"Idol" Gives A Lot to Think About - UPDATED

I have to admit, to me, the finish to "Idol Gives Back" last night was absolutely incredible.

Yes, it stung that the name of Jesus was edited out of the first line of "Shout to the Lord", but I don't think that changes the meaning of the song to embrace some sort of Oprah-type generic religion. And (in the words of Randy Jackson), CHECK IT OUT - the final 3 songs: a rather thought-provoking song by Daughtry (Christian radio artist), then Mariah Carey's song where Jesus did show up - I read the lyrics online last night...that could be a song used as a special in many churches in America. (Don't make too much out of Mariah doing a gospel song - "Fly Like a Bird" appears on the album, "The Emancipation of Mimi", which also includes "Stay the Night", which definitely does not present the same worldview, to say the least.). And, finally, "Shout to the Lord"!! Sure beats some generic, so-called inspirational song like "We are the World".

With regard to the choice of "Shout to the Lord" and the editing of the name of Jesus to "shepherd", I think we have to realize that the job description of the world is not to evangelize - that's our job...and we as Christians have been given a great opportunity to talk about the "Idol" show and perhaps get someone thinking about spiritual things and a relationship with Christ.

Now, the Ben Stiller piece at the very end did take some of the shine off...quite inappropriate. And, as the father of a BIG Miley Cyrus fan, I thought her second performance was a bit edgy, to the point of being suggestive in places. Miley has a tremendous platform, and needs our prayers.

Bob Kauflin, who serves as Director of Worship Development for Sovereign Grace Ministries appeared recently on The Meeting House program on Faith Radio and shared some of his thoughts...

Listen

That complete interview on worship can be downloaded at www.meetinghouseonline.info/download. Bob has written a book called, Worship Matters: Leading Others to Encounter the Greatness of God. You can also read his blog at www.worshipmatters.com.

Want to see the "Shout to the Lord" finale?



How about Jason Castro singing at his home church in Rockwall, Texas?



That's all for now...I think it's Carly or Syesha getting the sendoff tonight.