christian heavy metal?? thoughts & opinions

[Vengle]

I am a guitar player and though I have always saw myself as a Christian I excused myself to play in both Rock and Country bands when I was younger. I played in some five different bands through the course of my latter teen years and my twenties.

I was unstable by virtue of the spirit surrounding that activity. At that time my pride would not allow me to see that. I could have seen it if I were humble enough but I wasn't. And the reason I wasn't was because I wanted to do what I loved to do, and play my music.

That is the cocky invincible attitude which is common to youth in this world.

Being out playing got me around all sorts of physically beautiful woman. That placed temptation in my path that a wise person would have avoided. The lyrics of the songs were enticing me to think the wrong way toward those women. And the beat and the style of the music lubricated the process to make it easier.

We are not being honest with ourselves if we do not admit that even the beat and style of the music by itself recalls those old things learned to enliven again that old man.

It really comes down to what is more important to us. Is it important to us that we avoid the things that work only to weaken our commitment to God through enlivening our old lusts? Or, do we in reality not wish to let go of those things we used to love?

I attribute my relapses to that very thing. I have now made a covenant with my eyes and refuse those things that stimulate me to forget that covenant.

 

[Insight]

I am a guitar player and though I have always saw myself as a Christian I excused myself to play in both Rock and Country bands when I was younger. I played in some five different bands through the course of my latter teen years and my twenties.

I was unstable by virtue of the spirit surrounding that activity. At that time my pride would not allow me to see that. I could have seen it if I were humble enough but I wasn't. And the reason I wasn't was because I wanted to do what I loved to do, and play my music.

That is the cocky invincible attitude which is common to youth in this world.

Being out playing got me around all sorts of physically beautiful woman. That placed temptation in my path that a wise person would have avoided. The lyrics of the songs were enticing me to think the wrong way toward those women. And the beat and the style of the music lubricated the process to make it easier.

We are not being honest with ourselves if we do not admit that even the beat and style of the music by itself recalls those old things learned to enliven again that old man.

It really comes down to what is more important to us. Is it important to us that we avoid the things that work only to weaken our commitment to God through enlivening our old lusts? Or, do we in reality not wish to let go of those things we used to love?

I attribute my relapses to that very thing. I have now made a covenant with my eyes and refuse those things that stimulate me to forget that covenant.

Vengle - this post reveals the wisdom that "can" come with age.

A very sound post!

Thank you.

 

[aspen]

Maybe you should see Gods warnings to Israel about their idolatrous worship (many drums) and how they (Israel) eventually sacrificed their children to their beating, to drown out the noise of screaming babies as they are offered to Molech.

Evil?

I will let you be the judge.

I am wondering.....do you attend a church that bans musical instruments in worship?

On a side note, I am really excited that pandora has a gregorian chant channel......wow i am old, ha!

 

[Insight]

I am wondering.....do you attend a church that bans musical instruments in worship?

On a side note, I am really excited that pandora has a gregorian chant channel......wow i am old, ha!

No Aspen...we have many musical instruments and I love music - not the kind that is full of humanism.

Cheers

Insight

 

[Comm.Arnold]

Whatever floats your boat, I know some of those metal bands salute satan or whatever or have wierd pictures of angels and demons on the cover. I always thought the whole thing was an act to sell records. Maybe metal is kind of a loud harsh music right ? If you like that sound I don't see where it is written that you can't listen to it.

 

[Rach1370]

i was recently convicted of my metal music by God and got rid of my metal music collection. however now i have started to listen to some christian metal.
what are everyones thoughts about metal bands that happen to be christians with christian lyrics??

Hey teamventure! I love all sorts of Christian music, some of it metal. Some of my favourite songs are metal. As far as judging what music is sound for Christians to listen to, it all has to come down to content. Musical instruments are just inanimate object, just a tool, if you will. If we use those tools to praise and idolise sinful morals, of course it can't be considered good. But if we raise those tools in praise of God, in joyful worship of His goodness, love and grace, then how can it be considered evil?
A pastor I listen to says that as Christians we have three options when it comes to things like this; reject, accept, redeem. So many songs today wail on about sleeping around and lust...obviously this is something we should reject...it is in direct opposition to what the bible teaches. There are some things that we accept fully, that we don't question, like doing good to others...loving our neighbour as it were. But what about things we can redeem? Some people say the internet is bad...look at all the porn available. Some people say that drums and loud music is evil, that they originated in Africa and devil worship (although how they could possible know that I don't know...if people weren't bashing sticks against something for the pleasing beat soon after Adam was kicked out of the garden, I'd be flabbergasted!)...but both these things, in the hands of heartfelt, worshipful Christians, can be used to praise God!
Here's the thing...after the fall sin entered the world. Every single person is sinful, and the world, everything in it, suffers from the effects of sin. In this case, we could say that everything is sinful, and that everything that comes from people is sinful. What is worse...the man singing Amazing Grace to a harp that secretly resents God, or the man with dreads, banging on a drum and having his heart broken by his own sin and God's forgiveness?
It's all about content! We could just as easily say that bridges are evil cause the man who invented them was a devil worshipper. That the hammer should be shunned because it was first used by a man knocking another man to death! If a Christian picks up a hammer to build a hospital in a war torn country, would we consider it bad, a sinful thing God would hate? The Bible is always telling us that God judges people by their hearts, by their intentions. Does it matter what our music sounds like if we are singing of the wondrous Grace of Jesus?? If we redeem those drums to help people lift their arms to God in thanks?

