Exhaustion. Frustration. Disillusionment. I had hope for excellent dialogue. Yet i could not find a single point of entry. This discourse had taken off at a blazing speed only to find itself revolving in the circular arguments of the “Oprah will burn in hell” and “Thou shall not judge” camps.
If you’re going to join the cycle, my advice is that you at least become more creative. It is depressing to witness people continually falling into two polarities. EXTREME ONE: I CAN’T BELIEVE OPRAH HAS LEFT THE FAITH! SHE WILL REGRET THIS WHILE SHE SUFFERS IN HELL! (I WILL NOW QUOTE SCRIPTURES IN VAIN). EXTREME TWO: WHY ARE SO MANY PEOPLE JUDGING HER? SHE IS DOING SO MUCH GOOD IN THIS WORLD! YOU NARROW-MINDED FOLK SHOULD PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH! (I WILL NOW QUOTE MATTHEW 7:1 WHICH STATES ‘DONT JUDGE LEST THEE BE JUDGED’) MY RESPONSE TO CAMP UNO: Stating how certain you are of her damnation doesn’t defeat her argument. Unless you come to a deeper understanding of your faith and learn how to articulate it graciously… then it really seems like you just want to bring people into line with your dogma. MY RESPONSE TO CAMP LEST THEE BE JUDGED: Unfortunately, there are many people in this world who are extremely rude and truly judgmental..sorry . Don’t retreat to Matthew 7:1 or John 8:7 in cowardice when someone has not judged you but actually debunked you.
Prelude to the Oprah Chronicles
Although there were many exceptions, the majority of the comments left only contributed to my cynicism. It was long ago that i became strongly disenchanted with American religion and spirituality. As a Christian, it has grieved me to see the American church become enamored with materialism and political agendas. Christianity has been and continues to be largely distorted and misrepresented. The secular world is questioning christian leaders why there is a lack of God in their message. Extreme fundamentalists have gone senile and have resorted to dastardly tactics to “regain America for Christ”. As i write this, people are plunging into total absurdity with this “revival” that is taking place in Florida.This is hailed as spiritual wisdom in our day. These are championed as the messengers of God in our day.
We live in what some deem “The Post-Truth Era”. The word truthiness has been an official word for quite some time. Uncertainty is the only certainty remaining. This relativistic mentality has not only ravaged universities and politics but religion as well. If all truths are simply conditioned by our culture and times then so are the truths that religions teach.
Why have i started my response to Oprah by recounting the ills plaguing the church? What does our nation’s epistemology have to do with the big O? Everything. It is my firm conviction that both (although it may not be limited to just these) created necessary conditions to birth this movement. The disintegration of the Christian faith and our skepticism of truth has left us with an immense vacuum. A vacuum that must be filled.
Winfrey and Tolle: Masters of Covert Ops
Eckhart is the enlightened teacher that Oprah has endorsed and placed on her famous book club. He’s also been invited to teach online sessions alongside Oprah on www.oprah.com. I will treat both Oprah and Eckhart synonymously (sometimes referring to them as Ohart) because it is evident that they share some strong fundamental convictions. In developing this response i checked out “A New Earth” from the library and watched 2+ hours of the online classes. My desire was to understand their side of the argument. I came away from countless hours of research deeply troubled. The spirituality in one sense wasn’t the thing troubling me but the subtle lies used to advocate it. Yes, they have resorted to dastardly tactics. I believe there is no doubt about it. In their evangelistic ambition they have leaned on deception to win converts and few are discerning this.
(#5 on Amazon as of 5/31)
No Ordinary Book
“This book’s main purpose is not to add new information or beliefs to your mind or to try to convince you of anything” it reads in page 6. One question that might pop up in your head is why someone would write a book that attempted to add nothing to your mind. What other purpose could exist? According to Tolle, this book’s purpose is to bring about a shift in consciousness. A shift that brings one into an awakened state. Wait a second, how can an ordinary book bring about such a change while seemingly bypassing our minds? Well, this is no ordinary book. Tolle claims to have received the idea for this book from divine inspiration. Unfortunately, this is not expounded upon.
