American Idol Gets Religion
I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the finale of American Idol Gives Back special last night. After performances or appearances by the likes of Robin Williams, Bono, Brad Pitt, Miley Cyrus (my personal favorite), Mariah Carey, Fergie, Chris Daughtry, Annie Lennox, and Snoop Dogg, the remaining contestants dawned some pure white outfits and belted out a great rendition of Shout to the Lord.
The problem is you can’t please everybody. There are Christians jumping for joy in the streets. There are Christians calling American Idol the devil for changing the word Jesus to Shepherd. There are non-religious folks who are up in arms that they did the song period.
What’s your take?
(Other conversations going on here, here, and here.)
**UPDATE**
I’m sure you’ve heard by now, but they opened with the same song last night—only this time with the original version of the lyrics.
New question posed by SWEJ in the comments: Would you be offended had they sung “My Mohammed” instead?
April 10, 2008 at 9:05 am
I knew it was coming but I didn’t think it was going to be the total train wreck that it was. As a performance, it was historically awful - nevermind whether or not it was a “worship” song.
I have a post coming re: my thoughts on an American Idol conspiracy theory. I’m pretty sure I’m on the right track.
April 10, 2008 at 9:13 am
After the Robbie Seay promos at the beginning of the season it definitely makes one wonder how they chose to go in this direction. I hate being cynical, but nothing Hollywood does isn’t without thoughtful consideration as to how it will effect their pocketbooks.
@Chris: I didn’t think the song was that awful personally. But I sure can’t remember the last time we did that one at our church. Has that already become a “classic” for my generation, like Just As I Am or something?
April 10, 2008 at 9:31 am
I just want to rock one of those all white suites.
April 10, 2008 at 9:43 am
I thought it was great. Great song, great performance, great meaning. We need to do that in church again soon…very soon.
April 10, 2008 at 9:52 am
We’re doing “Shout To The Lord” on Sunday so that we can say we’re relevant
Okay - so this has become the highest-hit post in the history of my blog and the comments are bringing out all kinds of folks.
BTW - The iTunes version lets Jesus stick around in the song.
April 10, 2008 at 10:11 am
I made this comment on Chris’ blog so forgive me for the repeat.
To be honest I didn’t watch the show. I hate American Idol. I did however watch the video that Chris and Russ posted.
My honest opinion—-What harm did it cause? I doubt anyone lost their soul from watching it! Sure is was a musical train wreck but what song wouldn’t be, being done like that?
As Christians we get soooo hyper sensitive over things that are supposedly “our thing” Like getting all hot and bothered over the changing of Jesus to Shepard? Wasn’t one of the many metaphors for Jesus Shepherd? Are you kidding me? We should be pleased as punch they actually sang a song with the word Lord in it, on national TV! Who knows what their motives were? The point is we should take the good out of this situation in that a WORSHIP SONG (no matter how awkwardly done) was sung on one of the biggest nationally televised shows in the world. It kills me that Christians would sit back and demand to see everyone on that shows Christian membership card along with a record of their tithe for the last 10 years in order to give praise to “Their” God. Come on guys!
For whatever reason AI chose to do a worship song on TV. If you “Boycott” (which is really lame and the typical knee jerk reaction Christians aways give to something that rubs them the wrong way) shows when they do stuff like this, it will send the message to the networks that anything religious should be kept out of TV because people stop watching when they do. It’s kind of funny that Christians will watch a show religiously (no pun intended) without it ever mentioning anything about God or His Son, but when they do, they stop watching the show? Somethings backwards.
April 10, 2008 at 10:31 am
only those who know the song would recognize it was changed. think of the millions of people who had a chance to hear the song for the first time, ever! worship has a power behind it and that was exposed to a new sect of worshippers last night. we have to look at the 20,000 feet perspective, not the 30 foot view.
April 10, 2008 at 10:54 am
Wow - so I didn’t watch most of the show last night - got bored and changed the channel…so I missed this altogether. I think it’s great they did a worship song to close out the show, but that particular one? It’s a little dated, I think. I didn’t get the relevance to the show at all - seemed a bit out of place as a song choice in my opinion.
April 10, 2008 at 11:19 am
I think it is ironic that a “Praise the Lord” song was sung after an entire show about how unfairly and needlessly innocent people are suffering and dying!
