Ben Seewald recently sat down with FLAME, a Christian hip hop recording artist, to discuss racial tension in the United States. Check out his interview below:
Great interview. I've never heard this issue from a Christ centered perspective. As Christians if confront/acknowledge this sin, repent,and forgive we could end racism
Now this is an ignorant statement regarding Flame's "secular music". Have you ever stopped to hear his lyrics before being judgmental? They are very God-honoring & heavy in great doctrine.
I think you have completely missed the message. You only focussed on the music being Hip Hop, and assumed it wasn't " Christian ". How do you know Jesus doesn't rap in Heaven? As Flame so poignantly said God is all about being diverse. We are from all nations, tongues,and tribes. Get out of your box break a move for the Lord!!
Thank you so much for posting this video! As a minority and fan of the Duggars, it's good to see these types of open conversations happening and to see how beyond everything Gods love, truth and peace rule over it all!
It was an interview conducted by Ben... that is how an interview works. You ask a question or the other person's opinion and that person answers or expresses their opinion.
How dare you judge God's child? This is a person Jesus died for and a person who took it very seriously and now shares the gospel on a level most of us are incapable.
Response to Anonymous at 8:28am Ben Seewald has been the head of his home for over a year now. Who would be disallowing him from listening to Hip Hop music, if he wanted to do so? Furthermore, why is it necessary for him to listen to Hip Hop? Both men proved that they were capable of accepting each other as humans (brothers in Christ, also) and carrying on a meaningful conversation.
What a mind opening interview Ben did! I respect his awareness of other people than just what we see on TV. Great Job! Flame is awesome, and very intelligent, so glad he's a Christian!
I really enjoyed listening to this....what a REAL Christian Flame is. Wow....if everyone's heart was like both Ben and Flame, the world would be paradise. Now, I know God promises that one day the world WILL be paradise, but I cannot help but pray that this video has a real impact on the people who listen with their heart. I would like to say that everyone who is a Christian sees all people as fellow human beings and not what kind of music they play or sing. Ben is demonstrating this and it is obvious that he genuinely feels this way. I see the same feelings demonstrated by the Duggar family, also. I am still praying for Anna and Josh.
Some of us have been blessed to have grown up in households from birth that held strong and unshakable beliefs and values. And there are others of us that have been brought up in different 'types' of Christian households where maybe beliefs and morals weren't held in such 'high' regard. Nonetheless, we have all been given different levels of 'light' or been impressed to alter certain things or different revelations have been made to us. Therefore we are unable to say 'oh so he is a hip hop rapper, that isn't Godly', just look around, God is working on so many hearts that are in the industry. Let us not discourage them from finding the lord as well. We will all be judged on what we did with the knowledge that has been revealed to us. For some, the knowledge that we have all known for a long time may be something around the corner waiting to be revealed to them. May we all have open hearts to God and accept His message when we receive it. Having a read of the book THE GREAT CONTROVERSEY really puts things into perspective:) God bless you all!
Great comment, just sitting here trying to come up with wise words...then I read yours and you said everything I wish my brain could have come up with to convey...lol☺ To me , a good Christian does not judge others but accepts and loves them no matter...just like the Duggars do, they hate no one, it's evident in everything they do...rumors aside, don't believe all u read...be wise...blessings☺
Some of you missed the title, "Christian Hip Hop" artist. This means he sings about Christian things. This does not merely mean that he is a born again Christian, but likes to sing about junk.
Mr. Flame, police are local government employees. You can't bring Christianity with you to the work place if you are on a government payroll and expect everyone else there to listen to your beliefs or even tolerate your open talk about religion. Police are hired to do their public safety job, not preach. One complaint about religious talk & they would be asked to stop, if not reprimanded or even eventually fired. It's a secular job, paid by tax money. Very clear separation of church & state there.
I encourage you to watch the video of Lecrae taking at Liberty University Convocation. One problem Christians have is viewing things as "sacred" or "secular." God never meant for it to be that way. Everything is sacred, including your job.
And I encourage you to research the laws concerning this issue, starting with what happened to Atlanta's fire chief for trying to share his personal beliefs with his fellow city employees.