Another One-Way Street
A claim to esoteric knowledge is something strongly condemned by Oprah and Tolle. They dismiss anybody who claims to be in sole possession of the truth or anybody who claims that there is only one way. Anybody standing on this esoteric hill is hurled down for the arrogant, narrow-minded person that they are. The irony is that they go on to posit themselves, their beliefs, and their way on that hill. “In the service of the Truth, religious teachings represent sign posts or maps left behind by awakened humans to assist you in spiritual awakening.” This quote is found in chapter three under the subheading “Truth: Relative or Absolute”. The argument made here i found to be astonishing. All religions end up being relativized, being merely expressions of the Truth. What is the Truth that all world religions are expressing? The spirituality that Ohart is trying to spread. Do you see the great irony? As Tim Keller would say “How could you possibly know that no religion can see the whole truth unless you yourself have the superior, comprehensive knowledge of spiritual reality you just claimed that none of the religions have?”. This is the exact claim that Ohart is making. Tolle writes in chapter one “Inevitably, they [great spiritual teachers] were mostly misunderstood by their contemporaries, as well by subsequent generations. Their teachings, although both simple and powerful, became distorted and misinterpreted, in some cases even as they were recorded in writing by their disciples. Over the centuries, many things were added that had nothing to do with the original teachings, but were reflections of a fundamental misunderstanding.” What is implied here? The bible was recorded by confused disciples who misunderstood Jesus and was later changed numerous times. Tolle goes on to quote the bible over 20 times in the book. How can he do that? Only if he happens to know the authentic verses in the bible and the accurate interpretation of them, an interpretation which has eluded practically everyone for 2000 years. Jesus’ words “I am the way and the truth and the life” are suddenly interpreted to mean “Jesus speaks of the innermost I AM, the essence identity of every man and woman…he speaks of the life you are.” (page 71)
Enter Vacuum: The Beast from the East
Oprah attributes arrogance to the person who argues for the superiority of their religion. This actually makes sense if all religions are merely relativistic expressions of one true spirituality. All scriptures and churches end up being equal means to this one end. Consciousness. But here is where the deception lies. The word spirituality is cleverly used to disguise what is in fact a religion. The word New is used to hide the unoriginality of what they’re saying. Oprah made a very important statement that for me clarifies a lot of things. God is a feeling experience not a believing experience. After reading and listening to more of Ohart I’m finally understanding this very clearly. They strongly contend for the oneness of the universe, how everything is interconnected in its essence. Eckhart says “What you sense in the tree is also in you”. If the whole universe is one then it quickly follows that all of the universe is God. If all of the universe is God then its not a matter of looking for him but of realizing that you are essentially God. This realization can be equated to consciousness or awareness. Its no surprise that Oprah and Tolle use these terms interchangeably. In becoming fully aware of your identity, you are discovering God itself. Consciousness=God. If the search for God (which can really be called anything) is a search for yourself then it makes sense that the methods used to find God are trips within. Many forms of meditation and techniques of silence are used to bring you into a realization of your true self. This is a good summation of the “new” spirituality that Ohart is trying to present. The only problem is that it isn’t new. Monism is the philosophical term used to describe this view of oneness. The doctrine of Pantheism identifies God with nature. Hmm…interesting. Doctrine happens to be a very damnable word to Ohart and a doctrine is what underpins all of their teachings. Mysticism has existed for thousands of years. So what is this new spirituality? Nothing more than a Pantheistic Mysticism re-packaged for the West.
Truthiness at Best
“There is no conflict between this teaching which is purely spiritual and any religion” according to Tolle. This simply is not true. Equating God with his creation is considered idolatry in Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Ohart disagrees with these traditions but still insists that nobody can adopt a “im right, your wrong” mentality. Clearly there exists a contradiction when they advocate a Pantheistic view over any possible alternatives. This is what troubles me about Oprah. She has thrown on herself this false shroud of humility attacking any Absolute/Dogmatic claims only to smuggle in her Absolute/Dogmatic claims through the back door. She claims to ”celebrate” and “respect” all religions while re-interpreting their beliefs to prove her own. In America where the Post-Truth era continues to flourish Oprah is offering truthiness(her intuitive claim to know the one true spirituality without regard to evidence, logic, examination, or facts) to the masses.
Daniel is 17 years old and a Junior in High School. He lives on Long Island, New York and aspires to be a Christian Philosopher/Theologian.
25 Comments
May 31, 2008 at 11:57 am
Ah, the wait was well worth it. Great post Daniel, I’m impressed and blown away (and in disbelief that you’re only a junior in high school!) I’m glad you realized and pointed out the contradictions in this new idea of religion. Ohart, which is hilariously clever by the way, condemns anyone who claims one way, yet they do the same with their own teachings. Sadly though, because of Ohart’s mass appeal, many will fall under these teachings and be swayed by the sweet words that ultimately amount to zilch. Good thing though that some such as yourself are still willing to point out error in a humble and godly way and expose untruthfulness for what it is.
Again, great job.
May 31, 2008 at 12:09 pm
I second that. I teach at the HS level but could only dream of a student such as Daniel. Great post and keep up the good work.
