I went to YouTube to watch the American Idol special "Idol Gives Back" that raises money for a number of worthy causes around the world. I think it's great that the show uses its huge platform to help people in need. Their work in Africa and in many parts of the U.S. is very inspiring.
I found out this morning that they closed the show with the eight remaining contestants singing the song "Shout to the Lord." Is that surreal or what? The interesting thing is that they changed the lyrics from "My Jesus, my Savior" to "My Shepherd, my Savior." The funny thing is that a few weeks ago when they were doing Dolly Parton songs I think several singers did songs that used the name of Jesus in them. But then when they do a worship song they leave Jesus out. Hmmm...
I'm not the kind of person that gets worked up about things like this. I'm just curious. I'd love to know what the decision-making process for the producers looks like. Are there Christians involved who are trying to get songs like this on the show? Or to take a more cynical view, do they just realize that a huge portion of their base (and a lot of the people who will be quick to contribute) are evangelical Christians so they throw us a bone once in awhile? But then if that's the case, who made the decision to cut "Jesus" out of the lyrics? Are there factions at Idol who don't like bringing in Christian themes so they had to make this compromise? Ahhh, the intrigue of it all.
One more question: are they even allowed to change lyrics like that? Could Darlene Zschech who wrote the song sue them for gazillions? Or at least demand that they do a whole show where the contestants have to sing only Hillsong tunes?
"But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice."Philippians 1:17-19
Friday, April 11, 2008
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22 comments:
I disagree with you totally. I wrote on it on my blog too. www.leonlimkokweng.com. I think only true Christians are commissioned to preach. The lyrics can mean anything brother. Even cults sing that song. Its not the song. So I am adamant that there is nothing to shout about rather it griefs my heart that we have watered down our faith.
To me its a disgrace to Christianity. I believe God can take glory better ways than that. That speaks of nothing. I think Kaka then is doing a better job. One song like that on American idol proves nothing especially in a so called Christian nation. If they were singing it on Malaysian Idol then is it something to shout about?
HOW MANY OF YOU REALISED THAT THERE WAS A CHRISTIAN SONG SANG BY A MUSLIM ON MALAYSIAN IDOL? It was one of the top two. I bet you didn't. Should we boaast? I think not. Because that is not what God celebrates about. This is not what God takes joy in. It is when a person enters the kingdom of God. that is what we should shout about.
this is the conteaxt of the verse you quote. Please i think you need to clarify that just because Paul said that, He didn't mean it was correct to do it. It was down right wrong to preach about Christ the wrong way. Even more Paul talks about God being able to turn situations around. I think your readers will not get what is the truth rather giving justification for all their sinful actions.
Dr. John Gill:
not that it was an indifferent thing with him, whether Christ was sincerely or hypocritically preached; or that he could take any pleasure in the manner of preaching, and in the principles and views of one sort of these preachers; for nothing was more disagreeable to him than envy and ambition, strife and contention, hypocrisy and insincerity; but he rejoiced in the subject matter of their ministry, which was Christ Jesus the Lord, whom he dearly loved, and whose interest, if served by any means, or any sort of persons, was a pleasure to him; and also in the effects and consequences of their ministry, the establishing of the saints, the conversion of sinners, the spread of the Gospel, and the enlargement of the interest of Christ: all which may be answered through the preaching of Christ, by evil designing men; for Christ and his Gospel are the same by whomsoever preached, and God may make use of his own truths to answer his ends and purposes, whoever are the dispensers of them, and though they themselves may be cast away, as Judas and others.
Dear Leon,
I know you are going to differ with me greatly on this. I understand your where you stand and I also understand why you are so upset about AI singing Shout to the Lord.
However, here is my simple answer which you may disagree upon.
It is a fact that we can't do much about AI singing Shout to the Lord. Who knows what they will sing later? Will it be "How Great Is Our God"? Whatever happened, happened. Although you may say it's a disgrace to the Lord, I tend to see it in another angle - not to say that I defends that what AI did wasn't a disgrace to the Lord.
I was upset with AI when they sang this song. With all my heart, I believe that they should not be singing this song at all. The background video shows nothing about God at all when they were performing this song.
However, I believe that nothing our God is an Almighty God. He might be grieving over this mattter, but can you deny that God can turn the bad to achieve for His good. I'm not saying that He will do that in this case, but let's face it. There are many pastors preaching half-prepared sermon every Sunday all over the world and people still get saved. During CNY, some church (including First AG) sings CNY tunes with Christian lyrics.
You may see it as a disgrace to the Lord, but I can see it as a bridge to the unbeliever - that this song can appeal to them at their platform. Again, it's motive vs method.
Thus, there is nothing to boast about and there is nothing to greatly grieve upon when this song is sang in AI.
By the way, would it then be a disgrace if AI uses some Scriptures to appeal to the mass in raising fund for the Africans?
although my heart frowns upon this issue, I am also praying that God can use this issue to create more awareness among Christian circle and at the same time pray that this song itself (not the performer) can minister to the unbeliever.
