To me, American Idol is kind of cheesy and ridiculous but every week I end up watching it along with the rest of the nation (DVR is the best invention for the TV, hands down).
Last night was one such night as America sat on their couches for “Idol Gives Back” which focused on fighting poverty in this nation and around the world. At the end of the show, the producers decided to close with this song:
You don’t have to be a Christian long to know that “Shout to the Lord” is one of the most popular worship songs in the world. It has taken on “hymn like” status in churches in every culture and language. One thing the producers did last night was change the name of Jesus to the word, “Shepherd.” This really upset the Christians and even became the subject of our local Christian radio’s morning talk show. “How could they possibly take out the name of Jesus in one of our favorite songs?” I had to call in because I think we are missing the point.
I think we are more upset about the fact that Jesus wasn’t mentioned in “Shout to the Lord” than the fact that millions of people are living and dying in poverty around the world. The church has, historically, been the worst at taking care of the poorest of the poor (at least in America). We seem to get caught up in our own circles and tend to isolate ourselves and ignore our own surroundings. And if we do see it, sometimes we only give money out of the conviction of our hearts to put our minds at ease.
Here’s the reality: they need more than just money, they need the church. What are we going to do about ending poverty in our own nation and around the world? There are literally millions of people living and dying in filthy, preventable conditions. I have seen the poverty first hand in South Africa and it’s mind blowing. It really ticks me off when we whine about whether or not Hollywood gets our favorite song right. Call me crazy, but I think Jesus cares more about the people living in the slums than the fact that His name wasn’t mentioned in “Shout to the Lord.”
Stephen
stevolec@gmail.com
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April 10th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
I actually just posted something on my blog about this topic too. I see both sides of the coin on this. I see that millions of people got to hear a worship song being “performed” at a secular show and that it might have done something good for the Gospel, but at the same time, I see how it was altered and made into a song that could be dedicated to any “god” and not the only God.
What’s youre take on it Stevo? Do you think it was a positive thing that they did?
Read some of the comments people left on my blog.
angelrios.wordpress.com
April 10th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
I think you’ve made some good points. The idea is that people need help, we as the church should help them.
They messed with the lyric but GOD is still GOD.
I just didn’t like it overall after I youtubed it. I’m no idol fan. It did remind me of The Cause from back in the day.
April 10th, 2008 at 10:39 pm
excellent point, Steve-O…for real, that is so true.
April 12th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Or the fact that millions of American’s got to hear quite a powerful song about a wonderful God…that mountains bow down and seas roar at the sound of just his name! Don’t get me wrong there are other things that should be discussed on the radio…