The Gospel According To Oprah

by Nelson, Marcia Z.

• ISBN13: 9780664229429
• ISBN10: 0664229425
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-09-28
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Pr

Summary

In this book, 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 in her 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 book will appeal both to Oprah fans and people who are fascinated by the intersection of religion and popular culture.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Oprah on a Mission	vii
1. Oprah Is Very Human	1	(6)
2. Oprah Acknowledges Suffering and Wants to Relieve It	7	(10)
3. Oprah Provides Community	17	(7)
4. Oprah Promotes Self-Examination	24	(5)
5. Oprah Teaches Gratitude	29	(7)
6. Oprah Makes Things Simple	36	(9)
7. Oprah Listens	45	(11)
8. Oprah Teaches Generosity	56	(9)
9. Oprah Explores Forgiveness	65	(13)
10. Oprah Is a Reminder Service	78	(14)
Conclusion: The Fun Pulpit	92	(6)
How I Did This: A Note on Method	98	(2)
Acknowledgments	100	(1)
Notes	101	(3)
Bibliography	104