As a pastor and professional musician, I find American Idol interesting on a number of levels. It’s fascinating to see how a simple idea can capture the attention of millions, how people respond to evaluation, how people can be so misled about what they actually sound like, how ordinary people handle massive fame, the difference between gifting and hard work, and more. I also appreciate how some of the contestants have used the platform to bear witness to their faith in Christ. Melinda Doolittle, from last season, stood out for her humility, modesty, and joy.

Yesterday, I had started a post on my response to Wednesday night’s program. It was American Idol’s “Give Back” show. You may know (or maybe not) that it was a two and a half hour mix of music, comedy, and humor, with the expressed goal of raising as much money as possible to aid those who live in poverty, both inside and outside the U.S. A worthy goal.

I was working at my computer under headphones for most of the show, but as it ended, I caught the eight remaining Idol contestants stepping forward and belting out the worship song classic, “Shout to the Lord,” by Darlene Zschech. Only they replaced “My Jesus” with “My shepherd.” I felt like I was in the Twilight Zone. Isn’t there a disconnect between shouting to the LORD on American IDOL?

But before I finished this post, I saw the beginning of last night’s show as the entire group of Idol contestants sang “Shout to the Lord” again. Only this time, the name of “Jesus” was clearly proclaimed.

I felt like I was having an out-of-body experience. What is going on? Is this an advertisement for Hillsong Church? Who chose this song? Do they even know what they’re singing? Who made this decision? Worship has hit the big time! What made them change “Jesus” to “shepherd” the first night and bring back “Jesus” on the second tonight?”

After the dust in my mind cleared, I had two thoughts:

It’s amazing that this happened. My next thought was, it’s concerning that this happened.

Lest you think I’m schizo, let me explain.

The Bright Side
In the positive column, someone watching”Shout to the Lord” on American Idol might be led by God’s Spirit to download the song, or even to start going to church again. They might hear the Gospel and be gloriously converted, all due to hearing “Shout to the Lord” in one of the most unlikely places. For that potential, I praise and thank God.

One blogger pointed out that there are many countries you’d never hear a clearly biblical, Christian song on prime time TV. Instead, you’d be persecuted for even mentioning the name of Christ. That’s reason to give thanks, and to pray for those less fortunate. Also, hearing a Christian song on American Idol might remind a Christian that they don’t have to be shy about their faith. It could provide an evangelistic starting point around the water-cooler or at the lockers. It’s also possible the producers of Idol recognize the Christian contingent to their fan base, which may lead them to include other Christian references and more “all-contestant” worship songs.

On the Other Hand
But there’s a dark side. There’s something paradoxical about worship songs being sung on prime time TV by people who don’t know why Jesus came. Does the world see any difference between what’s taking place on American Idol and what we do on Sunday mornings? Has worship become part of the entertainment culture? It’s unsettling when Christian songs or worship leaders are acclaimed by the masses. Jesus said in Luke 6:26Luke 6:26 [26]"Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets. (ESV)

, “Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.” He also said, “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me” (Mt. 15:8). Both verses temper my unbridled enthusiasm.

American Idol, for all the good the show is seeking to do, will never be a platform for worshiping a crucified Messiah. The Gospel has to be gutted of a bloody cross to find a place on prime time TV.

It’s doubtful that most people who heard or sang along with Shout to the Lord were aware of its implications. The Savior they were singing to was crushed for the sins of every person who would ever trust in him. He is Jesus, the Son of God, the second person of the Trinity, and the One who gave his life as a substitute to pay the punishment for our transgressions against a holy God.

Two Responses
So I had two more thoughts. First, we need to do everything we can to sing and promote songs in the church that clearly, biblically, passionately, and faithfully proclaim the one and only Savior - his work, his words, and his worthiness. Along with songs that express our love for the Savior, we need to sing songs that “teach and admonish” ( Col. 3:16Colossians 3:16 [16]Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (ESV)

), that celebrate and rehearse the foundations of our faith and fill out our vague conceptions of God with clear, theologically informed biblical truths.

Second, we we need to live in such a way that it’s clear being a Christian is more than giving money to worthy causes and being emotionally moved as we sing songs of every genre together. We want to do all we can to ensure that those who walk into our meetings see clearly that we’re not a local version of American Idol.

A Reason to Pray
Hearing “Shout to the Lord” on American Idol is an opportunity to pray that God would use this event for his glory and fame, for the advancing of the Gospel, and the building up of his church. It also motivates me to pray for purity, discernment, and holiness in the church, and that we would reach out to those who don’t know Jesus without embracing worldly values or godlessness.

Would it be great to see more Christian worship songs sung on American Idol? Sure. But when a Christian song receives national attention or reaches number 1 on the charts, it’s no clear sign one way or the other that the Gospel is advancing or the church is having more of an influence on our culture. It can just as easily be a sign that the church is being swallowed up by the culture because it’s indistinct from the world.

Still, God is sovereign, and I know he will use this for his glory and purposes regardless of what the Idol producers intended.

Finally, my prayer is that we will be known more for lives lived worthy of the Gospel than our songs. May God’s Spirit work through us to enable those around us to turn from their empty idols to serve the only living and true God ( 1 Thess. 1:9-101 Thessalonians 1:9-10 [9]For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, [10]and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. (ESV)

).

Update: My senior pastor, Josh Harris, has written some typically insightful thoughts about this topic on his blog.

49 Comments »

1. You make very good points. I’ve yearned for the past couple months to find an online worship resource where the people leading the website are Christ-centered and actually know what they’re talking about. I’ve been following Worship Matters for the past few months and with every post I read, I’m happier that I found this place.

   Praise the Lord for allowing you to lead others towards the truth in worship. Thank you.

   Comment by Joel Lee — April 11, 2008 @ 12:04 pm

2. Wow, this is amazing. While I have no doubt that it was a ploy to get more Christians watching the show, it’s still fantastic that the song will get exposure, and people may just look a little deeper into the meaning of it?