May 31, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Great post, bro! Now that is how to deal with an issue as sensitive as this! I met Tolle two years ago when he visited a seminar here in London – I had no theological education but I could still tell there was something very off to the left about him.
Oprah exerts an influence on a lot of people which to me makes little to no sense. Surely the law of the land allows her to vocalise her beliefs, no matter how weird they are, but in that case, her followers should be prepared to hear the flip side of the matter – something which a lot of the folks who commented on both extremes didn’t get – being assured that she’ll go to hell isn’t proving anything, and neither is saying “don’t judge…”
Grace and peace, bro, and thanks for another fine piece of writing
May 31, 2008 at 1:08 pm
I didn’t follow the comment thread on the original post, but I read this whole entry. You set such a great example by researching this so thoroughly and responding so practically and intelligently. I especially appreciate your point that Oprah’s teaching is not new. Part of the power of these types of ideas is that people think they are revolutionary and brand-new, but they are all various forms of man’s rebellion against God, and they are as old as time.
Thanks, Daniel… what a great post.
May 31, 2008 at 1:21 pm
I think the point is, people like new and revolutionary ideas. So if you present ideas as such, you’ll get a HUGE following…
and so it is.
May 31, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Well said!
May 31, 2008 at 4:48 pm
@Ashley,
The classic “guys at Mars Hill” syndrome – folks who wait around – Acts 17:21
May 31, 2008 at 8:38 pm
Ah, fundamentalism. Gotta love it. Daniel my friend, go read something that pushes you past your love of pretty words. Try “How (Not) To Speak of God” by Peter Rollins. After all, you want to be a philosopher. Bottom line…no one can know the mind of God. Tolle makes that claim, as does Rollins. Only fundamentalist make the claim.
I know you want to stand for your heart felt beliefs. Good for you. This is the only way you have a chance to challenge your daily beliefs and grow. Whether you agree with Tolle or Rollins or anyone else is not the point. the point is that you actually hear what they have to say. Keep listening.
May 31, 2008 at 11:01 pm
Daniel,
I got hand it to you..although it probably put your soul in jeopardy to sit through those tapes (just kidding), good review of this “new” movement. It definitely just sounds like warmed up left overs of Eastern spirituality or even a form of Gnosticism.
I think you should change “identify” to “identity” in the middle of the paragraph entitled “enter the vacuum”.
S2C
May 31, 2008 at 11:11 pm
Ah, emergent “theology”. Gotta love it. Brian my friend, try reading something that pushes you beyond postmodernism. Try “The Bible” — I hear it’s a good book!
Jokes aside, the way to growth and challenge is to look to the God of the Bible (aka Jesus Christ) who has revealed to us His will, and the only way to get to heaven. He is Truth, His Word is truth. For one to claim to hold to Christianity and yet deny that objective truth, he/she would have to be a person with the hermeneutical skills of a 2 year old. Spiritual Growth in Jesus Christ does not stem from perpetual challenge of what is true, but rather growing in truth. But that depends if Jesus Christ is the foundation of your growth.
“Bottom line…no one can know the mind of God.” Is that an objective, true statement? Regardless, check out Deut 30:11.
June 1, 2008 at 6:14 am
LOL JL!
June 1, 2008 at 1:13 pm
You are a good man Daniel. Pray, and seek God to see what is truth and what is false. The Bible is truth, and if it doesn’t come from the bible, then it is false. Simple, right? hehe.
Keep going bro!
June 1, 2008 at 9:43 pm
@ Daniel,
You’re 17! God bless you!
This post reminded me of one of my favorite C.S. Lewis quotes from my favorite Lewis book, “The Abolition of Man”:
“A great many of those who ‘debunk’ traditional…values have in the background values of their own which they believe to be immune from the debunking process.”
@ Brian,
You’re nearly incoherent comment also reminded me of a Lewis quote (also from TAoM):
“An open mind, in questions that are not ultimate, is useful. But an open mind about the ultimate foundations either of Theoretical or of Practical Reason is idiocy.”
June 1, 2008 at 11:43 pm
“As a Christian, it has grieved me to see the American church become enamored with materialism and political agendas.”
If it makes you feel any better, I don’t know that the church, in general, has become that way, it is just the churches we see on TV. Yes, the ones on TV are more influential, but I have gone to different churches in 3 different states, and they have not bought into this philosophy. I think there are plenty of good churches still around, or at least it is a possibility, you just don’t hear about them.
I’m not saying your viewpoint is not the case, just that tv can skew reality. Unfortunately it can also shape it.