I am so tire of hearing about how police hate and profile black people. THis site is getting ridiculous and I think its time for me to move on. P.S. Maybe Flame and Ben should check out crime statistics and address our immorality and criminal acts that we commit on each other.
What's wrong with the music genre of hip hop? If you don't like the beat, then don't listen to it. Music doesn't have to be a hymn (which I love), or country, or the horribly boring, plodding "worship music" they make us sing in modern churches today. If the words of the song glorify God and/or if the artist glorifies God by showcasing his God-given talents in the instrumental portion of the song, then what problem could any rational person have with any style of music? Flame is articulate and a great representative of the Gospel message. I'm going to look into his music.
Remember when JimBob pulled a toddler Jackson (I think) from wiggling to a child's toy playing music!!! Now, it's accepted that Ben can chat with a hip hop performer????
I remember that. It so sad... We are created to move. King David danced before the Lord!! JimBob and Michelle want to keep anything "sensual" out of their children's lives. Again--it is our Creator God who created our senses for goodness sake!! I hope they all start to hip hop, rap, shimmy and just sing a joyful song to the Lord!
Interesting! In the girls book they mentioned how they don't listen to even Christian music that is in a modern style such a hip hop or rock. I guess their views have changed? Or maybe Jessa doesn't listen to this music still? I think modern styles of Christian music have a lot to offer so I hope they are opening their minds up to it.
This little interview may become a classic because it speaks well to a significant and ongoing problem. Some areas may seem or be less prejudiced but other areas are more so. I think Ben and Flame are doing the right thing to create this educational piece that communicates right Christian truths. Thank-you for sharing it as I only saw it on this blog.
Why are some comments saying Ben did not speak enough?! This seems like Ben is interviewing his guest speaker to get his views. Ben did an excellent job of asking and listening, Flame did an excellent job of talking about the Christian perspective on prejudice.
That was fascinating to watch! Ben is more open-minded than I thought he would be. Thank you for posting this interview.It humanizes the family in ways not previously shown. Christian music that glorifies our risen savior in different genres reaches more unsaved people than just one or two genres.
Ladies I must thank you for sharing this with your readers. Racism is fear of unknown and different. Most importantly it represents the non acceptance of both in one of its worst forms to humanity. Nothing Godly about it. We do the same thing sizing up other form of worship and different Christian faiths to the one we were raised in. We should open our hearts and learn from each other. Walking away with a different perspective and recognizing the common threads. Hopefully more then few get that from this post.
We have to remember that Christian music should be pleasing to the Father, not to us. We are offering worship to Him and His personality is Reverend, so our worship s/b Reverend as well.
Our music and hearts certainly should be reverent before our Holy Father...but what type of music would you say reveres God? If I grew up in the Caribbean and played Christian music, would it be irreverent if my music had scriptural lyrics but incorporated steel drums and an "island flavor"? What if I were Japanese and used the koto? Or if were Indian and played the sitar?
There was a time when classical music was regarded as ungodly and irreverent, but it's widely accepted now. Don't get me wrong—there's a lot of popular "Christian" music that I believe is unscriptural and merely created to tickle ears and make money. But for music that is scriptural, the message doesn't change when the beat does.
Should godly Christian music sound like American gospel? Southern country gospel? Or, more fittingly, like Jewish music, since that's the roots of our beliefs?
I've learned that my heart, my motives/intentions, and my thoughts are key factors in being reverent. If the music isn't objectionable from a lyrical standpoint and I'm handling it in a godly way, what scripture do I follow to tell me what my music should sound like?
First of all the word is reverent. Second I am inferring by your comment you don't think hip hop is not reverent? Why? I don't personally enjoy hip hop or rap, but I am open-minded enough to believe my Lord understands a persons heart of worship more than the genre of music played.
It was great to see this unexpected interview from Ben. I agree that we cannot move forward as a country until we have these conversations. I love the Duggars, but I do think that they can sometimes be a bit close-minded. But seeing this interview made me think that perhaps I've been too judgmental myself.
He is so sweet to Jessa!They are perfect for eachother!I just love watching them.I hope TLC brings them back so I can see them together with Spurgeon.It would be so sad if not.The hate group is so small that are against them.I pray I can watch their little family grow!