 

[jiggyfly]

I say that the lyrics are very important but if music is so critical why are there over 150 songs in the scriptures yet no musical notes?

 

[Comm.Arnold]

Hey teamventure! I love all sorts of Christian music, some of it metal. Some of my favourite songs are metal. As far as judging what music is sound for Christians to listen to, it all has to come down to content. Musical instruments are just inanimate object, just a tool, if you will. If we use those tools to praise and idolise sinful morals, of course it can't be considered good. But if we raise those tools in praise of God, in joyful worship of His goodness, love and grace, then how can it be considered evil?
A pastor I listen to says that as Christians we have three options when it comes to things like this; reject, accept, redeem. So many songs today wail on about sleeping around and lust...obviously this is something we should reject...it is in direct opposition to what the bible teaches. There are some things that we accept fully, that we don't question, like doing good to others...loving our neighbour as it were. But what about things we can redeem? Some people say the internet is bad...look at all the porn available. Some people say that drums and loud music is evil, that they originated in Africa and devil worship (although how they could possible know that I don't know...if people weren't bashing sticks against something for the pleasing beat soon after Adam was kicked out of the garden, I'd be flabbergasted!)...but both these things, in the hands of heartfelt, worshipful Christians, can be used to praise God!
Here's the thing...after the fall sin entered the world. Every single person is sinful, and the world, everything in it, suffers from the effects of sin. In this case, we could say that everything is sinful, and that everything that comes from people is sinful. What is worse...the man singing Amazing Grace to a harp that secretly resents God, or the man with dreads, banging on a drum and having his heart broken by his own sin and God's forgiveness?
It's all about content! We could just as easily say that bridges are evil cause the man who invented them was a devil worshipper. That the hammer should be shunned because it was first used by a man knocking another man to death! If a Christian picks up a hammer to build a hospital in a war torn country, would we consider it bad, a sinful thing God would hate? The Bible is always telling us that God judges people by their hearts, by their intentions. Does it matter what our music sounds like if we are singing of the wondrous Grace of Jesus?? If we redeem those drums to help people lift their arms to God in thanks?

Excellent post, I like your theory on things of interest do you have a consistent theory are you saying don't covet or idolise sports, music, tv etc. ?

 

[Prentis]

i was recently convicted of my metal music by God and got rid of my metal music collection. however now i have started to listen to some christian metal.
what are everyones thoughts about metal bands that happen to be christians with christian lyrics??

We were given a spirit of love, gentleness, and meekness .... Metal does not exemplify this.

If our christianity will be nothing more to us than our culture, than it works! But if we want to walk in the Spirit, be full of peace, and speak life, these kind of things are no expedient for us.

 

[jiggyfly]

We were given a spirit of love, gentleness, and meekness .... Metal does not exemplify this.

If our christianity will be nothing more to us than our culture, than it works! But if we want to walk in the Spirit, be full of peace, and speak life, these kind of things are no expedient for us.

What style of music do you think is appropriate? What do you think of the songs in the ole red back hymnal?

 

[Prentis]

What style of music do you think is appropriate? What do you think of the songs in the ole red back hymnal?

There are many styles... But really, it is not about a style being 'appropriate', but about this being expedient.

From how I see it, and I have listened to all sorts of music in my teenage years, and this is one style which only works us up, only creates noise.

I don't judge someone for listening to this, this is not about making a law, and the very listening of it is not evil. But if you ask me what I think of it, and whether it's a good idea, I say no.

