Is Oprah Too Popular?

     Oprah Winfrey recently announced that she will be ending her much beloved talk show in September, 2011 after 25 years on national television.   When I heard of this, I had to wonder…is this a good thing for America or a bad thing?  Certainly, Oprah has done a lot to help people over the years.  I have seen her give away cars, money, makeovers.  And she has certainly encouraged people to read with her book club.  No one can deny that these are all good things.  But is it healthy for someone to have as much influence as she does over people’s hearts and minds?

     People who follow Oprah tend to treat her almost as some sort of religious leader, even though I have never once heard her declare her religious affiliation.  She tells people to listen to their “inner voice” or follow whatever higher power they believe to be guiding them.  Is that a good example for people who watch her show in place of going to church (and there are people who will watch her instead of going to church)? Is that a lack of any divine following in her life?  Or a fear to stand up and proclaim what she truly believes in this overly politically correct society?

     And how about her influence on the sanctity of marriage and family?  I saw her interview with Halle Berry after her divorce.  When Halle said she wasn’t thinking about marriage again, Oprah literally made her promise to hold to that.  I also heard Oprah say that she believes that we are a culture that is evolving past marriage.  And she backs that up with her over 20 year relationship with Stedman Graham (They are not married).  And don’t forget her deliberate choice not to have children.  In a society where 50% of marriages end in divorce and single parenting is running rampant and ruining the lives of millions of children, what kind of example is that?  There are people who have chosen not to get married or have children simply because they have seen her or heard what she says on TV.  Sad, isn’t it?

     And let’s not forget her political influence.  She has been a write-in candidate for president for years, but never made a political endorsement of a candidate until Barack Obama.  There were candidates who were much better qualified to run our country’s highest office, but many voted for Obama simply because they saw him with Oprah.  I will let you look at his record as president and decide whether that was smart or not.

      Oprah Winfrey may be popular with millions in our country, but is she the best role model for a world in moral decay?  We should be going back to church, bringing back the foundations of faith that made this country great.  Talk shows may be fun to watch but they only present one side of whatever topic they are presenting.  Oprah’s opinions are hers alone.  Following her advice may not be the best thing for everyone. Let’s try to remember that the next time we tune in.