Why praise God for this!?
I would have chosen a song praising human compassion to overcome God’s indifference!
April 10, 2008 at 12:09 pm
I watched this last night…it was inspirational! I was awed and amazed! I have noticed this spiritual theme this whole year. I love it!
@SWEJ - A common misunderstanding is to blame the evils of this world on God. He is not the author of sin and pain….humans are. We live in a world that is messed up due to sin. We live in a fallen world.
It is God working through humanity that brings about the good you saw on AI giving back. God is the source of all that is good. Singing praise to the Lord was spot on. He is the inspiration for the good that is done in this world.
He is not indifferent to the needs of this world. He loves us so much He sent His Son to suffer and die to free us from this world of sin and suffering
April 10, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Here’s my stand….I think whatever the motivation for concluding “Idol Gives Back” with “Shout to the Lord,” God can use it!! Perhaps I should go even further to say that it definitely opens a door or provides a springboard for a God-centered conversation with friends and family who aren’t Christians. And isn’t that what its all about?? Spreading the love of Jesus to new lives…..I mean, people need to stop getting their feelings hurt over a word or two. Millions of people watched this show….some who may have never known that Jesus is comforting and loves them. I think it fit the show perfectly……saying that all of these people who are less fortunate than us…..the Lord is their comfort and their Savior.
April 10, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Superman ~> “It’s kind of funny that Christians will watch a show religiously (no pun intended) without it ever mentioning anything about God or His Son, but when they do, they stop watching the show? Somethings backwards.”
BLAM! Excellent!
April 10, 2008 at 12:46 pm
What’s American Idol?
April 10, 2008 at 12:47 pm
PastorHawkins,
Thanks for the reply!
You misunderstand me, however. I am not blaming the troubles of the world on God.
Yes, there is a lot of suffering in the world. God did not put the suffering there, but he sure the heck isn’t doing anything about it either!
I am saying that he should not be praised for he has failed to help these malaria victims. I don’t believe that God will help them. I think it is up to us. PEOPLE alone can solve the problems of the world.
And PEOPLE don’t need God to be good! We can draw inspiration and compassion from our shared human experience as well as from God.
So I say let’s leave God out of the equation until he stands up and starts doing something useful!
Peace.
April 10, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Idol isn’t christian.
i think it was a way to get the christian dollar.
i think last night was incredible.
i was inspired.
what was funny was that after the shout to the lord, was the ben stiller sketch, of his cussing and stuff.
too funny
idol gives back.
was great stuff.
April 10, 2008 at 2:05 pm
I missed it too…I wish I would have seen it.
I mean, I guess it is a bit disappointing that they changed Jesus to Shepherd, but I don’t think that anyone will have any question as to Who it is about…quite obvious, still.
Kudos to idol. Somewhat related to this post, is a post on David Crowder’s blog…an amusing read. Apparently someone was about to do a Crowder song on Idol.
**EDITORS NOTE**
Here’s the link to Crowders post.
April 10, 2008 at 2:41 pm
What a great dialogue! I loved the fact that Shout to the Lord - had the exposure. It was a song that hasn’t been sung in my church in a long time too.
An inspirational video from Uncle Ruckle leaves me rejoicing in these words.
“All of Life is Dredged in the Divine” What you look for you will find.
What are we looking for? Can we see, experience and reflect the Divine?
***EDITORS NOTE***
The aforementioned video would be Everything Is Spiritual by Rob Bell.
April 10, 2008 at 3:11 pm
I’m kind of miffed that the uber celebs weren’t more mindful of the image they portray when participating in events like this.
These are the same celebs who get gobs of free gadgets and jewelry and unnecessary crap in multi thousand dollar “gift bags” at big award shows. Sure, you can’t blame em for being given those, but I’d like to see an actual celeb GIVE ALL THAT THEY COULD, when that’s what they’re encouraging the world to do.
I’m not anti-rich, but I think it’s a mega double standard. Sure they raised a hundred million dollars, but I know darn well that most of the celebs on that show live in MULTI million dollar homes when they don’t have to.
They donate a mill and we think the world of em. I don’t know I’m jaded with hollywood right now.
As far as Shout to the Lord, it’s all about target audience. Bring in the CCM market and you bring in even more big bucks.
