Dustin Kensrue from Thrice talking about faith

We sat down with Dustin Kensrue from Thrice. He told us what faith means to him. Make sure you check out the full interview with Dustin as well. If you don't know Thrice, check them out at www.myspace.com/thrice and of course the magazine that brings it all to you at www.musicfashionmagazine.com and follow us at mfmagazine
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[@JC-ei3ci]

He's such a quiet chill guy. Love how he puts the faith in his music

[@ChrisEbz]

Aren't "they" always quiet and poised in a way concerning chill people ^__^

[@ghostmaker6939]

To paraphrase CS Lewis: I believe in God not because I see, but because by my belief in Him I see Everything.

[@imaginative6315]

Confirmation bias

[@strifekissed]

Couldn't agree more man, Dustin is definitely one of the greatest lyricists of our time. I MISS THRICE

[@GreatAetheeeer]

while i've been an atheist for the past six years, i can' t think of anyone who has influenced me more than dustin. whatever difference there may be in our beliefs, that doesn't change the fact he is an extremely talented artist and one of the greatest lyricists of all time

[@xDarinGodx]

Finally, someone explaining the misconception that faith counters reason. But faith is reason.

[@andrewtaylor1737]

Well... theologians have been discussing this for hundreds of years. Soooo... Just need to look past whomever you are looking to for answers.

[@SweetTsilence]

Before i die i want to meet dustin. What an amazing, lyrical genious. I know i'm not the only life he's saved either. I'm glad this man set foot on this earth.

[@AusterusVeritus]

"I don’t even know how that is possible, or if it is, I don’t know that it should be pursued in any way. My life is integrated with my beliefs about life. What would be the point otherwise. ... I guess the issue to start with, is that people try to compartmentalize their lives. If you are integrated, you don’t have to try to write one thing or not write another, but the things that are most important to you cannot help but show up on every page, whether directly or indirectly." ~ Dustin Kensrue

[@jonbruh]

Such a soft spoken dude.

[@Sailor1010]

Death comes to all regardless of your beliefs. What happens after, no one knows because no one has ever come back to tell us. Based on everything as it stands up to common sense, "reason", and basic human deduction (belief aside) one would normally arrive at the conclusion that the only place we go is 6 feet under (if we're lucky enough). So if this really is the only period of existence our advanced brains ever experience before they return to the elemental make up of our universe then why not make the most of it and be grateful that you had the chance to exist for a brief nano second/blink of an eye in the cosmos. And more importantly, treat your fellow human with respect and dignity regardless of race, creed, social status, orientation or past misgivings. That is all.

[@squatchmaster5000]

What if I told you there are many cases of people who are clinically dead, in a morgue, death certificate granted but come back to life hours, sometimes days later. Would you be interested in hearing what they, non believers and believers have to say? Search NDE's or near death experiences to answer your question, I think you'll find it interesting that all of them, depending on how far they go, tell the same story...

[@ToteTechnician]

To each their own. Just practice your beliefs in peace.

[@Maht1987]

if someone can't tell right from wrong, that person lacks empathy, not religion. Ps: Thrice is my favorite band ever, and dustin is one of my favorite artists, and his point of view on faith is really cool.

[@andrewtaylor1737]

That's a loaded question if I've ever seen one

[@gileadmarijanitenga2525]

I love his interpretation of Faith. Some christians (or any other religion) have a "blind faith". where the just kinda swallow what they have been fed. I personally do not identify myself with any religion. I embrace all religions. But I beleive that religion, instead of being a way to look at the world and our origin, should be materialistic. It should drive us to make this world a better place. And thats at the core of the most succesful religions.Christianity being at the top of that list.

[@robertnewquest656]

A ton of respect for Dustin and Thrice. Reasoning though, can be subjective with some people. Agree with what he presented, but not that religious reasoning is in fact reasoning. Again, a ton of respect though. Thrice has moved me more than most bands. Keep rocking.

[@AusterusVeritus]

Someone asked Dustin, “does your faith influence your lyrics and music? or do you try keep your beliefs separate from your music?” And he responded this:

[@mattbertrand9496]

My, how things have changed. Knee deep in Nietzsche’s lies, indeed.

[@mailchrisbailey]

yes, very sad.

