American Idol Shouts To The Lord
The church secretary asked me Thursday if I watched American Idol the previous evening. I enjoy the show when I watch it, especially the angst among the judges and the silliness of some of the (intentionally) ridiculous performances. However I missed this particular show, and so asked what was special about it? She said the finalists sang a familiar Christian praise chorus, entitled “Shout To The Lord”. I thought that was pretty cool, and then did not think too much more about it. Now, a couple of days later, I am aware that a lot of good Christian people are upset about the performance, and are letting their opinions be known.
What’s the problem? The first verse of the original song begins, “My Jesus, my Savior, Lord there is none like you….”, and the song continues as a statement of universal praise. For this particular performance on American Idol, a change has been made. One word is altered: “My Shepherd, my Savior….” In response, a lot of Christian have expressed great offense, including preachers, bloggers, and pundits.
Here is a representative response from the extremely righteous and holy branch of the Christian community (For those of you lacking humor, perhaps fellow Baptists, please sense my the intended irony of the previous sentence):
“On the one hand it doesn’t surprise me that the producers would remove Jesus from the song. On the other hand, it shocks and saddens me they would stoop so low. On the program where Maria Shriver quoted Gandhi by name, American Idol was unwilling to let “Jesus” be said on national television. I suppose they were afraid to offend non-Christians or that they simply don’t agree with Christianity. Welcome to the culture of tolerance, where every religion is accepted except Christianity; welcome to the pluralistic relativistic society that welcomes all faiths except Scriptural Christianity.”
- Blogger John Rothra, John Rothra Ministries
I’ll share some personal thoughts:
(1) American Idol is not a church. If I want to worship, I can think of a lot more appropriate places to go than FOX. You did not hear Ryan Seachrist say anything like, “Let us all stand, raise our hands in worship, as our finalists lead us in praise …”
(2) We live in a post-Christian world, and we need to adjust. By this I do not mean those of us who are Christians must compromise our standards. But we are long past a time when network television will overtly present programming designed to support our faith. We must be discerning. Our influence upon what is presented on television is most affected not by our pontificating, but how we use the channel selector. If you have been irrevocably offended by the changing of this song, then by all means watch something else. There is plenty of Christian television to watch. 99% of it is moldy, second-rate, and the American Idol crowd will not watch it for even one second. If you must, you can insist upon condemning this performance because of one imperfection. But, have you considered, perhaps God’s Spirit has miraculously arranged for a positive prime-time presentation of praise for Jesus Christ before an accepting audience of 40 million viewers?
(3) In my opinion, Shepherd is a synonym for Jesus. The scriptures are replete with this connection. He is the “Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep”. “His sheep hear his voice.” And anyone who listens to the song cannot be confused about who the song is about. It is a praise hymn. It is about Jesus, through and through.
(4) Perhaps we Christians should be thrilled that an item from our church culture has been highlighted onstage such a powerful vehicle of secular media? This is American Idol. Excuse the pun, but millions of people worldwide watch religiously. This is not your church crowd; it is safe to surmise that most have little connection with Jesus Christ or church. Therefore, the performance of the song is a wonderful and positive introduction to an attractive element of the faith. It is safe to assume a spike in downloads of the unedited version from places like Itunes. Many, who have not felt a prompting toward the spiritual for a long time, have been touched of heart as they have considered the praise message of the song. Conversations about Christ and church have been spurred. Probably, some even attended church over the weekend because the performance awakened them to the need.
(5) I am going to say something to my branch of the Christian faith. Sometimes we exhibit pride with our no-compromise, take-no-prisoners, militant approach toward those who differ. I do not know why American Idol would dare to perform this song. There are thousands of secular works safer, and perhaps more crowd pleasing. They changed one word, and you are upset? Right now I reach into my bookshelf to pull out a Baptist Hymnal. It is replete with familiar hymns that have been subject to word changes through the years. Of course, some of you guys would be using the “original version” of the hymnal, ragged but pure and uncompromising, like yourselves? I’m going to open this book to Hymn # 307, and we are going to begin singing together “Just As I Am”. The altar call is open, and all are invited to join me on your knees in repentance of being smug, self-righteous, judgmental, and unloving.
Here is what I think:
*American Idol performed a song giving praise to Jesus Christ, before an approving national television audience at Prime Time? PTL
*A few Christians are angry about it? Repent, ye sinners!
04.15.08 (11:29 am) [
edit]
posted by:
OldSchool (
reply)
post date:
04.15.08 (8:34 am)
I think #4 is probably the most important point. As I have written about before, just the exposure alone is quite powerful.
