Derek Webb - What Matters More

[comradeshow]

thank you Derek for showing that not all of us Christians are homophobic and for showing God's love to those Christians who are homosexuals, they are out there (some of my friends belong to that category)

[JasonCliffordClement]

"I have three things to say today. 1st: While you were sleeping last night 30,000 kids died of starvation or diseases related to malnutrition. 2nd: Most of you don’t give a shit. 3rd: What’s worse is that you are more upset with the fact that I said shit than the fact that 30,000 kids died last night."

[ericachu]

what album is this on? I thought it was Stockholm Syndrome, I bought it, and it's not on there.

[JoshFord100]

I used to listen to Derek back during my church days and I randomly ran across him on here again. I have to say Even though I no longer hold the same beliefs as he does about god I have a tremendous amount of respect for his message in this song. Keep up the good work and I'll keep listening.

[casanovakid55]

this guy gives me hope that mabye christians arent all close minded bigots

[thatsrougue55]

S.H.I. T., Ship High In Transit. This was stamped on soft goods that were prone to damage when loaded onto cargo ships. One of the many goods was manure. It didn't smell bad until it got wet. Therefore, it was placed high up so it would not get wet. Otherwise, the whole place would end up smelling like S.H.I.T. Not really a "curse" word. Just like any misused word, it depends on the heart of the one using it.

[Platypi007]

@thatsrougue55 Actually, that is an urban legend. The word has its roots in the Proto Indo-European language from a word from which we also get the word "shed", as in separating from the body.

[casanovakid55]

@thatsrougue55 also how fuck started. it started oyut and they would put in on whore houses F.U.C.K meaning "Freaternization Under Consent of the King

[jiggaballer]

@casanovakid55 That's an urban legend. Do your research!

[JamieDavila]

OMG, he said shit?

Oops, I just said it too...

Didn't he call someone a whore before too?

Maybe y'all should quit complaining so much and just open your ears to how ridiculously talented this man is.

Wow, this song is amazing, the shivers it sends through my bones, reminds me why I love music so much. Why I love period.

[tiffanygf88]

@JamieDavila couldn't have said it better myself :)

[sbgtfe289]

What Matters More:

The Word of God and the Bride of Christ

[azania1994]

What Matters More: speaking the truth or the words used to convey that truth. This is an essential truth, one that so many do not acknowledge with our actions, so I believe strong words are needed.

[sbgtfe289]

Truth:

James 3:9-12 (New International Version) 9With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. 10Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 11Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

[natekey]

And yet, a few letters over, Paul is "cursing" up a storm.

See Philippians 3:8. The greek work word "skubala" is translated "refuse or garbage" in the NIV but in greek it's a vulgar word that wasn't said in "polite company." Much like the word "Sh*t" in english.

We'd have to lump Derek Webb with Paul, then.

Thought: Maybe James meant cursing as an opposite to blessing- In other words, cursing means belittling and defiling the worth of another person?

[sbgtfe289]

Truth:

John 14:15-17 (New International Version) 15"If you love me, you will obey what I command. 16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— 17the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

[sbgtfe289]

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (New International Version) 9Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders 10nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

[Team503]

What a beautiful message couched in a completely rad song!

[zhrob1]

Derek Webb

I am a fan for your messages in your music.

Let me ask you this bro, are you going to sing that in front of Jesus. Or do you not give a sh*t!

I realize there are a lot of other profanities that could be said and I know you are trying to push the love message. But cussing a love song of change. Yes, being a Christian is not determined by smoking, drinking, cussing, etc. b/c a lobster would be considered a Christian by that standard!

Love the sinner, hate the sin.

Perhaps you should

R

[efh0888]

I think cussing according to God's standards is using His name in vain, nothing else. How is saying shit any worse than putting people down with any other kind of words, like moron, idiot, etc. and yet we (christians) feel OK using those right? Just so long as they aren't "cuss" words. Why?

His message is spot on. And I think the kind of people he is trying to reach are people just like you, who care more about him saying shit than him doing something meaningful for the Kingdom of God.

[zhrob1]

efh0888

Define people like me? lol

I am disappointed to hear such a talented artist sing on record cussing, no matter how small.

This is the type of song that turns people away from playing it, especially those who have children within arms reach.

I ain't saying his heart ain't right, Jesus is my judge and his. But a bro has a right to rebuke. All things are permitted but not all things are good.

Derek, I suggest, you rethink and substitute the word "CARE" for "sh@t"

God bless

Ronnie

[unsheepled]

I never heard of this artist until this week..wow..wow wow... tell it like it is

Surprised and enjoying this style!

Thank you Derek! God Bless!

[antipelagian]

I used to enjoy Derek Webb's music...this song is very catchy with a deceptive message. A dangerous combo.

Somehow I missed the "either I hate homosexuals or I care about the dying"...I hear people die while millions are doing their dishes, but I've also heard there's no correllation between the two.