 

[teamventure]

Hey teamventure! I love all sorts of Christian music, some of it metal. Some of my favourite songs are metal. As far as judging what music is sound for Christians to listen to, it all has to come down to content. Musical instruments are just inanimate object, just a tool, if you will. If we use those tools to praise and idolise sinful morals, of course it can't be considered good. But if we raise those tools in praise of God, in joyful worship of His goodness, love and grace, then how can it be considered evil?
A pastor I listen to says that as Christians we have three options when it comes to things like this; reject, accept, redeem. So many songs today wail on about sleeping around and lust...obviously this is something we should reject...it is in direct opposition to what the bible teaches. There are some things that we accept fully, that we don't question, like doing good to others...loving our neighbour as it were. But what about things we can redeem? Some people say the internet is bad...look at all the porn available. Some people say that drums and loud music is evil, that they originated in Africa and devil worship (although how they could possible know that I don't know...if people weren't bashing sticks against something for the pleasing beat soon after Adam was kicked out of the garden, I'd be flabbergasted!)...but both these things, in the hands of heartfelt, worshipful Christians, can be used to praise God!
Here's the thing...after the fall sin entered the world. Every single person is sinful, and the world, everything in it, suffers from the effects of sin. In this case, we could say that everything is sinful, and that everything that comes from people is sinful. What is worse...the man singing Amazing Grace to a harp that secretly resents God, or the man with dreads, banging on a drum and having his heart broken by his own sin and God's forgiveness?
It's all about content! We could just as easily say that bridges are evil cause the man who invented them was a devil worshipper. That the hammer should be shunned because it was first used by a man knocking another man to death! If a Christian picks up a hammer to build a hospital in a war torn country, would we consider it bad, a sinful thing God would hate? The Bible is always telling us that God judges people by their hearts, by their intentions. Does it matter what our music sounds like if we are singing of the wondrous Grace of Jesus?? If we redeem those drums to help people lift their arms to God in thanks?

thanks. i found this post to be encouraging.

There are many styles... But really, it is not about a style being 'appropriate', but about this being expedient.

From how I see it, and I have listened to all sorts of music in my teenage years, and this is one style which only works us up, only creates noise.

I don't judge someone for listening to this, this is not about making a law, and the very listening of it is not evil. But if you ask me what I think of it, and whether it's a good idea, I say no.

that's kind of where i'm going. i know secular metal is 99% bad.
i don't know if christian metal is wrong but since i'm questioning it, i've decided to get rid of christian metal too.

 

[Foreigner]

Is there non-Christian music that is acceptable to God? Of course there is.

Is there non-Christian music that we as Christians should absolutely avoid? Of course there is.

Your body is a temple for the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is incredibly sensitive and can be grieved. What you take into your body - by mouth, by eyes, or by ears - affects the Holy Spirit.

Music about pre-marital sex, sex with multiple partners, misogyny, drugs/alcohol abuse, violence etc. is not something that we should be taking into our temples.

Just like we are shouldn't be watching movies that practice/encourage these these sins or be engaging in lewd conversations.

"I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes:" - Pslam 101:3 kjv God considers pre-marital sex, objectification of women, drug and alcohol abuse, violence, etc. to BE wicked.

Why would that only apply to what you take in with your eyes, but not what you take in via your ears?

Yes, this disappoints me.
I grew up in the 70s and almost every single solitary song that defines my youth, the things I did, the girls I dated, etc. can be found on iTunes and fit easily on my iPod.

But if the topic is something that God would see as sin, it is not something that we should be putting in our bodies. God values obedience in all things.

 

[teamventure]

good post foreigner. i concur that our bodies being God's temple includes what our ears listen to.

 

[FHII]

The OP led me to believe that we're talking about musical style, for which there is no Biblical prohibition. If we're talking about lyrical content, I have a problem with Stryper too. Some of their tunes are extremely Arminian/semi-Pelagian in concept, which I find theologically problematic. However, I believe my first impression is correct. We're talking about musical style, not lyrical content as I know for a fact that some of our "classic" hymns are lyrically problematic as well. Does that automatically mean that the underlying music is corrupt as well? That's an idea that's absurd on it's face.

Hello teamventure,

I picked Nomad's post to post under because I agree with a statement he said. I agree with him that there is no prohibition. By the way, Vengle made some good point too. I am not a musician and I appreciated his comments as insight. I also liked what Comm.arnold had to say.

Personally, being 42 I grew up in the late 70's and early 80's, and frankly, not knowing Christ other than in name. I followed all the metal bands of the time. Ozzy, Black Sabbath, Kiss, Iron Maiden, etc.... I still like many of the tunes they did, but rarely listen to them. I have been an avid weight lifter. Let' face it, When you hear "Iron Man", it encourages you to lift more weight!

Furthermore, Some of the songs Iron Maiden have are historically significant. I'm a big history buff, and kind of enjoy those songs.

However, much of Heavy Metal is centered around "the dark forces". I don't care for those songs and even back in the day, I felt uneasy about them. Furthermore, most of the writers of the songs haven't an inkling of knowledge of the Bible. When the praise satan, they don't even get that right.

Nomad talked about Stryper. I'm afraid I can't comment. Never heard them more than once or twice, but it is an important point. THey claim to be a Christian band, and I believe they think they are, and are doing their best. I remember reading an article about them that roadies would be nervous about smoking a joint at their concerts because they would come down hard on them. Good to them.

