Who would have thought it?<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve been a vocal critic of the way American Idol so often showcases people at their undignified worst (admittedly with their permission) during the auditioning process. Paradoxically, that winnowing-the-worst process eventually permits the audience to witness others at their artistic best, because art can be transcendent. It invites the God-spark.<\/p>\n
This season, however, American Idol<\/strong> seems to be collecting an unusual number of contestants with personal stories that affirm the dignity and value of human life, and these stories\u2013these people and their lives\u2013are truly moving.<\/p>\nhttp:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=elaXeN15isM<\/a>\n This is either the most cynical exploitation of human drama for the sake of ratings that we\u2019ve ever seen, or it\u2019s a downright providential celebration of the inherent worth of every human life (and the right to live the life one has, no matter what the challenges) and a far-reaching lesson in the transcendent power of love.<\/p>\nhttp:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=c9d_zMbEkVM<\/a>\n Gotta tell you that after reading the filth of the utter disregard for humanity contained in the Grand Jury Report<\/strong><\/a> against Kermit Gosnell and his abortion clinic, these videos feel like pure gift.<\/p>\n So does this:<\/strong><\/p>\n