Derek Webb explains his "controversial song" What Matters More

[timmoreland]

There is no way that the FIRST thing 93% of those polled said "hate gay people." Perhaps 93% agreed with that statement. Surely, many would have said "judgemental," 'hypocritical," "don't believe in evolution," or "hate abortion."

Second, Jesus was not killed because he "loved all the wrong people." He laid down His life. And those who wanted Him dead the most, the Pharisees, felt threatened because He did take a moral stand about who He was - God & King - and who they were - hypocrites.

[awat7]

does anyone else agree that the famale voice saying "yeah...yeah...yeah" is the most annoying part of the video.

How about the people who are wasting time arguing on the comment section of youtube, spend more time loving the unlovely (following Jesus). But for the grace of God we would all be doomed to pay the penalty of our sin. Thanks be to Jesus.

[bryanmckaig]

500 characters are too few to say anything. Finally, the major point of this tune seems not only valid, but devastating. We care more about pointing out the sinfulness of others than addressing our own (in this case, our widespread lack of compassion).

[bryanmckaig]

Webb's song makes no comment as to the morality of homosexuality, so far as I can tell. I think the best understanding of the relevant texts (the Greek texts) equates homosexual practices with other sins. But this is to Webb's point: hatred, insults, derisive names, homophobia and mockery are no more Christian virtues than homosexual acts or adulterous acts. We Christians, while instructed to discern (synonym: judge) matters of sin within the church, sin when we hate others for their sin.

[bryanmckaig]

One way of understanding why Derek Webb needed to write this song is to look at the comments below. Christians and non-Christians tend to be venomous about this subject - but it's really not OK for Christians to do so. I've never heard DW comment on whether he believes homosexuality is sinful. I don't think that's the point of the song or his explanation here. It's the way we as Christians express our convictions: with venom, or with love?

[BEEBEE159]

Yes, we are all sinners; however, the rest of us are not proud of our sin the way gays are. The rest of us repent of our sins and turn away from the bad things we were doing. Gays, on the other hand, flaunt their sin and are proud of it. Instead of turning away from their sin, they say that Yahweh accepts them. However, the truth is, Yahweh does not accept them and their sinful behavior; and they will perish in their sins. Go on sinning...He's heating up Hell's fire for you, nice and toasty.

[cvgsusfreak08]

@BEEBEE159 HA! You have no idea what you're talking about. You should read the Bible in it's correct cultural and historical context. Think outside the box. You're ignorance is annoying.

[BEEBEE159]

@cvgsusfreak08 I want to see you tell Yahweh that He is "ignorant," when you meet him on your judgement day. You can try to justify your sins all you want, but the truth still stands. You either repent and turn to Yahweh; or you go on being rebellious and perish in your sins. That's the choice we are given, simple as that. You can call me whatever you want; that still does not change the condition of your soul. America is the Sodom and Gamorah of today. There is no truth here; only darkness.

[cvgsusfreak08]

@BEEBEE159 I want your proof that leads you to believe that homosexuality is wrong. Because I don't think you have any. And I never said that God was ignorant, I'm saying that you are. Duh. My soul is just fine, you're soul is the one that has been led astray by this world. Also, please never call homosexuality a choice. You're more than ignorant if you think that, you're just plain stupid.

[BEEBEE159]

@cvgsusfreak08 Again, I would like to see you tell Yahweh that He created a fag. That is total B.S. Homosexuality is a sin, period. Either repent or perish. It's that simple. My proof is in the Scriptures (Leviticus 18:22), which you will say is just another book. That is your "choice," to ignore Yahweh; but you WILL pay a heavy price for that one day. So just keep running your mouth. Yahweh hears your every word and sees your every action, as sick as that probably is. Hell awaits.

[cvgsusfreak08]

@BEEBEE159 Leviticus 19:27 tells you not to cut yoru hair, or shave your beard.

Leviticus 11:12 says one isn't not allowed to eat shellfish

Leviticus 19:19 says you're not allowed to plant 2 different seeds on one farm or wear clothes made out of two fabrics.