I did enjoy the interview. What I could actually hear and understand; both men were difficult to follow with all the um umum, ya know, yeah, comments. Ben is definitely not a Dugger, nor does he follow the ideology of Jim Bob with regard to music, acceptance of others, and right to freedom of expressions. Nice to see Ben being his own person.
I'm glad I came across this and it's awesome to see this discussed from a Christian point of view. I came across a few Christian people who were very prejudiced and I wonder to myself how they can be Christian and racist at the same time. It just doesn't make sense to me. The world would be awfully boring if we were all the same. We're all human and should love and respect each other
Mark 12:31 And the second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
I can't see Ben Seewald having much of a future in interviewing. He needs to go to school and take a few classes on communications. I know he's a Duggar by marriage, and he's on TV, but that doesn't mean he's a very good communicator.
Thanks for leaving your comments! We answer as many of your questions as we can, but due to the number of comments we receive daily, we are unable to answer every one. Our aim is to post all points of view, but we do not post anything that is profane, insulting, derogatory, or in poor taste.
Great interview. I've never heard this issue from a Christ centered perspective. As Christians if confront/acknowledge this sin, repent,and forgive we could end racism
ReplyDeleteHip hop? Really? I am surprised. How is that secular form of music glorifying to the Lord?
ReplyDeleteNow this is an ignorant statement regarding Flame's "secular music". Have you ever stopped to hear his lyrics before being judgmental? They are very God-honoring & heavy in great doctrine.
DeleteIf you listen only to "Christian music," you're missing out on most of the greatest music ever written. Proceed at your own risk.
DeleteI think you have completely missed the message. You only focussed on the music being Hip Hop, and assumed it wasn't " Christian ". How do you know Jesus doesn't rap in Heaven? As Flame so poignantly said God is all about being diverse. We are from all nations, tongues,and tribes. Get out of your box break a move for the Lord!!
DeleteHello
ReplyDeleteI couldn't hardly hear what they were both talking about.
How many seconds did Ben get to talk..LOL.
ReplyDeleteAll though Flame clearly had great views, I thought Ben was not able to fully talk.
It was meant to be an interview, not a conversation. :)
DeleteThank you so much for posting this video! As a minority and fan of the Duggars, it's good to see these types of open conversations happening and to see how beyond everything Gods love, truth and peace rule over it all!
ReplyDeletePoor Ben couldn't get a word in edgewise. :P
ReplyDeleteIt was an interview conducted by Ben... that is how an interview works. You ask a question or the other person's opinion and that person answers or expresses their opinion.
DeleteThat was a good talk. What is the name of flame's music album? I want to listen to his songs.
ReplyDeleteVery good 😊. Good to see lines of communication being opened.
ReplyDelete"Flame" is a rapper. What utter utter nonsense.
ReplyDeleteHow dare you judge God's child? This is a person Jesus died for and a person who took it very seriously and now shares the gospel on a level most of us are incapable.
Deletedo they even know who he is like I don't think they are even aloud to listen to some one like that.
ReplyDeleteResponse to Anonymous at 8:28am Ben Seewald has been the head of his home for over a year now. Who would be disallowing him from listening to Hip Hop music, if he wanted to do so? Furthermore, why is it necessary for him to listen to Hip Hop? Both men proved that they were capable of accepting each other as humans (brothers in Christ, also) and carrying on a meaningful conversation.
DeleteI think they just mean the duggars have said they don't listen to that kind of music.
DeleteI agree that they are not allowed to listen to music that might make them dance.
DeleteWhat a mind opening interview Ben did! I respect his awareness of other people than just what we see on TV. Great Job! Flame is awesome, and very intelligent, so glad he's a Christian!
ReplyDeleteBen is an adult with a wife and child. I would pray he is "allowed" to listen to whoever he wants to.
ReplyDeleteIn other words, Christians should follow the teachings of the founder of their religion and love their neighbors. Novel idea, I know.
ReplyDeleteAmen!!! Could not have said it better myself
DeleteIt doesn't matter what type of music it is, they are praising god! Come on people so easy to judge!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed listening to this....what a REAL Christian Flame is. Wow....if everyone's heart was like both Ben and Flame, the world would be paradise. Now, I know God promises that one day the world WILL be paradise, but I cannot help but pray that this video has a real impact on the people who listen with their heart.