   Incidentally, did you know that Hillsong albums have been the top selling independent artists in Australia for the past several years? Now they’re breaching the American market, it would seem! As an interested Aussie onlooker, I’d be very interested to hear what you make of their music, Bob…

   Comment by Nick Coller — April 11, 2008 @ 12:37 pm

3. Hey Bob,

   I love what Mark Driscoll wrote in the first chapter of his new book, “Vintage Jesus”, about who the pop culture says Jesus is. My wife and I heard him preach that sermon in Seattle last year. At points, I wasn’t sure what to think of some of what he said and how he said it. He had a “Jesus is my Homeboy” T-shirt on and said that Ben Affleck, Brittney Spears, and Pamela Anderson wear them, too. His point was not to shock us (though it did), but to say that like it or not, even the peeps in the pop culture are preaching something of Jesus, and as they say in the news business, “There is no bad press.”

   After pondering what Mark said and how he said it, I realized that I was out of adjustment, not Mark. I had been huddling in the culture of my particular church (not a Sovereign Grace church at the time) and not caring too much to learn the language of modern man so as to be intelligible as I speak the gospel. I have recovered from the shock and adjusted. What Mark is doing is Seattle has changed my thinking over the past few years.

   I bring this up because when you wrote, “Would it be great to see more Christian worship songs sung on American Idol?” sure sounds like capitulation at first glance… “Worship on Idol” sounds like an oxymoron. I am now persuaded that it is not. Like Tim Smith taught at the recent conference you were at in Seattle that there are things we can receive and things we must reject in most events put on by the world. Paul said expectantly from a prison cell, that “some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry”, yet his response to it was, “What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, Philippians 1:15-18Philippians 1:15-18
   [15]Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but
   others from good will. [16]The latter do it out of love,
   knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.
   [17]The former proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not
   sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment.
   [18]What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense
   or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.
   Yes, and I will rejoice, (ESV)

   This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.

   . Call it “bad press”, but Jesus got a mention, and both Paul and Mark (and Wally) rejoice.

   I am not saying that those who sang on American Idol sang a worship song from wrong motives (God is the “Discerner of the intents of the heart”), but that it is a strange venue for exalting God and not man. I am learning not to twitch, and rather to rejoice, remembering that for all the hatred of the Christ and His stumbling-block of a gospel ( Psalm 2Psalm 2
   [2:1]Why do the nations rage
   and the peoples plot in vain?
   [2]The kings of the earth set themselves,
   and the rulers take counsel together,
   against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying,
   [3]"Let us burst their bonds apart
   and cast away their cords from us."
   [4]He who sits in the heavens laughs;
   the Lord holds them in derision.
   [5]Then he will speak to them in his wrath,
   and terrify them in his fury, saying,
   [6]"As for me, I have set my King
   on Zion, my holy hill."
   [7]I will tell of the decree:
   The LORD said to me, "You are my Son;
   today I have begotten you.
   [8]Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
   and the ends of the earth your possession.
   [9]You shall break them with a rod of iron
   and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."
   [10]Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
   be warned, O rulers of the earth.
   [11]Serve the LORD with fear,
   and rejoice with trembling.
   [12]Kiss the Son,
   lest he be angry, and you perish in the way,
   for his wrath is quickly kindled.
   Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

   This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.

   ), they cannot get rid of His name or His church. This is what Mark was emphasizing. And I should know, for the 1st preachers in my life were George Harrison, Eric Clapton, the Doobie Brother, and Seals & Croft… all of them saying something about God in their songs which I was playing in clubs in the 70’s. In a weird but real way God started moving me toward the gospel through these strange pop preachers. “Jesus Is Just Alright With Me” and “I Have Finally Found A Way To Live, In The Presence Of The Lord” coming from the lips of the Doobies and Clapton stated me thinking and sent me to the Bible seeking. Weird, but wonderful! I am a believer today, which in some way is related to them.

   Wally

   PS, congrats on your book! I am looking forward to reading it.

   Comment by Wally Joiner — April 11, 2008 @ 2:05 pm

4. Thanks for this, it is an excellent read on this episode in American culture.

   It’s an old but true cliche’ that balance can be achieved by putting weights at either end of a see-saw or by putting weight in the middle. Too often we’re satisfied with being somewhere in the middle (if you’ve read Chesterton’s Orthodoxy, think “pink”). There are two sides to this!

   There, I got through this comment without using the word “tension.”

   Comment by Terry Stauffer — April 11, 2008 @ 4:05 pm

5. Thanks Bob for the post, it’s good to examine what is happening in the culture and look at what it can do to the culture and the Church. We need to discern what is happening and I think you did a good job at it.

   Comment by Gabriel Gagnon — April 11, 2008 @ 4:39 pm

6. Among other things, you wrote: “There’s something paradoxical about worship songs being sung on prime time TV by people who don’t know why Jesus came.”

   It’s my understanding that some of the contestants are Christians. I believe at least a handful of the AI contestants were singing from their hearts.

   Comment by Ted Slater — April 11, 2008 @ 5:28 pm

7. Ted,

   You’re absolutely right. For the sake of brevity, I wasn’t as clear as I could have been. I should have said, “worship songs being sung by people, most of whom, don’t know why Jesus came.”

   But the grammar sounded odd to me.

   In any case, thanks for the clarification.

   Comment by Bob Kauflin — April 11, 2008 @ 5:49 pm

8. I haven’t had the chance to read every single post, so pardon me if this has been covered. My take - I think it’s hard to judge just “what” is going on, on any level, without knowing what’s going on behind the scenes. These contestants are going through what is probably hell on earth with all they are having to do and hoops to jump thru, let alone the contest itself of course. It’s obvious from watching them that while “in the trenches” with each other, they’ve become very very close. You can tell there are strong relationships being shared here together by them in the midst of all the stress that bonds them together. I don’t know the spiritual background of every single contestant, but who knows who’s been rubbing off on who? Perhaps someone in the cast or on the show in some form or another has had a huge impact on these kids with Christ and they’re maybe even perhaps “getting it”? Perhaps Dolly had a big impact on them for Jesus when she was on and spending time with them? She was certainly very vocal about Him on the show! (amen!) Anyway - to say they don’t know who or what they’re singing to when they sing that song, may not be all that correct. Just a theory anyway. Have no idea.

   Also -if you check out the secular boards for Idol, and the idol boards themselves, it’s AMAZING how many people are saying “what is that Shout to the Lord song - I HAVE to have it - it’s so beautiful!!” Who knows where someone who has NO IDEA what kind of music is sang in church these days will now have heard that and a whole new world has been opened up to them in terms of what church, God, and Christianity can be (not that it’s all about modern worship, shout to the lord, hillsongs etc. of course) but if it turns people towards the church, Jesus, God etc. . . . I’m all for it. Jesus can take anything that happens on that show and use it for His glory if He wishes.