June 2, 2008 at 11:54 am
[...] Like it or not, Brother Osteen seems to be the face of American Christianity, taking the first and third spot. Osteen’s reign is interrupted only by Oprah Winfrey’s Spirit Channel. This seems to be the same podcast that ranks in at number 20 – Oprah and Eckhart Tolles’ “A New Earth” Online Class. I won’t jump on the Oprah-is-the-Antichrist bandwagon (yet), but Daniel at Heart of Flesh has begun an excellent survey of this very popular New Age teaching. [...]
June 3, 2008 at 2:39 pm
[...] she just don’t get it. I planned a whole post about my feelings about it, but then decided this guy did such a better job, you might as well just go read what he wrote. I agree with all he says and [...]
June 3, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Daniel–As a Christian school teacher, I really appreciated your post. So many spiritual leaders, as you mentioned, have no idea how to approach apologetics or argue in ways that do not come across as an offensive cop-out. Recently, readers of my blog, Christian Teacher Forum here at WordPress, have also expressed confusion over what their job as “Christian” educators entails. Could I have permission to quote from your blog and/or add a link to this blog to my blog post? I think that, considering you’re a high school student, it will add to our understanding of the kind of thinking we need to demonstrate/model/teach for our students.
June 3, 2008 at 8:24 pm
quote:
You are a good man Daniel. Pray, and seek God to see what is truth and what is false. The Bible is truth, and if it doesn’t come from the bible, then it is false. Simple, right? hehe.
Keep going bro!
Yeah, agree here with Ralph. Because we are Christians, everything should be put into a confrontation with the Bible. And, when it doesn’t come along with the Bible, then it’s simply wrong…
Well, maybe it’s not that simple, but isn’t it should be that simple?
All I know is that The Father tells me (through the Bible) there’s only One Way and it is Jesus Christ.
June 4, 2008 at 8:17 pm
Daniel–I posted on my website using quotes from your blog and a link to your page. Feel free to check it out!
Again, thanks for being so inspirational. I hope that many Christian teachers learn from your post and begin changing the way they train students in the faith.
June 10, 2008 at 8:42 am
[...] I end with a quote from a good brother Daniel (check out his wonderful blog here: http://heartofflesh.wordpress.com/) from his blog about Oprah: [...]
June 11, 2008 at 7:52 am
Sorry, not sure if I am doing this right – I would like to ask permission to use one of your photos – called Worship 1 – from November 2007. I want to use it for a powerpoint I’m putting together for World Youth Day – to show to school groups and young people. Thanks very much, Rita
June 11, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Sure…go ahead Rita. No problem.
June 28, 2008 at 1:40 am
Daniel:
As a trained journalist, I have an interest in current events and my experience behind the scenes of major television programs and other media forums, simultaneously gives me a true sadness and a passion for exposing deception and proclaiming the revelation of our Lord and Savior. I know, first hand, what a life of worldliness can do to destroy the purpose of God and one’s destiny.
And that is exactly what Oprah and all of her gurus are: worldly. They are without God, therefore, we cannot really expect them to act otherwise, can we? (According to the Bible, spiritual things are spiritually discerned– by those who are filled with the Holy Spirit).
As you mentioned, there is a desperate need for the true Church to rise-up and love God– not only with their hearts, and all of their hand clapping, body swaying souls, but with their minds, as well. This is the admonition of our God.
So many in the world have mocked us and called us names like “judgmental,” and I am afraid to say that these names are sometimes correctly applied. The church must train members of the Body of Christ to not be workmen who need to be ashamed (as Paul told young Timothy). Still, it is every man and woman’s responsibility to search out the Scriptures for him/herself. It is every individual Christian’s responsibility to walk out his/her faith with fear and trembling. I believe you are using this blogging platform to do just that.
If we were a people who did not need to be lead by celebrity Christian leaders, and the next “big and new thing,” perhaps we could actually say as Christ said to Father God, “we are one.” (John 17)
All the best, and keep searching after Truth as though searching for priceless and rare treasure…that will never rot, never fade.
And as always: Don’t allow anyone to despise your youth.
hismindandworldpeace.wordpress.com
July 29, 2008 at 10:25 am
[...] a good brother Daniel (check out his wonderful blog here: http://heartofflesh.wordpress.com/) from his blog about Oprah: MY RESPONSE TO CAMP LEST THEE BE JUDGED: Unfortunately, there are many people in this world who [...]
October 22, 2008 at 11:21 am
it’s so sad that she chose her own destrcuction… it won’t take too long but I believe that we will see that in our life time… God doesn’t need to punish her nor God never intend to destroy mankind despite it’s continuous rebellion, what destroys her is her own action and deeds. I pray that she repents and turns to God Who will forgive her and heal her soul, mind and conscience so that she doesn’t waste her life that God gifted her.