Why are christians so closed minded to metal music?

[kyle marchin]

Yes I will agree, there are a good chunk of metal bands that portray some form of satanic appearances. My question is why is the entire genre completely shunned by christians. I love music and have been everywhere when it comes to music. I anylise and study every form of music. I have found that metal has shown to be the most advanced in terms of structure, flexibility, vocals, variety, technicality, effort, ability, progression, and lyrics. Now not all of these apply to any one band. This is a collection of what I have seen and heard throughout every band in the metal genre. There is something for everyone. Most of the examples shown above are taken from the sub-genres of: Avant garde, Djent, neo classical, mathcore, experimental, symphonic metal, cello metal, Melodic metal, sludge metal, metalcore, power metal, and progressive metal. Metal makes use of the different time signatures. 90% of music uses a basic 4/4 time signature. Metal and classical music are the only 2 genres that make use of the many others. Metal is the only one that takes time signatures to the next level beyond classical and experiments and alters these time signatures while still maintaining a solid rhythm and structure. For vocals do not argue that Operah has the more advanced vocalists. There are many operah vocalists that created metal bands. Examples are nightwish, iron maiden (iron maiden only took operah training), uneXpect, Therion, Hollenthon, Dark Lunacy, Throes of Dawn, Stravaganzza, and Dol Ammad. Now lyrics. I give you Opeth with their incredibly depthful dark lyrics and fantastic clean singing vocals. Honestly compared to Opeth, I can't think of anything anywhere with better lyrics so I will leave my argument with only one example. Also, a handful of metal bands have their own orchestra.

So why, with all of this amazingness, do you christians completely close yourself off to metal because a third of it has minor to extreme references to satan? Why can't christians just not listen to that third?

 

[farouk]

Hi kyle: In the end it would be because being separate from the influence of false teaching would be seen as much more important than musical appreciation. And let's face it, too, there are all sorts of tastes in music and some ppl don't like metal, either.

 

[Knotical]

That is a pretty broad generalization. I would not say All Christians shun metal music, considering I am a Christian and I actually listen to some of it.

Though, I have to say some of it shouldn't be listened to, but the style is not the problem, it is the lyrics and message behind it.

There are Christian metal bands.

 

[Hammer]

The energy of metal can be exciting to young men. But, metal is the most overtly satanic corner of the music industry. The premier Christian metal band, Stryper, released an album last year. They recorded songs originally created by secular bands, including Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Ozzy Ozborn. Out of 13 tracks, only one of them was written by Stryper.

Christian metal is like living in the Christian suburb of Hell.

 

[evenifigoalone]

I can certainly appreciate lyrics with deep meaning. It's the main thing I look at in a song...what do the lyrics say? Is it a good message?
I don't judge a song by the music, and thus I listen to a variety of genres. Although, if it's done in such a way that I can't understand the lyrics without looking it up...well, I simply wouldn't use that song for worship, because if you have no idea what it's saying there's really no point.

I like a few metal bands. Red and Disciple. Both Christian bands. And then there's Crush 40, a secular band that did a lot of the theme songs for the Sonic games.


My family wouldn't/doesn't like some of the genres I listen to, but they're fine with me having come to a different opinion than they did. My mom, in particular, has some strong opinions on rock and metal. As does my church. So I feel like I understand both sides pretty well.

 

[Bfnaught]

You say a third has some kind of satanic reference. That doesn't mean that the other 2/3 is good. I am not a fan of most rap and r&b, not because they talk about Satan, but because it is lyrically bankrupt. I don't need to saturate myself with lyrics about sex, drugs, money, etc.

I personally don't like metal, because it just doesn't sound good. I don't care for opera either, for the same reason. Metal has a dark feel to it, so most Christian's are going to shy away from it. But it's not just Christian's. Not too many metal stations on the radio these days. It's a niche market. Made for metal fans.

If you like it, and respect the technical abilities the musicians have, great. Enjoy it, but realize that you are in the minority.

 

[Hammer]

You say a third has some kind of satanic reference. That doesn't mean that the other 2/3 is good. I am not a fan of most rap and r&b, not because they talk about Satan, but because it is lyrically bankrupt. I don't need to saturate myself with lyrics about sex, drugs, money, etc.

I realize I missed a day
But I'm too wrecked to care anyway
I look around and see this face
What [removed by staff] have I lost my taste

- [Drunken] Blackout, Stryper's last album, written by Scorpions.

Yes, lyically bankrupt and anything but edifying.

 

[Knotical]

Havey any of you heard anything by Shinedown?

 

[Bfnaught]

Havey any of you heard anything by Shinedown?

Yes.

 

[Knotical]

Yes.

...and what did you think?

 

[Bfnaught]

...and what did you think?

My first experience with them was as an opening act for 3 Doors Down. They were great. I got their CD and really enjoyed their music and songwriting. Saw them a couple years later and the singer was way too preachy and seemed to think he was Jim Morrison reincarnated.

