Every now and then I can’t sleep. Most of the time I don’t mind because it gives me a chance to work on projects I’ve had in my head for a while. When the world is dark and quiet (well, our half of it) it is a great time to get things done. Then again, sometimes I just zone out reading the news–which I often think belongs in quotation marks. With the country in the shape it’s in, is another person booted from ‘American Idol’ really “news”? Apparently it is.
Personally I don’t watch ‘American Idol’; not for any reason other than lack of interest. Bring back William Hung as a perpetual finalist or maybe a judge and I’d be a loyal fan of the show, but that also tells you the last time I watched it. Unfortunately, I get my ‘Idol’ updates from unlikely sources: Christians.
Just this past Sunday morning, during the music portion of worship, the worship leader broke off into a brief commentary on Scotty and his deep faith and courage to be a witness for Christ on the show, and that was the interlude/lead-in to the next song for us. I could almost visibly see the pop-culture reference go by as it flew over my head.
While pulling Thursday night’s unintentional graveyard shift, I decided to follow the headline about the latest finalist elimination. Curious about both the former contestant’s “signature snarl” and this Scotty fellow, I decided to visit the Idol webpage to watch a few video clips. I have to admit, it must be fun to be a contestant. There’s something about TV that always makes whatever is on look magical. I agree, Scotty has quite a voice and was up-front with his profession of faith in Christ. But the question remains…
Should Christians be on ‘American Idol’?
Should we (literally) be playing the world’s game and chasing after the world’s treasures of fame and fortune? And it is a chase for both—why else audition? Let’s face it; the show isn’t called ‘American Servant.’
What happens when the big record label gets its talons into a Christian? That brother or sister will be contractually bound to serve two masters: the Lord and the record label, maybe more masters if you factor in product endorsements and sponsorships. Will there be a rider in the contract that says “the talent” is prohibited from expressing his or her religious views? I’m not trying to be cynical, but I highly doubt Sony (or whomever) would allow their new-found product to openly and repeatedly say that Jesus Christ, who is God, is the only way to heaven.
Can you imagine confronting the celebrity judges about having to face a holy, just God at judgment and account for every word, thought, and deed, and proceeded the share the full Gospel with them? It would be great if that happened off-camera somewhere in the weeks together—maybe over coffee on some filming break—but imagine the tragedy if it never does. How ironic that a Christian would stand before men and appeal for their help in becoming a celebrity in this life but never take an opportunity to confront them about their own eternal destinies? Imagine their cries for all eternity, “We made you famous, but why didn’t you tell us we needed to repent?!”
Well, beloved, what do you think, should Christians be on ‘American Idol’?