American Idol Top 8 – "Shout to the Lord"
April 10, 2008 by Jeanne
I really liked the performance of “Shout To the Lord” by the Top 8 American Idol contestants on Idol Gives Back last night. Watch the performance:
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Cheryl,
Thanks for the response!
But what I am frustrated with is the lack of responsibility we take as PEOPLE to right the ills of the world.
A trust in Jesus as the redeemer is misplaced (in my view) because WE ARE OUR OWN SAVIOURS.
Jesus just ain’t pulling his fair share!
We should put more faith in ourselves, to join together not in shared faith, but in our shared HUMANITY. We need to put more pressure on our governments to focus on the social problems of the world. If we don’t do it, God is just going to let people suffer and suffer and suffer…
Deferring responsibility to the afterlife is a cop-out. We have the power (and responsibility) to solve these problems now! With or without God.
One more time……..
Who can measures sin?
Who can measure pain and suffering?
How much did the computer cost that we are all using while a child dies because they don’t have a ten dollar net or two dollars for meds.
Who can tell a mother that she doesn’t hurt as much as anyone anywhere in the world when she has lost her child? Who is so smart that they can blame God while they have not done anything to make a difference? One child dies every 1/2 hour in Africa. How much time should we waste changing a flawed system? How many lives spent to glorify our opinions? You can spend or waste your whole life pointing and never doing.
Every knee shall bow, every toungue confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord!
There is pain everywhere! Walk outside Starbucks right now and open your eyes and listen to what God is telling you.
Thank you American Idol for having the courage to perform a christian song on Idol Gives Back. In response to the negative comments that God is responsible for the suffering in the world. Numbers 23:19 says”God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” Praise Jesus! Our Jesus is a gentle God, a true gentleman. We as people continue to push Him out of our homes, schools and government we remove ourselves out from under the umbrella of God’s protection. Jesus will never force himself on anyone but wants all to come to Him freely with open hearts. Thank you again American Idol and all the contestants for performing Shout to the Lord last night. I can only imagine that souls must have been touched by that song . I pray that all of you will come to know our Lord Jesus Christ on a deeper level. God Bless.
SWEJ,
Jesus is definitely our spiritual saviour. As for God being a physical saviour, yes, he can play some part in it. But only if we pray. And also yes, we can make a difference just relying on ourselves, but if you add prayer to that, it will just make an even better impact.
As for your post before that,
“Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks]…”
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Amplified Bible
How could you not like what happened last night? I think as Christ followers we can’t put us up on a pedestal. I know they took Jesus out, but they called him Shepherd. 2 names which I use in my relationship with HIM. He was glorified whether AI people wanted that or not. That song can do nothing else, but point to the one true GOD! It didn’t point to Oprah’s god or the lord of hollywood, but to the ONE TRUE LORD!
Right. Put faith in yourselves because when your dead and gone you can still go to Jesus’ tomb and he won’t be there, but when we dig up your dead corpse you’ll be there, and in a very disfigured disgusting form.
Please believe in yourself and we’ll change the world. Is that really a possibility? Can you really look at yourself in the mirror and say “I can save the world today?” Cause if that were possible…….War? Poverty? Disease?
GET REAL!
Chris,
If prayer works for you, why doesn’t it work for those poor people suffering from malaria?
Does God love you more, or them more?
Or is he indifferent?
“Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:…What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.” Phil 1:15-18
Paul said he didn’t care why people were spreading the Word about Jesus, even if they were doing it for the wrong reason, he rejoiced because the Gospel was being spread.
Prayer works. It works for me because I have a relationship, not religion, but an actual relationship with GOD. He loves those people suffering from malaria. It’s not GOD who gave them the disease. It’s sin in the world that has allowed these things to happen. He doesn’t love me more than any of His creation. The fact is though that some of HIS creation have not chosen Him.
