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.
© 2008 Monica Brand | Paper Bridges
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[...] Update (6/9/08) For my latest comments on Gilbert’s book, follow this link. [...]
GREAT post! I’m with you all the way. I haven’t read either of the books, but I have thought about it. I also don’t watch Oprah; I have better things to do with my time. I especially resonate with your point about expecting unbelievers to act like believers. God saves people by changing their hearts, not their behavior. If it were the other way around, salvation would be by works (the Law) and not grace. Thank God for grace!! We would never, could never, ever measure up.
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Twitter: WriterMommy
People are searching for something. An empty soul needs filling, whether it’s with beliefs in some sort of “Secret”, food, shopping, or drink.
There are many ways people try to feed their souls.
I just re-read that book for a book club meeting. I loved the book. I loved her writing and her openness. I didn’t love her religion of self, but I would be lying if I said that my own personal faithwalk (following Christ) wasn’t affected by reading about her own pursuit.
I would love to hear your thoughts on her religion as portrayed in the book and how you think it affects the book overall.
Okay, Jen. I know you’re not the only one interested. I’m reading other things right now, but when I get the chance I’ll reread and report back here. I’d like to hear more about your response to the book too.
I like this post…and you touched on something that has poked at me for a while…that non-Christians WILL act like non-Christians…and we have to stop expecting them to behave otherwise.
I have never been a fan of Oprah, and really don’t watch TV at all, if I can help it. (okay, so I make exceptions for HGTV)…but the concern I have is that she is leading Christians astray.
Great post! Definitely stirred up the thinker!!
Lauras last blog post..Memories (installment 22)
Laura, thanks for your comment and nice words. Stirring is good.
Christians should recognize false teachings, IMHO, and not be so easily swayed.
I couldn’t agree with you more! I wrote something similar here: http://www.adventuresinbabywearing.com/2008/04/pedestal.html
when the whole Miley Cyrus thing went down. Christians can forward emails and complain and whine about all those things that just aren’t right with this world, or they can see that apparently this world is seeking and searching for answers- and they need love and understanding. They need us to help show them the Way. Not beat them down for where they are now.
Steph
Adventures In Babywearings last blog post..The Spoons Are Winning
I completely agree about not being surprised when non-Christians act like non-C’s. I was never an Oprah fan, so it was no big deal, but I do know some women who feel…betrayed, I guess. Which I also find silly since it’s not like she was their personal friend!
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Amen… amen… AMEN!!!
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thanks, Christina. I completely agree.
Hey there,
I just happened to stumble on here and loved the post. I am not sure what makes people think that non-believers would ever act like Jesus. It is so frustrating to me!
About Eat,Pray,Love. I loved it! Sure she was way off spiritually and hearing about all of her different experiences got a little old, but God has used this book to teach me so much about Him. I am making my husband read it. She (Elizabeth Gilbert) is a great writer.
I also really like Oprah and her show and have learned a lot from it too. I don’t expect her to be perfect or Christlike even though I am still holding out hope of her salvation. I think if you are going to watch TV, which I don’t very often, it may as well be a very well produced show, and educational. I love all of the show about social justice and I also LOVE Dr. Oz! But, like you said if it’s a show about something I don’t care about or don’t agree with I just don’t watch that day. It’s pretty simple.
That’s just my opinion…=)
Regarding the comments of the Secret, I read the book and I found it interesting, however this does not mean I am going to walk away from my Christian beliefs nor will I seek guidance from this book. If your faith is strong then no book or DVD will lead you astray. If you’re a weak person in your faith and beliefs then anything you read or see on TV will lead you astray. You cant point the finger to the Book the Secret, just put the News on and you’ll see and hear why so many people are going in the wrong direction, it’s not because of this book. I guess so many people that don’t know who or what to blame find it easy to blame the books people read. There is no one holding a gun to your head making you read any of the books that are out there. I find it hard for any Christian to make negative comments about books people are reading, you should first look at yourself to see if maybe your lacking faith because you should know better then thinking books have anything to do with why people are needing to search other means for guidance it’s not because of any book it’s because the devil is out there to destroy, but if YOUR FAITH IS STRONG NO ONE CAN DISTROY YOUR JOY!
P.S.
You maybe asking why I read the book, its because I can then speak to people and let them know if you are seeking guidance then I have a great book for you to read (The Bible).
And for those none believers that’s your choice to seek your truth.