[@JC-ei3ci]

Yeah I was just thinking that

[@jasonsingleton3929]

I was wondering if he renounced his faith

[@Hybridnox]

@usarla I'm reading Mere Christianity right now. I fall short when I say it's great.

[@lifesglorydead]

@farizzal Haha, accident and now I don't know how to get it back. But basically what I was saying is that it seemed more like he was saying humanity's existence is transient and fragile, not that the faithless are arrogant.

[@brandonmshrock]

The dude gave a better definition of faith than most pastors. Love Dustin!

[@lifesglorydead]

@farizzal would you like to continue discussing this through messages? I understand if you don't because it's an old, tired, subject of course but I just don't like taking up the comments section. :)

[@TRYCLOPS1]

Best lyricist of the entire music industry in the world. Period. Most underrated musician and song-writer of our time! Sad!

[@BeigeRadio]

I'm all the way with him until the Jesus Christ part. With that said, even though I disagree with him, there are not enough words to explain how much this man and his lyrics have changed the way I look at life. Great man.

[@leoborges1303]

Agreed 100%

[@TopherBlairMusic]

@farizzal Annoying how if I may ask? I'm not looking to debate I'm just wondering.

[@luckyjoe71111]

Quite frankly, Dustin is number 1 on my list of role models, and I only hope that I can set a positive example to everyone within my life.

[@iamthatguyyousee]

Dustin is so intellectual! I love him, his lyrics and all.

[@mckibbenta]

Jeeze, I dunno man. Maybe because that guy expressed how he is able to set aside his differences with other people, appreciate their merits as a human being, and develop as a person through his interactions with them. Seems pretty humble and thoughtful to me. Besides, the other top comment was from a guy saying it's awesome that Dustin is a fellow Christian. So we atheists got one and so did you. Learn to share.

[@lifesglorydead]

@farizzal I definitely know what you mean- if we have facts in our face that isn't simply backing down and saying "I hope (or have faith) this is right". But at the same time, a quick trip through history shows that following the scientific method and being ethical about your research does not an absolute truth make. (1/2)

[@Swigbeast22]

@tony9L9L Let me ask you this, if you trust the "intelligence" you have to help you find truth about life, then should a dog trust its "intelligence"? I'm sure the dog has no qualms about whether it is right or not. Isnt your "knowledge" just relative like the knowledge from anything else, as well as limited? Even if you think you can explain everything, will that put you in a position to claim righteousness over another? Will you then only trust your "perfect" worldview that you alone hold?

[@Avaedan]

If you have to argue what you believe in, you must find some fault in your own (current) reasoning. Lead by example, whatever you believe in. May the best man "win", since that seems to outweigh the simple enjoyment of life.

[@diegoallcore]

When I hear Words in The Water, I cannot think in other way but that is the story of a man whose life became permanent attacked from the moment he harken into God's calling. The same way Scripture says, the words were honey on my lips, then bitter in my side. The more this man advance reading the Bible, the more attacks he received until Jesus Christ save him from the dark. Beautiful

[@dricedlk]

To have faith is to have trust for good reason. Explains how many city folk have no faith and many rural folk have plenty of faith. The city folk just don't trust their surroundings that they themselves built. Tragic.

[@levetican]

Since almost all of Thrice's lyrics are tied to an initial basis in religious beliefs; if you like Thrice as a band, you probably shouldn't be upset by his reasoning. Just have faith in Thrice, Jesus Christ. Lmfao, quick name one of your favorite Thrice songs, and I'll tell you how it relates to religion. ;-) Even the band's name "Thrice" is a reference to the 'Holy Trinity,' let the man believe what he wants to believe and just enjoy their fucking music.

[@lifesglorydead]

@farizzal Not all humans are champions of science and rulers of men... he's saying, to people who so rashly put faith in what they've got figured out, that "hey, you're not in charge, the world spins around whether you're there or not- we're all in this together and we're all just as fragile (or, as he puts, it, beggars).

[@BassP86]

@tony9L9L Remember what Dustin said, "The Bible does NOT define faith that way." He's absolutely right. Faith is a loyalty based on evidence of performance. That's how the Bible has ALWAYS defined it. Simply changing the definition does nothing to discredit the Christian faith, so at best you're simply appealing to semantics by playing with words. You need to remember one important thing: If God does exist, then the universe IS evidence of His existence, whether we like it or not.