It’s about a relationship. What do you have to lose by following Christ? I don’t mean that in a well might as well do it attitude, but truly what do you have to lose? Pain, Suffering, guilt? When you follow Christ it’s not all happy times, but it is doing His will that I can count ALL things JOY!
I’m glad many of you guys jumped on your soap boxes after I pointed out they ignored the name of Jesus. Right, the name of Jesus isn’t important…?.. How many of the unsaved know that Jesus is called Shepherd? Did you know before you ever heard the gospel or walked into a church? Maybe you were raised in church – not everyone is. Legalistic? Pharisee? For one, the Pharisee’s would not recognize Jesus for who He was – something I have no problem doing. In Mark 3:22 they say that “He is possessed by Beelzebub”. Nice argument on the use of “legalistic” since it was Jesus who came to fulfill the law – “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” (Matthew 5:17). Ever read that? Legalism still wants to sacrifice the fatted calf. It has nothing to do with being unashamed of the name of Jesus.
Why would they not sing it as is? Tell me. Is it because Jesus is a rock of offense? Surely we can’t offend someone… that would be politically incorrect, wouldn’t it? Isaiah prophesied some 700 years before Christ as to Him being a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense (Is. 8:14). By whose name is it that the lost shall be saved (Acts 4:8-12)? Shepherd? You say everyone knows Shepherd means Jesus? I doubt that. Can the Holy Spirit take that song and minster in the format it was presented last night? Absolutely. But why are you so easy to sell out to the notion that it was “just” the word Jesus that was changed? If you knew that song you had no doubt that it was talking about Jesus. If you have been in a church service even a few times, you probably knew that Shepherd means Jesus. What about those who have never entered the doors of a church service?
I’m not concerned with whether or not the believer knows who the Shepherd is. If a person who claims to be a believer does not know the Shepherd then there are a whole set of other issues to deal with. So the sinner that has never heard the Word preached, hears that song last night and he feels convicted. Convicted by who? Does he know who? He wants to turn to “someone”, who does he turn to? God? Which one? Does he just get in the religious buffet line and pick one that suits his lifestyle or current truths? You know the one that says that there are no absolute truths. If it feels like truth to you then it must be, right? I’m a good guy, I never hurt anyone, I’ll get to Heaven, right? Will the virgins be there? I can earn my way in, right?
Jesus is the only savior? Try going to www(dot)turntoislam(dot)com and see if everyone thinks that. Here’s a little snippet for you “Allah said, “If you are ashamed of me, I will be ashamed of you.” If you are not ashamed, send this message…only if you believe. “Yes, I love Allah. Allah is my fountain of Life and My Savior.” Wow, I guess some people are not talking about Jesus when they say Savior, huh?
A little hear and a little there “It’s only the word Jesus they left out, everyone knows that Jesus is the only one referred to as Shepherd or Savior”. Wake up people!
FYI to everyone on the full version on ITUNES they have the original song lyrics including, “Jesus”.
On a personal note you guys wonder why un Christians don’t like us it’s cause we Christians fight each other. Let’s praise God for the work He is doing in an un-Christian world. We are on the same team guys. Thank you
Once again, the legalistic Christian monster rears its head! Of course, it would have been better if the name of Christ had been included in the live performance, but give me break guys! That was an incredible moment! People will be drawn to that song and they will hear and read the name of Christ in it. (unless of course, they can’t because of all the Pharisee’s cutting the song down). Don’t you find it interesting that most if not all of the negative comments about the performance are from believers? Shame on all of the nay-sayers out there who think that God isn’t powerful enough to touch hearts just because of a little lyric editing. He is infinitely bigger than that.
Christine,
I think the reason you are debating this with other Christians is because you are coming across as judgmental. You said you are only using God’s filter but you need to remember, when you are using God’s filter, it is only yourself you can use that filter on. Matthew 7:1 – “Judge not lest ye be judged.” God is telling us here He is responsible for the filtering of others! Who are we as sinners to say where the singers hearts were when they sang the song? Where is it said that someone must know Jesus to sing His praises? Sometimes, especially for someone who relates through music, it is that singing of praises that may bring him or her to Jesus.
