by Penna Dexter
DALLAS (BP)–A recent Washington Post column has blogosphere feminists a little upset.

Charlotte Allen’s “Women vs. Women” column March 2 was a tongue-in-cheek diatribe about how dumb women can be. Since I am a woman, I should be insulted. I am not, however, because — beneath the insults — there are some gems of truth and wisdom dealing with rising above feminist dogma and using our God-given gifts, including our brains.

Allen observes that women get hyper-emotional about things and rely on feelings to the extent that we’re easily led. Her first example of this is the national phenomenon known as gushing over Barack Obama, the female version of “Obamamania.” Women screaming at his campaign appearances. Women “falling for the presidential candidate literally.” One radio host has counted five faintings since September at Obama rallies. My question would be: Are they swooning over the man, or his policy prescriptions?

“I can’t help it,” Allen writes. “But reading about such episodes of screaming, gushing and swooning makes me wonder whether women — I should say ‘we women,’ of course — aren’t the weaker sex after all. Or even the stupid sex …” She goes on to wonder how women can catapult chick literature, like Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Eat, Pray, Love,” to the top of The New York Times bestseller list. Or how Oprah Winfrey can be so influential among women. Or how we’re more inclined to fall for “feel good gummy spirituality.” She continues, “Women’s foolishness is usually harmless. But it can be so … embarrassing.”

Embarrassing? Maybe. But not harmless. The spiritual aura around Barack Obama is a phenomenon that likely will fade as the nation engages in an intelligent consideration of the issues that face us. But the cult of Oprah Winfrey and the self-centered New Age gospel she promotes is downright dangerous.

There is no question Oprah is a tremendous influencer of women. Dustin Benge, a young pastor and student at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, wrote of her power on his blog:

“Working in the Louisville, Kentucky Brooks Brothers, I have begun to understand what impact she has on American women. Her show, Wednesday, February 20, featured the Brooks Brothers ladies non-iron shirt. … Before the show was over we began to receive calls from women all over Louisville and other surrounding towns and states wanting these shirts. When we opened our doors for business Thursday we were bombarded with ladies looking for the ‘Oprah shirt’ for their wardrobe. I am extremely grateful for the advertisement and the business we are receiving from this plug. However, I began thinking about how much influence Oprah has over the women of this nation.”

Middle-aged women comprise the vast majority of Oprah’s audience. For the four weeks ending May 5, 2007, 72.8 percent of visitors to Oprah’s website were female; 66.4 percent were 35 or older. Many are inspired by her story. She grew up in Mississippi without electricity or running water. She was raped at age nine. As a young teen, she bore a child who died in infancy. During her formative years a man, not her real father, raised her. Oprah realized her promise through education and sheer grit.

Today, she operates a vast media empire that encompasses her popular TV show, satellite radio, a magazine, a book club and even an acting career. She donates millions to worthy causes and practices hands-on philanthropy.

Oprah seems to have it all: beauty, a gorgeous wardrobe, business sense, a direct and engaging interview style. Oprah is open, transparent and makes women feel she’s just like them. She inspires fans to improve their lives as she did hers. Her roller-coaster battle with weight humanizes her as does her obvious love for people. She addresses issues that women care and want to know about. In her repertoire, there is something for every woman. A couple of recent show topics caught my eye: “High style on a budget with Vera Wang” and “Get the best jeans for every body.”

But there’s a real concern with regard to Oprah Winfrey and her tremendous influence. It’s one thing to run out and buy a shirt she recommends. It’s another to dabble in her eclectic mix of New Age spirituality. Intertwined within the encouragement and practical things Oprah brings to women’s lives is her spiritual advice. For years, she has included her audience in her journey toward self-fulfillment and meaning, which she admits does not consist in material things or professional success. Oprah knows we are spiritual beings — and she’s got the money and the stage upon which to elevate her hand-picked spiritual guides and gurus who pull together their versions of truth from various religions and philosophies. Her beliefs are a far cry from biblical Christianity.

Oprah’s current favorite “teacher” is Eckhart Tolle with whom she is hosting a 10-week interactive “webinar.” More than half a million people in more than 125 countries signed up for this live online gathering based upon Tolle’s bestselling (thanks to Oprah) book, “A New Earth.” Tolle describes himself as a “spiritual teacher,” and his lesson is that humans should distance themselves from their egos and open up to a “higher self.” Don’t create your own suffering by stressing over the past or the future, Tolle advises. Live in the now. Oprah says this message is aimed at helping people “with spiritual growth” and “the languaging of new consciousness.”

What does that even mean?

Actor Jim Carrey thinks he knows. As one of several celebrities endorsing the book, Carrey says it answers the universal question, “Who am I and why am I here?” Christians should find that answer in God’s Word. We are made in the image of God to live in relationship with Him. The thing that blocks that relationship is sin. The remedy is Christ’s forgiveness — not somehow attaining a new level of consciousness.

Tolle’s message is one of many modern versions of the ancient quest to escape suffering and attain peace. He says he draws from Buddhism, Islam and Christianity. He denies that he’s offering a religion. But Christians who buy into this are in danger of having their faith sidetracked.

Oprah has also been offering daily classes on her XM radio station on the book, “A Course in Miracles.” The author, Helen Schucman, claims that the book was dictated to her by an inner voice, which she identifies with Jesus Christ. The listener, though, is taught that there is no sin –- contradicting one of Jesus’ key teachings.

A couple of years ago, Oprah spawned another spiritual phenomenon: The Secret. Rhonda Byrne produced a DVD in which she claimed to have found the secret to life: Think about it and it will come to you. A Porsche, a cancer-free body, whatever. The Secret aired on Oprah’s program and was lapped up by consumers. The book came next, and with Oprah’s endorsement, became a bestseller, spawning Secret clubs across the country. Millions of Americans are intrigued with this idea that our thoughts create things. It’s another narcissistic, self-centered lie that denies the sovereign, all-powerful creator God.

Lots of smart women love Oprah. Lots of Christians are fans. Fine, try her diet tips. Emulate her generosity. But remember, everything about Oprah’s message is self-centered: “Discover, embrace and nurture yourself … celebrate and honor you!” her website states. Our Brooks Brothers seminary student has some better advice. “Pick up your Bible and begin reading the inspiring stories of women of faith.”

Do you love Oprah’s passion for life and for others? Do you share her taste for ancient wisdom? You can find role models in God’s word — women who loved God, trusted Christ, and by faith, walked the path he laid out for them. In their examples, there is wisdom.

Penna Dexter is a board of trustee member with the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, a conservative activist and an announcer on the syndicated radio program “Life on the Line” (information available at www.lifeontheline.com). She currently serves as a consultant for KMA Direct Communications in Plano, Texas, and as a co-host of “Jerry Johnson Live,” a production of Criswell Communications. She formerly was a co-host of Marlin Maddoux’s “Point of View” syndicated radio program.