Jon Stewart Challenges Famed Atheist Richard Dawkins on His Perspective on Religion

Famed atheist Richard Dawkins appeared on “The Daily Show” last night to discuss his new book and his views on science and religion. From doubling down on his contention that “we are apes” to attempting to explain what happens after human beings die, the evolutionary biologist touted some of his familiar talking points — but host Jon Stewart didn't just sit there nodding in agreement.

Throughout the interview, the Comedy Central host challenged the biologist’s many contentions. At the center of the discussion was a key question posed by Stewart: “Do you believe that the end of our civilization will be through religious strife or scientific advancement?”

“The answer is probably both. Science provides in the form of technology — weapons which hitherto have been only available to reasonably responsible governments are likely to become available to nutcases who believe that their God requires them to reap havoc and destruction,” he responded.

But Stewart challenged this notion, charging that this framing of the issue lets science off the hook when claiming that only the religious could or would do something to cause worldwide catastrophe. He pondered whether science run amok could, on its own, create similar results.

Dawkins conceded that this could be possible, as “science is the most powerful way to do whatever it is you want to do” — both good and bad.

And later, the host pushed even harder on the faith front, noting that scientists likely also embrace the notion that there is something greater out there — something that mankind simply doesn't understand yet. T

“Isn’t the job of a scientist, in some ways, to have faith that there’s something out there that we don’t understand yet?,” asked Stewart. “The loss of faith — wouldn't that steal something essentially human from scientific pursuit?”

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Lead Singer Departs Family Force 5

Family Force 5 has a devoted fan base that has faithfully followed the band for the last eight years. Throughout its career, the band has established itself as a successful artist, independently selling more than 250,000 units. The band shared a personal letter with its fans announcing the line-up change from frontman Solomon Olds to his brother (previously the drummer) Jacob Olds.

The band also announces new drummer Teddy Boldt to take Jacob's place as he transitions into the role as frontman for Family Force 5. The band is working on its fourth studio album, releasing in 2014, and Solomon will continue to help co-write with the band as he takes time to be at home pursuing other creative roles. He performed his last show as lead vocalist on Saturday in Shippensburg, PA.

    As a family that has played together and prayed together for countless years, we know that our fans expect Family Force 5 to continuously evolve. It is out of respect to that encouraging sentiment that we will be making changes in the line-up of Family Force 5. As of today, Solomon will be coming off the road, and Jacob will be transitioning into the position of lead singer.
    Our family, inclusive of our fans, has been blessed by the adventure of making music and performing globally for the last 8 years, and this development is a continuation of that journey: one that finds tremendous growth and change. Solomon will remain within arms reach, as he takes time to be at home with his wife and son, while also pursuing his creative ambitions of co-writing and remixing. In addition, he will continue to be a part of FF5's songwriting team, as we are daily creating new material that could potentially blow up your stereo speakers.
    Throughout the last several months, the five of us have been in Los Angeles writing and recording some of our best music to date, and we are thrilled to be moving toward the release of our fourth studio recording in early 2014. We are also proud to welcome our talented new drummer Teddy Boldt into the fold, and we look forward to hearing all of your remarks about his impressive drumming skills and his extraordinarily colorful suits. The new lineup has been hard at work in a sweaty rehearsal space, woodshedding in preparation of elevating the live show to levels that we previously considered impossible. Prepare yourself for dueling drum-beats and space-boot leans as we uncover the fun-loving, reinvigorated version of Family Force 5 that will make you remember why you fell in love with the band in the first place.
    Thank you for everything, and we look forward to getting cray with each and every one of you.
    Family Force 5 

Amy Grant and Kirk Franklin To Host The Dove Awards

The GMA announces Amy Grant and Kirk Franklin as hosts for the 44th Annual GMA Dove Awards. The awards show will take place on October 15 in Nashville, Tennessee. The show will be broadcast on Monday, October 21st at 8:00pm ET exclusively on UP.

In addition to the awards show host, past Dove Award winners and nominees, Gaither Vocal Band, Michael W. Smith, Tamela Mann and TobyMac are the first announced performers.

The first round of presenters confirmed includes Jaci Velasquez, Lecrae and Pastor Rick Warren.

Jonny Lang Set to Release First Studio CD in 7 Years

It's been seven years since Jonny Lang released a new studio album but the wait ends on September 17 as Lang releases Fight For My Soul as the follow up to his 2006 Grammy Award-winning album Turn Around.

Fans can preview the entire album beginning today via The Wall Street Journal!


"This particular record has taken quite a long time to finish for a lot of different reasons," Lang remarked. "Most of all, I started a family a few years back. Between family time and being out on the road, I really had to pick my spots to fit in recording."

Over a period of three years, Lang collaborated with producer/songwriter Tommy Sims (who co-wrote Eric Clapton's GRAMMY-winning "Change the World") crafting the album's elegant rock 'n' soul tracks from the ground up.

"This album is something I've been wanting to do for a long time," offers Lang. "Some of these songs may surprise people, but that's what it's all about. It keeps it fresh, and it keeps me growing. Creatively, I think there is a lot more going on inside of me than I've been sharing on record so far. Much of what I've experienced through music and life in general is in these songs."

Since the release of his 1997 major label debut "Lie To Me", the then 16 year-old Lang has built a reputation as one of the best live performers and guitarists of his generation. Jonny Lang will be on the road leading up to and beyond the release date of Fight For My Soul. In addition to a full North American tour schedule, in October Lang will embark on his first extended European tour in over a decade.

Audio Adrenaline Says 'Adios' to Band Members

It looks as if two members of the newly reformed Audio Adrenaline are already saying “adios.” New Release Tuesday has learned that guitarist Dave Ghazarian and keyboardist/ secondary vocalist Jason Walker have quietly and by all reports amicably parted ways with the group to pursue other interests.

The details are slim, but according to band management (as well as singer Kevin Max), Walker is pursuing his solo career as a singer/songwriter, and Ghazarian also has other musical endeavors.

The announcement comes a year or so after the new incarnation of Audio Adrenaline appeared, boasting a who’s who from Christian bands, including representation from the original Audio A, dcTalk, Bleach, and Superchick.

The band moves forward with a new lineup, which includes guitarist Dwayne Larring, one of the producers on the Kings & Queens album who previously played in the Christian bands Seven Day Jesus and Sonicflood, as well as for Kelly Clarkson.

Meanwhile, the band's current single, "Believer" (which prominently features Walker's vocals), is impacting Christian radio.

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