   Comment by John C — April 11, 2008 @ 6:22 pm

9. John,

   You make some good points. Thanks for stopping by and for the encouraging news about how many people are downloading “Shout to the Lord.” May God use it to bring many people to a saving knowledge of Jesus.

   Comment by Bob Kauflin — April 11, 2008 @ 10:25 pm

10. Man, this is going to sound so like a cop-out, but I was working on the computer Tuesday night when AI was on, which my wife was watching (yes, I was in the room, but I was guilty only by association!!). I didn’t hear them do “Shout to the Lord.” I did hear one of the contestants sing a song with the chorus of “We are all innocent.” Hmmm…we are? If we are, then why do we need to shout to Jesus? The dichotomy hit me then, and I had no clue that they actually sang “Shout to the Lord” that night. Now, it’s even more vivid. Bob, I think your pros and cons on this are right on. Yes, praise God! A song that lifts high the Name of Jesus was sung on prime time TV! But singing songs about Jesus is a far different thing than knowing Him. And mixing a song about the Lord in with a song championing our “innocence” serves the purpose of our enemy, dumbing down the Gospel.

    Comment by Matt — April 11, 2008 @ 10:41 pm

11. Bob,

    Thanks for the nuanced cultural response. I’m with you in wondering “Who picked this tune in the first place?” and “Why was the name of Jesus edited out the first night and put back on the second night?”

    Oh, to be a fly on the wall. Thanks.

    Comment by eccsam — April 11, 2008 @ 10:47 pm

12. This brings to mind a question I always have: If a bunch of non Christian studio musicians and singers record a christian worship song - full out Jesus lyrics and everything (could happen - maybe has (think of classical orchestras/choruses performing the Messiah? Or many Christian performance tracks I imagine with band only) do we call that “worship” (in the recording of and/or listening to it on the recording? NOW THEN: A bunch of Christians listen to the recording and have a glorious worship time singing along and listening to the recording at a camp retreat. Is the music “heard” on the recording part of the worship? Hence: AI contestants, black gospel singers in the choir, the band etc. - all of whom some may be Christians and some may not - perform “Shout To The Lord” on TV. Is it worship? To who’s ears does it have to fall on to “be” worship? Does it matter? Yikes! I go in circles and make myself dizzy!

    Comment by John C — April 11, 2008 @ 11:31 pm

13. RE: Innocent Song . . .

    I’m not familiar with this song, but in reply to Matt’s post: Here’s the lyrics to We Are All Innocent. I don’t believe there should be or really was any intent to make this song have any Christian context or that it figures in with singing Shout To The Lord in the same show. My take on these lyrics is that it’s speaking of the lost innocence of youth, childhood etc. rather than “we are innocent of sin” etc. But interesting concept to ponder. I would look at Idol I guess as akin to a local community talent contest. Most of what’s going to be sung is throw away, yet, there may be one contestant who gets up and gives a strong witness by what they sing about spiritually. I’m not trying to stick up for anything on AI, but one might wonder if the contestants found most of what they sing to be “throw away” but found a certain different sense of meaning in Shout To The Lord whether they know Christ or not? May have taken some of them by surprise if they’d never sung to the Lord before! Again, just brain dumping while I’m riding in the car here for awhile on a dark rainy windy night. (not driving of course!)

    Comment by John C — April 11, 2008 @ 11:38 pm

14. Oops - here’s the lyrics!
    (Note from Bob: I edited these for brevity)
    “Innocent”

    Oh, Johnny wishes he was famous
    Spends his time alone In the basement
    With Lennon and Cobain
    A guitar and a stereo while he wishes he
    Could escape this
    It all seems so contagious
    Not to be yourself and faceless
    In a song that has no soul

    I remember feeling low
    I remember losing hope
    I remember all the feelings
    And the day they stopped
    We are, we are all innocent, we are all innocent
    We are, we are, we are
    We are all innocent, we are all innocent
    We are, we are

    Oh, Tina’s losing faith in what she knows
    Hates her music, hates all of her clothes
    Thinks of surgery and a new nose
    Every calorie is a war
    While she wishes she was a dancer
    And that she’d never heard of cancer
    She wishes God would give her some answers
    And make her feel beautiful

    One day you’ll have to let it go,
    One day you’ll stand up on your own, you’ll stand up on your own
    Remember losing hope,
    Remember feeling low,
    Remember all the feelings and the day they stopped

    We are,
    We are all innocent
    (One day, you’ll have to let it go, you’ll have to let it go)
    etc.

    We are,
    We are all innocent
    (One day, you’ll stand up on your own, stand up on your own)
    etc.

    We are… we are all innocent…

    Comment by John C — April 11, 2008 @ 11:38 pm

15. OK - sorry to dump so many posts. I guess after re-reading the lyrics a few times from a different angle, one could draw several different conclusions. One could even make the case that “we’re all innocent” - of course once we have repented and given our sin to Jesus and have become new in Him. Anyway - I suppose we’re not really here to debate all of the lyric meanings but just to clarify I can see it from several ways. How that figures with singing Shout To The Lord? I have no idea! Again - to me on a show like this - to each his own. What’s to stop a someone from a completely different religion from coming on and singing a song based on their beliefs? This could get interesting!

    Comment by John C — April 11, 2008 @ 11:45 pm

16. Bob,

    I watched the last few minutes of the program myself and was in utter shock, almost angry inside. I felt conflicted since I shoul be excited that Jesus was being proclaimed to tens of millions. However, I think it’s also symtomatic of how people like the “sound” of songs and the lyrics are secondary. I’ve even noticed young people singing songs because they are catchy and not even noticing the ilicitness of what they’re proclaiming in song. I just didn’t realize that this corresponds to Christian worship songs. I really shouldn’t be surprised since this is the Starbucks era, which is governed by an impression/experience of culture, not depth of culture.

    Patrick Donohue
    Santa Rosa, CA

    Comment by Patrick Donohue — April 12, 2008 @ 12:25 am

17. People with negative views and concerns about this should look directly to Phil 1:15-18Philippians 1:15-18
    [15]Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but
    others from good will. [16]The latter do it out of love,
    knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.
    [17]The former proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not
    sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment.
    [18]What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense
    or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.
    Yes, and I will rejoice, (ESV)

    This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.