[RicShewell]

first, nice name.

second, I don't think the song directed to such a general audience. It seems to be directed to the fanatical fringe Christians that have made number one priority the condemnation of homosexuality... I think it is a minority, just an infuriating and loud minority that does not speak for all Christians.

And, they probably are neo-fundamentalists who don't give a shit if people are dying, since their focus is merely spiritual well-being.

[antipelagian]

Glad you like the moniker ;)

I think you're giving DW a little too much credit. I know of hardly anyone speaking against homosexuality. It's a nebulous group with no name...the only time a name comes up is when the un-defined group can be personified by Fred Phelps of Godhatesfagsdotcom.

If we can't even define the group, is DW actually speaking to anyone? It's easy to preach a message to no audience.

[RicShewell]

very nice comment.

I was born and raised in Colorado Springs, home of Focus on the Family and Dr. James Dobson. The folks that said Christians should not allow their children to watch SpongeBob because Patrick seems to be gay.

I would say that Focus on the Family is another group, who is highly influential in evangelical Christianity, that believes spiritual well-being trumps social justice. And they have made homosexuality a priority.

DW is being hyperbolic, but the audience is out there

[RicShewell]

antipelagian:

I don't think DW is making a hard and fast dichotomy (other wise, it would seem that Mr. Phelps is the only one that would fit). But the ECA and the ELCA have both made big news concerning the place of homosexuals in the church this summer, and now the RCC is getting involved. There is so much attention on this subject, and it is deemed so news worthy. Meanwhile, the church still has its mission.

I think we have to understand DW being dramatic to make a point, but thats art.

[antipelagian]

Ric,

Why do you suppose there is a dividing line between mission/message?

What makes you think the issue of homosexuality is a small thing? (If it's strange that the ELCA proceeding has been deemed "news worthy", I'm assuming you would take the inverse: that it's not news worthy)

[RicShewell]

antipelagian,

I wouldn't say there is a distinction between mission and message, but our mission is far from deciding who is in and who is out of heaven. Our mission is to proclaim the Reign of God in word and deed. But I do think we get wrapped up in agendas that can start to eclipse that mission.

I didn't mean to say that its not news worthy. It was in response to your comment about not knowing many who speak out against homosexuality.

Youtube comments are too short.

[amoshiggs]

I'm going to jump in here.

Craig: you seriously aren't familiar with the type of people who'd rather see a homosexual languish in their sin than to be changed by the grace of God? I have seen this type of so-called Christian in action. And that's the reason why this song strikes a chord with me. And, well, considering that Webb has always been so orthodox and trustworthy in his views... maybe just give him some benefit of the doubt and assume hyperbole (to an EXTENT).

[amoshiggs]

But, of course, my primary goal is not to defend any human being (e.g. Webb). I'd *like* to think I am defending Truth.

And yes, many Christians do "sit like we don't give a shit."

[antipelagian]

Amos,

I could say "trust me, I'm not succumbing to hyperbole"...but I'm not sure that will do.

If you remember, I used to love DW's music. I don't change my opinion of a man lightly. Look at the fruit of DW's music. Does he give unbelievers more fuel for blasphemy? He tells the world "yeah, Christians are pretty bigoted, just like you've been saying"...he doesn't sound like the DW of She Must and Shall Go Free.

Read some interviews with him about himself as "an artist"...also very telling.

[amoshiggs]

Craig,

Okay. (I just clicked 'thumbs up' on your comment).

[addtothebeauty]

All right! Derek Webb takes it up another step. Thank you!

[mattalber]

Could it be? Music from a Christian artist that calls Christian's on their homophobia? Huge thanks from a recovering fundamentialist, Derek. Do you know my buddy Brian Meilor?

cheers and more cheers, Matt

[casanovakid55]

@mattalber i know right?!?!? i love that a christian has the stones to call out his own people. derek is the type of christian that gives me hope for the whole breed!

[MatthewDavidProject]

@mattalber is this THE Matt Alber? y'all check him out... he's amazing!

[bekabee24]

Man, i love it. Christian music that's actually up in your face and presenting the TRUTH.  Not to mention I love your mix...this is some pretty good music. Just discovered you Derek, and lovin it. Keep it going. Dare the music industry to catch up with you. :) God bless.

[jesusfollower223344]

Wow. Right on.

[jesusfollower223344]

Very Ironic, really good message.

[coconut888]

derek, i love this. i pray this would go viral and start a sweep across Christendom. seriously, this stuff asks challenging questions on a very human, deep, and yet gospel centered manner.

the toughest question of Christianity (i always ask) is "you're a Christian, so what?" or taking the title from francis schaeffer's book "how shall we then live?" you hit it on the nail once again in a most relevant way.

God bless bro. i've always been a huge fan.

[CrownStudentG]

I really appreciate that you say it how it really is.

[ChrisHallSaysHi]

Very provocative. Thank you for sharing.

[apocobring]

What I MEANT to type was "cool song". Stupid typos!