Elizabeth Gilbert, Rhonda Byne, Oprah and Christians (no, this is not a really bad joke)

A reader left this comment on my post regarding Eat, Pray, Love: One Womans Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia by Elizabeth Gilbert. Let me put the comment in context so you don’t have to follow a link to my original post and wade through all the old comments. The commenter is talking about Gilbert at first. (I edited for spelling only; I think she means Hitler could not take away their salvation.)

The author believes that many gods, or religions can become part of ones life, and these will channel into one god , the “right God” –> absolutely shocking. Oprah is playing a dangerous game.. promoting the secret, and promoting yet another New age book, eat pray love.

Think of Hitler, a man that was responsible for the death of millions of people, these people may have died believeing the true creator, these people may have died saved. Hitler could take that away from them.. we all know where he is though.

But what about a woman like the author of The Secret who is leading millions of souls astray? Playing with their soul, their eternal life. What will happen to her, and what will happen to Oprah?

Well, now I know why I get so many Google hits off of Gilbert’s book. I don’t watch Oprah, so I had no idea she featured it on her show. I don’t want to get into what Gilbert believes with this paticular post; I’ll save that for another day, quoting from her memoir. Personally, I don’t find her beliefs shocking at all. More about that in a minute.

Today, I want to talk about Rhonda Byne, Oprah Winfrey, and Christians.

Rhonda Byne

The Secret author is Rhonda Byrne. I’ve not read The Secret, but I’ve heard of it. As a Bible-believing Christian, I certainly do think she is leading people away from Jesus Christ if her book is contrary to the word of God. From what little I know of it, I suspect it’s doing just that. As a Christian, I’m concerned many are reading it for spiritual guidance.

Oprah Winfrey

I’m weary of the Oprah bashing, not that I’m a fan or anything. I’ve seen that Youtube video regarding The Church of Oprah or whatever it’s called. Look, guys - Oprah can say whatever she wants. That’s why the show is called Oprah. If you don’t like what she has to say, turn her off. Freedom of speech, freedom of religion - Oprah is free to worship and promote whatever she wants. Doesn’t mean I have to like it, doesn’t mean you have to either. Again, turn her off if she turns you off. (Wow, that’s catchy. I should make that a bumper sticker).

and Christians (this is the bit when I get a little opinionated).

I find it humorous when Christians get frazzled when nonChristians act contrary to the Bible. That’s what nonbelievers do, folks. They don’t believe or act like we do and (surprise!) often they adopt radical beliefs apart from the Bible. If they did what we do - read the Bible, worship Jesus Christ - then they wouldn’t be nonChristians, would they?

Back to Gilbert. Does Eat, Pray, Love promote the gospel of Christ? No. Does that shock me? No way. Is it presented as a Christian book? Does Gilbert take the name of Christ? Not that I’m aware of. Again, there is that pesky (and wonderful) freedom of religion joined with freedom of speech.

I’m not saying we should ignore books that don’t line up with Scripture. By all means, let’s talk about it and point out the errors. But don’t stop there. It’s not enough to just critize and offer nothing in it’s place. The reason The Secret, and Eat, Pray, Love, etc., are bestsellers is because people are searching for something to believe. Either they are going to believe in Christ or they will cling to something else.

If we aren’t giving Truth, lived out in radical love, those seeking nonChristians will find a substitute and listen to just about anyone they admire with a microphone or with a catchy book title.

Regarding Hitler. I’m not sure what to make of that part of the comment. Hitler’s Nazi regime murdered millions, so I’m not willing to lump Byrne, Oprah and Gilbert with him. Hitler was a madman with an army and nation behind him. No one is forced to read The Secret, Eat, Pray, Love, or watch Oprah.

Okay. That’s enough about that, ’cause I’m starting to sound like a preacher. Back to writing about cartoons, creeks and the daily life of a home schooling mom. Hope we are all still friends.

By the way, if any of my loyal readers where to particularly like this post, I sure would appreciate a shout-out to your favorite social bookmarking tool. I happen to use StumbleUpon, but this girl ain’t picky. Thanks much.

&#169 2008 Monica Brand | Paper Bridges