    “Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.”

    The basic idea is that Paul rejoiced in the proclamation of Christ, regardless of the motive. I think that applies properly in the case of worship songs, don’t you? Some may complain that I’ve taken a verse out of context. I still think that Paul’s attitude is clear here, though.

    Can anyone deny that Christ was clearly proclaimed those two nights to millions of people worldwide?

    Ironically this song’s message of praise is so clear and so different than much of the CCM pop out there today. Much of the CCM seems to cloud the message in favor of being cool. Because those CCM songs are performed by professing believers we generally give it a pass and have little concern.

    If this song hits #1 on the pop charts or any future song that so clearly proclaims God’s greatness, no matter who sings it, then like Paul I will rejoice!

    Comment by can — April 12, 2008 @ 9:59 am

18. I forgot to mention that my wife came up with a great double-meaning name for this topic.

    “Idol” Worship

    Comment by can — April 12, 2008 @ 10:02 am

19. CAN,

    Thanks for your helpful thoughts.

    I agree with the basic thrust of what you’re saying. We should rejoice whenever the Gospel is being preached. But while the message of praise is clear in Shout to the Lord, the message of the cross isn’t. I can’t say that Christ was “clearly” proclaimed in Shout to the Lord. His name was mentioned, and people were encouraging others to join in to praise him, but apart from the word “Savior,” I’d be hard pressed to find anything that clearly referenced Jesus dying and rising from the dead to redeem us from our sins, which is the heart of the Gospel. Even if the song was clearer (and there have been clearer songs sung by previous AI contestants), the entertainment environment of AI tends to relativize whatever truth is sung on the show. I seem to remember Simon telling Mandisa last season she was being “indulgent” when she sang a song that clearly spoke of her faith. It’s all about feelings, impact, and popularity.

    But my comments in no way limit my confidence in what God is already accomplishing through the song in people’s hearts. And for that fruit, I, too, rejoice!

    Comment by Bob Kauflin — April 12, 2008 @ 10:20 am

20. AMEN to “Can”, and thanks to Bob for this post. Some of those contestants are Christians as are many fans of AI. This was amazing. I, too, was awestruck and felt overcome with emotion and pride that this song was chosen, sang beautifully and gloriously on American Prime Time Number One watched show!! Praise be to God!!

    Comment by Judi — April 12, 2008 @ 10:57 am

21. Thank you so much for writing about this, Bob. It’s good to hear your thoughts… And great that there is some range of opinion covered in the comments here.

    I resonate most with the ‘unsettled’ sense you’ve mentioned in ‘On The Other Hand’ above. I agree God can be, and is always, at work - through things we can see and things we can’t. He hasn’t given us a spirit of fear. And, certainly, ‘Shout to the Lord’ does not belong specifically to one venue, to the extent that it should be absolutely excluded from others.

    But (and you’ve eluded to it a bit with your comment about the Church being ’swallowed up’ by culture) - do you sense danger here for those who are ‘young’ in Christ? That, because of AI’s ability (and not just AI, but other cultural icons of today) to speak the Name of Christ AND so extol philanthropy, those new in Christ might be drawn to this type of seriously mixed message as one that is safe to embrace?

    I am with you - that it’s the Cross of Christ that lives at the heart of the gospel message. The Cross of Christ (and His Resurrection) is the length to which the world will not go. It will set true Christ-followers apart, in the end. As a ‘worship leader’, my heart feels the weight, lately, of the importance of keeping the Cross, His Truth, at the forefront of the messages that go out from among us. So fewer will be deceived by counterfeit messages that seem to rapidly be getting more and more elaborate - and convincing.

    I would welcome your referral of any good books or resources on ’standing firm’, and even combatting, false prophecies that are pertinent specifically to the quickly evolving messages we’re getting ‘out there’ today. I am seeing many being drawn in…

    Comment by -V- — April 12, 2008 @ 11:17 am

22. V,

    You’ve brought up a valid point and one that often gets overlooked, that is the long term effect of worship songs becoming popular in the general marketplace. It’s similar to southern gospel and black gospel where you can hear very clear Gospel messages in songs, but also get a-theological sentimentality and emotion. It’s harder for people to hear the Gospel because it’s simply become part of the musical genre and culture. Again, the driving force isn’t biblical faithfulness but emotional effect, fame, and money.

    I’m not sure what kind of books you’re looking for, but I think John PIper is doing a very effective job of confronting the idols of our age in a winsome but biblical way. Tim Keller is attempting to do the same. I’d have to know what kinds of “messages” you’re referring to to be more specific.

    Comment by Bob Kauflin — April 12, 2008 @ 12:26 pm

23. Thanks, Bob. Love Piper’s books and theology - haven’t read Keller yet; will have to check him out.

    Specifically, I am connecting the messages of pluralism, tolerance (in the sense of needing to agree with all conflicting viewpoints - not just showing respect for the people who hold them), universalism - (it can be called many things, I think) - to this issue.

    Though false messages have always been out and about, for a time, Christianity seemed to maintain a certain distinction from other faiths and teachings - even if that distinction was viewed somewhat negatively by the culture. In the past decade or so (more and more recently), it is becoming trendy to move more toward embracing ‘Christianity’ (or something that looks like it), as long as a nice, all-inclusive environment can be maintained. That is the spirit I am seeing in the AI display this past week, and also being highly promoted by other popular figures (one example would be Oprah with her promotion of ‘A New Earth’ while simultaneously claiming Christ’s Name). Your description of culture “swallowing” Christianity (or a weaker version of it), is an insightful illustration, I think. Passages like 1 John 41 John 4
    [4:1]Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the
    spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false
    prophets have gone out into the world. [2]By this you know
    the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus
    Christ has come in the flesh is from God, [3]and every
    spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is
    the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming
    and now is in the world already. [4]Little children, you
    are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you
    is greater than he who is in the world. [5]They are from
    the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the
    world listens to them. [6]We are from God. Whoever knows
    God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen
    to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit
    of error.
    [7]Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from
    God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.
    [8]Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God
    is love. [9]In this the love of God was made manifest among
    us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we
    might live through him. [10]In this is love, not that we
    have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be
    the propitiation for our sins. [11]Beloved, if God so loved
    us, we also ought to love one another. [12]No one has ever
    seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his
    love is perfected in us.
    [13]By this we know that we abide in him and he in us,
    because he has given us of his Spirit. [14]And we have seen
    and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the
    Savior of the world. [15]Whoever confesses that Jesus is
    the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. [16]So we
    have come to know and to believe the love that God has for
    us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God,
    and God abides in him. [17]By this is love perfected with
    us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment,
    because as he is so also are we in this world. [18]There is
    no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear
    has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been
    perfected in love. [19]We love because he first loved us.
    [20]If anyone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he
    is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has
    seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. [21]And this
    commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also
    love his brother. (ESV)

