After Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist and Christian rapper Da' T.R.U.T.H. just released his new album, "It's Complicated," people worldwide are debating the intent of his lyrics in the new song "Religion." Additionally, people are wondering exactly why a verbal message from Christian apologist Dr. Ravi Zacharias was featured within the song.
Da' T.R.U.T.H. shared about his ideas of belief, truth, God and religion. When he tweeted a cryptic message with Zacharias and some of the lyrics to his new song, many fans were reeling from their mysterious nature. Listeners from NGEN radio and Jam The Hype shared concerns and questions on whether the artist was second-guessing his faith.
A new video for "Religion" seemed to indicate that Da' T.R.U.T.H. wasn't confused about his Christian beliefs but instead was only sharing lyrics from his single that features counter-arguments of his skepticism by internationally respected author Zacharias, a theologian who is well-versed in the disciplines of comparative religions, cults and philosophy.
Ravi Zacharias International Ministries is based in Atlanta, Ga., with a global team of speakers with offices in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Romania, Turkey, the Middle East, India, Singapore and Hong Kong.
The real-life discussion between the multi-talented artist and Zacharias explored the complexities of religion, which was the theme of the new album.
"The popular aphorism that 'All religions are fundamentally the same and only superficially different' simply is not true, yet this idea continues to be advanced in society," Zacharias remarked to Da' T.R.U.T.H. on the song. "In reality, all religions are, at best, superficially similar but fundamentally different."
"I commend Da' T.R.U.T.H. for tackling tough questions and communicating fundamental ideas through hip hop," said Zacharias in a statement on his website.
"I am delighted to participate in this album, and I pray it will point many people to the unique and life-transforming message of Jesus Christ."
"Yes, I wanted to reveal my single, but more than that I wanted to share real thoughts and concerns that I have struggled with throughout my life," explained Da' T.R.U.T.H., who was given the name of Emanuel Lee Lambert Jr. when he was born 38 years ago.
"Is there one true religion? Is it arrogant to be exclusive? Can we be certain that Christianity is the only religion that God acknowledges as true? Many people, Christians included, struggle with these questions, and I want them to know they aren't alone."
Being raised in a Christian household, Da' T.R.U.T.H. said he went through a period in which he began to question God and even the idea of religion itself. While he arrived at the conclusion that there is only one true God, he realized that others face similar questions and doubts but are often hesitant to explore them in-depth.
"Through this song and my entire album, I want to provide a soundtrack that articulates some of the internal twist and turns people experience concerning exclusivity in religion," Da' T.R.U.T.H. stated.
"Ultimately, I hope to start an honest discussion so together we can resolve the one belief system that has to be true."
Lambert is a graduate of Philadelphia Biblical University and the Institute of Jewish Studies. The musical artist's album The Faith won a 2007 Stellar Award in the "Rap/Hip Hop Gospel CD of the Year" category.
