"There is a big difference between a song with a small reference to some religious matter and a prayer," Skarin said.
Essentially, the Skarins feel they’re being forced to pray. And the Iowa Civil Liberties Union backs them upIt will only be a prayer if the singer makes it so. Just ask Barbra Streisand who has recorded Christian songs for years. Actually I always thought it strange to hear her sing "Ave Maria" or a truly Christian Christmas song. But she's been doing it for years.
Some folks just want to make a stink, I guess.
LOL..Actually BS is what came to mind when I read this and the number of Christmas songs she's recorded. Although she did butcher Silent Night so as not to include some of the later lyrics that call Jesus Lord. While I think she has a nice voice, when it comes to Christmas music, I like the person to be singing it to actually have some faith that comes through in thier songs. There is a certain passion missed when someone who is not a believer sings these things. I guess in a sense, that's one good reason not to use this song in the Choir though--I wouldn't want anyone singing something so sacred who does not believe it or who would even defame God.
I guess I think of praise music. Put a vineyard musician in to sing praises to Christ and it's electrifying the intensity of it. I suspect if you had BS singing a praise song, the lack of passion for the words would show.