April 10, 2008 at 3:29 pm
I haven’t watched Idol in years until last night because someone twittered about “Shout.” I have to admit I’m a little bugged by taking the name of Jesus out, but not surprised in the least.
My biggest problem with it is really in the artistry of the whole thing. There’s all that talent on stage, great musicians, near unlimited budget and it was still boring. It just sounded like they bought the backing track straight off the Hillsong website and stuck in the player for the 8 kiddos to sing along with.
I could do that.
April 10, 2008 at 4:05 pm
[...] other fine discussions on this: mudpuppy, [...]
April 10, 2008 at 4:16 pm
How come nobody told me I misspelled ‘remiss’ ? :p
April 10, 2008 at 4:51 pm
How come nobody is giving up all your posessions, like Jesus said!?!?!?
April 10, 2008 at 4:53 pm
@SWEJ - I would encourage you to watch the movie Bruce Almighty. Be blessed and be inspired.
Go Carly!!!
April 10, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Pup…if no one told you…then how do you know it is spelled wrong….hmmmmm
April 10, 2008 at 4:58 pm
@Tom I was re-reading it to make sure it still sounded OK, and I noticed it.
April 10, 2008 at 6:00 pm
More like … “Shout to the WHO?”
Apparently I am not the only one that finds this absolutely intolerant. There is no excuse about removing the name of Jesus, the One who is only capable of true salvation and redemption.
You can find out more on my website http://www.idolgivesin.com
April 10, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Tom,
Which is the supposed word of God?
The bible…
… or a hollywood movie starring Jim Carey?
It CLEARLY sates in the bible that we should give up all our posessions and follow Jesus!!
If people have a good excuse for not doing this, I’d like to hear it.
And so would Jesus.
April 10, 2008 at 7:11 pm
@SWEJ: It actually doesn’t say that at all, but I’ll let Tom finish his conversation.
April 10, 2008 at 7:24 pm
So they just sang it again to open tonight’s show. This time they didn’t censor the song and sang “Jesus” loud and clear.
Weird.
April 10, 2008 at 7:36 pm
SWEJ Says:
April 10, 2008 at 4:51 pm
How come nobody is giving up all your posessions, like Jesus said!?!?!?
Jesus didn’t tell the women at the well or the women who was going to be stoned to sell all their possesions…He spoke probably to what they were struggling with in their hearts…I believe as christians we are suppose to be good stewards of what God gives us..and not make things Idols over Jesus.. and that was what the conversastion with the rich young ruler was about..
April 10, 2008 at 8:07 pm
SWEJ,
The point in what Jesus is saying is that we must be willing to give everything up for him. Don’t make anything more important than Jesus. I believe you are referring to the rich man in this case. You see Jesus knew his heart was in his possessions and not a relationship with God. That is the point.
April 10, 2008 at 8:55 pm
IdolGiveSin.com - what??
April 10, 2008 at 8:58 pm
@SWEJ - You are right…. disciples of Jesus are supposed to give up all their worldly possessions. I did that on November 15, 1981. I also gave up my family, even my very life. Everything I’m blessed with belongs to my Lord and Savior. I even give Him my will. I submit to Him that He is God and I am not.
That is the wonderful point in the movie Bruce Almighty. He really discovered all he had when he gave it up to God. Which brings us back to the main point of this post. Praise God for He is Good….All the time!
Thanks to AI for convicting us of our moral responsiblity to our fellow human. Thank God for all the lovely people He works through. His light will shine through the darkest valley in this world. He gives hope to the hopeless. Sight to the blind. Life to the dead!
April 10, 2008 at 9:00 pm
Puppy, please correct my spelling of disciple’s….thanks!— Done.Also, did you notice I used what you taught me (all is in bold) — I actually did raise an eyebrow at that!
You are a great cyber teacher! — Ha.
April 11, 2008 at 12:53 am
So…
How EXACTLY would you all feel if the name “Mohammed” were used instead of Jesus?
Really, BE HONEST!
Do you see the problem?
April 11, 2008 at 9:10 am
[...] Two random facts of the day… 1. My current favourite song is With You by Chris Brown. 2. They sang ‘Shout To The Lord’ on American Idol this week apparently. [...]