ReplyDeleteI would like to say that everyone who is a Christian sees all people as fellow human beings and not what kind of music they play or sing. Ben is demonstrating this and it is obvious that he genuinely feels this way. I see the same feelings demonstrated by the Duggar family, also. I am still praying for Anna and Josh.
Some of us have been blessed to have grown up in households from birth that held strong and unshakable beliefs and values. And there are others of us that have been brought up in different 'types' of Christian households where maybe beliefs and morals weren't held in such 'high' regard. Nonetheless, we have all been given different levels of 'light' or been impressed to alter certain things or different revelations have been made to us. Therefore we are unable to say 'oh so he is a hip hop rapper, that isn't Godly', just look around, God is working on so many hearts that are in the industry. Let us not discourage them from finding the lord as well. We will all be judged on what we did with the knowledge that has been revealed to us. For some, the knowledge that we have all known for a long time may be something around the corner waiting to be revealed to them. May we all have open hearts to God and accept His message when we receive it. Having a read of the book THE GREAT CONTROVERSEY really puts things into perspective:) God bless you all!
ReplyDeleteGreat comment, just sitting here trying to come up with wise words...then I read yours and you said everything I wish my brain could have come up with to convey...lol☺ To me , a good Christian does not judge others but accepts and loves them no matter...just like the Duggars do, they hate no one, it's evident in everything they do...rumors aside, don't believe all u read...be wise...blessings☺
DeleteSome of you missed the title, "Christian Hip Hop" artist. This means he sings about Christian things. This does not merely mean that he is a born again Christian, but likes to sing about junk.
ReplyDeleteThis was really cool!thanks Lily and Ellie!
ReplyDeleteMr. Flame, police are local government employees. You can't bring Christianity with you to the work place if you are on a government payroll and expect everyone else there to listen to your beliefs or even tolerate your open talk about religion. Police are hired to do their public safety job, not preach. One complaint about religious talk & they would be asked to stop, if not reprimanded or even eventually fired. It's a secular job, paid by tax money. Very clear separation of church & state there.
ReplyDeleteI encourage you to watch the video of Lecrae taking at Liberty University Convocation. One problem Christians have is viewing things as "sacred" or "secular." God never meant for it to be that way. Everything is sacred, including your job.
DeleteAnd I encourage you to research the laws concerning this issue, starting with what happened to Atlanta's fire chief for trying to share his personal beliefs with his fellow city employees.
DeleteI am so tire of hearing about how police hate and profile black people.
ReplyDeleteTHis site is getting ridiculous and I think its time for me to move on.
P.S. Maybe Flame and Ben should check out crime statistics and address
our immorality and criminal acts that we commit on each other.
What's wrong with the music genre of hip hop? If you don't like the beat, then don't listen to it. Music doesn't have to be a hymn (which I love), or country, or the horribly boring, plodding "worship music" they make us sing in modern churches today. If the words of the song glorify God and/or if the artist glorifies God by showcasing his God-given talents in the instrumental portion of the song, then what problem could any rational person have with any style of music? Flame is articulate and a great representative of the Gospel message. I'm going to look into his music.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully said!
DeleteThank you!! :)
DeleteRemember when JimBob pulled a toddler Jackson (I think) from wiggling to a child's toy playing music!!!
ReplyDeleteNow, it's accepted that Ben can chat with a hip hop performer????
I remember that. It so sad... We are created to move. King David danced before the Lord!! JimBob and Michelle want to keep anything "sensual" out of their children's lives. Again--it is our Creator God who created our senses for goodness sake!! I hope they all start to hip hop, rap, shimmy and just sing a joyful song to the Lord!
DeleteInteresting! In the girls book they mentioned how they don't listen to even Christian music that is in a modern style such a hip hop or rock. I guess their views have changed? Or maybe Jessa doesn't listen to this music still? I think modern styles of Christian music have a lot to offer so I hope they are opening their minds up to it.
ReplyDeleteThat's one of the reasons I think Ben is a great addition to the Duggar family!!
DeleteThis little interview may become a classic because it speaks well to a significant and ongoing problem. Some areas may seem or be less prejudiced but other areas are more so.