[@lifesglorydead]

@farizzal @farizzal (2/2) Heck, practically every medical process existing before the 20th century was based on trial and error, using the resources and knowledge available at the time. It was usually well-intentioned and well-conducted, yet ultimately wrong. Regarding your second point, Christianity isnt really a guilt trip, though I can see why people would assume that. It's acknowledging that we can't get through life by our own means. This is a truth constantly revealed, wherever you look.

[@TribeCalledJake]

It is amazing to know Dustin is my fellow brother In Jesus Christ

[@Outmode88_music]

A devout Christians knows that if you truly believe in god and have accepted Jesus Christ, that you can never quit Christianity. You become a child of god, and no matter how much you may sin, Jesus will never let you go.People that claim to have left the faith, where never really in it. They never really loved god. People say that Christians believe in a magical god. Often times, the word magic is used to describe something above ones thinking. nothing other than god can explain the universe.

[@fezzynips]

@OhTheJason Well I guess I can't call it doubting but more concerned of if it's true or not.

[@fredjustsucks]

I am not religious and I have tons of respect for Dustin. His lyrics are unbelievable. Simply phenomenal. I'm just disappointed that he left one of the best bands ever (under the advice of his pastor) and is getting ready to make contemporary christian music. Very unfortunate.

[@DavidWoodMusic]

fredjustsucks I do love Thrice, and I'm glad they're back. I know this comment is super old, but The Water and the Blood was a really good album. I totally respect you even if you don't believe in Jesus, but as someone who I can tell loves music, I do feel like there may be some things in their you'd enjoy. Hope you're doing well.

[@DavidWoodMusic]

There*

[@JC-ei3ci]

Ha if only you knew what happens in 2022

[@travelholic91]

That was one of the first Christian arguments I've heard that actually made sense to me.

[@Outmode88_music]

i agree that one wouldn't claim that law enforcement doesn't exist just to be able to do what they want, because that would be insane. the law is the law and its not going anywhere. this is also true with god, and so it is insane to me that people will follow the law but not god. Faith is your test to receive truth. If people want evidence of gods existence, than they must have faith first. there is nothing to lose to at least try. but people wont try because they dont want god telling them to

[@fezzynips]

He's kind of like me in a way. My whole family is Christian but I'm the only one with doubts and I'm the only one who's scared of how I'm gonna end up religion wise. I don't know what to believe.

[@presdaddy]

It's crazy how smart people can partition their mind like this

[@hcdrummer19]

I can't believe all the hate when it comes to ones faith. What I believe and what I trust to be real, doesn't affect anyone but me. Whats it to anyone else what I believe? If I feel in my heart that there is a God and a heaven and anything else I choose to believe why should anyone care about that but me. Personally I feel in this day in age of cynicism and anger, for someone to have a faith in SOMETHING is better than nothing....

[@WhyStealMyUserName]

We are all human down here. Compared to something that is perfect, all our sins make us look the same. Just because someone is atheist, doesn't make them have no morals or feelings. In fact, I have known plenty of Christians who I think have worse morals then some atheists. We should welcome atheists and not shun them. God is everything and thus works through everything. Don't feel threatened because someone has different beliefs then you.

[@TopherBlairMusic]

@farizzal The instance of Dustin Kensrue? Cause really nothing he's saying here, even if your assessment of the song is correct, is anywhere near the level of holier then thou that you get from reading Dawkins lol he takes the cake. I take the South Park stance on that guy but that's another subject. If you are just talking in general, sure there's tons of evil done in the name of 'God', and various Gods throughout time.

[@completewords]

@tony9L9L to start, im not religious and i don't believe in God so calm down there buddy. Dustin isn't trying to convert anyone to any belief, he's just preaching about how having faith has no correlation to being archaic and closed-minded (as most people think about the "typical christian"). All I was saying is it's bullshit how people try to sway people one way or another when NO ONE can definitively prove or disprove religion especially on youtube. not one christian message in my comment

[@TopherBlairMusic]

@farizzal The 'opposing' side is always the most annoying though.

[@Mcduce2008]

And in contrast, just because you earnestly don't believe, doesn't make it not real either. Your put your FAITH in not being real, Some (like myself) put our FAITH in it being real. Who are you to say it isn't real? Do you know 100% of everything? I doubt it. Maybe the truth is in the % you haven't yet understood or realized?