You are relating last night’s performance as if it were sung in a church, it was not. It was sung on a TV show aired on a secular station who limits what can be said…such as the name of Jesus. I would much rather sing a song praising my Jesus in front of the secular world, even if it means I have to call my Jesus by one of the other special names I use for Him, than sing it in front of a bunch of people who already know the truth. I think you are debating this with fellow Christians because you would rather not have the song sung in a secular world at all if a different name for Jesus is used (or at least this is how it appears from your comments). Sometimes, as Christians trying to share Jesus, we have to scatter a bunch of little seeds and trust God to grow them. The negative response you are giving to the way the song was sung last night makes it appear that you expect to be able to just plop in the whole plant without first scattering seeds. Sometimes it is not possible to plop in the whole plant (sometimes you are given limitations which are out of your control). Does that mean you should remain stagnant and not try to help a plant grow? No, it means you may have to scatter seeds in a way that doesn’t make sense to you and trust the Lord to take control of the watering and growing.
I don’t think any of the Christians out here dispute the fact that it was a shame that the name of Jesus was changed during the performance. I do feel their dispute is only in judging those that sang it. We do not know their hearts or their intentions, only God knows that. I find hope in the fact that the song was recorded for sale with the name of Jesus in it. This tells me it wasn’t the singers with the issue, rather it was a source or restriction beyond their control.
Your sister in Christ,
Jennifer
http://www.jenniferraack.blogspot.com
I wonder if the Idols argued amongst themselves about using the word Shepard over Jesus and other debated terms we didn’t even hear. I think Shepard is a win. I think the fact they got to sing this great song is a huge win for Jesus, because typically, amongst all these famous celebrities, this song would be boycott. It really seemed like some of them were singing it right from their heart. It was awesome. Brought tears to my eyes and warmth to my heart. God is moving through this event.
We didn’t control our entrance in this world, and we can’t control our exit. But our Savior redeemed us through his suffering and human death………so we could live knowing that He loved us that much and that we could have eternal life with Him despite deserving nothing.
Yes, they took Jesus out……Chris…….when He is the Center. He should be on the pedestal. That song was meant to praise “Him” If we as “Christ Followers” cannot agree on this fundamental belief, how can we expect people that are searching to know the Truth?
Chris,
So let me get this straight…
God loves everyone equally, but ALLOWS some of his children to suffer and die horrible (and needless) deaths, because they don’t love him??
How spiteful and childish of God! Is this how the creator of the universe acts??? I don’t believe it.
For how then would you explain all the devoted believers who live and die horribly? How do you explain all the non-believers who live perfectly moral and peaceful lives?
The fact is, God is nowhere to be found…
Get over it.
Jews love God too.
Way to go American Idol. I know not everyone agrees with God, but His existance is evident in everything you do. Idol gives back is an example of the goodness and mercy of a God who would give people the financial means to make a difference in this world. I have a whole new respect for your show and actually for all the judges. It showed your true hearts. I pray God would richly bless you guys for taking the on the tuff issues in this world. We are all one in God’s eyes.
Bless you,
Kathy
SWEJ, I would like to challenge you to read a book called Evidence that demands a verdict by Josh Mcdowell.
He was an atheist trying to disprove Christianity for a college project.
If you are as analytical as you sound, perhaps it could answer many questions that you have.
If Heaven awaits those who believe, then why should we be so afraid of death.
I’m going to pray that you find the book or that it finds you. It is good that you challenge what is said. It will only give you deeper appreciation when you find what your heart is searching for.
God Bless You during your journey.
So what you’re saying is…
“Yes, God is merciful and great because we’re so wealthy! But let’s not expect God to help the people dying of malaria… I’ll send them a few dollars after I buy some new clothes.”