ReplyDeleteI think Ben and Flame are doing the right thing to create this educational piece that communicates right Christian truths. Thank-you for sharing it as I only saw it on this blog.
Why are some comments saying Ben did not speak enough?! This seems like Ben is interviewing his guest speaker to get his views. Ben did an excellent job of asking and listening, Flame did an excellent job of talking about the Christian perspective on prejudice.
ReplyDeleteSince Ben is an adult with a wife and a baby, why isn't he being more responsible with his music choices and his career choices?
ReplyDeleteThat was fascinating to watch! Ben is more open-minded than I thought he would be. Thank you for posting this interview.It humanizes the family in ways not previously shown. Christian music that glorifies our risen savior in different genres reaches more unsaved people than just one or two genres.
ReplyDeleteLadies I must thank you for sharing this with your readers. Racism is fear of unknown and different. Most importantly it represents the non acceptance of both in one of its worst forms to humanity. Nothing Godly about it.
ReplyDeleteWe do the same thing sizing up other form of worship and different Christian faiths to the one we were raised in. We should open our hearts and learn from each other. Walking away with a different perspective and recognizing the common threads. Hopefully more then few get that from this post.
Our Heavenly Father has a Reverend personality and deserves to be worshipped in a Reverend manner.
ReplyDeleteWe have to remember that Christian music should be pleasing to the Father, not to us. We are offering worship to Him and His personality is Reverend, so our worship s/b Reverend as well.
ReplyDeleteOur music and hearts certainly should be reverent before our Holy Father...but what type of music would you say reveres God? If I grew up in the Caribbean and played Christian music, would it be irreverent if my music had scriptural lyrics but incorporated steel drums and an "island flavor"? What if I were Japanese and used the koto? Or if were Indian and played the sitar?
DeleteThere was a time when classical music was regarded as ungodly and irreverent, but it's widely accepted now. Don't get me wrong—there's a lot of popular "Christian" music that I believe is unscriptural and merely created to tickle ears and make money. But for music that is scriptural, the message doesn't change when the beat does.
Should godly Christian music sound like American gospel? Southern country gospel? Or, more fittingly, like Jewish music, since that's the roots of our beliefs?
I've learned that my heart, my motives/intentions, and my thoughts are key factors in being reverent. If the music isn't objectionable from a lyrical standpoint and I'm handling it in a godly way, what scripture do I follow to tell me what my music should sound like?
First of all the word is reverent. Second I am inferring by your comment you don't think hip hop is not reverent? Why? I don't personally enjoy hip hop or rap, but I am open-minded enough to believe my Lord understands a persons heart of worship more than the genre of music played.
ReplyDeletetrue dat, brotha
ReplyDeleteHaha!! I'm actually a pasty white Irish Catholic gal taught by none other than a few nuns!! So... I'm a Sista--LOL!!
DeleteIt was great to see this unexpected interview from Ben. I agree that we cannot move forward as a country until we have these conversations. I love the Duggars, but I do think that they can sometimes be a bit close-minded. But seeing this interview made me think that perhaps I've been too judgmental myself.
ReplyDeleteHe is so sweet to Jessa!They are perfect for eachother!I just love watching them.I hope TLC brings them back so I can see them together with Spurgeon.It would be so sad if not.The hate group is so small that are against them.I pray I can watch their little family grow!
ReplyDeleteI did enjoy the interview. What I could actually hear and understand; both men were difficult to follow with all the um umum, ya know, yeah, comments. Ben is definitely not a Dugger, nor does he follow the ideology of Jim Bob with regard to music, acceptance of others, and right to freedom of expressions.
ReplyDeleteNice to see Ben being his own person.
I'm glad I came across this and it's awesome to see this discussed from a Christian point of view. I came across a few Christian people who were very prejudiced and I wonder to myself how they can be Christian and racist at the same time. It just doesn't make sense to me. The world would be awfully boring if we were all the same. We're all human and should love and respect each other
ReplyDeleteMark 12:31 And the second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
I can't see Ben Seewald having much of a future in interviewing. He needs to go to school and take a few classes on communications. I know he's a Duggar by marriage, and he's on TV, but that doesn't mean he's a very good communicator.
ReplyDelete