Great post Dave!
posted by:
bipolarexpress (
reply)
post date:
04.15.08 (9:01 am)
I give you 2 thumbs up.. (turns around and asks) how about you simon??
posted by:
userfriendly (
reply)
post date:
04.15.08 (9:12 am)
i don't know what it matters so much, it's a song, that's how the song goes, why change it? even if some confused, ignorant, bored little.. well.. i wont go there, but.. surely people who for whatever reason would have a problem with it could just pass it off as.. ITS JUST SONG LYRICS!
posted by:
LadyG (
reply)
post date:
04.15.08 (9:50 am)
Great post PD, I agree.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
04.15.08 (10:58 am)
Reply to: OldSchool
It is amazing to me that American Idol has, somehow and someway, closed a show with a rendition of a Christian praise song. I've seen it on YouTube, and those guys did a great job. I know some people will not listen to gospel music sung by Elvis, or a religious song by a Country Music artist, because the performer does not live a clean, religious life. Seems to me the message is still relevant, irrespective of the messenger.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
04.15.08 (11:00 am)
Reply to: LadyG
Thank you. And probably you would agree that flowers are beautiful, even if the chosen setting is not the most ideal. Same with a song that praises God.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
04.15.08 (11:01 am)
Reply to: bipolarexpress
Simon? Whatever Paula likes, he disagrees.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
04.15.08 (11:03 am)
Reply to: userfriendly
I think someone changed the lyrics of the song intending to make it less offensive. If the message was changed into a song to Vishnu, or Satan, or Rolodex Watches, then I would say they have gone too far. But Jesus was changed to Shepherd, which still keeps with biblical and Christian imagery. It's minor. It's silly and counterproductive to the faith to raise such a big stink.
posted by:
userfriendly (
reply)
post date:
04.15.08 (11:11 am)
Reply to: PastorDave
i know, i just think its ridiculous that anybody could find it offensive to begin with. like all the muck about people saying "happy holidays" compared to "merry christmas"
posted by:
bipolarexpress (
reply)
post date:
04.15.08 (11:48 am)
Reply to: PastorDave
YO DOG YOU..lol
(i put a post up just for you..lol view if you dare)
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
04.15.08 (11:52 am)
Reply to: bipolarexpress
I dare to read it, but.... You gotta change the color of the font!
posted by:
bipolarexpress (
reply)
post date:
04.15.08 (11:54 am)
Reply to: PastorDave
it was a copy paste job.. i dont think i can change it.
posted by:
bipolarexpress (
reply)
post date:
04.15.08 (11:55 am)
Reply to: PastorDave
ok, is fixed
posted by:
FinalyFree (
reply)
post date:
04.15.08 (2:41 pm)
If Christians did more loving in the name of Jesus than judging in the name of Jesus, His name would be much sweeter to the world.
**A quote from a comment by a youth pastor on Josh Harris' blog regarding the whole AI fiasco.**
Pretty much sums up my feelings on the whole thing. Nice post :)
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
04.15.08 (3:04 pm)
Reply to: FinalyFree
Thanks for pointing me toward Josh Harris, someone I am not familiar with. I checked out his blog, read a couple of posts and read about his church. Looks like a great place to link to, and visit regularly.
posted by:
surrogate (
reply)
post date:
04.15.08 (8:50 pm)
Nice post. I like your take.
posted by:
fractalmom (
reply)
post date:
04.16.08 (5:38 am)
never have watched AI. never will. good song choice though :)
posted by:
bipolarexpress (
reply)
post date:
04.16.08 (1:13 pm)
just streaking thru...
posted by:
spook102956 (
reply)
post date:
04.17.08 (7:11 pm)
I was surprised to hear them singing this song and thought it was BEAUTIFUL! I noticed the word change but really didn't think anything about it. I think I thought, "Oh their version is a little different than the way we sing it at church." But I just thought it was beautiful and enjoyed it very much. I wouldn't have thought of anyone getting upset. Jesus is our Sheppard.
posted by:
spook102956 (
reply)
post date:
04.17.08 (7:13 pm)
Now I'm off subject, but is this Josh Harris guy the one that wrote, "I kissed dating Goodbye?" If so, I have a problem with his ideas on that subject. May not be the same person but that sounds like his name, I haven't read his blog.
posted by:
spook102956 (
reply)
post date:
04.17.08 (7:14 pm)
Now I'm off subject, but is this Josh Harris guy the one that wrote, "I kissed dating Goodbye?" If so, I have a problem with his ideas on that subject. May not be the same person but that sounds like his name, I haven't read his blog.
posted by:
kurtmaddox (
reply)
post date:
04.17.08 (9:20 pm)
IMHO, your very best post ever! Your perspective is reasonable, accomodating and still protects the sanctity of your faith without grandstanding about secular hostility toward Christianity.