Seriously… Do you think God’s has his priorities straight?
Greg,
Thanks, I will look for the book at the library.
Likewise, here’s where I’m coming from:
http://www.secularhumanism.org/index.php?section=main&page=affirmations
Peace.
SWEJ:
I never thought I would get into a deep theological discussion on an American Idol website, but I have read your letters and I just need to tell you that Jesus loves you.
Scenes we saw last night on TV are the result of a sinful world, not an uncaring God. I encourage you to read the life of Christ in His word, and listen less to us “Christians” fighting amongst ourselves.
When you saw those relief workers and celebs walking among those poor children, whether they would ever admit it or not, that was God acting through them.
God is not the cause of thier hopelessness, but in actuality, He is the only source of hope that any of us have.
Good afternoon…
I’m not an “idol” fan (that is to say that I’ve probably watched 5 full episodes in the show’s history, and none this season), but I couldn’t help but be caught up in the discussion and processing of what was evidently a pretty substantial event last night. So I’ve watched and listened to the replay several times today, and here is what I’m left with. Music is powerful. I find that I am touched by music (goose-bumps, tears, etc.) of all types. If God is the creator (I believe He is) and his creation reflects Him (I beleive it does) then it is not surprising to me to find such power and beauty in artistic expression coming from those created in God’s image. For me, the emotional response to music often has nothing to do with whether it is focused on Christ or not…I think God has designed music, in general, to be powerful and evoke such reactions in many people. I could care less what the “idol” folks sing or don’t sing. That’s not the issue to me. What I find myself struggling with is the idea of trying to make Jesus comfortable for everyone. Jesus is absolutely offensive. He always has been. Loving and following Christ is difficult and costly. It offends us because we like to do things our own way, and allowing anyone to be “Lord” of our lives is counter to our nature and our culture. The principle of removing Jesus from anything in an effort to not offend, I believe, is counterproductive to the advancement of His Kingdom (which he has called His followers to build). Jesus said of the Pharisees (the religeous folks of the day) “these people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” Saddly, I think that accurately describes what went on last night. I am not going to demand that people think like me or believe like me or feel like me. That is absolutely your personal freedom (afforded initially by God) and I want to love you and be your friend regardless. If I call Jesus my Lord, though (and I do), then I have no choice but to proclaim His name whether it makes people uncomfortable or not. God can use all things for good, and I’m glad that some felt compelled to worship Him last night.
Joy and Peace
I am excited that this song was used on American Idol, what an awesome thing to hear. I believe that God will use it for His good, even if Jesus’ name is removed.
I think that something needs to be said when they remove the most important word in the whole song and change it with something that would be less confrontational.
We can’t expect the world to understand the things of the Spirit of God.
On the other hand, what does God want to show you in regard to this?
I believe that He wants His believers to see the time we are in. How close to the end we are.
“Christian” based American culture is drawing to a close, and soon our country will be just like all the others in the world.
I am excited, because the persecution will show who Jesus’ true followers are. Very shortly, christians will be arrested for stating the truth in the bible. Will you stand for Jesus when the world is against you?
My prayer is that I will be true to Jesus when my freedom is threatened, I hope that is your prayer as well.
PC or not – the stage version smacks of Universalism.
Shout to the Lord on American idol last night – deleted the Name of Jesus – thus making it another cool sounding song about any ‘god’ you wish to follow.
The failure to give Jesus His due props – doesn’t change the Truth of who He is and what He has done for all of humanity.
Grace and Peace
They took Jesus out of the song. Without Jesus, we have nothing. We cannot serve God without him.
Music comes in every type, the fact they sang a religious song opens up all the christian artists to be heard. There are many fabulous groups out there and this type of music should not be overlooked. Yeah idol for playing such an amazing song at the end of your show!