    This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.

    and Matthew 24Matthew 24
    [24:1]Jesus left the temple and was going away, when his
    disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the
    temple. [2]But he answered them, "You see all these, do you
    not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one
    stone upon another that will not be thrown down."
    [3]As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came
    to him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things
    be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the
    close of the age?" [4]And Jesus answered them, "See that no
    one leads you astray. [5]For many will come in my name,
    saying, 'I am the Christ,' and they will lead many astray.
    [6]And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that
    you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end
    is not yet. [7]For nation will rise against nation, and
    kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and
    earthquakes in various places. [8]All these are but the
    beginning of the birth pains.
    [9]"Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put
    you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my
    name's sake. [10]And then many will fall away and betray
    one another and hate one another. [11]And many false
    prophets will arise and lead many astray. [12]And because
    lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow
    cold. [13]But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
    [14]And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed
    throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations,
    and then the end will come.
    [15]"So when you see the abomination of desolation
    spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place
    (let the reader understand), [16]then let those who are in
    Judea flee to the mountains. [17]Let the one who is on the
    housetop not go down to take what is in his house, [18]and
    let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his
    cloak. [19]And alas for women who are pregnant and for
    those who are nursing infants in those days! [20]Pray that
    your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath. [21]For
    then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been
    from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never
    will be. [22]And if those days had not been cut short, no
    human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect
    those days will be cut short. [23]Then if anyone says to
    you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'There he is!' do not
    believe it. [24]For false christs and false prophets will
    arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead
    astray, if possible, even the elect. [25]See, I have told
    you beforehand. [26]So, if they say to you, 'Look, he is in
    the wilderness,' do not go out. If they say, 'Look, he is
    in the inner rooms,' do not believe it. [27]For as the
    lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the
    west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. [28]Wherever
    the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.
    [29]"Immediately after the tribulation of those days the
    sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light,
    and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the
    heavens will be shaken. [30]Then will appear in heaven the
    sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the
    earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming
    on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. [31]And
    he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and
    they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one
    end of heaven to the other.
    [32]"From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its
    branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know
    that summer is near. [33]So also, when you see all these
    things, you know that he is near, at the very gates.
    [34]Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away
    until all these things take place. [35]Heaven and earth
    will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
    [36]"But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not
    even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father
    only. [37]For as were the days of Noah, so will be the
    coming of the Son of Man. [38]For as in those days before
    the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and
    giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the
    ark, [39]and they were unaware until the flood came and
    swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of
    Man. [40]Then two men will be in the field; one will be
    taken and one left. [41]Two women will be grinding at the
    mill; one will be taken and one left. [42]Therefore, stay
    awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.
    [43]But know this, that if the master of the house had
    known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he
    would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be
    broken into. [44]Therefore you also must be ready, for the
    Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
    [45]"Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his
    master has set over his household, to give them their food
    at the proper time? [46]Blessed is that servant whom his
    master will find so doing when he comes. [47]Truly, I say
    to you, he will set him over all his possessions. [48]But
    if that wicked servant says to himself, 'My master is
    delayed,' [49]and begins to beat his fellow servants and
    eats and drinks with drunkards, [50]the master of that
    servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and
    at an hour he does not know [51]and will cut him in pieces
    and put him with the hypocrites. In that place there will
    be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (ESV)

    This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.

    are top-of-mind here.

    My concern is that, with this shift, there is potential for younger or newer Christians to be lured away from real Truth because it appears as if Christianity is being embraced by culture at large (though, as we discussed, His Cross and Resurrection will not be). Resources that speak to standing firm against this newer strain of Christ-inclusive pluralism are what I’m, specifically, hoping to find… Thanks so much for your follow up and further question here.

    Comment by -V- — April 12, 2008 @ 1:30 pm

24. I can’t imagine EVER getting upset or angry over ANY song about Christ being broadcast from ANY television show, regardless of its source, or the performer. The song’s message is still the same!

    As my wife and I listened to the AI singers lifting this Lord-glorifying song, we both had a smile come upon our faces, and I had a huge lump form in my throat. For here, in front of millions of fans, the majority of whom are non-believers, was Jesus being presented as Lord and Savior, freely and openly. So what if that wasn’t the producer’s/show’s “intent”? And so what if the majority of the singers may not know Christ? (Or even believe He exist, for that matter.) That’s not the point. The point is that Christ WAS presented, in a very beautiful song, and in a dignified fashion.

    When we reach the point of such piety and sanctimonious snobbery that we actually question–yea, get upset/angry–that a “Christian song” has been sung by a group of (primarily) unbelievers, than we’ve certainly a problem… but it has nothing to do with the folks who sang the song!

    Comment by Worthey Brisco — April 12, 2008 @ 4:17 pm

25. Thanks Mr. Kauflin for bringing up these great points! Likewise, I was surprised when I heard the chords of one of my favorite worship songs on LIVE secular TV! I never thought about the dark side of it before…thanks for putting it into perspective.

    Comment by Chelsey Miracle — April 12, 2008 @ 4:18 pm

26. Worthey,

    Thanks for stopping by.

    To say that asking questions about Shout to the Lord being sung on AI is “sanctimonious snobbery” is judging the hearts of those who may simply be trying to consider the implications and effect.

    Again, I’m not sure that Christ was presented in the song, so much as our feelings about Christ. There’s a difference. We want to be careful about oversimplifying what it means when Christianity is accepted in main stream media. It’s possible for our faith to become a mere cultural experience.

    Again, I know God can and will use it for his glory, and in that I rejoice!

    Comment by Bob Kauflin — April 12, 2008 @ 5:05 pm

27. I am not sure that we should be rejoicing or proud over the fact that American Christians experience so little persecution and enjoy so much cultural acceptance that something like this performance could (and did) happen.