April 11, 2008 at 10:36 am
@SWEJ:
Since Islam teaches its adherents not to worship Mohammed, or any being other than God/Allah himself, this isn’t quite an apples to apples comparison. You’re not going to find a “worship” song about Mohammed.
But, I’ll play along anyway…
If there were a song written about Mohammed, and the most popular television show in the country chose to include it as part of its broadcast, I honestly wouldn’t be offended. I can’t speak for every Christian - but I personally couldn’t give two flips. I’m not threatened or offended by expressions of a different faith than the one to which I subscribe.
At the same time, if while performing that song, the producers censored the name “Mohammed” out of it, and replaced with with something benign, I would find it disingenuous and confusing.
Now, if we’re going to do an apples to apples comparison…
If we were in a country where 80% of the population claimed to follow some form of Islam, and the most popular television show in that country included a song about Mohammed during its broadcast, it likely would not seem out of the ordinary or alarming to most viewers.
Particularly if Islamic Contemporary Music was a multi-billion dollar a year industry in that country and the vast majority of the viewing audience would have at least some familiarity with - or affinity for - that particular song.
April 11, 2008 at 11:31 am
Good points!
But, there is a deeper issue here. Just because we live in a nation where 3/4 of the citizens claim to be christian, it does not follow that christianity (and especially christian music — ack!) should be infused into ALL of our lives — keep your self-importance to yourselves!
Maybe I’m a sore minority here, but what if they sang a song praising DEMOCRATS for helping the sick and the poor? Would it make ANY sense??? Would it seem fair to you?
The point is that we need to come TOGETHER to solve the world’s problems, and Christianity is the kind of faith that leads many followers to believe theirs is the ONLY true and moral life, and I don’t feel that this belief has any place in the public sphere — unless it is there to be thoroughly questioned –which is what I’m doing.
Thanks!
April 11, 2008 at 12:35 pm
@Shane - very well put.
@SWEJ - You are actually revealing more about yourself and your personal experience with faith than you are convicting others as to the failing of Christianity.
Let me be the first to say, I’m sorry for whatever, or whoever, hurt you via the Christian faith….but that is not the heart of Jesus. Nowhere in the song on AI, nowhere in this post, and nowhere in the bible is a claim that God can only work His goodness through “organized religion.” No one is claiming “self-importance.” Just the opposite. Jesus said, “those who want to be great among you will become a servant.”
May you find the true peace you are looking for….
April 11, 2008 at 1:04 pm
i hate myself for not seeing the idol gives back special. i hope it will be replayed this weekend here in the philippines.
April 11, 2008 at 1:36 pm
This part of your argument confuses me a bit.
I said I wouldn’t be offended by a song praising Mohammed. I’m all for the expression of faith of varying types. Tolerance is something I wholeheartedly embrace. I want to seek out any opportunity to promote understanding, compassion, love and unity across religious lines. As do most of the Christians I know.
You and I may disagree on who Jesus was, or what his ministry means for you and I today, but just about every Christian I know is willing and able to check that all at the door. (And I promise, the ones who can’t probably aggravate the rest of us more than you!)
So why is it we’re the ones who have to “keep (our) self-importance to (ourselves)?” Why is an expression of our faith such a threat? Why seek to remove our voice from the “public sphere?”
Isn’t that pretty much the definition of intolerance?
The vast majority of the people who visit this blog would never stand on a street corner with a bullhorn. We’d never hurl insults at a girl entering an abortion clinic. We’d never verbally assaulted anyone in the homosexual community. We don’t hold our faith over anyone else’s head and demand they “become like us” or suffer God’s wrath.
We’re just a bunch of regular people who are trying our best to navigate our way through the world, speak out against injustice, extend a hand to others in need and live out the fullest expression of God’s love as humbly and sincerely as we possibly can. Sometimes we get it right. Often times we don’t. But we we are compelled to do this because of our hope in the teachings and promises of Jesus.
April 11, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Shane, nicely executed!
“So why is it we’re the ones who have to “keep (our) self-importance to (ourselves)?” Why is an expression of our faith such a threat? Why seek to remove our voice from the “public sphere?”
Isn’t that pretty much the definition of intolerance?”
A freaking men!
April 11, 2008 at 2:53 pm
@Shane:
Dude that was awesome! Very Very well said sir.
