“Shout To the Lord”

My faith has been an important part of my life for many, many years now. Because of it I am constantly on the lookout for Christian messages in entertainment. It is rare that I find it. In years gone by stars such as Pat Boone made a big issue of their faith. He wouldn’t kiss the girl in the movie and for that reason Shirley Jones remained unkissed in the film “April Love.”

I also grew up on epics such as “The Robe” and “The Big Fisherman.” “Ben-Hur” was another milestone religious film in my life. I even thought of “The Exorcist” as being a religious film. But as the years have gone by the examples of Christian teachings and Christian behavior in entertainment have become fewer and fewer.

I do remember however that after 9/11 there was a telethon in which Julia Roberts spoke. I don’t remember if she made a speech or not but I recall her saying simply “God is good.” I was blown away. Now I know she is a southern girl but she is also an international star and coming out with a statement like that was an amazing witness to me.

Anyway all of this is background to explain why I was so amazed the other night when I was watching “American Idol.” It was the “American Idol Gives Back” show and everything about the show was touching my heart. It was more emotional than the Jerry Lewis Telethon” and I thought that one was the hands down winner for sob fests.

At the very end the final eight contestants for “American Idol” were introduced. They came out dressed in white outfits and sang the Christian anthem “Shout To the Lord.” It was a beautiful version of the song with David Cook doing a great job on one of the solo parts.

Then to my amazement the next night they did the song again. And once more it was beautifully delivered. How in the world had they decided to sing the song I wondered and I have yet to find out. Who was the person who first suggested it and were all the “Idols” agreeable? Again I don’t know.

I do know that both versions have shown up on You Tube and over a half million people have watched the performances. That is staggering. I wonder how many people have downloaded it on to their iPods. That would be a nice number to know.

God works in wondrous ways and the presentation of that song may touch many, many people. I know it touched me. Now I also know there were some who might have been offended by it. I have seen comments on the Internet from people who objected to such an overtly Christian song. I can understand their comments and if some other type of religious song had been sung I might have been put off.

Still freedom of religion is just that – the right to put on a song with religious overtones or message. Our government wasn’t doing it, the people at “American Idol” were. And I say more power to them.

“Shout To the Lord” made me want to shout Hallelujah!!!!!
 

 

 

 

 

©2008 Jackie K. Cooper

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