I'm very impressed by your nuanced response. Just really good work!
posted by:
FinalyFree (
reply)
post date:
04.18.08 (11:21 am)
Reply to: the spooky person
Yes, it is the same person. Curious, have you read the book? If you have then I think you might have missed the true message and if you haven't you're simply making (incorrect) assumptions--IMHO.
posted by:
spook102956 (
reply)
post date:
04.19.08 (8:30 pm)
Yes, I have read it. What does IMHO mean?
posted by:
spook102956 (
reply)
post date:
04.19.08 (9:10 pm)
Reply to Finaly free: I think "I kissed Dating Goodbye" does have some very good things in it. You probably think the reason I disagree with it is b/c I have the secular opinion "If it feels good do it." If so that is a very wrong assumption of me, just like your other assumptions of me are wrong (that I didn't read the book, etc). I think you have "to test the water" more than that book leads you to believe. I definitely believe in abstinence before marriage, but just to meet someone and "court" that one person and know "he's the one" is not always reasonable. I think you have to meet at least several and "date" or "court" them, get to know them, find out what you want in marriage. I think the"courting" thing could restrict to one person that may not be the one for you. I think it's dangerous. My daughter (now age 21) read that book and "courted" one young man--it was the worst thing that ever happened to her. Long story, don't have space to elaborate. I think some marriages that result from "courting" could have the "happily ever after" but I hope both my daughters, ages 21 and 16 will "test the waters"--no not promiscuity--I hope they remain virgins until marriage and both are good Christian girls. I know I'm prejudiced, they're my daughters, but they are both very pretty girls--have been asked to be in beauty contests, etc, but have declined to do so. But I don't want them to get so fixated on one guy thinking "he's the only one for me." The young man my oldest daughter "courted" seemed like a very nice Christian young man--knew his Bible up one side and down the other, but I always had an eerie feeling about him. Turns out, I was right. If he hadn't broken up with her, I think she was so brainwashed by him, she'd never have broken up with him, and marriage to him would've been a nightmare. Scary! She has some difficulty to this day from how that young man brainwashed her. Again, long story. I also think if you only "date or court the one and only", after marriage, you could be more likely to entertain the thought of an affair b/c you now feel cheated that you didn't allow yourself to get to know more guys (or girls, if you are guy). Again, I am NOT promoting sexual experience before marriage--sex is from God and supposed to be only within marriage. That part of Mr. Harris' book, I do agree with. I just think he's too strict on the "courting" thing. I feel you are probably young and the "courting" thing can sound idealistic--"courting" my "one and only"--but I think after the marriage to your "one and only" it could (might not) be a disaster.
posted by:
spook102956 (
reply)
post date:
04.19.08 (9:14 pm)
Reply to finalyfree: And I am not a spooky person. Spook is a nickname my brothers gave me at birth due to my birthday!
posted by:
spook102956 (
reply)
post date:
04.19.08 (9:15 pm)
Reply to Finaly free: I think "I kissed Dating Goodbye" does have some very good things in it. You probably think the reason I disagree with it is b/c I have the secular opinion "If it feels good do it." If so that is a very wrong assumption of me, just like your other assumptions of me are wrong (that I didn't read the book, etc). I think you have "to test the water" more than that book leads you to believe. I definitely believe in abstinence before marriage, but just to meet someone and "court" that one person and know "he's the one" is not always reasonable. I think you have to meet at least several and "date" or "court" them, get to know them, find out what you want in marriage. I think the"courting" thing could restrict to one person that may not be the one for you. I think it's dangerous. My daughter (now age 21) read that book and "courted" one young man--it was the worst thing that ever happened to her. Long story, don't have space to elaborate. I think some marriages that result from "courting" could have the "happily ever after" but I hope both my daughters, ages 21 and 16 will "test the waters"--no not promiscuity--I hope they remain virgins until marriage and both are good Christian girls. I know I'm prejudiced, they're my daughters, but they are both very pretty girls--have been asked to be in beauty contests, etc, but have declined to do so. But I don't want them to get so fixated on one guy thinking "he's the only one for me." The young man my oldest daughter "courted" seemed like a very nice Christian young man--knew his Bible up one side and down the other, but I always had an eerie feeling about him. Turns out, I was right. If he hadn't broken up with her, I think she was so brainwashed by him, she'd never have broken up with him, and marriage to him would've been a nightmare. Scary! She has some difficulty to this day from how that young man brainwashed her. Again, long story. I also think if you only "date or court the one and only", after marriage, you could be more likely to entertain the thought of an affair b/c you now feel cheated that you didn't allow yourself to get to know more guys (or girls, if you are guy). Again, I am NOT promoting sexual experience before marriage--sex is from God and supposed to be only within marriage. That part of Mr. Harris' book, I do agree with. I just think he's too strict on the "courting" thing. I feel you are probably young and the "courting" thing can sound idealistic--"courting" my "one and only"--but I think after the marriage to your "one and only" it could (might not) be a disaster.
posted by:
IntricateGirl (
reply)
post date:
04.22.08 (8:48 am)
I see nothing wrong with bringing Jesus (or The Shepherd) to American Idolators. These same people that are complaining are all too happy to watch the show when there's not so much of a hint about Jesus. But now that they are listening to a song that can't be mistaken as being anything but Christian, there's a problem?? Fuss over nothing, if you ask me.
