Fortodayband.com For Today guitarist Mike Reynolds stirred up quite a bit of controversy responding on Twitter about the decision of President Barack Obama choosing Rev. Louie Giglio to deliver the benediction at his inauguration. Giglio’s past anti-gay messages resulted in pressure from the LGBT community, and the Reverend has since bowed out of the opportunity. Reynolds’ commentary turned into his own views on homosexuality and religion and sparked quite a bit of outrage. After reading a Dallas Voice article on the situation, Reynolds offered a series of tweets that read, “Don’t be deceived, homosexuality is a sin. This sin with all other sins is what Jesus died for. He conquered so that we would be free. No such thing as a gay Christian, the same as there is no such thing as a Christian who loves his sin. Don’t be fooled by the formation of a state church as though the government is being converted, they only use the name Jesus for their progressive liberal agenda. If you are a Christian then separate yourself from this civil religion that advocates sin. Be true to God.” The comments sparked some outrage online, including a commentary from Enter Shikari vocalist Rou Reynolds (no relation). “The thought that we actually toured and shared the same stage as this musician in 2011 now makes me feel a bit nauseous,” said the outraged singer. “There is obviously no place in our modern metal, punk, hardcore, rock (whatever you want to call it) scene for homophobia. In fact, there should be no place for these views anywhere full stop, especially not in music.” The vocalist would add, “Music is a beautiful tool to educate ourselves with … so to anyone spouting these divisive and disgusting views, I say simply but vehemently, please educate yourself or put down your instrument.” To read Reynolds full commentary, click here . After quite a bit of backlash that resulted in a band statement and singer Mattie Montgomery’s own video apology to their fans (which can be viewed below), the For Today guitarist stepped down from the group. A statement from the band read: Mike Reynolds is no longer a part of For Today. He has decided that now is the time for he and his wife to put their plans in motion to enroll in Bible college, and to begin working toward full-time missions work in the Middle East. Mike will be replaced by longtime friend of the band, and former In the Midst of Lions guitar player, Sam Penner, who will be appearing with the band as they headline their upcoming Fight The Silence tour. Watch For Today Singer Mattie Montgomery’s Apology
Posts Tagged ‘bible’
Polish Supreme Court Rules Against Behemoth’s Adam ‘Nergal’ Darski in Bible-Tearing Incident
Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Behemoth frontman and leukemia survivor Adam ‘Nergal’ Darski ran into some legal troubles after tearing up a Bible onstage during a Sept. 2007 performance in Gdynia, Poland. He did so while calling the Catholic church “the most murderous cult on the planet.” Nergal was cleared of any criminal charges by Polish judge Krzysztof Wieckowski in 2011, but the Supreme Court of Poland has now ruled that the vocalist has in fact committed a crime in the Bible-tearing incident. This new development opens up the possibility of the Behemoth frontman serving up to two years in prison. Poland’s penal code states, “Whoever offends religious feeling of other people by publicly insulting an object of religious cult or a place for public holding of religious ceremonies, is subject to a fine, restriction of liberty or loss of liberty for up to two years.” This law is a direct opponent to the concept of Freedom of Speech, and may claim two years of Nergal’s life behind bars. “[The decision] is negative and restricts the freedom of speech,” said Nergal’s attorney Jacek Potulski to Reuters (via Blabbermouth ). “The court decided that this is allowed in a democratic system. We are still arguing that we were dealing with art, which allows more critical and radical statements.” The case will now be taken to a smaller court for another trial. Behemoth had been tearing up the Bible onstage for two years before the Poland incident, with no ramifications until Sept. 2007. “Behemoth fans know what Behemoth is about, know what the lyrics are about, and know at least a little of the philosophy behind the band,” bassist Tomasz ‘Orion’ Wróblewski told Decibel Magazine in 2009. “So, it’s kind of surprising that there are people coming to the shows and feeling offended with what we do onstage. If such a person comes to a show, he comes with the purpose of being offended, I guess, and it shouldn’t be like that. We’re not offending any particular person. We’re just offending the religion that we’ve been raised in.” Stay tuned for more news on Behemoth’s Adam ‘Nergal’ Darski as further legal proceedings occur. Watch Footage of Nergal’s 2007 Bible-Tearing Incident in Poland