    Does anyone else see this as an indictment not an endorsement?

    Comment by Jayson — April 12, 2008 @ 6:39 pm

28. Jayson,

    Thanks for stopping by.

    You hit on the point of my post. Shout to the Lord on AI has both good aspects and bad. We’re not proud that we experience so little persecution. We’re grateful that we live in a country where a song of praise to Jesus Christ can be sung on prime time TV. Your point is a good one, and the reason why I wrote my post, assuming that most Christians might see this as nothing but good.

    Comment by Bob Kauflin — April 12, 2008 @ 7:38 pm

29. Dear Bob,

    So a praise and worship song that does not specifically mention the cross and full plan of salvation is not truly proclaiming Christ? I urge you to rethink that premise.

    In this particular song Jesus was proclaimed as Savior and Lord and Wondrous and Comfort and Shelter and Fortress and Refuge…to name a few.

    God’s Word does not return void, and the name of Jesus in the context above is very very powerful. So much so that someone decided to edit out the name of Jesus on the first version on Wednesday night.

    I again go back to the verses that I mentioned.

    If we want to be troubled about our youth, let’s be troubled about the modern watered down CCM songs from a plurality of artists that are seeking fame and fortune in the name of Christ instead of humbly giving Him all the praise that is due.

    Shout to the Lord is a God honoring song, and many will ask about it because of AI and some will come to Christ through that. Maybe even more than we individually could ever hope to lead to Him in many lifetimes over!

    Amen to that!!

    Comment by can — April 12, 2008 @ 9:46 pm

30. Can,

    Yes, I think that a song that doesn’t mention Jesus dying for our sins is not “fully” proclaiming Christ. That is the heart of the Gospel ( 1 Cor. 15:3-41 Corinthians 15:3-4
    [3]For I delivered to you as of first importance what I
    also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance
    with the Scriptures, [4]that he was buried, that he was
    raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,
    (ESV)

    This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.

    ; 1 Cor. 2:21 Corinthians 2:2
    [2]For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus
    Christ and him crucified. (ESV)

    This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.

    ). Someone could hear Shout to the Lord and not have any clue about what Jesus did at the cross and why he did it.

    But that doesn’t mean that it wasn’t a bold move for AI to have it sung on the program, nor does it mean that God isn’t using the song to draw people to himself. From what I’ve read, there are widely varied reactions from non-Christians. Some are incensed that the song was allowed to be on the show at all, others are downloading a beautiful song they heard for the first time.

    I pray each of them will come to know the beauty, glory, and authority of Jesus, the only Savior of the world.

    Comment by Bob Kauflin — April 12, 2008 @ 10:03 pm

31. Wow, there are definitely some heartfelt and honest responses on this topic, eh? I really liked Can’s post that brought in Phil 1Philippians 1
    [1:1]Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
    To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi,
    with the overseers and deacons:
    [2]Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the
    Lord Jesus Christ.
    [3]I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,
    [4]always in every prayer of mine for you all making my
    prayer with joy, [5]because of your partnership in the
    gospel from the first day until now. [6]And I am sure of
    this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to
    completion at the day of Jesus Christ. [7]It is right for
    me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my
    heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in
    my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the
    gospel. [8]For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all
    with the affection of Christ Jesus. [9]And it is my prayer
    that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and
    all discernment, [10]so that you may approve what is
    excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of
    Christ, [11]filled with the fruit of righteousness that
    comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
    [12]I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened
    to me has really served to advance the gospel, [13]so that
    it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and
    to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. [14]And
    most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord
    by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word
    without fear.
    [15]Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but
    others from good will. [16]The latter do it out of love,
    knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.
    [17]The former proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not
    sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment.
    [18]What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense
    or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.
    Yes, and I will rejoice, [19]for I know that through
    your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ
    this will turn out for my deliverance, [20]as it is my
    eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all
    ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ
    will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.
    [21]For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. [22]If
    I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for
    me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. [23]I am hard
    pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with
    Christ, for that is far better. [24]But to remain in the
    flesh is more necessary on your account. [25]Convinced of
    this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all,
    for your progress and joy in the faith, [26]so that in me
    you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because
    of my coming to you again.
    [27]Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel
    of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent,
    I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit,
    with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the
    gospel, [28]and not frightened in anything by your
    opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their
    destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.
    [29]For it has been granted to you that for the sake of
    Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer
    for his sake, [30]engaged in the same conflict that you saw
    I had and now hear that I still have. (ESV)

    This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.

    . But I think I’m still with Bob on this one. Just because a song is sung that includes the Name of Jesus, or that we view as a “worship” song, does it have any impact on anyone that is NOT a Christian? I would be curious to hear the thoughts of those who don’t know Christ on the impact the song had to them. Were they compelled to seek Him? Or is the inclusion of a song like this on a show like AI just another example of the dumbing down of Christianity in the soup of popular culture?

    Comment by Matt — April 13, 2008 @ 4:34 pm

32. Bob, I just noticed that you remarked about the reactions of non-Christians to the song, so sorry for doubling up those comments.

    Comment by Matt — April 13, 2008 @ 4:36 pm

33. I pray that God opens peoples eyes to the false word of faith prosperity gospel that is behind Brian Houston and Hillsong. Darlene Zschech cannot see it nor can millions of others. Hillsong have false and heretical teachers such as T. D. Jakes, Joyce Meyer and so on appear at their conferences. It is tragic. “Shout to the Lord” is a money maker for Brian Houston and his Hillsong empire. I cannot understand why Christians do not take a strong stand and expose the rot that is behind it all???? Purge the leaven from the loaf instead letting it permeate the whole loaf.

    I have walked past pubs late at night, near closing time and hearing all the boozers singing “How Great Thou Art” and Amazing Grace” and other religious songs, does God close a blind eye at their drunken ignorance? Thank God that God is graceful and merciful.

    How many were of clean hands and a pure heart that sang “Shout to the Lord” on that American Idol show? Idols singing unto God almighty, eh?

    Comment by Douglas — April 13, 2008 @ 5:36 pm

34. Happy Blogger Appreciation Day! I appreciation your site and the ministry you have through your writing. Keep it up, and God bless!