[@BassP86]

@tony9L9L 1a. No, I'm saying there IS evidence for God, but there is evidence AGAINST Santa and leprechauns. b. Santa is purely a HOLIDAY character. Jesus is an actual historical figure. There's a HUGE difference between the two. 2. Where/how did you come up with THAT conclusion? Where did I say I made a deal with God to follow Him if He presented evidence? 3. What motivates people to believe in God or continue to have faith in Him is irrelevant to whether or not the Christian faith is TRUE.

[@ohdamnitsover]

@Mcduce2008 Atheists don't say they know 100%. We just don't have any good reason at all to believe it. I can say that you not believing in Santa doesn't make him not real either. There is not a single logical reason why I would believe in a personal god, let alone the christian one. Do you believe in all the thousands of gods?

[@downtoawhisper]

@tony9L9L Are you sure you're not brainwashed? How do you know what you know?

[@notabotta]

and here goes more religious flaming, i wish some people would just stop, and think to themselves, "will this cause a big deal? probably, then i should just stop." but they dont. but everyone has their opinion, so it is what it is.

[@BassP86]

@tony9L9L Evolution disproves God? Biblical inaccuracies disprove God in general? The way our brains work disprove God? Philosophers and historians don't even accept that same line of reasoning. Your question isn't a sincere plea, because you've already decided that I'm wrong to begin with, especially when you LIST the things that you think contradict my worldview. You're going to have be honest with yourself first. THEN we'll take evidence.

[@illeagle7]

@OhTheJason And just because YOU believe in something, does not make it real.

[@nasphame]

wow too many paragraph long responses.....

[@Dispatch49]

@tony9L9L Evolution by no means contradicts God. It changed what the nerve used to be to what it is now. A loving God gives his people the ability to act on their own. They choose their actions and defy what he asks and are punished for it. But it's your choice to not believe in God. I hope you're happy. I'm done arguing.

[@TopherBlairMusic]

@vanceisvloggin Yeah I mean if you add up all of the atrocities done in the name of God or Gods and compare them with Stalin, Pol Pot and of course the record holder of mass murder Mao Tse-Tung they can't compare. What's funny is that if God exists all the atrocities done in his name will be punished...if God DOESN'T exist then they get away with it and really you cant' say what they did was wrong because morality cannot exist without God. I'll go with the God exists view.

[@TopherBlairMusic]

@farizzal eh, every side has annoying babble.

[@olmo4445]

Boring

[@NotoTruth]

Reason was a pagan goddess most the founding fathers worshiped...I wish I were lying.

[@TheBlackHatWriter]

The Founding Fathers were Freemasons and most likely Illuminists. Had capitalism not failed so miserably, we may have actually seen the better society they were probably hoping for. Instead, we have a corporation, not a country, where an Ogliarchy rules and thrives on Plutocracy to keep it in power.

[@closer2thelung862]

Dustin is confusing faith with reason. They are not one in the same as he claims. A reasonable educated guess is not comparable with faith. Faith is defined as 'belief that is not based on proof'. When someone looks at a sturdy chair, they have proof that it will not break, based on past experiences and a common understanding of physics and gravity. The chance of a chair breaking is not based on luck but the engineering of the chair.

[@noahriot2129]

Um, no. Chairs break. You have no idea whether a chair is sturdy or not, just by looking at it. A better analogy would be crossing the street. You cross the street and take it in faith that you don't get hit by a car. Everyone has faith to some extent. He was just appyling the concept to God, and using the metaphor to get his point across.

[@noahriot2129]

I agree with Carlos.. Think his answer was actually more concise and to the point. Faith and trust are closely related. Yes, even Christians can be analytical. :p

[@TRYCLOPS1]

Faith is a decision based on reason. Same as disbelief. It’s a matter of free will and commitment to the reasoning.

[@bbailey890]

@BoyleFan127 Not funny

[@Maht1987]

first of all, I'm not a christian and i just want to say that most of the people claiming to be atheists in here are really not, atheism is not just about religion, and the other thing, i dont deny the existence of a god, but i certainly don't trust the church for being made of men, who are easily corrupted. The christian god as you call it, gave mankind the free will, so why do we have to live by some rules on a book?.