Since becoming saved a couple years ago, I've felt drawn away from the local radio stations that play them, so I have no idea what they have done lately. But when one of their older songs comes on Pandora I always enjoy it.

 

[Knotical]

I really like the Lynyrd Skynerd cover they did. Also, their song Bully has an interesting message.

 

[Atonement]

!!!

I love metal, I love everything about it. Sure the lyrics to many secular metal bands are not edifying the Spirit, neither are most 90% of our pop culture music. Anyone watch Mtv lately? Tell me if you can watch it for an hour and see if their is not some sort of drug reference, sexual reference, money (riches) reference. I see Stryper has been quoted off their last album. Never cared for them that much anyway..

What About Eternal Decision?

Don't knock it until you really hear this stuff, if you don't like the music that's fine but the lyrics are edifying for the Spirit.. I even provided the You tube song to sing along with.. I'm a nice guy

Hunger Lyrics:

Hunger, a hunger in my soul.
I hunger for your word.
I hunger , only you can make me whole.
You satisfy my thirst, I hunger.

I have strayed from your will on this path I've chosen.
I had closed up my heart, but now it's open.

Here, here am I.
Come, come live inside.

Hunger pains in my soul, telling me I'm empty.
Well I can see what I need, Your word can complete me.
Cannot move, cannot think, without You with me.
What I need, You freely give. Renew my thinking.

[video=youtube;lnImZelrsh0]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnImZelrsh0[/video]

Power lyrics

Power
The King was born in Bethlehem and raised a Nazerene. The cornerstone begins His ministry in Galilee.

Power from above. Power to rule with love.

Prophet, teacher, savior. God's begotten Son. He heals the sick, the blind to see, the Christ has finally come.

Power, His story. Power, His glory. I'm not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ! Power. This is the power that brings us new life. Power. The mercy gate. Power. A new life by faith.

Persecuted by government they could not understand. How could this Jesus before them be both God and a man? He was crushed for our evil. Punished in our place. He died for us, He rose again. Receive His saving grace.

[video=youtube;EJDY4iUQ4xA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJDY4iUQ4xA[/video]

Rock on good people.. Kyle if you want more let me know, I have a whole lot of great Christian metal that you will probably enjoy..

 

[farouk]

I guess the music style to a certain extent is subjective. But if the words are edifying, then this is good.

 

[Mike]

I love metal, I love everything about it. Sure the lyrics to many secular metal bands are not edifying the Spirit, neither are most 90% of our pop culture music. Anyone watch Mtv lately? Tell me if you can watch it for an hour and see if their is not some sort of drug reference, sexual reference, money (riches) reference.

I don't think the point of this thread was to contemplate "Christian Metal". You have a point about the way secular pop culture can degrade society, but when I compare secular pop music to secular metal, I see a stark difference.

I don't have any data to back this up, so it's just speculation... I think the dark tone of secular metal can either send someone into despair or at least feed an existing feeling of despair. IMO, it has a message of defiance and it gives affirmation to the rebellion. I honestly don't know how someone can be immersed in secular metal and have a positive outlook on life. I'm sure it happens, and people can resist the downward spiral. I just don't know how.

I listened to that first video. I can see how this band could minister to people who are caught up in music like death metal, but I can say I still wouldn't encourage my children to listen to it. Even Christian music with a dark side can feed an obsession with death. Again, that's just my opinion.

 

[Atonement]

I don't think the point of this thread was to contemplate "Christian Metal". You have a point about the way secular pop culture can degrade society, but when I compare secular pop music to secular metal, I see a stark difference.

I don't have any data to back this up, so it's just speculation... I think the dark tone of secular metal can either send someone into despair or at least feed an existing feeling of despair. IMO, it has a message of defiance and it gives affirmation to the rebellion. I honestly don't know how someone can be immersed in secular metal and have a positive outlook on life. I'm sure it happens, and people can resist the downward spiral. I just don't know how.

I listened to that first video. I can see how this band could minister to people who are caught up in music like death metal, but I can say I still wouldn't encourage my children to listen to it. Even Christian music with a dark side can feed an obsession with death. Again, that's just my opinion.

Mike -

Thank you for voicing your opinion.. Mike we do have a difference in opinions but that's fine because it's okay to be different. What is important is that we keep Christ centered in our lives, and the music we choose to do that with is okay..

But I will say - there are more gangs who listen to rap and pop culture music then those that listen to metal.. There were at least 30,000 gangs and 800,000 gang members active across the USA in 2007, up from 731,500 in 2002 and 750,000 in 2004. By 1999, Hispanics accounted for 47% of all gang members, Blacks 34%, Whites 13%, and Asians 6% (Gang demographics).

