Friday, April 11, 2008

American Idol sings "Shout to the Lord"


This. Is. Important.

I have complained on this blog about pop theology that is a mile wide but inches deep. I stand by those complaints because too many feel-good, cheap grace messages can do more harm than good to Christ's Church.

But to that reservation I have to add that when you're in a desert some water is better than no water at all. I remember reading an interview with Billy Graham in which he said that as an evangelist his mission was very specific: bring the Good News to those who have not heard it and move on to the next venue. Lee Buck was the only world class evangelist I had the honor to know personally and he showed everyone he came near the importance of that ministry. See how he lived the "five foot rule."

Evangelism is a ministry of rifle shots, not shotgun blasts. When the target is hit, local congregations must then see to it that new Christians are properly cared for.

This American Idol production last night was a rifle shot.

Let's pray that congregations all over the place are ready for what can happen next.




While we're at it, here is another video I watched this morning while surfing. I came across it after revisiting an old post about Days of Elijah I put together in October, 2007

Here is a version by Paul Wilbur who I think is a Messianic Jew.
Enjoy (and listen).



Postscript:

The post is less than three hours old and the first comment is from a self-described atheist who feels the song is inappropriate and doesn't like "shoving this propaganda down my child's throat." I guess one kind of evangelism calls for another. Sigh.

Oh, and Christians are complaining that the name of Jesus was edited out, too. No matter what you do, some people will never be satisfied.

I'm remined of what someone said about the Puritan fear that someone, somewhere might be happy. We have come to an advanced stage of civilization where we now have Puritan Atheists.

4 comments:

Oneadvent said...

I think its absolutely inappropriate that they would sing this song on a clearly non-religious show. I an Atheist and I do not appreciate them shoving this propaganda down my child's throat.

Leave it behind closed doors.

Josh (oneadvent@gmail.com)

Anonymous said...

I know it's kinda late to post any replies. But heck...
When the song was sung... i was floored. I am a Malaysian Chinese Christian and it was like whoaa.... they're singing Shout To The Lord.. on American Idol??? what??? But I really felt happy and speechless at the same time. Happy that this song was even allowed on a show like that. Amazing. God is moving in ways that we do not understand.

Awesome.

kristina abernathy said...

I was filled with joy and tears as American Idol started singing "Shout to the lord". I was a bit in shock at the same time. I am a Christian and sometimes I feel as though the only place I am really able to hear people praising my Lord is in Church. I was very happy to say the least that they were able to sing this.

Anonymous said...

Wow, isnt it wonderful that "Shout to the Lord" was sung on a world wide TV Show. Kudos to the people who selected the song and to the ones who sang it, God Bless you. You have made history!!!!!!!!!!!!!