The Gospel According to Oprah [Audiobook, CD, Unabridged] [Audio CD]

Marcia Z. Nelson (Author), Marguerite Gavin (Narrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2005

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."

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. 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 © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Unlike some other "gospel according to" books on pop-cultural figures, this one doesn't much relate its subject to Jesus Christ. Although she has strong roots in the Baptist church of her childhood, Oprah Winfrey, Nelson says, steers clear of formal religious language on her long-running TV show and her Web site and in the magazine O. Yet like a good pastor, she tells stories and does deeds that encourage good actions by others. Drawing on the Web site and magazine as well as the show, Nelson expands on 10 reasons for Oprah's pastoral effectiveness. Oprah "is very human"; acknowledges and tries to relieve suffering; provides a community for her audience; encourages self-scrutiny; teaches gratitude; communicates simply; listens well; teaches generosity; fosters forgiveness; and reminds viewers of the good they can do. Nelson must be one of the most sympathetic, least defensive apologists Oprah has ever had, one who gently suggests that Oprah's harshest critics are more ignorant of her work and temperamentally resistant to her manner than they are substantive or merely cynical. Ray Olson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Audio CD
• Publisher: Hovel Audio; Unabridged edition (October 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596442840
• ISBN-13: 978-1596442849
• Product Dimensions: 5.6 x 4.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,811,044 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It might just change your mind..., October 24, 2005

By 

Anonymous - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Gospel according to Oprah (Paperback)

I've never paid much attention to Oprah's television show, but this book helped persuade me to watch it now and then. The author shows that even though Oprah doesn't use a lot of religious jargon or overtly Christian messages, she continually preaches a social justice gospel: do unto others as you would have them do unto you. In an age of celebrity excess--a trap that Oprah does occasionally fall into--here is one celebrity putting her money where her mouth is to do some good. A lively, readable book, for fans and doubters alike.

8 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you don't watch O, this will help you get why others do, November 8, 2005

By 

Diane Nilan (Naperville, IL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Gospel according to Oprah (Paperback)

Not being a TV watcher, Marcia Nelson at least helped me understand what was the allure of Oprah. I appreciated the categories and organization of this short, but informative book. For Oprah fans and those who wonder about the show, this helps sort it out, not sparing the criticism, but also giving the reader an appreciation of the Queen of Media Appeal.

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Force for Good in the World, March 1, 2008

By 

Rebecca Johnson "The Rebecca Review" (Washington State) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Gospel according to Oprah (Paperback)

"The greatest pain in life is to be invisible. What I've learned is that we all just want to be heard." ~ Oprah Winfrey

"The Gospel According to Oprah" is a brief exploration of Oprah's main teachings. Oprah is known for her generosity and compassion. She also explores forgiveness, teaches gratitude and promotes healing. This book helped me to understand why Oprah has such a profound influence on our society and communities around the world.

For the most part, the author had to rely heavily on analysis of Oprah's show. She also read quite a few of Oprah's magazines. She explores fun and serious topics. Like who hasn't tried a soda Oprah recommends in her magazine or read a book she has promoted on her show. Throughout this book, Oprah's wisdom becomes very apparent. She is truly a force for good in the world.

In conclusion, I remember my excitement at finding Oprah's magazine at my local library (they were selling them by the stack). She has also had a profound influence on my life, everything from getting me to walk on my treadmill to getting me started in reviewing back in 2000 (I wanted to know more about a book being discussed and thought it would be fun to review it for her audience).

If you enjoy this book, you may also want to look for Oprah Winfrey Speaks: Insights from the World's Most Influential Voice. I also recently reviewed: The Oprah Winfrey Show.

~The Rebecca Review