    (http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/04/14/today-is-blogger-appreciation-day-unofficial/)

    Comment by Andrew Randazzo — April 14, 2008 @ 7:25 am

35. Bob,

    When I saw both performances on AI, I too had mixed feelings and your post hit the nail on the head regarding them. personally thought that the performance screamed “Hillsong” with a big group of people singing Shout to the Lord…it was really weird.

    What really resonated with me was your quote, “Does the world see any difference between what’s taking place on American Idol and what we do on Sunday mornings?” I would take it even a step further and ask, does the church see any difference between what’s taking place on American Idol and what we do on Sunday mornings?

    I think that those questions are the real crux of your post and what I’ve been feeling about this. This is a good time for all of us worship leaders to reflect on how our songs are viewed by, not just the world, but the church. Do they see a difference on Sunday morning or is it just a “hand-me-down” American Idol performance?

    I also agree that this song does not fully proclaim Christ and if I were to do this song on a Sunday morning it would have to be bookended with songs about what Jesus has done on the cross. Also, I don’t really think it was a very “bold” move for the producers to have them sing this song….I bet Oprah would have that song sung on her show too without a second thought. It’s that “sprinkle a little Jesus in to the mix” mindset that has become pretty popular lately….Oprah, American Idol, politics,….CCM (ha!)

    Thanks for the great post, Bob

    Rich

    Comment by Rich Tuttle — April 14, 2008 @ 8:35 am

36. I heard from a friend who knows some of the members of the AI orchestra. He asked them about the change from “shepherd” to “Jesus” and told me:

    “They were well aware of the controversy floating around. They didn’t say who made the decision, only that it was made at the suit level, not the performers. What they’re hearing from the inside is that it was a PC decision – Wednesday night’s telethon was worldwide, they didn’t want to offend those of other religions by using the word “Jesus.” After the telethon was over, (the following night) they changed it back.”

    That would make sense to me. Although America is pretty pluralistic as well…

    Comment by Bob Kauflin — April 14, 2008 @ 1:25 pm

37. Douglas,

    While there are definite problems with Hillsong’s theology, I think your comments move beyond critique into uncharitable judgment and don’t really contribute to this discussion. Regardless of what I might think of Hillsong as a church or group, Shout to the Lord is clearly an expression of praise to Jesus, the Savior.

    As to who has clean hands and a pure heart, I only know that some of the contestants this year are Christians seeking to make a difference for the kingdom, and that Jesus alone can claim to have “clean hands and a pure heart.”

    Comment by Bob Kauflin — April 14, 2008 @ 1:34 pm

38. Hi Bob, thanks for your great blog. I read it from time to time and usually go away thinking about something new.

    I’d like to respond to Douglas’s comments about “hearing all the boozers singing “How Great Thou Art” and Amazing Grace” and other religious songs, does God close a blind eye at their drunken ignorance?”

    Many great hymn writers, such as William Booth, took pub drinking songs and changed the lyrics, specifically to reach out to the people who were used to singing in pubs and taverns. This is a fantastic idea - take a catchy tune that people know and redeem it by using it to tell the gospel story or offer up thanks and worship to God. How exciting to hear people in pubs singing “Amazing Grace” and “How great Thou art”. Pray for them!

    Comment by Mark Jaffrey — April 15, 2008 @ 2:45 am

39. I think it’s great every time Jesus’ name is proclaimed! Jesus invites us to know him before we were all perfect and cleaned up, and were not even looking for Him at the time. Yes, we’re clean because of the blood of Jesus Christ taking our sin away and us accepting that, but it’s His gift of grace and not our own righteousness and I find that the more we focus on Him and his love for us the more He changes us to be more like Him! Jesus loved us before we even knew Him and I’m glad He invited me to know Him by someone who shared the gospel with me at a concert where they were dancing ballet to a Christian song.

    Comment by Twila Majkowski — April 15, 2008 @ 11:31 am

40. Exodus 32Exodus 32
    [32:1]When the people saw that Moses delayed to come
    down from the mountain, the people gathered themselves
    together to Aaron and said to him, "Up, make us gods who
    shall go before us. As for this Moses, the man who brought
    us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has
    become of him." [2]So Aaron said to them, "Take off the
    rings of gold that are in the ears of your wives, your
    sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me." [3]So all
    the people took off the rings of gold that were in their
    ears and brought them to Aaron. [4]And he received the gold
    from their hand and fashioned it with a graving tool and
    made a golden calf. And they said, "These are your gods, O
    Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!"
    [5]When Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it. And
    Aaron made proclamation and said, "Tomorrow shall be a
    feast to the LORD." [6]And they rose up early the next day
    and offered burnt offerings and brought peace offerings.
    And the people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to
    play.
    [7]And the LORD said to Moses, "Go down, for your
    people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have
    corrupted themselves. [8]They have turned aside quickly out
    of the way that I commanded them. They have made for
    themselves a golden calf and have worshiped it and
    sacrificed to it and said, 'These are your gods, O Israel,
    who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!'" [9]And the
    LORD said to Moses, "I have seen this people, and behold,
    it is a stiff-necked people. [10]Now therefore let me
    alone, that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may
    consume them, in order that I may make a great nation of
    you."
    [11]But Moses implored the LORD his God and said, "O
    LORD, why does your wrath burn hot against your people,
    whom you have brought out of the land of Egypt with great
    power and with a mighty hand? [12]Why should the Egyptians
    say, 'With evil intent did he bring them out, to kill them
    in the mountains and to consume them from the face of the
    earth'? Turn from your burning anger and relent from this
    disaster against your people. [13]Remember Abraham, Isaac,
    and Israel, your servants, to whom you swore by your own
    self, and said to them, 'I will multiply your offspring as
    the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have promised
    I will give to your offspring, and they shall inherit it
    forever.'" [14]And the LORD relented from the disaster that
    he had spoken of bringing on his people.
    [15]Then Moses turned and went down from the mountain
    with the two tablets of the testimony in his hand, tablets
    that were written on both sides; on the front and on the
    back they were written. [16]The tablets were the work of
    God, and the writing was the writing of God, engraved on
    the tablets. [17]When Joshua heard the noise of the people
    as they shouted, he said to Moses, "There is a noise of war
    in the camp." [18]But he said, "It is not the sound of
    shouting for victory, or the sound of the cry of defeat,
    but the sound of singing that I hear." [19]And as soon as
    he came near the camp and saw the calf and the dancing,
    Moses' anger burned hot, and he threw the tablets out of
    his hands and broke them at the foot of the mountain.
    [20]He took the calf that they had made and burned it with
    fire and ground it to powder and scattered it on the water
    and made the people of Israel drink it.
    [21]And Moses said to Aaron, "What did this people do to
    you that you have brought such a great sin upon them?"
    [22]And Aaron said, "Let not the anger of my lord burn hot.
    You know the people, that they are set on evil. [23]For
    they said to me, 'Make us gods who shall go before us. As
    for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land
    of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.' [24]So I
    said to them, 'Let any who have gold take it off.' So they
    gave it to me, and I threw it into the fire, and out came
    this calf."
    [25]And when Moses saw that the people had broken loose
    (for Aaron had let them break loose, to the derision of
    their enemies), [26]then Moses stood in the gate of the
    camp and said, "Who is on the LORD's side? Come to me." And
    all the sons of Levi gathered around him. [27]And he said
    to them, "Thus says the LORD God of Israel, 'Put your sword
    on your side each of you, and go to and fro from gate to
    gate throughout the camp, and each of you kill his brother
    and his companion and his neighbor.'" [28]And the sons of
    Levi did according to the word of Moses. And that day about
    three thousand men of the people fell. [29]And Moses said,
    "Today you have been ordained for the service of the LORD,
    each one at the cost of his son and of his brother, so that
    he might bestow a blessing upon you this day."
    [30]The next day Moses said to the people, "You have
    sinned a great sin. And now I will go up to the LORD;
    perhaps I can make atonement for your sin." [31]So Moses
    returned to the LORD and said, "Alas, this people has
    sinned a great sin. They have made for themselves gods of
    gold. [32]But now, if you will forgive their sin--but if
    not, please blot me out of your book that you have
    written." [33]But the LORD said to Moses, "Whoever has
    sinned against me, I will blot out of my book. [34]But now
    go, lead the people to the place about which I have spoken
    to you; behold, my angel shall go before you. Nevertheless,
    in the day when I visit, I will visit their sin upon them."
    [35]Then the LORD sent a plague on the people, because
    they made the calf, the one that Aaron made. (ESV)

