If a musician or band references satan in one song..

[Cheapacoustic]

Is it wrong for me to listen to any of their other normal songs. This has been bothering me for a while. I've always liked opeth but I recently heard their song, 'Hessial Peel' has got a reversed section that speaks of satan.

And also my favourite guitarist is Paul Gilbert and only recently did I come across a song of his called.. " I am Satan' It's all probably in humour but does this mean I should only avoid the particular songs in question or everything done by these musicians themselves. I realize that if I do this I'll have to clear off half my music folder.

 

[Beechwell]

I know I'm no Christian, but if you as me, when people include Satan in their songs, it is generally as a representation of rebellion. And there is a degree of (teenage) rebellion in pretty much all rock music. And in a lot of classical music as well.

 

[MasterpieceMesias]

This is a subject that I have to be very cautious of considering my main genre is extreme metal. There are songs like Cry My Name by Bloodbath and Dominate by Morbid Angel that are a bit questionable, and then there are bands like Deicide and Vital Remains. Frankly I don't know how any professing Christan can listen to Deicide, Vital Remains and Aeon, because they are the most disrespectful bands that have ever existed imo. Do you want to know why?? If you are really so curious then look all three of them up. And I know Christians that listen to those bands, too!! I think that a song is alright as long as it isn't completely disrespectful to God. Morbid Angel has written some completely blasphemous songs, I am fully aware of that. BUT those songs are simply the ones I omit, plain and simple, all of their other material is good to go. Pray about this and God will give you an answer, he won't leave you hanging

 

[Sum1sGruj]

Here is something interesting about music.
Music has been connected to the Adversary. He was once a mighty cherub in Heaven, very authoritive and directly under God.
His praise to God was in the form of music.
Of course, we all know the dark events that followed this, but that is one indication why music is such a powerful thing to us.
It is our way of communicating most effectively, which is why music should be cautioned to not sway our thoughts.
This does not mean that music is evil. Even subliminal music has hidden messages with soothe the mind and channel understanding. In fact, though we share a common trait with the Adversary doesn't mean that the trait rules us. Despite us having a rebellious nature that needs constant taming, it is not music, but him going awol that spun things out of control.

Anyways, just thought that would be interesting to share

 

[Cheapacoustic]

Hey everyone thanks for the replies.
I realize it's a bit silly to reject all music by an artist just because of a reference in one song.
But what would you guys do? Like if you hear that your favourite artiste has a song which sings of the devil (or just mentions him in a song) would you stop listening to every single song of theirs? Even the normal 'love song' type stuff? Or instrumentals? I think I'm being a little paranoid here but seriously what would you guys do?

 

[Sum1sGruj]

Hey everyone thanks for the replies.
I realize it's a bit silly to reject all music by an artist just because of a reference in one song.
But what would you guys do? Like if you hear that your favourite artiste has a song which sings of the devil (or just mentions him in a song) would you stop listening to every single song of theirs? Even the normal 'love song' type stuff? Or instrumentals? I think I'm being a little paranoid here but seriously what would you guys do?

Symphony For the Devil is song that pretty much makes a persona of Lucifer. But, it does not prescribe that he is good.
In fact, music rarely has a direct message condoning evil. They all have a justifiable end, whether they are godly or not, at least to Earthly standards.
It's really your intent with listening that dictates if you should have anything to do with it, or perhaps compose it if you look at all perspectives.

Spirit, faith, and heeding the Lord are the key elements. Don't be fooled by people protesting any form of music unless it is actually doing real damage. Some will have you think that the Columbine incident was due to Marylin.. right. Or even on a lesser note, that Eminem harmed impressionable teens.
It's like, what exactly was everyone on when the media produced all this?

Of course, the music itself is ungodly, but so is falsely blaming it when it's the parent's failure to pay attention to their children.

But I'm sort of going off topic lol. The point I guess I'm trying to make is do not make the common misconception that everything is so obvious.
The Bible is a guide to the human element itself, and yet people still aim at the wrong things. Hope this helps

 

[Martingale]

Symphony For the Devil ...

its Sympathy for the devil.

 

[Cheapacoustic]

Thanks.. and also lol at Symphony for the Devil..

 

[Sum1sGruj]

its Sympathy for the devil.

I've had the song stuck in my head since the previous post lol. Maybe it's a message from above. Or below..

 

[Beechwell]

But isn't Sympathy for the Devil more a critical treatment of the "devil in us all", the evil, "devilish" traits of mankind, than an endorsement of the devil?

 

[Shredhead]

I wouldn't listen to anything/one that glorifies satan , or that paints Christ to be something other than who He is . I've cleaned out a lot of music for this reason alone . Did those songs affect my walk ? , Not really , but my conscience wouldn't remain quiet while I listened to them ....probably the same thing that's convicting you lol .

That being said , I have no probs listening to Vai

 

[MasterpieceMesias]

basically this. I'm a big fan of Morbid Angel, Behemoth and Cannibal Corpse, all three of these bands have questionable lyrics, some more than others. But they aren't to be compared to stuff like Deicide and Aeon
Encyclopaedia Metallum: The Metal Archives - Deicide
Encyclopaedia Metallum: The Metal Archives - Aeon
absolutely poisonous

 

[LockUptheWolves]

Is it wrong for me to listen to any of their other normal songs. This has been bothering me for a while. I've always liked opeth but I recently heard their song, 'Hessial Peel' has got a reversed section that speaks of satan.

And also my favourite guitarist is Paul Gilbert and only recently did I come across a song of his called.. " I am Satan' It's all probably in humour but does this mean I should only avoid the particular songs in question or everything done by these musicians themselves. I realize that if I do this I'll have to clear off half my music folder.

You really have to listen to the words of each song and decide for yourself if the singer is being serious in his claim to be Satan or if the song is satire. What we have to remember is that songs are not official statements of belief by bands. A lot of Christians think they are though. Look at all the fuss that was raised by Christians over songs like Number of the Beast by Iron Maiden. Called Maiden Satanists and probably still believe they are to this day, regardless of the fact that the drummer is a born-again Christian. Yet those same Christians ignore it when false doctrine is presented in CCM songs.