If I listen to metal, am I being a bad christian?

[Sketcher]

No doubt that Christian metal bands are for the Lord.
I was referring to Black Metal bands that denouce God.

I don't even like listening to songs that denounce God or Christianity. That said, I don't listen to secular black metal. But on the "lighter" side of metal, there are some secular bands I do enjoy, but only on a song-by-song basis. I'll listen to Concrete by Fear Factory, because it reminds me of God's coming judgement. But there are songs they've done that I will not listen to, such as Desecrate.

 

[staugustine68]

I don't even like listening to songs that denounce God or Christianity. That said, I don't listen to secular black metal. But on the "lighter" side of metal, there are some secular bands I do enjoy, but only on a song-by-song basis. I'll listen to Concrete by Fear Factory, because it reminds me of God's coming judgement. But there are songs they've done that I will not listen to, such as Desecrate.

I very much agree with you there. Well said.

 

[Centrifuge04]

I listen to all sorts of metal music, just don't let it influence you

 

[bobdobbs]

Rock on!

 

[pro_odeh]

just don't let it influence you

It's not up to you. Music affects you, either you like it or not!

 

[The Story Teller]

I say it depends on what the songs say. I know, for a fact, that if you go to a barber shop long enough, you'll get a hair cut. Think about it..

 

[pro_odeh]

No matter what the song is about, it will affect you. The lyrics depend how you are affected.. (I loiked that barber shop parable.. )
God bless!

 

[yee ven]

It's not up to you. Music affects you, either you like it or not!

i agree with you.
Music can bring you into different states of emotions and feeds your mind with the content of the lyrics. Personally, i think metal music brings the atmosphere of rebeliousness, but i'd admire their energy though..

 

[Sketcher]

I find that metal, video games, etc haven't been much of an influence because I've always had my negative traits. Yes, I have a nasty temper and some people would think it's because of metal. Actually, my dad has that same temper and he listens to classical.

 

[pro_odeh]

It doesnt have to affect you in a negative way. I listen to christian metal on occasions. that doesnt make me more violent, but brings me closer to God. If i listen to calm pop, with "bad" lyrics and music videos, that brings me further away from God. It doesnt just affect you mood..
God bless!

 

[the Colonel]

no. You can be a Christian and listen to whatever you want.

I completely disagree with this statement, but let's assume you're correct. I would then profer the following scripture for you to contemplate:

[bible]Philippians 4:8[/bible]
[bible]1 Corinthians 10:23-24[/bible]
[bible]1 Corinthians 10:31-33[/bible]
[bible]Romans 14:20-22[/bible]

There are more, but the idea here is you, as a Christian, are to be a witness to others with your life and the way you live. You may say it is permissable for your to listen to this music, but will this cause someone else to stumble? Will this cause a non-Christian to say, "Well, if he's a Christian and can listen to that kind of music, why become a Christian? I do that now!"

 

[xpunkskaterx]

yes. But do you steal, lust, get greedy, or think immoral things at all during that day. most likely, yes... But that doesnt make me or you any less of a Christian...

 

[MetalBlade]

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! And I will scream that for all eternity! I listen to Hammerfall and Dio. I also listen to Death and Morbid Angel! I listen to all kinds of music, but mostly metal (not considering numetal and mallcore). That does not make you non-christian. Sure, some bands have evil themes and anti-christian themes, I tend to leave the really hard anti-religion bands off my list...

Anyways, I listen to metal. I also read the Bible, express my faith in God everyday, pray everyday, and rejoice in his Holy name! The only problem with the metal scene is most people are not Christians. Sure there are some bands, ie. Trouble, Stryper, etc. But some people are turning as well, ie Dave Mustaine and others.

As Manowar would say, Stay True to Metal, and I say while carrying your religion with just as much pride!

 

[the Colonel]

yes. But do you steal, lust, get greedy, or think immoral things at all during that day. most likely, yes... But that doesnt make me or you any less of a Christian...

You're talking about your daily personal faith in God and your struggle with sin. I'm talking about your witness to others. I'm assuming this is not a sin, for sake of argument. Even things NOT considered sin can be wrong for us to do, at least in the witness of others for whom these things would cause them to stumble (i.e. be a bad witness). My point is valid even if you believe it is fine to listen to that type of music. You're talking about a completely different thing than I am.

 

[the Colonel]

I'm going to give you an example. I don't drink, not because I think it is wrong (although it is wrong to get drunk), but because of its possible negative witness to others. "Did you see that? John's drinking, and he says he's a Christian. What a hypocrite!" The issue of drinking isn't as big a problem as it used to be, but it still can be.

Pick anything in a similar vein to that as an example. Think of something you believe is fine to do as a Christian and then evaluate how secular society views doing this as a Christian. Yes, all things are permissable, but not all things are beneficial. You must not merely focus on yourself, as a Christian, but you need to think of others and your witness to the world! :lighthouse to the world:

 

[xpunkskaterx]

yes i konw what you mean. My grandma would think im from the devil if she heard the msuci i listen to. Thats why i dont listen to it in front of her because i know she doesnt like it, and i respect that.

 

[pro_odeh]

I agree with the Colonel. We are to be examples. But listening to music with antichristian lyrics is a sin! because it does not glorify God.

Rom 14, 23: ...and everything that does not come from faith is sin.

If you are a christian you should try to get closer to God, not see how far away we can go and still keep the salvation. I think that should be a good rule to all.

 

[the Colonel]

If you are a christian you should try to get closer to God, not see how far away we can go and still keep the salvation. I think that should be a good rule to all.

Very wise. My pastor has been saying this a lot lately. It's a very good way of looking at Chrstianity.

 

[pro_odeh]

I agree. An older christian role model of mine told me once, and I have held on to it ever since!
God bless!

 

[Roo6339]

If you are a christian you should try to get closer to God, not see how far away we can go and still keep the salvation. I think that should be a good rule to all.

wow... i never thought of it like that... a very good point.