American Idol heartthrob Carrie Underwood is inexplicably burning up the Country Music charts despite being almost indistinguishable from a bevy of blonde white-bread Faith wannabees currently recording. None of which has anything to do with my point.

Her current hit is “Jesus Take the Wheel”, and many are saying what a great message it contains. Personally, the song disgusts me, or maybe I just don’t get it. The song starts with her driving, going into an icy spin, and then throwing her hands up and letting Jesus take the wheel. At the literal level, I’m inclined to note that it’s this sort of behavior that gives women drivers a bad reputation. However, I grant that the song is really an allegory for her life. But that really doesn’t make me feel better.

The message is still to just give up and let Jesus do what he will to you. I’m unaware of any incarnation of Christianity, or any other religion, which advocates capitulation. God helps those who help themselves, right? This theme is pervasive. As I understand it, God is looking for a few good men, not a bunch of incapable dependents. What would Jesus do? Probably not just throw his hands up and quit when the going gets tough.