Yeah, American Idol!! In this very secular world any chance God has for a moment to be praised on public TV is awesome. I see the change in words as a way to get this christian song on TV. It is no different than the fish we place on our cars or the symbols we where on a shirt in a public school. This have given Jesus some much needed time on the air and on the web. I for one love that millions of people watched and are thinking about God today.
Kenny G and garry B…This is the exact discussion my husband and I had. I was so excited after hearing this beautiful song on a major network, only to wake up this morning to read these blogs and youtube comments with all of these Christians bashing each other.
To answer your question Garry…Don’t you find it interesting that most if not all of the negative comments about the performance are from believers? Actually I find it sad, pathetic and troubling!
What if the original writer of the song hadn’t used Jesus’ name in it? (there ARE a lot of Christian songs I know that don’t specifically have his name in it, and yet are still very Christian)
The song still would have been powerful, and Christian, and they would’ve used it last night the same way it was written and we would all be happy and impressed right now.
We only see a difference because we’ve heard it a different way. But if it was the FIRST time you heard that song, you would’ve KNOWN it was a Christian song, you wouldn’t have thought “wait a minute, they should replace Shepard with Jesus”.
Oops, forgot to actually make my point.
I loved it!
Even without the literal name of Jesus in it, the real Jesus still is.
The fact is DEATH is caused from SIN! God is NOT sin! GOD is Just and merciful. God’s word is without SIN! I’m not going to change your mind with words. I do want you to know that I appreciate where you are coming from and I too have struggled with those very issues and what I’ve come to grips with is that I know that those children who were not of an age able to comprehend Him and choose Him are with Him now because of His mercy. Those of us who have chosen or rejected Him then the onus is on us for His judgment. There are many people who have lost loved ones who were believers. Why? I don’t know, but i do know that God’s ways are not my ways and God’s plans are not my plans.
Do I want a child with malaria to die or anyone for that matter? NO! However there are too many stories of lives changed because someone else lost their lives. Fair to me? nope! I though understand that God has a purpose.
I do want you to know that He does love you and me and He wants us both to work together.
To Christine I just want you to know that the song wasn’t put together by a church. It wasn’t meant to be worship and honestly when others look at it there is no other meaning than words on paper.
Idol used it to fit their purpose. They took Jesus out because it’s causing us to do what we are now. TALK ABOUT IDOL! I don’t like that Jesus was taken out of the song, but in the long run how many people’s thoughts might have changed because of the beautiful song?
I pray that God gets the glory
Psalm 100
A psalm. For giving thanks.
1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
I am reading that there are so many on this board that are complaining that Jesus’ name was left out but don’t you know that he is the great shephard? Stop bickering and start believing that God is already doing his handy work throught all of this…the words of the song, say, “Lord there is none like you.” “Mountains bow down, seas roar, nothing compares to the promise I have in you.”
Those are just some of the words to the song. There is no other God out there like our Lord God. Praise the Lord that this song was sung last night. Be happy about it and rejoice with the Lord in it.
It was very surprising to hear a Christian song played at a national secular show and especially the song Shout to the Lord. I really enjoyed it. But, I have only one question, why would the original songwriter/performer give the rights to use the song with the omisison of Jesus.
Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
John 14:6
i love trhis song
they did a great job on this song
it was so cool that they sing shout to the lord
i love jason castro
Close your eyes and listen. God’s Word says in
Psalm 46:10
“BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD”
God knows AI’s intentions, WHY? He created each and every soul. It’s not about a song. It’s not about what they did or didn’t do, it’s ALL about JESUS! Let it go and LET GOD! His Answer is the only one that matters.
My JESUS, my Savior,
Lord, there is none like You;
All of my days, I want to praise,
The wonders of Your mighty love.
My comfort, my shelter, Tower of refuge and strength;
Let every breath, all that I am
Never cease to worship You.