But Heavy metal doesn't float my boat anymore (other than when I'm working out, and even then I could care less). However, I am into gospel music and especially southern Gospel. Let me make the connection. In this music there are lies sung about God. It doesn't matter how catchy the tune is, I won't listen to it if there are lies. I can't comment on Stryper, cause I haven't heard the song in question.

But if Heavy metal floats your boat. By all means, it's ok. I think Prentis and Vengle brought up points that a style of music is inspirational. Heavy Metal has it's place. There is a time for War and agression! But it doesn't have to be doctrinally incorrect.

If you find a Christian Metal Band that brings you peace, as long as it's doctrinally sound, go with it!

 

[Rach1370]

Excellent post, I like your theory on things of interest do you have a consistent theory are you saying don't covet or idolise sports, music, tv etc. ?

I think as sinful people we're liable to idolise absolutely anything. Sport, celebrities, food, music, sex.
I don't think there's anything wrong with enjoying any of these things (well...except the whole celebrities thing...stupid!), the thing we need to be careful of is how important they are to us. What would we give away to have or watch these things?? Ultimately, they show where our treasure is...do we treasure food, or God? Is attending a sports game a higher priority than attending church?

We were given a spirit of love, gentleness, and meekness .... Metal does not exemplify this.

If our christianity will be nothing more to us than our culture, than it works! But if we want to walk in the Spirit, be full of peace, and speak life, these kind of things are no expedient for us.

I don't think it's so easy to say "I don't feel metal is edifying, so It's wrong". That is merely saying that because you don't like it, it automatically makes it wrong.
The issue is not really about personal preference, but if Christian metal music is wrong or not.

In 1 Corinthians 8,9 &10 Paul discusses this issue...he doesn't mention music, but it is clear he is talking of more than just food offered to idols. The issue becomes what is good for some is not necessarily good for others. Paul tells us in these chapters that all things are permissible, but not necessarily good, and we need to be very mindful that what we can accept for ourselves may not be acceptable for other believers.
I believe, in keeping with the spirit of these chapters, that this kind of music is permissible. But as you do not find it edifying, that is your right, and I must respect it. But as I do find some of this type of music wonderfully full of praise, it's something you should respect also. Some of these songs, while yes, loud...have such a wonderful, uplifting, prayer worthy content. They lift my heart in song to Jesus.
So, I really don't mind you not liking the songs...if they don't give you the same praising experience I would not want you to have to listen to them! But I don't believe you should declare all metal 'wrong', just because it doesn't speak to your heart or relationship to God.
...does that make sense??

 

[Prentis]

thanks. i found this post to be encouraging.



that's kind of where i'm going. i know secular metal is 99% bad.
i don't know if christian metal is wrong but since i'm questioning it, i've decided to get rid of christian metal too.

I think that's a good idea.

To Rach: again, I don't declare metal wrong, didn't do that! I don't judge people for listening to it, and I don't think it's evil.

But I don't suggest it. It is not just metal, one might say the same with rap... It comes down to just being a lot of noise, and just noise for the sake of noise, trying to pump it up. For some, it might not do anything. But in the general sense, I see it as detrimental.

 

[WhiteKnuckle]

Christian Metal. I love metal. Although it seems that Christian metal is kind of an oxymoron. That said.....


As a muscian and complete music lover, I can hear and feel a completely different "vibe" given from Christian metal vs. Secular metal. Listening to something like Becoming the Architype has a completely different feeling than listening to Fear Factory. I don't get a doom and gloom, rage, anger, darkness feeling from Christian Metal.

One little bit of warning though. Many "white" metal bands turn secular. They don't go the way of "black" metal, but, they definately don't go towards God.

My wife had a friend that decided to start a band with her boyfriend. They wanted to make it big fast. At that time it was believed to make it big fast, play Christian music. None of these people were Christian and were punk rockers. From what I heard from a mutal friend, the girl and her boyfriend actually got saved. They were reading the Bible trying to come up with lyrics, and ended up meeting a youth minister. (The girl and her boyfriend were murdered a few weeks later.)

Anyway, the moral of the story is, be careful of what you listen to. Always check the lyrics and trust how you feel. God will let you know when something's wrong.

 

[teamventure]

all good posts. i knew we could get this thread going.
thanks to all for discussing this with me. kiitos.

 

[FHII]

I think that's a good idea.

To Rach: again, I don't declare metal wrong, didn't do that! I don't judge people for listening to it, and I don't think it's evil.

But I don't suggest it. It is not just metal, one might say the same with rap... It comes down to just being a lot of noise, and just noise for the sake of noise, trying to pump it up. For some, it might not do anything. But in the general sense, I see it as detrimental.

Well, sometimes we need to be pumped up! There is a season for all things! Christian metal folks... Do your thing.... As long as it is done in truth and for the Lord.