What is it about human nature that makes draws us in when something bad is happening? During a recent car trip, our progress was much impeded by a series of accidents on the “other” lane of travel on a divided highway. Multiple times there was a back up of one or two miles while folks gawked at the imagined carnage on the other side of the median (although the accidents were minor).
Why are we drawn to tragedy? What is there in humanity which can draw either empathy or a detached amusement, depending on the point of view of the individual? We see it every day, a tragic news story leads the evening news and grabs the headlines on many Web Sites. There is a strange dichotomy at work and I think I have seen what it is all about.
“American Idol” is one of America's most watched television shows. There is no mystery why this is true. Let me explain. As mentioned above, there are two reactions people have to the dramatic. We either stare in disbelief and then empathize or we laugh at their calamity. Am I wrong?
There is nothing wholesome nor “good” about this. At this point I must put forth an explanation; I am not condemning folks who watch “American Idol” since I would be including myself (at least in the past). I am however, asking Christian folks with a desire to please their Lord to consider the petty and mean-spiritedness this show generates in each of us.
Who hasn't watched this show and laughed at the unbelievably self-deluded souls who claim with much fanfare that they CAN SING, when all evidence (including those of the professional judges who ought to know) points to the contrary. My favorites are those who say that “My momma says I sing good.” Mom should really be more honest with her children, and urge them to pursue something more in line with their talents but that's another discussion. While it is funny in one sense, it is also tragic. What hope does one of these people have of making it in this world when they are not in contact with reality? There is no shame in trying to accomplish a big task or having lofty goals. God rewards faith, but not when it is placed in one's self. Am I the only one who felt guilty about the fun poked at these folks who not only can't sing, but who are belittled for the lack of physical beauty? Who can forget Simon Cowel referring to one man as a “Bushbaby”? Who can stand up against that kind of critical scrutiny? Not I! Compare this with Paul's words in II Cor. 10:17-18 “But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth. “
There is one more aspect of “American Idol” which is troubling to the thoughtful soul. What is it that these people are aspiring to do? They want to be adored (read that affirmed, loved, accepted) by a wide segment of the population for a narrow range of talent and an even narrower range of morality. Why would a Christian consider this as a goal worthy of cheering on, let alone watching (even passively)? The source of acceptance and love is the Lord. (Eph. 1:6 “...accepted in the beloved...” ; Rom. 5:8 “God commendeth His love toward us that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us”) To search for love and acceptance in anything other than the Lord Jesus Christ is a sad and fruitless escapade. Fame and fortune are fleeting, but “he that doeth the will of God abideth forever...” I John 2:17
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