Where Has Oprah Taken Us?: The Religious Influence of the World's Most Famous Woman [Hardcover]

Stephen Mansfield (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 11, 2011

New York Times best-selling author, Stephen Mansfield, traces the fascinating and influential life of Oprah Winfrey, profiling her quest for spiritual enlightenment―a well-publicized journey featuring a caravan of experts, mystics, and gurus―all claiming to have a prescription for inner peace and personal well-being. Mansfield shows how Oprah's story fits into our larger cultural experience and reveals why her spiritual discoveries have resonated so loudly in today's popular culture. In so doing, he sheds needed light on the dangers of a spiritual journey fueled solely by a desire for self-actualization.

In the end, we find that the story of Oprah is, in fact, the story of us―of a generation searching desperately for something meaningful to believe in.

"Wow. Stephen Mansfield reveals the Oprah story no other dares to tell―and with a two-edged sword that rightly divides the truth from the lies." ―STAR PARKER, nationally syndicated columnist and media commentator 

"As a lens can focus all the sun into one searing spot of incandescence, Where Has Oprah Taken Us? focuses the vastness of popular culture through the lens of Oprah's amazing life to bring us this towering and insightful story. Stephen Mansfield offers us an unvarnished account of Winfrey's life (and our own spiritual wandering) told graciously and irresistibly. You will be thrilled, disturbed, and astounded, but ultimately inspired and uplifted." ―RABBI DANIEL LAPIN, American Alliance of Jews and Christians

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Stephen Mansfield is the New York Times best-selling author of Lincoln's Battle with God, The Faith of Barack Obama, and Benedict XVI. Stephen lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife, Beverly. For more information, log onto www.MansfieldGroup.com.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 11, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1595553088
• ISBN-13: 978-1595553089
• Product Dimensions: 6.2 x 1.1 x 9.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (92 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,198,336 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #24 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( W ) > Winfrey, Oprah

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 25 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read September 20, 2011

By Flame

Format:Hardcover

This is the story of Oprah's life, the good, the bad and the ugly. Beginning with the truths of her birth, chaotic upbringing and also a look into the many blessings that she has had that aren't often mentioned by her. The story also takes the reader through all the things that were at work in the United States culture and religion as she was growing up . Once she was a professed believer in Jesus Christ and then you begin to see some of the things that shaped her turn to making her own "religion". Its a heady (pun intended) blend of "me, myself and I " and also pieces of other religions. It also shows the many good things that she has accomplished but also the startling, almost frightening influence that she has wielded.

I rated this book as a "must read "because Stephen Mansfield, has done his homework. There is a lot of information in his book but it is necessary to build the case for truth. He was fair, clearly showing when something he wrote was his insight; which I found very interesting in the way he did it. Personally for me, quite a long time back I sensed the shift with Oprah; and came to the conclusion that she no longer believed in Jesus, as the Only Way. This book has brought facts to what I had suspected; which is sad but also confirms what was being discerned. She has become the High Priestess of Everything not Jesus. Scary for her and for those that are following her. Especially for any Christians who are not discerning the truth. The author says in the ending chapter that there is a grand nobility to the Oprah Winfrey story. And (it is his hope that ) it may yet be nobler still. That is my hope too.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Clear Statement of the Facts February 27, 2012

By Jason Chamberlain VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Vine™ Review (What's this?)

I can understand why so many folks have written 1-star reviews of this book because Mansfield deals with facts rather than feelings. This book presents a clear timeline and summary of Oprah's stated spiritual beliefs. Although the author is unashamedly Christian, he fairly compares Oprah's beliefs as well as her mentors' beliefs with their roots in Christianity, Hinduism, and general New Age spirituality. He deals well with Oprah's protests about labeling her beliefs by simply laying out the facts.

One of the strengths of this book is when Mansfield asks how Oprah's "imagine it and it will be" ideas work for the person who is in poverty through no fault of his or her own. Are folks dying of starvation in Africa because they are holding on to too much negative energy? Mansfield's engagement of the logical results of what Oprah believes demonstrates their hollowness.

This book is meant for those who would consider themselves conservative with respect to the Bible. By that I mean that folks who believe that if the Bible speaks clearly on a matter then there is nothing more to discuss. This book helps those people understand how distant Oprah's beliefs are from what has historically been considered orthodox Christian faith.

I think that this book is an excellent addition to any pastor's bookshelf. While Oprah's influence may be waning, the effects of her spirituality are likely still manifested in many church members. I will keep this book handy to give to anyone who needs help seeing just what she believes and why it is incompatible with historic orthodox Christian faith.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars The Truth About Oprah - What We All Should Know December 15, 2012

By Khamneithang Vaiphei

Format:Hardcover

Where Has Oprah Taken Us? is another explosive, engaging and probing book from the pen of Stephen Mansfield who has authored several other biographical books. For someone who has been a huge fan of Oprah Winfrey, I read the book brimming with enthusiasm. And I must confess that by the end of the book much of my enthusiasm evaporated. And it has nothing to do with the author or the manner of his treatment of the subject.

Many of us adored, watched and followed Oprah on her shows but no one probed beyond what we read and saw on television. And in an age and day when every one of us wants to be politically correct, no one is willing to risk being labeled. But Stephen Mansfield is one who minces no words about what he believes. The result: it has removed the scales from many eyes to see where Oprah really stands when it comes to faith and belief.

The author of the book outlines a biographical background of Oprah and gives us a look into those who have influenced her beliefs and made an honest attempt to dissect her faith. He answers questions that many have been unwilling to ask. This is pertinent as she is an icon to millions around the world. And I guess, many have been influenced by her without really knowing her beliefs.

Mansfield did a commendable job in dissecting her. But to many admirers who, like Oprah, believe that there is more than one path to God, the book would be hard to digest. The readability of the book will depend on which side of the fence you are - Oprah or Mansfield.