"Professor Trill," as some have called him, using a play off of Bun B's frequently used hip-hop slang for "authenticity," moderated the discussion and asked each panelist pointed, thoughtful questions about the role of rap music within the Christian church. Often his inquiries were better than the answers he received.
For the most part, all of the participants agreed that hip hop culture and its members are already in the church at-large. They also felt that most congregations would be wise to acknowledge and embrace the movement as a way of maintaining relevance with an increasingly disinterested audience.
The panel was often critical of Christianity as it is currently expressed in America. Rudy Rasmus said that many pastors are simply "would-be car salesman" and that most are "breaking Jesus' heart." Such statements drew cheers and agreement "amens" from an audience mostly comprised of...
