Oprah, miraculous healing, and then some good news

PRLog (Press Release) - Nov. 25, 2010 - Oprah, the mega star and media Goliath of self help nonsense is at it again.  Well, let’s face it, she is always at it. This time, however, those buying into the Oprah hype could very well end up dead. That’s the difference between taking medical advice from a real doctor and taking it from a media personality. The doctor’s obligation is to tell you the truth and help you get better. The obligation of media personalities is to sell tickets to the show – even if the ticket is a front row seat to your funeral.

The latest round of Oprah hype concerns a Brazilian energy, spiritual healer named, João Teixeira de Faria, a 68-year-old man widely known as John of God. You can read all about him on Oprah’s website: http://www.oprah.com/spirit/Spiritual-Healer-John-of-God-.... The statements made on Oprah’s website that are offered as fact, without any second opinion (or intelligent thought)  are truly shocking.  Here is one:

Despite widespread skepticism, evidence shows that energy healing not only exists but can be deeply powerful.

The evidence shows no such thing. Moreover, the concept of energy-healing is nonsensical – something anyone passing high school physics would know. Reporter for Oprah Magazine, Susan Casey, is simply promoting el-toro poo-poo apparently oblivious or insensitive to the real harm that could be done.

So here it is. Oprah and Oprah’s magazine influences millions. People take her advice, follow her lead. Oprah likes a book, sales skyrocket. She features an energy healer from Brazil in a wildly positive feature, it’s not unreasonable to assume some seriously ill people will pursue this healing option. So Oprah fans take note – if you are seriously ill, and buy into the Oprah hype concerning John of God, one of two things will happen:

   * you will get sicker, and/or
   * you will die.

But remember, Oprah cares for you.

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ASkepticRTN is dedicated to battling pseudo-science and superstition in the media. Specifically where facts, rationality and truth have been sacrificed upon the alter of entertainment.