FBI Official site said this in 2011 "Criminal gangs in the USA have swelled to an estimated 1 million members responsible for up to 80% of crimes in communities across the nation, according to a gang threat assessment compiled by federal officials."

There is a thug lifestyle that is mad crazy right now and the music behind it is hurting our streets in the US. Crime rate is on the rise.

There is music even called Gang rap and thug rap. In point Tupac lived a life as a thug and was assassinated in a thug life style. OBD lived a thug life and had multitudes of arrest before his drug over dose. Notorious B.I.G another known rapper killed for his thug life style and music. All of these have one thing in common, they vented themselves in their music.

Secular music is just that secular and Satan will use it ALL for his glory if possible.

 

[Carolyn]

I happen to be a little old lady who still loves Christian alternative and metal. It started about 25 years ago when I was looking for music to pace to while walking. My classical romantics like Rimsky Korsokoff weren't doing it for me. So I turned on the secular metal station. The lyrics were trashy and I became depressed and angry because this was about all our kids had to listen to. So I started finding Christian hard rock, metal and punk: everything from REZ BAND, King's X, Rex Carroll et all, Bloodgood, Tourniquet, Mortal, Breakfast with Amy, to One Bad Pig. The latter had really great lyrics and the music, well it was fun. Since most punks don't identify with fun, it wasn't popular with the secular world. And the music wasn't the most artistic. I also liked Audio Adrenalin, Steve Taylor and Phil Keagy.

Now we have a 14 year old grandson looking for Christian metal and stuff like Mortal. So I appreciated your ideas.

Oh, in answer to the original question. the shunning probably started with Jerry Lee Lewis in the fifties. His music was often stolen from the bluesy African Americans music in bars. His brother, a pastor, called it the devil's music. The rumor spread. It was often associated with "dirty dancing" as well. So one of the first Christian rock and roll artists, Larry Norman, wrote "Why Should the Devil Have All the Good Music?"

 

[Atonement]

I happen to be a little old lady who still loves Christian alternative and metal. It started about 25 years ago when I was looking for music to pace to while walking. My classical romantics like Rimsky Korsokoff weren't doing it for me. So I turned on the secular metal station. The lyrics were trashy and I became depressed and angry because this was about all our kids had to listen to. So I started finding Christian hard rock, metal and punk: everything from REZ BAND, King's X, Rex Carroll et all, Bloodgood, Tourniquet, Mortal, Breakfast with Amy, to One Bad Pig. The latter had really great lyrics and the music, well it was fun. Since most punks don't identify with fun, it wasn't popular with the secular world. And the music wasn't the most artistic. I also liked Audio Adrenalin, Steve Taylor and Phil Keagy.

Now we have a 14 year old grandson looking for Christian metal and stuff like Mortal. So I appreciated your ideas.

Oh, in answer to the original question. the shunning probably started with Jerry Lee Lewis in the fifties. His music was often stolen from the bluesy African Americans music in bars. His brother, a pastor, called it the devil's music. The rumor spread. It was often associated with "dirty dancing" as well. So one of the first Christian rock and roll artists, Larry Norman, wrote "Why Should the Devil Have All the Good Music?"

Carolyn -

That is awesome, you have mentioned a lot of the music in my Christian library. Also check out Believer, Vengeance Rising, Seventh Angel, and of course my favorite Eternal Decision as mentioned in my previous post..

God Bless

- LJ

 

[elijah23]

I like music that sounds good. That can be metal. That can be an old hymn accompanied by acoustic guitar. I don't like it when music drags.

 

[farouk]

I happen to be a little old lady who still loves Christian alternative and metal. It started about 25 years ago when I was looking for music to pace to while walking. My classical romantics like Rimsky Korsokoff weren't doing it for me. So I turned on the secular metal station. The lyrics were trashy and I became depressed and angry because this was about all our kids had to listen to. So I started finding Christian hard rock, metal and punk: everything from REZ BAND, King's X, Rex Carroll et all, Bloodgood, Tourniquet, Mortal, Breakfast with Amy, to One Bad Pig. The latter had really great lyrics and the music, well it was fun. Since most punks don't identify with fun, it wasn't popular with the secular world. And the music wasn't the most artistic. I also liked Audio Adrenalin, Steve Taylor and Phil Keagy.

Now we have a 14 year old grandson looking for Christian metal and stuff like Mortal. So I appreciated your ideas.

Oh, in answer to the original question. the shunning probably started with Jerry Lee Lewis in the fifties. His music was often stolen from the bluesy African Americans music in bars. His brother, a pastor, called it the devil's music. The rumor spread. It was often associated with "dirty dancing" as well. So one of the first Christian rock and roll artists, Larry Norman, wrote "Why Should the Devil Have All the Good Music?"

Hi Carolyn,

I think General Booth of the Salvation Army made a similar comment!

Actually I don't picture you as a 'little old lady', but thanks for the tips about good Christian metal groups.

Blessings.