So last night on American Idol, the contestants closed with a little song called, “Shout to the Lord.” The episode entitled, “Idol Gives Back” was a live telethon to raise money for AIDS, Malaria, Katrina victims and a host of other things. My DVR cut off right at the close of the program, but I managed to watch the end of the show on youtube.com. Check it out.
I love the irony of a show called “American Idol” closing with “Shout to the Lord.”
Apparently, there are a lot folks upset by the fact that they omitted Jesus’ name from the first verse and replaced it with “Shepherd” instead. I don’t really understand the big deal. I think Jesus likes the name “Shepherd” too. What’s more, the mp3 is available for download on iTunes and they leave “Jesus” in the first verse. One blogger said, “I guess Jesus wasn’t ready for prime time.” Christians are constantly critiquing and complaining about pop culture, but when pop culture finally gives them the platform on the biggest show on TV, it’s not enough. And instead of taking advantage of the opportunity, Christians are griping because one of the names of Jesus was changed. It drives me nuts. It’s never enough.
The confetti was a bit much, though… 
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April 10, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Mike
I’d say A&R triumphed over censorship; changing the title does not dilute the message. They also sing the words “my Saviour”, in case anyone was wondering who they are singing about. Jesus is ready for prime time, man seems a little nervous about putting him there…
I guess if the network gives Jesus space, they have to give space to every diety that people worship (or not) to be fair. I’m wondering what’s going on at the American Athiest blog; maybe the Muslims want equal time. The slope gets very slippery
The confetti looks good on TV, but although it adds to the production value, it doesn’t enhance the message.
April 11, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Mike
Last night they sang Jesus, wazzup? Maybe enough people let the network know how they felt and the policy changed. The blog is mightier than the sword!
April 11, 2008 at 11:38 pm
Parrish
Think about it….our country was formed by Christians who wanted the freedom to worship Jesus. Our constitution proves that. Bush is a Christian. According to population poles, the majority of our country still profess to be Christian. This is not a muslim country or another religion…and would you expect them to water down or shun their Muslim faith over several millinia? I think not!
Chrisitanity still weaves thickly in our society. So, in all practicality, if you put the math together, (the majority of) America is finally getting what we have been hoping for all along; and that is that our media would express what we feel– a deep sense of what moves our soles and draws us near to Him and each other– JESUS. I think the producers of A.I. are smarter than that; they did their homework (most likely for money’s sake), and planned it knowing the impact it would have. Plus, someone on that board and many Americans who still have hope for America to return to her roots have been praying. It’s a win- win situation. Result, you give America what they really want and you have hit the “”Jesus pot”!
So they flubbed and decided to take out the name of Jesus on “Give Back” night….as Christians we should extend some grace…after all God’s power is in that song from Darlene who was “inspired” to write it….which showed in the audiences response, making it representative of the many who were sitting in their living rooms watching… Then it was really cool to see them to “step up” and put His name in the place where it belonged in the first place…a picture of America’s heart theving to be revived!
All I can say is thank you American Idol!!
April 14, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Mike
I agree with most of your points, except the part about “our country was formed by Christians who wanted the freedom to worship Jesus”. I don’t think the Constitution mentions a diety by name, because the intent is to promote religious freedom for people of all faiths. I’m OK with religion on TV and in primetime, but sneaking it in as a feel good finale seems a bit shallow to me. If you give time to one faith, it is only fair to expect time for all. Even though America is a predominantly Christian country, our Constitution protects all religions and faiths, and the same tolerance and freedom Christians expect should be extended to others.
Consider how you might feel if the situation was changed, and the contestants began to Buddhist chant for peace, or a song proclaimimg Allah as the only true God. It’s easy to be casual when you have all the power.
Mixing religion and secular entertainment regulated by a government entity seems dangerous to me.