Who know what God have installed from this incident? Can we really say that this is from the devil or the ignoracne of man? Whatever happens, God is still in control and His fame can never be overthroned as long as you and I keep our faith in the Him and spreads His hope to all.
hmm..don't reli wish to debate on this topic actually. since mike u asked us to give our views(email)..
in my opinion(no right & wrong)..can say that not many people(among my friends)realised that singing "shout to the Lord" in american idol could bring disgrace to christianity..perhaps this is the issue that frightenes leon.however,both leon & u got your own point..=)
i agree with u all dat God grieves when people aren't singing frm their hearts..offering de worship in de way He wants. but i believe thr are christians among them, who really offer their best to God.=)
& God is a Almighty God dat could use any situation for goodness..it's true that somehow,many people and even christians, are touched thru the lyrics of this song..
i think that it could be a great start for christian songs to be heard publicly..not just at church.there would be more chance for non christians to be touched by the lyrics, & get to know the Lord..i still believe that for everything dat happened, God ALWAYS have a REASON behind it.
we shud pray that God will turn the situation for good..=)
Hm, don't wana get caught in this debate. partly I do not think that I will be able to =)
Anyhow, my two cents worth. Listening to it being sung live at American Idol and to know of this song and it being sang in church, gives me a different feeling. It is, to these people, merely a performance, but to us Christians, it is a worship that we dedicate to God.
Likewise, who knows how it will impact the world? God turns all things to be good right? Yet, as Christians, we got to be aware and be prepared for whatever may come.
Thus, let us all keep awake and be alert at all times for whatever that may transpire from this event.
LIkewise, as christians, let us see this also as a probable opportunity for God's glory to fall in this world, for u may never who may be impacted by the song, altho it comes across as merely a performance.
Music impacts ppl in some manner, so let's just bear that in mind =)
Hi Pastor Michael! I'm from RCKL, I got to know your blog through your youth I met in Y.E.S, that is WaiChi, haha!
In my opinion, I think there's nothing to disagree about AI singing 'Shout to the Lord'.
Anyway, on the results night itself, they did sang it again. And that time, they did sang it with the original lyrics which is.. 'my Jesus, my Saviour'.
We can wonder why did they changed the lyrics and make assumptions. And there's nothing to feel disgraced about. We can't judge them without knowing what is deep within them.
To me, some of them might not sing it with a sincere heart, but maybe some of them did. But let us leave the judgment to God. And I think there is no wrong for them to sing this song in AI. In fact, I feel glad when they do. At that moment when Ryan announced that they were to sing 'shout to the Lord', I was amazed. There is a reason why they chose the song. And I believe it is of God's plan. And we should not make bad remarks about it. Think about the good effect. It will touch people's lives in God's perfect ways.
One thing I disagree with Leon Lim is his statement of "I think only true Christians are commissioned to preach."
Christians may preach, but do they practice what they preach? Do they mean it when they preach? Do they preach with the heart and the desire to glorify God's name? This is another point. Lyrics of gospel songs are meaningful and in the same way, people sing it either with a sincere heart or an insincere one. We don't know, but God does. And I think true christians are those who live with God each day, growing in Him, and having the determination to grow into His likeness and who live for God.
So.. there's nothing to debate about this. It's pointless. Just leave the results to God. In whatever cases, just believe that God is at work. I believe that God is at work in AI that they even did 'Idol Gives Back'. It's truly touching. What will people think when they did 'Idol Gives Back' and sang 'shout to the Lord'? Think about it... I think people will be touched by what God is doing through AI.
Hi, Pastor Mike!! I met Wai Chi during YES too, from RCKL also, you did a great job that day!
Oh and by the way, I think the lyrics thing right? That's the American version, not sure if I'm wrong.
Dear Melody,
I really appreciate your thoughts here. As for Leon Lim, he is upset because this song is supposed to give all the glory to the Lord. Instead, AI sang it without any worship intention and took the fame for themselves in raising funds for the needy. As much as Jesus wants us to care for the poor and needy, He also commissioned us to preach His hope of salvation in a serious manner. AI has deteriorated this song into mere entertainment - a song sang by lives that doesn't honour God.
Although God can turn bad in good, do we still allow bad to happen? Are we as Christians just brush this aside and let God do whatever He wishes or are we going to educate and create awareness that this should not repeat?
By the way, the author of this song must have agreed for the change of lyrics and for the use of her song in such a manner. She is getting loads of $$ from this song as well.
What will happen if a Muslim sings a Christian song in Malaysian Idol? How would the Malaysian Christian community react? Will we say it's pointless to react and just let it be? Will we say that there's nothing we can do?
The whole issue my friends is that I am upset because the church will say there is nothing to debate about like you all say that there is no right or wrong. Do you know how much consequence there is if we do not stand up for what is right and wrong? Wai Chi I'm sorry but the Bible clearly states what is right and wrong in this issue.
Being touched by the song does not constitute being touched by the Holy Spirit. It is just emotions. I do not believe that they can be touched by the Holy Spirit through people who sing which are highly likely not filled with the spirit(non-Christians). Even so God is sovereign and can choose to touch someone no matter what. But I still do not believe anyone can worship without the Holy Spirit and that they don't have it. How can it be worship? The Bible says that believers must worship in spirit and in truth.