Most importantly we have Acts 13:39. "Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses"

Guess who wrote Leviticus? Yeah Moses.

[maimaiem]

@cvgsusfreak08 What a silly argument to make -REALLY??? That is not even a 1st year SEMINARY argument. It is CLEAR that you simply want to JUSTIFY sin, and in a CRASS fashion. It is clear that your concern is not following God, but to follow your flesh.

[cvgsusfreak08]

@BEEBEE159 It's really sad that you have fallen into the ways of this world and believe what they tell you. I will pray for your soul. It's sad that you use words like "fag". Maybe you should join Westboro Baptist. They preach ignorant hate much like yourself.

And please stop saying Yahweh, it sounds pretentious. Also, whether homosexuality is a sin or not, that won't keep me out of heaven. Yahweh loves me just the way I am.

I'm seriously questioning your knowledge of the Bible. Fool.

[natedo1040]

hey Lukeg411, WE are not to judge ANYONE, christian, or non christian. Who or what bible do you read ? I doubt you are perfect , non of us are stupid. That is the whole story idiot.

[lukeg411]

@natedo1040 I read Paul, when he tells the Corinthian Christians(1 Corinthians 5) to rid themselves of the leaven of the brother having sex with his mother-in-law. If he does not repent Paul says for them to rid themselves of the immoral brother!

[casanovakid55]

oaky so speaking as someone who was formerly a part of the churchi can say this: it seems that christians are against more stuff then for stuff. why cant you people just learn to love and stop forcing your belifes on others?!? why cant you tear down walls instead of building them up? whats wrong with being gay other then that your precious bible says its wrong?! you DO realise the bible is the work of man not god right? try this: start accepting people for who they are. stop hating, start loving

[gono6]

Derek: You need to Read Romans chapter 1. I am disappointed in Derek . Sin is sin regardless of what you say or how you " feel" Get over your self dude. But hopefully you will never get over God's word.

[Wandafulist]

@gono6 That is exactly what Derek is saying! Why do we scream at homosexuals, when we are all guilty of sinning. We ALL need Gods Grace.

[cvgsusfreak08]

@gono6 No, you need to read Romans 1. Then maybe look up different translations and see how different they all are. You're an idiot if you think you're little NIV version is exactly what God spoke to man centuries ago. So. You get over yoourself.

[lukeg411]

This song is about removing the stigma of being God's hateful people, God Judges sin and the sinner because all people born hate God. Unless God changes their hearts through miraculous work, we should not expect them to conform to our morality. We can judge "Christians" who are openly and unrepentantly homosexual but that is it, we cannot judge unchristian homosexuals. I think this is needed not sad.

[maimaiem]

@lukeg411 I agree that we cannot hold the world to the standard that Christians are given the Spirit's power to live up to, right? -only problem is that D.Webb is supporting J. Knapp and making no distinction. Paul was clear about sexual sin( not just homosexuality) saying that the unrepentant "Christian" is to be put out of your fellowship. Right? Can we at least agree that is what is the standard?

[lukeg411]

@maimaiem Out of the fellowship of the Church, I think as long as Knapp is treated not as a sister but a pagan it is okay to tour with her. I support non-Christian musicians so can Webb. She should be disciplined by her Church body and cast out if unrepentant.

[woffinator]

Quit calling yourself a christian. Christians don't subvert Gods word!

[Wandafulist]

@woffinator

[maimaiem]

Wow -way to blur the lines buddy. Sad.

[Wandafulist]

@maimaiem 

[cvgsusfreak08]

@maimaiem The lines that you have read are just as blurred. So don't talk shit until you stick your nose in the original text and see what it really has to say. You're NIV version doesn't alway cut it.

[maimaiem]

@cvgsusfreak08 -Even sadder, is your response. Not even an argument worthy of a Freshman seminary student. It is clear that you have no interest in the heart of God in these matters, you're just following your flesh.