Jesus vs. Oprah: How Do We Respond?

I started watching Oprah back in the 80’s. I was only a teenager, but I quickly recognized that she had abandoned Christianity. She has fully embraced New Age beliefs, and seems to be getting more vocal about it as time goes on. New Age ideology basically states that there are no absolute truths and that all religions are essentially the same.

“. . . I am a Christian who believes that there are certainly many more paths to God other than Christianity . . .”
-Oprah

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”
-Jesus (John 14:6; a passage that Oprah and her author buddy conveniently ignore)

As you can see, we have a problem here–someone claiming to be a Christian, yet denying the teachings of Christ. Jesus never claimed that he was coming to “show us the way to spirituality.” I could write all day about the contradictions in this one short video clip.

Oprah’s media empire reaches millions every week (her show is on TV here in the Philippines). Christians are rightfully concerned about her propagation of these false doctrines.

How should we respond to this? Allow me to share a few thoughts.

Christians should not panic.

*We should not panic because Jesus’ kingdom will ultimately prevail.

Consider Jesus’ words to Peter:

Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.
-Matthew 16:18

From the Book of Acts until now, God’s Kingdom has always been under attack. Some of the world’s mightiest governments have attempted to destroy the Bible and Christianity. Guess what–we’re still here! God’s kingdom will still be around long after Oprah is “off the air” permanently.

*We should not panic because the Bible predicted the coming of false teaching/doctrine.

For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths.
-2nd Timothy 4:3-4

The Apostle Paul told us that we would have to battle for the truth. Oprah is only one (albeit highly visible) symbol of this war of ideas. As long as we live in a fallen world, we will have to contend with false teachers.

Second, Christians should be equipped to deal with New Age teaching.

Let’s consider something else Paul told Timothy in the preceding verse:

Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
-2nd Timothy 4:2

During my teenage years, I heard several taped seminars on the New Age Movement from First Baptist Atlanta. This information helped me to recognize false teaching and defend my faith.

Now we have virtually unlimited resources (via internet) to help us debunk false teaching and defend the gospel. Find some good materials and study! If you are a pastor, teach your congregation the difference between New Age teachings and sound doctrine. If you are a parent, teach your children.

Finally, Christians should use Oprah’s show as an opportunity to share the Gospel.

I’ve mentioned that Oprah’s show is extremely popular. I imagine that it is discussed at water coolers, cubicles, and coffee shops all over the world. We should see this as an opportunity to share our faith. Just as Paul preached among pagan idols (Acts 17), we can share the Gospel among those who are discussing spiritual things. Let’s be bold and vocal about our faith!

Oprah is one of the many voices competing for hearts and souls. Let’s make sure she isn’t the only voice they hear.