The Gospel According To Oprah (Paperback)

by Marcia Z. Nelson (Author) "Even if they don't watch The Oprah Winfrey Show or consider themselves familiar with her work, many perceive Oprah as a force for good or..." (more)
Key Phrases: South Africa, African American, Oprah Winfrey (more...)

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.)
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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

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Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press (September 28, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0664229425
• ISBN-13: 978-0664229429
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #225,940 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 26 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

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.

7 of 13 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)

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.

2 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A very good "starter" book., June 4, 2006

By	Phillip L. Hoover (Chicago, Illinois United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

My pastor preached about "the Real Jesus" today, and even used parts of this book in his message. I didn't know he was going to take Miss Winfrey as his sermon text today.

I read the book, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I don't agree with OPRAH's confusion concerning the exclusive claims of Jesus Christ, but I do believe that the "attraction" factor concerning her empire and fame has valuable lessons to teach many Christians in this Postmodern, 21st century world in which we live.

If the church practiced some of the practical principles which OPRAH has mastered over the last 20 years, we (the church) would see dramatic changes in how we relate to each other and the world.

Grant it be so.