In The Faith - A Chronicle of the Christian Faith

As many of you well know, the hit reality tv show, American Idol is concluding this week with what the website promises to be a “toe to toe” showdown.

bq.. THE FINAL TWO! DIANA & FANTASIA !

Two small town, Southern girls. One hails from High Point, NC. The other is from tiny Snellville, GA. Another thing they have in common is that they both captured America’s hearts with their shining personalities and powerful voices. But only one of them can become the next American Idol.

Watch this coming week as Fantasia Barrino and Diana DeGarmo go toe to toe, competing for the votes that will deliver them to the title. The winner will join Kelly Clarkson and Ruben Studdard in the Idol pantheon.

p. What does this have to do with the body of Christ or better put, what ties do these contestants have with the Christian faith?

Fantasia Barrino has been open and vocal about her faith, once stating on the show that her parents are Christian pastors and that she is actively involved with her local church. Apart from her vocal stylings, she is known for a dance called the “Bobo.” In an recent interview, she clarified that the “Bobo” is actually the praise dance or “shout” that the worshippers do at her home church.

Diana DeGarmo, though neutral on a declaration of faith, is the niece of famed Christian artist Eddie DeGarmo. Eddie was mentioned in Access Atlanta’s March 22nd 2004 article about his niece.

bq.. She has great musical genes. Her uncle, 49-year-old Eddie DeGarmo, was part of a popular 1980s Christian rock duo, DeGarmo and Key, which garnered nine Grammy nominations and toured with Amy Grant. He co-founded Christian label Forefront Records — which helped launch the careers of Audio Adrenaline, DC Talk and Stacie Orrico — and is now president of EMI Christian Music Group Publishing.

“She has the one major quality that every successful artist I’ve ever worked with has, and that is drive,” Eddie DeGarmo said. “It’s not all about talent.” He also noted that she has never asked him for help as a record executive: “She did it on her own.”

p. The American Idol phone lines will be open for four hours tonight in an effort to reduce busy signals and controversy.

Both of these young ladies are extremely talented, neither needs the backing of the American Idol title to succeed in the music business. And much like the Ruben and Clay decision from last season, I personally believe that Fox will probably give recording contracts to both contestants.

The purpose of American Idol is to create an household name, nationally known, mainstream pop artist, not a Christian artist, obviously. Last year’s winner, Ruben Studdard, added “We Have Not Forgotten”, an inspirational song featuring Christian artist Fred Hammond, to his debut CD. Ruben’s recording of this song, a tribute to his church roots and a expression of his faith, does not necessarily set a precedent for other Christians on Idol.

And the bible says:

bq.. Romans 14:22 Your personal convictions [on such matters]–exercise [them] as in God’s presence, keeping them to yourself [striving only to know the truth and obey His will]. Blessed (happy, to be envied) is he who has no reason to judge himself for what he approves [who does not convict himself by what he chooses to do].

Romans 14:23 But the man who has doubts (misgivings, an uneasy conscience) about eating, and then eats [perhaps because of you], stands condemned [before God], because he is not true to his convictions {and} he does not act from faith. For whatever does not originate {and} proceed from faith is sin [whatever is done without a conviction of its approval by God is sinful].

Romans 14:22-23 (Amplified Version)

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