Is American Idol Chris Sligh Christian Enough?
According to a report from the Associated Press, while most of Greenville's residents are very enthusiastic about Chris Sligh's performances every week, some are concerned about where his fight to become the next American Idol isn't diminishing his faith in Christianity.
Bob Jones University, the well known fundamentalist university located right in Greenville, and Chris Sligh attended there for many years. Jonathan Pait, a spokesman for the school is quoted by the AP as saying "We really are somewhat disappointed with the direction he has gone musically."
On the official American Idol web site, Chris Sligh lists Jesus as his top hero, followed by his dad and two others. However it is the only mention of his faith to be found in his bio. During his performances every week, Sligh has been singing traditional pop songs such as "Endless Love," "Wanna Be Loved," "Trouble" and "Typical."
Although some have called Chris Sligh's faith into question, most of the residents of Greenville are standing by him and belief that his Christian faith will never leave him. For two years Sligh has served as music leader at Seacoast Church prior to making his run to be the next American Idol. The pastor of Seacoast Church, Chris Surratt, is quoted by the AP as saying "He [Sligh]'s not going to back away from the fact that he's a Christian. He's going to let that shine through in what he does."
Cheryl Greene, a professor at North Greenville University where Sligh studied voice training after leaving Bob Jones University and who worked with Sligh for much of that time believes singing pop songs doesn't effect one's faith. "It would be like me being in a jazz band," she is reported as saying. "You can be a Christian or non-Christian. It's a style of music."
However, Greene has stated that she is worried about whether or not he will retain his Christian faith over the long term. ""Is he going to stand strong by his true Christian morals? Christianity is a lifestyle ... and there are things in your life that you do need to stand for."
Chris Sligh first came to the notice of American Idol judges during auditions in Birmingham, Alabama. He has become popular among the other contests for his humor and good attitude.
Published by Allen Butler
Allen Butler is a freelance writer and tutor living in Austin, TX. View profile
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57 Comments
Post a CommentJust testing this thing....
American Idol is the stupidest show on tv and anyoe who cares about it in any way at all is totally devoid of a life.
I watched American Idol somewhat regularly and really enjoyed listening to Chris sing. It was his wholesomeness that shone through however to make him very likeable. I never knew he was a Christian until today 4/3/07. As a Christian we are to try to be Christ-like. I believe he achieved that in his wholesomeness. He is very approachable and likeable. Non-intimidating. There is a genuineness about him. I think he has received enough recognition to lead many lost, who otherwise may not have listened, to Christ. God Bless You Chris. Always remember who gave you your musical ability and return the blessing!
Well, seeing as 2 of these, "pop" songs are currently sung by Christian bands (DC Talk and MuteMath), I don't exactly think he is condemned to hell. As a student in bible college, i surely understand that sometimes taking the non-hymn route is the best way to go. God Bless Chris and all he does.
St Francis was a papist and if you are a pastor you would know that! Asiarock is a strange name for a man of God, I think you are a troll?? God Bless anyway, I'm only one person, one person saved by Christ! Amen!!!
Why does it even matter that he is christian?
Presuming the Connie below is the same person twice...I completely agree with your first comment, but you're like a different person in the second comment?!?! Perhaps you misunderstood me: my comment is actually that it's the people at Bob Jones University that are giving Christians a bad name and need to get a life. They should be supporting Chris instead of condemning for not having "preached" the gospel enough. And as a pastor, yes that is something that concerns me. As St Francis of Assisi once famously said: "preach the gospel at all times, and when necessary use words."
I think he got voted off, his god has forsaken him for his sin of having totally bad hair.
Who cares? If he sings good vote for him.
I thought all Christians had eternal life?