Shout to the Lord, all the earth
Let us sing power and majesty, praise to the King;
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar,
At the sound of your name
I sing for joy at the work of your hands
Forever I’ll love you, forever I’ll stand
Nothing compares to the promise I have in You
Seeing this on TV really made me happy to know that they idols were allowed to sing a christian song on live television, especially the most popular show. The only thing that makes me sad is the fact that they left out Jesus.
If anyone sings this song without singing it to the one True God, who sent His Son to die for us all so that we may have salvation, the song is meaningless.
I am happy to have seen so many christians come out and say how important it is to praise Jesus! It is really reasurring in today’s world because not many people believe!
I really hope that this one step people can come to faith because ultimately that is why we are all here! Is to praise and honor God, spreading His one true Word!
God Bless!
It brought tears to my eyes and chills to hear how great they all sang that song. What a great group of kids. This has to be one of the best groups yet!!! Keep up the good work. The many names mean the same to me. There is only one God and He gave us His son so we might live forever and I am forever hopeful after hearing them sing that song that our young people might have a chance through all the bad we hear of daily. God/Jesus, it makes it all worth living for today. It feels like a new beginning, new hope! Again you did a great job!!!
God’s Word will not return void, no matter what the producers intended. Praise the Lord!
Gary,
Thanks for the response!
I guess my concern is that God would let people (whom he supposedly loves) suffer terrible lives and deaths. And we PRAISE him for it on national TV??
Why not a song like “God, Why Don’t You Do Something?”
I think we’re afraid to call on God to act, because we know that he won’t.
Here in reality, it’s up to PEOPLE to make changes in the world, because God’s on vacation…
I don’t feel that God is on vacation, maybe we have been though. Nothing wrong in asking Him for a change in things, I don’t think it means we sit back and leave it all up to Him to make it work, it is our free will to do or not to do, so the consequences are up to us. At His time not our own….Why not an inspirational song, it can’t hurt.
What’s funny, no REALLY sad, is that even let’s say the idols sang the song “correctly” (according to some of the high, mighty, holy, and correct Christians who have posted here), they still would not be satisfied and then be real offended that non-christians are saying praises to the true one God Jesus Christ.
I am a believer too, and I was pleasantly surprised that they sang that song. As far as I am concerned, they stick to the true meaning and spirit of the song, which is a statement of submission, acknowledgement, and praise to the one true God. I’d take such statement being broadcasted on TV and watched by millions of people any day without one single complaint.
Paul said, “I am not ashamed of the name of Jesus Christ”.
wow, its amazing how we as children of God followers of Christ fight about things. i couldn’t even read all of the comments. the most important thing is that someones life might changed and that they (American idol) were giving our Shepard, Jesus Christ the credit for the love of a giving heart.
just thank the Lord that He wasn’t left out.
I agree with several of you whom believe that at least a secural show woud sing a Christian song. Even though they changed the word -My Jesus- to My Sheperd. Every one knows that The LORD= Sheperd, and I do believe God can work through his Power to touch lives through that song! GOd is always on the move if you just LOOK FOR HIM!!!!!!
Hmmm…. I was pleasantly surprised to hear that song and celebrate whatever amount of Christian influences they may be in the entertainment scene. But was it just me or does anyone else think that they sang that song to get evangelical Christians participating in the charity drive?
I think the most Christian thing to do, is to participate in these causes, whether or not they close the show with a watered down version of a worship song. Feeding the poor, healing the sake, educating the young – these are in and of themselves worthy causes to Jesus. The closing song should not matter.
Why does God need a song to touch lives?
Would less people have be touched by God if that song had not been sung?
What do we need to do to make God touch the lives OF THE PEOPLE DYING OF MALARIA, reunite the Beatles???
They sang it again tonight and said “Jesus.” Y’all happy now?
Well… no matter what anyone says… Christ was glorified and has been glorified since the begining of the season. It’s amazing how the Lord God puts Himself where ever He wants to be… especially in the center of a show that is viewed by 33 million people! They sang the name Jesus tonight!