Music

I was part of a discussion on the message boards at www.dasouth.com/forum involving the purpose of music. The discussion led us to analyze a popular song by Kirk Franklin and special guests. This also led to a discussion about secular artists singing Christian music.

Does God Exist? The Face-off on ABC Nightline

On one side, the atheists: Brian Sapient and Kelly (no last name?). On the other side, the Christians: Kirk Cameron and Ray Comfort. The atheists are from the Rational Response Squad; and the Christians are from The Way of the Master. Great Debate. I'll wait until the end to tell you who I think won.



The debate was in response to a piece Nightline did on RRS' blasphemy challenge. I had heard about the blasphemy challenge but didnt realize ABC actually covered it. This does make me sad. First, it seems they dont know what "blaspheme" means. It is not to deny the existence of; it is to speak evil or reproachfully about something . Do your homework guys. Its still sad that they are leading all these people to commit what they believe to be an unforgiveable sin. The text on their website says:

"You may damn yourself to Hell however you would like, but somewhere in your video you must say this phrase: "I deny the Holy Spirit."

To top it off, whoever takes the challenge gets a free DVD. I'm not sure what they hope to accomplish with this challenge but lets get on to the debate itself.

The debate was Ray and Kirk's claim that they could show that the existence of God can be proven, 100 percent, absolutely, without the use of faith. I watched both online and on TV; and I thought the TV version was actually fair. The host, Martin Bashir, seemed to lean towards the atheists. However, he seemed a little more fair on the TV version. In fact, online, it seemed it was the whole world against Ray and Kirk and they stood their ground.



Comfort started off and eventually did mention the Bible in his opening arguments. Brian was quick to point that out in his rebuttal. They tried to shoot down every single one of Ray's points and to be honest it wasnt that hard. The atheists had strong rebuttals and were very prepared. I was a little disappointed in the Christians and felt they could have done a better job, but by the time Kirk got the chance to speak, i figured it all out. I dont think Ray and Kirk were there to win the debate. They were there to share the Truth of Jesus Christ. While the atheists were using sarcasm trying to mock them, they were sharing the gospel to millions of people online and on network TV. Genius! Like Kirk said, viewers would get the opportunity to choose for themselves. Either to have faith in the big bang, or to have faith in a Creater God. I choose the Creator God.

If you missed the debate, check it out here:
http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=3156022

I'm an uncle...again. Plus Mutemath

So I got the news yesterday that my sister safely delivered her first baby, a boy. Woohoo! I would tell you how much he weighs but I don't remember. Isn't that sad? Nah. I remember the gender that's gotta be good for something. For those keeping track, that's the 2nd niece/nephew in as many weeks (different sister). And once again, it looks like I'm losing the bid to get her to name him after me. At least she's not asking for money like my other sister did. I mean, what can a brother do to raise an army of Topettes. And don't tell me get my own kids. Lets be realistic here.

Enough about me. Well that's not really possible but we'll act like it is. I went to see Mutemath this past Sunday. Great show (thanks Sketch). So much impressed me about this band especially the drummer, Darren King. Dude killed it. Totally killed it; the drumset and the mic stand. Take it from another drummer, kid is that good.



It was obvious these guys put in a lot of work into their live performance; complete with synchronized fluorescent lights in the background and a guy playing the bass (not bass guitar). Great set altogether, I def got my money's worth. Check them out if you can, or catch their really cool video (www.mutemath.com). They are one of the hottest bands right now. No lie.

Couple of interesting notes about the show; this was my first experience in a club where I wasn't performing. Felt a little weird in the beginning but it was cool. I still dont see myself making a habit out of this.

It was an awesome feeling hearing the crowd sing "Its such a beautiful surrender" amidst the cigarette smoke and heavy alcohol.

CONTROL by MuteMath

Take control of the atmosphere
Take me far away from here
There is no better loss than to lose myself in you
In a parachute to glide, I am captive in your sky
Surrender has somehow become so beautiful

Take control of the atmosphere
Take control of the atmosphere
You can take my world you can fill the air
Take control, take controlIt's such a beautiful surrender

It's such a beautiful surrender
It's such a beautiful surrender
It's such a beautiful surrender

Move me up through the darkest clouds
Till I've lost in the sun every shadow of doubt
There is no better find than to find myself with you
In a fog you are all I see I'm inviting you closer with each time I breathe
Surrender has somehow become so beautiful

Take control of the atmosphere
Take control of the atmosphere
There is no reason I should breathe unless you're in the air
Take control

Its such a beautiful surrender
Its such a beautiful surrender
And I'm calling outwould you take control
And I'm calling out

The introduction...

I thought about taking time to introduce myself but I changed my mind as it would take too long. Well I guess I could mention the essentials or better yet the multiple personalities.

There's that guy that is totally in love with Jesus. He wishes everything he says and does pleases His Savior. He can't stand it when he messes up, which is quite often. He is actively involved at his church, Braeswood Assembly of God (http://www.braeswoodchurch.org), especially with the Singles Ministry. Dude co-teaches one of the dopest classes ever.

Then there's the musician. Dude plays the saxophone, the drums, and occasionally the keyboard/piano. He also rocks the mic as dogfight!(www.myspace.com/dogfightmusic). As a fan, dude loves most genres of music, mostly inspirational. From British rockers, delirious? to the late Rich Mullins; from POD to Tye Tribett; from the Cross Movement to LA Symphony. We could go on for days about this.

We can't forget the geeky software developer,

or the wanna-be long distance runner.

And there's more. Believe me.