The Gospel According to Oprah

by Marcia Z. Nelson Narrated by Marguerite Gavin

Overview

Oprah Winfrey is arguable the most well-know woman in the world today, with a world-wide reach that extends into television, magazines, movies, book publishing, and beyond.

In this book, religion reporter Marcia Nelson explores the spiritual dimensions that are prevalent in all aspects of the Oprah Winfrey media empire, pointing out that there are several major Christian themes that weave through these aspects of her life and work: forgiveness, generosity, self-examintation, gratitude, and community. Nelson concludes that Oprah is a "compelling and successful spiritual teacher in spiritually eclectic and ever-practical America."

An EChristian, Inc production.

Editorial Reviews

The title might elicit a double take from some readers, but author Marcia Z. Nelson intends no sarcasm. In this unauthorized book, freelance religion writer Nelson praises Oprah Winfrey for promoting gospel messages of gratitude, empathy, forgiveness, and self-examination on her TV show. Oprah's plain talk and living examples present "good news" in ways that can be appreciated by even secular audience. Nelson's praise for O isn't quite sky-high: She cautions that Winfrey's emphasis on constant self-improvement encourages an unquenchable desire for success. An insightful book about a cultural icon.

Publishers Weekly

Oprah Winfrey is inspirational, but does she really proclaim the "gospel," meaning literally, "good news"? Nelson says yes, and counts the ways. The best-known female talk show host in the world is a "reminder service of... values," a font of self-help advice and a vision of humanity, says Nelson, a freelance religion writer (Come and See). She praises Oprah for using her entertainment pulpit to promote such positive spiritual values as gratitude, empathy, forgiveness and self-examination. Best of all, Oprah does it with plain talk. Nelson says another secret to Oprah's broad appeal in the marketplace for TV ratings is that she never gets too specific on matters religious or political. After painting a glowing portrait of Ms. O, you may wonder, is there anything about Oprah and her media empire that isn't "good news" to Nelson? "The almost compulsive excess of it all." Nelson notes that Oprah's emphasis on constant self-improvement encourages an "unquenchable desire" for success. Oprah didn't authorize this lively and information-packed book, but she may one day wish she had. Her fans will love it and her detractors may even lighten up enough to appreciate Oprah and her influence after reading it. (Oct.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940170112081
Publisher:	DINE ALONE
Publication date:	10/01/2005
Edition description:	Unabridged

Related Subjects

• Bibles & Christianity
• Religion
• Christianity
• Christian Life
• Psychology & Self-Improvement - Christian Life

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