OPRAH … from spending several years in Jeremiah Wright’s anti-American racist church, listening to sermons like “God Damn America”, and giving life time achievement awards to the likes of Louis Farrakhan … to her newest opportunistic religious beliefs … who could possibly take Oprah seriously? This woman’s ego is soooo big, being a billionaire celebrity isn’t enough, she has to start her own religion … not to mention all the additional money she is going to make selling all those book, tapes, CD’s, etc. to her poor followers. Oprah’s new power hungry ambitions include efforts to replace traditional America with Obama … and access to a President she puts into office … to her efforts at replacing Christianity with a new religion she controls. I think it’s time for America to deny Oprah access to our television sets.
Wow. See? Howard’s comment scares the $&*^%^* out of this Christian. Jennifer and Ann sound like the loving Christian’s I prefer to have on this planet.
It’s funny, all this talk about non-C’s not acting Christian but the Bible I read shows a Jesus full of love and compassion and willingness to meet, greet and talk with non-Cs. I’ve been reading all your posts and most of the comments seem to be from labels “C”s who are acting very NON-C, in my opine.
Also, always shocks you all when non-C’s actually act MORE Christianlike than most high-and-mighties, doesn’t it? I consider myself a Christian but you all probably wouldn’t agree with my definition (and I’m perfectly alright if you want to pray for my soul.)
I found many interesting points to the Secret as validation and layering to many tenets of the Christian faith and I loved Eat,Pray,Love. Gilbert doesn’t bother me, I don’t believe she is trying to pull people away from Christianity. Worry about your own souls, stop dictating everyone’s else ‘SHOULDS’.
Seriously anyone who thinks Gilbert is trying to lead people away from Christianity has not discovered God themselves. I think deep prayer and mediation is how one connects to God and builds a relationship with him and it’s how God can change peoples lives. Just because someone doesn’t say that you have to accept Christ doesn’t make it bad. She is teaching people how to connect to God that may not have normally discovered him and I in no way see how that is not Christlike, it is very Christ like and her book has done a world of good in showing me how I can connect to God on a deeper level.
Christ allows me to return to God and prayer and mediation allow me to connect to God and build a relationship with him. It makes me mad when people attack stuff that can help improve people’s lives just because it doesn’t fit there narrow point of view of how things are.
Adam, thanks for taking the time to comment. I agree with you – to a degree. Looks like I need to write another post about this.
[...] are still coming in on this post about Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman’s Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia by [...]
[...] for my children. The critics are out there, which is fine. Longtime readers know how I feel about free speech. Of course, I happen to think anyone sending their child to a government-operated public school [...]
what is wrong with some of you people! what type of christians are you. saying “how can Oprah be playing a dangerous game by promoting the secret and new age books like eat pray love” what is wrong in believing in one GOD! How many rich christians do you know, donate as much money as Oprah to poor people and help, the right way! People just sent it to a minister who just buys things for himself, with the money you phone in, so God can cure their needs, and with your hard earned money, they can live in luxury, Oprah works for her money and she doesn’t have to give it away, but she does because she belives in GOD and mankind. l am Italian and also believe in God, the Virgin Mary, Jesus and all the saints and pray every night for my family and friends and l read the book, and found it comforting to read how she overcome her pain, naturally and found God her way. Everyone should be happy Elizabeth found God, she is not telling you to worship the devil! people who post their hateful comment, should pray more for themselves. I am sure half of you christians are self medicated and doing nothing to heal your soul. Just complaining about other peoples goodness. Thankgod Barack Obama won, l prayed for a good person to lead your country. God bless the world it needs a lot of help.
[...] here. As my regular readers know, I’ve written about Oprah before. You can find that post here if you have yet to read [...]
I just found this post..very interesting. Well, I have read Eat, Pray, and Love in addition to A New Earth. These books lead people away from Christ by basing their books on Christ-like principles and forming religions out of meditations and positive thinking. At first, I thought these books were wonderful, but what’s really going on here is that the books claim no particular religion, it embraces them all and that is very clever. Also, the Bible discusses meditating on the Word of the Lord. It does not say let your mind go blank. Never in history have “Christians” claimed that other religions can lead to God. If you’re a true Christian then you believe that Jesus is the Messiah and that means that you accept no other gospel or embrace other doctrines. Jesus said that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life and you CANNOT enter into the kingdom of heaven except by Him. I think that’s pretty clear.
Maybe as I am becoming Eastern Orthodox I should write a book similar to Eat Pray Love. I’ll call it Fast Chant Sublimate LOL