Unapologetic

***********CAUTION: SOAPBOX POST!!!!!!!!!!!!!*******************

I have something that has been on my mind......something that is irritating me to no end. You may agree with me....you may not...but, seeing as this is my site.......I have decided to post it. Keep in mind that everything below is merely my opinion and not an attack on anyone....(well, other than Oprah).


Before I begin I must admit that the following is simply an "eruption" of my opinions. I am no bible scholar, nor am I terribly educated in the life and times of Oprah Winfrey. As much as I respect her right to say what she feels.....I must tell you that what I have recently heard is of great concern to me.

I am an unapologetic christian. I believe in God. I believe that Jesus gave his life for us to absolve us of our sins. I believe the only way into Heaven is through Jesus. I believe that faith, by it's definition, is the belief in something without the necessity of proof.

When I heard about the online "classes" Oprah has been hosting with Eckhart Tolle, I was shocked to hear some of her ideas on Christianity. Here are some of the ideas I have the biggest problem with:

1. Oprah expressed her belief that there are many paths to what "you may call God" John 14:6 states, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." There is only ONE path into Heaven.....and it is through Jesus.

2 Thessalonians1:8-9 states:"8He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power"

The bible states in a clear manner that good works will not get one into Heaven. In fact, an old proverb states that, "The road to Hell is paved with good intentions."

I believe that Jesus died for our sins, so we could have eternal life. I don't think I am a better person than someone who does not believe this. I do think that ONLY those who truly believe and have opened their heart to God will end up in Heaven.

2. "God is a feeling experience.......If it is only a belief, then it is not really God" (paraphrased) Wouldn't it be all "warm and fuzzy" if we all could "feel" God at all times? The WHOLE point of faith is believing what you don't necessarily see or feel? ( Yes...I know I keep going back to this...but it is the central focus of my belief)

3. When Oprah asks Tolle what happens after death, he answered, "I never think about it." This statement I cannot even imagine. How can anyone that lacks in faith make peace with the loss of a loved one? I simply do not understand how you could ever recover if you simply put someone into the ground. The ultimate reward for a christian is eternal salvation in Heaven. No amount of good works or money here on Earth can buy your way in.........it was earned through Jesus's sacrifice and is gained by inviting him into your heart and asking forgiveness for our many sins. I guess he DOESN'T think about it....I wouldn't want to either....if I didn't believe. The idea of death would be terrifying!

My preacher once said, " A practical atheist does not go around proclaiming that there is no God....he simply lives his life as if there is no God."

While I believe that Oprah and this author have every right to say what they feel......I have the same right to voice my displeasure and to choose not to support someone whose views are so completely opposite of my own. Not that I was ever a huge fan of Oprah.....I did (and do) respect the charitable projects she does. I can assure you that this unapologetic christian will not be watching her show.

This post is not meant to spark a religious debate....merely to express my disdain with the opinions of Oprah and her "flavor of the month" author. You can agree with me or think I am completely crazy.....but either way....these are my beliefs.