For those who are skeptical and dismissive of Oprah Winfrey, it is particularly challenging not to be condescending of a religious book that seeks to evaluate Oprah and her influence on our society. In The Gospel According to Oprah, Marcia Z. Nelson provides us with a thorough theological evaluation of Oprah and her empire that invites us to re-evaluate this “pop-icon,” and possibly learn and appropriate lessons from her.
Oprah’s influence is unparalleled. Her show is broadcast in 108 countries around the globe, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe; she claims 10 million viewers in the U.S. alone; her magazine has 2.7 million readers. Her empire includes movie production, Internet, and product endorsement. Her core message, “improve yourself, make a difference, and learn from life’s lessons,” is consistent and strong throughout all areas of her work.
In the Reformed tradition, we believe that any dichotomy between sacred and secular is a false one. We claim that God is actively involved in all spheres of life: church and culture, pastor and pop-icon. How is it that we might see Oprah as an instrument of God? It is hard to dismiss Oprah’s generosity: more than $175 million donated to causes and organizations that promote human development. The testimony of countless people who claim to be living more full lives because of Oprah is equally compelling. Oprah has raised consciousness about critical social issues such as child abuse.
Nelson uses numerous theological themes to evaluate Oprah’s efforts — often the very issues that people outside of the church articulate as shortcomings of the church. For example, many people critique pastors for not being honest about their shortcomings, and for keeping a safe distance from the suffering of the world; Nelson reveals Oprah’s willingness to expose her own shortcomings (frequent failure at weight loss) and her recognition of the suffering of the world (women in the Congo) in the first chapters: “Oprah is Very Human,” and “Oprah Acknowledges Suffering and Wants to Relieve it.”
Oprah keeps things simple, Nelson says, and that is essential to her effectiveness. She deals with AIDS, Africa, and international women’s issues in a way that makes them accessible to the average viewer. Says Oprah about her trip to South Africa in 2002: “I wasn’t trying to eradicate AIDS, end poverty, or stimulate economic development. I simply wanted to create one day that the kids could remember as happy.” It is a message to us preacher-types who tend to speak in our own theological language that is often inaccessible or confusing. We might well learn from Oprah’s straight talk and simplicity of message.
Nelson explores how Oprah teaches gratitude and generosity, fundamental themes of Christian discipleship. Through her television show and her Web site, Oprah encourages the use of the gratitude journal. Nelson includes research on gratitude that shows that people who keep gratitude journals are healthier and more likely to accomplish their goals than those who do not. Many shows following September 11, 2001, focused on the power of gratitude for healing and hope. Oprah says: “for the love of all that is holy, [we are called] not to waste time, but to be grateful for time given.” Generosity is not only something Oprah practices, she sees it as vital to her message: “I’ve always encouraged giving. Using your life. Teaching what you learn. Extending your life in the form of service.” Oprah created a charity, Oprah’s Angel Network, to promote charitable giving by her viewers.
In a time when the church’s influence is in many ways diminished, it seems imperative for servants of the Church to explore how God is working God’s purposes out in other spheres of life. In The Gospel According to Oprah, Nelson shows us how God is using Oprah in ways from which we might learn. Small group studies, adult education settings, or preacher-educator groups might all benefit from a thorough reading of Nelson’s book.
David R. Taylor is co-pastor of Eastminster Church, Simpsonville, S.C.