    This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.

    - the mixture of Baal idol worship with the worship of Yahweh

    God was not happy about it then. I do not think He likes it now either.

    Jesus is LORD alonside of American IDOL. Is this a blessed dichotomy or a clear contradiction? Is a diluted Gospel really ‘good news’?

    Comment by Mark — April 15, 2008 @ 1:05 pm

41. Bob, thanks for the response. You’re right about my comments being judgmental, but I wasn’t clear about my intended target. I’m not suggesting any form of snobbery by those who would ask questions, I was aiming more toward those who would question the right/propriety of AI singers to even perform this song or, as some have done, to even lambast the song itself (and, thus, its being presented) for what they determine to be “shortcomings.” Belief their is a distinct difference in questioning the possible impact/effect (which I do not oppose), and questioning the very right for AI to have even done the song. That was my beef ….

    Perhaps snobbery is a poor word choice … Bob, what word would you use to describe someone who’s view on worship music is such that they would desire to limit the singing of any “Christian” song to a select number of people (of their choosing/approval, of course), in a select venue (again, of their choosing/approval), and for the “right” reason (yep, of their choosing/approval)?

    A quick run through the postings here indicate that there’s a strong propensity for some to have proffered at least one of these “filters,” while others seem to have hit them all …

    Comment by Worthey Brisco — April 15, 2008 @ 7:26 pm

42. […] Pastor and professional musician Bob Kauflin over at Worship Matters posted some positive thoughts on what happened as well as some concerns. […]

    Pingback by American Idol and Shout to the Lord at Ray Fowler .org — April 16, 2008 @ 12:05 am

43. There is some interesting “behind the scenes” stories from the shout to the lord story and american idol here http://www.joshharris.com/2008/04/inside_scoop_on_shout_to_the_l.php with some actual stories from people behind the scenes at FOX as well as some band members from the show - many whom are Christians and having strong influence there I guess.

    Comment by John C — April 16, 2008 @ 11:52 am

44. Hey Bob, I was wondering if you could have a post on Hillsong, and the influence that they have in the Christian community, or what’s good or bad about it.
    Thanks, it’s just because I was reading the comments and they seemed to not be on the right track and one of my friends left Québec to go study at their school, so I would like to be aware of the things that are happening there.

    Comment by Gabriel Gagnon — April 17, 2008 @ 11:34 am

45. great post, thanks. just bought your book…looking forward to reading it.

    anyway, I’m just waiting for the launch of “Christian Idol”

    Comment by bobw — April 17, 2008 @ 2:40 pm

46. […] this article sums up my thoughts so very well! By Bob Kauflin on Shout to the Lord on American Idol Have a good […]

    Pingback by a dash of nutmag! :: Shout To the Lord on American Idol :: April :: 2008 — April 17, 2008 @ 8:57 pm

47. Douglas Wrote…

    “How many were of clean hands and a pure heart that sang “Shout to the Lord” on that American Idol show? Idols singing unto God almighty, eh?”

    My question is how many of us can claim to be worthy to sing any song of Praise to God, or even deserve to?

    Comment by can — April 24, 2008 @ 5:11 pm

48. I think that you bring up a very important point about worship in general; we should include the reason why we “Shout to the Lord.” Without the rich background of the Gospel, this song would be no different than a popular song on the radio or television.

    Christ’s death is what makes Christianity unique among religions and our services and attitudes should portray that; nothing we believe in could be possible without the debt that was paid by his blood.

    Hopefully, God willing, Christianity in the public eye will help lead others to places where they can find depth and meaning to songs like “Shout to the Lord.”

    Comment by Nick S. — April 28, 2008 @ 2:19 am

49. I have had similar thoughts on this particular topic. On one hand I always get excited when I am watching the show and someone openly talks about their Christianity and backs that up by choosing a worship or Christian song as their song. I think it is so great that they are proclaiming God in front of millions of people. It is so great that everyone watching the show is hearing the words of a worship song instead of some of the secular songs that are nearly always sung. On the other hand, is American Idol really the proper place to be singing worship songs? As you said, I am not sure it is exactly the right context because the fullness of the message is not portrayed or focused on. Thanks for your insight!

    Comment by Katie Crum — May 6, 2008 @ 12:42 am

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