Heavy Metal

[Dream]

A frequent question that comes up with Christian teens is "should I listen to heavy metal music?" Of course, there is nothing wrong with the music in of itself, but one cannot deny the messages in a lot of songs. Black Sabbath, AC/DC's Highway to Hell, and Iron Maiden's Number of the Beast all come to mind. (I'm sure you can all think of some more).

So my question to you: do you think it is wrong to listen to this kind of music even if one has a strong enough faith that their spiritual life will not be effected by the message?

If so, wouldn't it also be wrong to watch or read any horror story which has Satan or demons as characters? Wouldn't it be wrong to watch a movie that shows any black arts? Wouldn't it be wrong to read a science fiction book that describes all religion as false? Wouldn't it be wrong to watch a movie that shows murder in a good light? Wouldn't it be wrong to read Greek Mythology for pleasure? Wouldn't it be wrong to listen to an Islamic philosopher give a speech on why Islam is the true faith?

All of these items I listed have messages contrary to Jesus Christ and His teachings. So where do we draw the line on what is acceptable and what is not?

 

[PeterPaul]

The question isn't whether one is of strong faith, the question is, why would you?

 

[Dream]

The question isn't whether one is of strong faith, the question is, why would you?

The same reason one would read Greek Mythology: for enjoyment.

 

[TexasCatholic]

I throw on Metallica when I am in an aggressive mood. It has no affect on faith any more than the other things you listed (which is none). I don't let a musical artist affect my beliefs. On the other hand, kids are a lot more malleable (I think that's the word I'm looking for).

-Michael

 

[Lifesaver]

I often ask the same question myself. Though heavy metal is not a genre I like too much, I do like some songs, and the same question can be made for all kinds of music.
I think that, as long as it doesn't influence you negatively, it is okay; but as the Bible warns us, don't make it overtly public, for what is for us a non-issue may be motive of scandal for another one.

With that said, I do set a personal rule with regards to music. If it speaks against the Christian faith, in favour of the devil, of Hell or of sin, I don't listen, no matter how much I may like the rythim, beat and melody. Not that I would be led into the sins or into apostasy, but I just don't feel right enjoying what is openly against the faith. Still, I reckon that could be different for others.

 

[PeterPaul]

The same reason one would read Greek Mythology: for enjoyment.

I doubt I could equate the two, especially since the former tends to talk about death, destruction, the supremacy of the superego, Satan in most cases, murder and supreme power. The latter were stories created by people unaware of the truth of the God of Abraham. The former is well aware and spits on it.

Now certainly there have been heavy metals who do not do some of those things, but I have a hard time explaining to Jesus why I would want to listen to music that advocated breasts, rear ends, breaking the law, or to lick it up.

 

[bigsierra]

I ask myself the same question about Country music.

 

[Rising_Suns]

Although it's not my cup of tea, there's TONS of great christian heavey metal out there, like;


Pillar
Kutless
Demon Hunter
Thousand Foot Crutch
Skillet
Living Sacrifice
POD

Most of the bands at Cornerstone are punk/metal, and there's hundreds of them;

http://www.cornerstonefestival.com/bands.cfm

 

[stray bullet]

I find Christian music to be pretty, well... lame. I respect it and the people that listen to it, but I don't find any of their music to be on par with mainstream stuff.
Generally music which tries to push a message usually sacrifices some of its quality in the process. The best music is unrestricted, with or without a message.
In fact, I typically enjoy music whose message and lyrics, if any, can take on a variety of personal meanings.

I also enjoy dark (that is, tragic, emotional) music, which I don't think any Christian band has tried to accomplish.

 

[Lifesaver]

You are right that modern Christian music is often lame. Afterall, how can one possibly put deep theology in a pop/rock song, which is first and foremost appealing to human feelings, and not to the human intellect.

But notice that this is only true with modern Christian music. The baroque was a Christian style, and it is one of the richest and most beautiful styles that ever existed.
There is also Gregorian chant and polyphonic chant, the best styles for one to contemplate God and put his mind in a conducive state to prayer and meditation.

 

[stray bullet]

I agree, traditional "Christian music" is absolutely wonderful and I'll happily listen to it.

