books
ISBN: 978-1-935071-17-4

Reading /Review Date: November 2009


"O" God: A Dialogue on Truth and Oprah's Spirituality
A discussion with Dave Sterrett and Josh McDowell on the book

 


 

Exposing Spiritual Abuse

Matthew 23 is a Good Overview

This book was very helpful. It’s unfortunate that more books are not written like this one to help Christians discern error. The writing was biblically balanced.


In an unhealthy church it is considered rebellion when decisions are questioned. Matthew 23 is referred to as giving example of where the Christians loyalty should be-- which is To Christ.

The author gives the traits of abusive leaders and unhealthy churches. He gives a list of 7 warning signs of spiritual abuse in a church:

1) Power Positioning
2) Unquestioned Authority
3) An atmosphere of secrecy
4) Elitist attitude
5) Performance emphasis
6) Fear motivation
7) Painful exit

Mike Fehlauer explains that many Christians have fallen into abusive situations within the church and he answers questions that maybe you’ve been wondering about, such as what is the role of the Pastor, what is a healthy church, when and how should I leave a church, what should I do if I recognize any of these unhealthy symptoms and more. He gives key scriptures and real life situations for why we should reject controlling and manipulative leaders, and also helps the reader by giving a foundation in which to build on to restore broken relationships and build trust.


There are a list of questions for discussion at the end of each chapter. One valuable point in the book is; when leaving a controlling church, it is impossible to leave correctly in the eyes of the abusive pastor. If you are suffering under the control of a manipulating leader, this book will help bring healing and will help you put things into a proper perspective.

Copyright© 2001
Publisher Charisma House

This book can be found at Amazon.com
 
Reading / Review Date: December 2006