Dear friends please read my blog and its comments to understnad more about why its right or wrong. I cannot write all over again as its long. But it IS WRONG.
Sure like you all say things are out of control. But somethings are within our control. Like speaking out. Like debating like this. Educating the nrxt generation from letting something like that be OK.
Dear Sue. It cannot be regarded as worship. You can read the explanation on my blog. Actually I how you all read it.
Mike, Thanks for pointing out that you believe its wrong also. But we disagree on how to see things. At least we agree on one thing. Talking about it. hahaha. I think you are closer to being like Paul in terms of being to see the possible positive in this. But I am the other side of Paul which despises wrong.
I think bridges are always present. again may I argue that these bridges are practically useless if our lives are not right.
And believe me when I say GOd grieves and hurts each time we sin. So this wrong still grieves His heart. shall we then not grieve?
God may turn the situations to good but that does not change the fact that there are consequences to sin. Moses paid a huge price of not going into the promise land just because he disobeyed and hit the rock. God still turned the situation to good yet he paid a price of losing his dream.
I am speaking this out of experience of the worst moments in my life. God does not take pride in wrong!
Sue, on the issue that music impacts. Be warned that Lucifer aka is the most talented musician in the universe. Please do not be fooled that He is not capable of writing beutiful songs that touch lives. The bible again says that Satan will come as an angel of light deceiving many. He is brliiant enough to disguise his dirty schemes into something good. The danger is not in a song that we will say terrible! Its in songs that carry half truths that we cannot deferentiate if its right or wrong. We need God for this.
Dear melody, It is not pointless to debate. In fact you believe its God's plan. Are you saying it is God's will? It is dangerous to assume. Where can you see in the bible that approves such things? JUst because we are amazed or touched does not constitute it is right in GOd's eyes.
Justin, Its not the American version, Shout to the Lord is a top worship song there. And they have strict copyright rules. So any change is intentional
Mike I like you r last comment better than you post hahaha. It is clearer about your stand. But I still cannot agree with you on the positive note. I still believe the consequences are grave. I guess that is the battle God has called me to fight. I grieve not in a way that pulls me down but I feel a slight tinge of GOd's pain. If I hurt, He must hurt so much more at the sight of sin. My fear is like Paul say, each time we sin its like crucifying Jesus again. So I think what we are doing here is important. Vital in bringing the gospel to the lost.
I really hope you all understand me. I am looking forward to your responses. I am so glad you all took the time to try and respond.
Mike add a link here to my blog la on the post. I'll do the same.
Dear Leon,
I thank God that you have the thought and the heart on this issue.
I'm flattered at your note that I'm becoming like Apostle Paul in having a positive note. I'm not a keen fan on Apostle Paul cause he left us with so many unanswered theology.
Anyway, I did link your blog. It's at my main blog page.
Sue, on the issue that music impacts. Be warned that Lucifer aka is the most talented musician in the universe. Please do not be fooled that He is not capable of writing beutiful songs that touch lives. The bible again says that Satan will come as an angel of light deceiving many. He is brliiant enough to disguise his dirty schemes into something good. The danger is not in a song that we will say terrible! Its in songs that carry half truths that we cannot deferentiate if its right or wrong. We need God for this.
woo this one i also agree. we must ask God!
i tot it will be good for AI to sing that song
maybe to my understanding as a still-growing christian, we think it's not that bad after all. now i see the danger as well. thanks pastor mike n leon. there are pros and cons.
so
let us commit everything to God since it already happened.
I know why it's sang as "My Shepherd, My Saviour" and not "My Jesus, My Saviour". The bible said "the Lord is my shepherd and Saviour", and not "the Lord is my Jesus and Saviour". Not sure where, but I'm sure that the bible never said the Lord is MY Jesus before, it's Jesus is our Saviour.
Justin, be a little more romantic. You are going to say my wife right and not just becasue a certificate says wife so you only can declare her as wife and not My wife?
Melody, you're right. we need to pray . But are we really praying. I hope so. Because that is all the power we have against the schemes of darkness :). cheers!
ya i did pray. last two days.. prayed that God would forgive the sins of ppl who did not worship Him sincerely. and pray that God will teach us and save the world from the devil's schemes... grrr .. lol
Leon, yea, you're right.
See Please Here
Dear all,
I thank you all for your time and thoughts. Although the simplest conclusion is to say that both views hold pro and con, it is not a satisfying answer for me (and I believe Leon Lim will also agree).
However, here is my conclusion:
Jesus said "If you don't worship me, the rock will dires out" (parapharased). It is sad to see that the unbelievers are using song that worships God for their own selfish and vain ambition. As God's people, we can protest all we want, but at the end of the day, I think it is also equally important to educate and teach our own people (believers) to worship in Spirit and in truth. We can't control the unbelievers' act of using our songs, but we can educate our own people the real meaning of worsiph in order for us to improve all on the pros discussed in this blog and diminish all the cons.
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