The problem is when you try to stick it in modern music genres. You are sticking something in what is completely unsuited and unintended for it.

 

[HappyMomof4]

I think it's ok. It's just music. My husband's been listening to it for years, and he is actually thinking about going to confession for the first time in years, so it can't be too harmful to him spiritually. I have a friend who listens to it when she's upset...she says it's "therapeutic". She's catholic also.

 

[marciadietrich]

I didn't listen to metal when I was young. Was too heavy for my ear then, and the people I knew who listened to it weren't people I associated with for good reason. I got into metal after I had aquired a taste for opera. Then I was hooked on heavier more complex sound.

I do really enjoy Creed (now Alter Bridge) who have the heavier sound with the less offensive and even quasi religious subject matter. I admit to enjoying Ozzy, Metallica, AC/DC and totally getting hooked on Nickelback.

I appreciate the link to the Christian metal, may try them out.

 

[PeterPaul]

Creed bandmates verify what I thought all along.

"I feel bad for our fans man," Tremonti told me. "They support us like you wouldn't believe, but you know, Scott's on his whole 'I'm more powerful than Jesus' trip right now, and that's great. I'm happy for him. But I want to see what happens when I don't work with a singer whose ego is as big as the Goodyear Blimp.

"By the end, Scott was out of control," says Phillips. "He would just quote weird passages that were suppposedly from the Bible, but damned if I could find them anywhere. I think he really believes that he is Jesus Christ. I'd like to help him, but he doesn't seem to want it, so I'll just go on being who I am."

 

[HappyMomof4]

That's a shame about Creed. They had really good music. I bought their album, not knowing that they were Christian, and was happily surprised to hear a song about how evil abortion is.

 

[Maggie893]

Phil 4:8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

I don't know how you can justify listening to lyrics that are ungodly based on this scripture. If you don't think it affects you think again.

Personal example. I don't curse. Just something that doesn't come naturally to me. So one day I decided to watch a movie and I watched Erin Brockovitch. For those who haven't seen it, her language is atrocious. About a half hour after watching the movie I was driving in my car and someone cut me off. The words that came out of my mouth shocked even me.

Matt 15:18 But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man ‘unclean.’

What you put in will come out.

As for Christian music, I'm bias as I work part-time for a Christian radio station. Your dislike for the music tends to be more about fashion than quality. Many of the top artists in the Christian genre are fairing quite well in mainstream markets when their lyrics are minimally Christian. So the claim that the quality isn't there doesn't really work. Sound quality is fine, it's the lyrics that disturb mainstream listeners.

 

[Maggie893]

I also have to mention this. I do a lot of youth ministry work and have for years. Several times I've had girls and guys come to me to discuss their problems with their love lives and friends and looks and stuff. I try to dig into where they are spiritually, what they are doing for growth, and how their prayer life is. Eventually they all come to the same conclusion. The music they listen to isn't helping. For some it's country music which leans heavily on the need for a relationship and the value placed on getting together and breaking up. For others it's the dance scene that draws them into bad clothes and bad attitudes. Each one though eventually can mark that as part of their problem.

I always ask new listeners to the station to listen for 2 weeks only to our station. Nothing else for music and to let me know how it goes. Without exception they tell me that they feel better about themselves, they are taking strides toward Christ in deeper ways and basically they are able to see the ungodliness of their prior habits. It's awesome to be on the other end of the conversation and hear how God is using the music to fill hearts in a healthier way.

Ok I'm done now.

 

[jukesk9]

I ask myself the same question about Country music.

See, you just earned a warning for blasphemey 'Ol Hank's rolling in his grave now....

 

[bigsierra]

I was thinking more along the lines of contemporary country. It's a whole different animal.

Martina McBride, Sara Evans, Faith Hill, and the like.

 

[Irenaeus]

Heavy Metal isn't my cup of tea either.

I suppose it is a matter of conscience, but I personally think that Heavy Metal is at least implicitly supposed to appeal to the sensual nature, while Sacred Music is meant specifically for prayer.

I do like a good portion of Christian contemporary, though.