On seeing B.B. King live

When I was in college, I went to the Arena Theatre in Houston for an experience that I will undoubtedly treasure my whole life.  I got to see several of my favorite bands in the 90s, but I’m typically very behind trends in music, so I get into acts long after they stop touring.  I started listening to Stevie Ray Vaughan in the 90s, Classic Rock later than that.  So I haven’t gotten to see very many really great acts in my lifetime.

But on that occasion, I saw the best concert I’ve ever seen.  B.B. King, then probably in his late 70s, took the stage in a truly wonderful show.  Bobby Blue Bland rocked as the opening act.  There was no light show, no smoke, no lasers, no fire.  It was just good music played by two very good bands.

B.B. himself only stood for a few songs, then took a stool for the rest of the show.  Didn’t matter.  He was amazing.  He captivated that room.  He demanded your attention, but not with harshness, but with a kindness that a grandpa holds the attention of the grandkids.  We wanted to hear his stories, and he told them well.  He was approachable and funny, kind and inviting.

There have been remarkably few entertainers like him, and I feel very blessed to have experienced that in person.  I will miss him, not because I ever expected to see his show again, but because the one time I did see him, he made it personal and full of awe.

Most of my favorite bands I want to see “again.”  I’ve seen U2 twice, and I’d like to see them again, for example.  But the satisfaction I got from that night watching the king lingers with me still, and like a man newly full from a heavy meal, I am content, I am happy, and while I am a little melancholy that it is over, I do not need any more.  I’m just glad to have had that sort of meal in the first place.

Thanks, Mr. King.  Rest in peace.

God's Not Dead! Part 2: My speech in front of the class

So a couple of weeks ago I reviewed the film God’s Not Dead, and in that review, I reported that it is my hope to write out a speech that I would have delivered to the class if given the chance.  This is the result. 

A lot of this is coming directly from points made in debates that I particularly liked.  I’m citing when I recall exactly where I heard it, but in general, please note that I listened to a lot of these debates, so I’ve been influenced by the thought of Greg Bahnsen, Sye Ten Bruggencate, James White, The Narrow Mind podcast, Apologia Radio, Douglas Wilson, etc.

I should also note that I have heard a hundred questions in response to this reasoning, and it would have taken me an additional month to write replies to all of them.  In lieu of that, I thought to just leave off the Q&A.  If you are interested more in this, I would recommend the Bahnsen/Stein debate in particular, but also any of the debates by the people and groups listed above.

Now on with the show!