If some of you “American Idol” fans out there still think that finalist Chris Sligh is playing coy about whether he is Christian enough, people from his past have spoken up with their thoughts on the pressing matter.
In a recent Associated Content article, a spokesperson for ultra-conservative Bob Jones University–the school Sligh once attended–has said he has been watching Sligh every week to check on the singer’s progress and that the school was “somewhat disappointed with the direction he has gone musically.” (Read: He needs to “Jesus” up his act and not be so worldly as to sing tacky 80s songs like “Endless Love.” )
Meanwhile, the pastor over at Seacoast Church, Chris Surratt, has spoken up for Sligh’s Christian background, sighting the two years in which Sligh lead worship at the church as evidence of Sligh’s faith. Even a professor from another school Sligh attended, North Greenville University, was happy to be quoted for the article, saying she “worries” about the singer’s spiritual journey.
I’m tuning out “American Idol” this season, so I can’t really offer my expert opinion on this hugely important matter except to say this: Boring pseudo-controversies like this almost make me wish for the good old days of the Corey Clark scandal. Or maybe for the days when the show actually was about talent.
posted March 28, 2007 at 7:45 pm
My only comment is that if all people whether they be Christian or non-Christian minded their own business, they probably wouldn’t have the time or the stamina to mind anyone elses. God and Chris know the truth and when it all comes down to it, only God and Chris will really know.
posted March 28, 2007 at 7:51 pm
Last time I checked, this competition was for singing not for who has God in their life. If all of the contestants, or none of them proclaim their faith, should it make a difference about their ability to sing? These singers are also given a genre to sing each week, so they are limited to what they can sing. I must admit, some of the choices have been poor, but, could Chris have found something more Godly to sing? Not sure…. And yes, I agree that it seems we are getting into a popularity contest vs. a talented, singing contest, and that it unfortunate. Still like the show, and will continue to watch…
posted March 28, 2007 at 8:24 pm
I would like to know how this Bob Jones spokesperson proposes Sligh choose a Christian song when the theme is “Diana Ross” or “No Doubt.” Let the guy sing already.
posted March 28, 2007 at 8:34 pm
As a musician as well as a christian. I have played in bars as well as Full blown worship Teams. Music is universal. What comes from the heart is what matters Whaen i played classic 70′s people still say Christ in me. I didn’t mention Him. We were playing Mustang Sally. I could understand if it was Holy is The Lord, or We Fall Down. As you can see What comes from Chris’s heart is all that matters. The guy from Bju doesn’t get it, he probably never will. I will vote for taking a bolder stance against BJU.
posted March 29, 2007 at 2:04 am
Poor Guy. It shouldn’t matter what his religion is – That is a personal, private matter for himself alone – It should matter whether he can sing or not.
posted March 29, 2007 at 4:58 am
This kind of hand-wringing by Christians who’ve decided to “exit stage left” from popular culture drives me up the wall. Yes, there’s lots of sleaze and tease to avoid. But how can you shine a light if you’re hiding under a bushel (in the Christian ghettos)? Good grief.
posted March 29, 2007 at 4:15 pm
Yes, in this competition it shouldn’t matter whether Chris is a Christian or not, what matters is whether or not he can sing.
posted March 30, 2007 at 8:47 am
I guess neither really mattered: Bye-bye Chris Sligh.
posted January 23, 2011 at 8:37 pm
As long as a Christian doesn’t compromise his belief, there is nothing wrong with singing a secular song in which the lyrics are not suggestive and questionable language.
American Idol is based on vocal and presentation talent, not on religion.
I saw Chris Sligh in person at our local park. He is very good and his new songs are awesome, I was however disappionted with his attitude. He kind of had an air of – I’m the greatest, not so humble and thankful that is was God who got him where he was.