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Title: Gospel According to Oprah

Author: Marcia Z. Nelson

Narrator: Marguerite Gavin

Format: Unabridged

Length: 4 hrs and 15 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-02-09

Publisher: christianaudio.com

Genres: Religion & Spirituality, Christianity

Publisher's Summary:

Yet unlike many celebrities, Winfrey's is an overwhelmingly and unerringly positive public persona. Here, religion reporter Marcia Nelson explores the spiritual dimensions that are prevalent in all aspects of the Oprah Winfrey media empire. Though Oprah is rarely explicitly religious on her television show or magazine, Nelson points out that there are several major Christian themes that weave through these aspects of her life and work: confession, redemption, healing, mission, forgiveness, and salvation.

Nelson concludes that Oprah is a "compelling spiritual teacher in a spiritually eclectic and ever-practical America." This work will appeal both to Oprah fans and people who are fascinated by the intersection of religion and popular culture.

Members Reviews:

Fun and short read.

When I first saw this at the book sale, I thought it would be by some conservative decrying Oprah's lack of Jesus-talk. Quite the opposite: this author argues that Oprah's lack of expicitly religious language is one of her major successes as a pastoral public figure. Yes, pastoral. Though not a pastor, Oprah melds together an eclectic blend of practical, everyday spiritual teachings on her show. She teaches forgiveness and gratitude, and encourages her audience to practice self-examination (e.g. don't just lose the weight, but ask yourself why you eat emotionally). She does so not by preaching, but by inviting "witnesses" on her show to give "tesimonies." Oprah's roots in a black church inform her way of presenting and occassionally the vocabulary she describes it in, when she does discuss Jesus. And she exudes charm and likeability, especially because she openly talks about her flaws (e.g. weight gain).

Overall, an okay book. I came away with some insights but felt like it lacked some depth. It did give me a new appreciation of Oprah, especially how she has opened up the national dialogue on sex abuse and other womens' issues. It was also a bit dated (2005) so didn't cover the end of her show. It would have also been nice to explore Oprah's attitudes towards religion(s), such as her episode on Catholic nuns. I gave it to my mom (an avowed Oprah fan) to read.

A Force for Good in the World

"The greatest pain in life is to be invisible. What I've learned is that we all just want to be heard." ~ Oprah Winfrey

"The Gospel According to Oprah" is a brief exploration of Oprah's main teachings. Oprah is known for her generosity and compassion. She also explores forgiveness, teaches gratitude and promotes healing. This book helped me to understand why Oprah has such a profound influence on our society and communities around the world.

For the most part, the author had to rely heavily on analysis of Oprah's show. She also read quite a few of Oprah's magazines. She explores fun and serious topics. Like who hasn't tried a soda Oprah recommends in her magazine or read a book she has promoted on her show. Throughout this book, Oprah's wisdom becomes very apparent. She is truly a force for good in the world.

In conclusion, I remember my excitement at finding Oprah's magazine at my local library (they were selling them by the stack).