April 11, 2008 at 9:19 pm
Shane,
I appreciate your thoughtful and measured replies. But just because you are a humble christian does not mean that others are.
Christians often feel persecuted, I know… But you must understand that most non-christians (the minority) actually feel threatened by public expressions of any one faith in exclusion of others. And for very good reasons:
Not just the christian judgement that all non-believers are immoral and going to hell (which is not only stupid but also offensive), but also the christian religious influence into public politics (which affects the lives of non-christians). Need I even say “gay rights”, “stem cell research”, “roe vs. wade”, “creationism”…
I must apologize for sounding harsh in my previous post (e.g., “keep your self-importance to yourselves!”), but I do think christians should beware.
We do live in a secular nation, where the religious dogma of one people is SUPPOSED to be kept separate from affecting the public lives of others. This is for YOUR own good!!! (In 50 years when the US is not majority christian, do you want the belief system of Scientology influencing public policy?) I would hope NOT!
Now I know the stage on AI is not the Senate floor, but for non-christians this is just one more example of a religion (with many nice people in it) pushing it’s faith into other people’s faces.
I think it’s time for christians to sit down and listen (like you are doing), instead of judging everyone else as “lost”, and then preaching about how they NEED to be SAVED by Jesus.
In my view, Christianity is on the decline in the US (it really is) because of this insistence that “We’re right and everyone else is wrong”. Perhaps we need more moderates, like you, who are OK with other faiths proclaiming that theirs is the one true God on national TV.
I’ll reiterate my earlier post:
We should be calling on PEOPLE to unite and end this suffering, not some particular version of god or gods, because on that issue we may disagree, even fight over; “Allah rules!” “Jesus saves!” “Buddha invests!” Whatever.
PEOPLE (whether or not you personally believe they are god’s pawns) are the only ones who can make a difference here,
PEOPLE LIKE US.
Thank you for letting me rant on your blog
April 12, 2008 at 12:39 am
It’s actually http://www.IdolGivesIn.com (not sin). A spin-off of their Idol Gives Back show. But yeah.
April 12, 2008 at 4:48 am
I am still confused with why people feel that shepherd is benign. In fact referring to Jesus as Shepherd is a great substitute. Given the fact that the next night they used Jesus means that to people who watched both shows it sparks debate. Look at it this way… Idol gave CCm a great boost. Now people who think that Christianity is all about ancient hymns and is not relevant they have seen that Christianity is modern and funky and totally relevant. BUT then they see how some petty Christians Moan and groan about the substitution of the name Jesus with Shepherd (ever read psalm 23) and then they go back to thinking that Christians are a bunch of over-sensitive idiots and that people just can’t win with them.
Well sorry but I am pleased that the song was sung. In some ways the change to shepherd WAS relevant because psalm 23 says that the Lord is My shepherd I shall not WANT!!! The whole purpose of IGB was to reduce WANT!! i think to Christians it was a reminder that God uses US to help others.
We have become so cynical and cold-hearted. We need to look outside our church doors and stop being so pious and OTT. Just revel in the fact that CCM had an outing not once but TWICE to millions of people, many of whom could be saved. Will we be complaining and moaning fi we learn that people were saved. In fact if just ONE person was saved through the song then God will be pleased because even one sould reclaimed to him is more precious than $60 million dollars and certainly more precious than substituting Jesus with shepherd. Benign word? Get your Bible out and start reading the word. Don’t become a pharisee. They put Jesus to death.
April 12, 2008 at 9:58 am
swej
I am quite impressed with your input on this matter and agree with you 100%. How would Elliot Yamin feel about singing these songs last year. If a blatantly christian song is sung, other songs should also be incorporated, from other religions. Even though I think faith in general is important for everyone’s life, I do not feel a public television show is the appropriate forum for it.
April 12, 2008 at 8:11 pm
@SWEJ & mim - You always have the freedom to change the channel. It’s AI’s gig….they have the freedom to do as they choose. I think this document is still in force today?
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
Thank God for the wisdom of our founding fathers!
Start your own show….sing the songs you want. Freedom is a poweful force!
April 13, 2008 at 12:40 pm
unfortunately I probably will stop watching, as well as many others in my community. Sorry American Idol-it was entertaining for a while there…