I'm just curious is listening to christian metal a sin?

My pastor told me that all forms of metal were sinful because of the screaming that brings rage to those wo listen to it.

I don't have those problems, but some of my friends say they listen to Demon Hunter & Stryper when they are frustrated or when they need to pump up before basket ball games.

Is this sinful?

That is a totally subjective opinion. I listen to metal and do NOT feel "rage" at all.

If it causes one to feel "rage", then they probably should not listen to it. But many simply don't feel that. It would likely then fall into the category of "adiaphora".

Hey guys,

I know that I will be in the minority on this one, but here is my take.

I think all heavy metal began with guys making a lot of noise in their garages and driving their parents mad. It really doesn't sit well with the older generation and it is just another way that young folks attempt to rebel. I think that a lot of it was created by means of breaking the 3rd commandment. Honoring our mothers and fathers and elders and stuff. We need to rediscover what is beautiful and sacred. There is a reality we must face about heavy metal. Screaming and loud noise is not beautiful. Animals would run away from it. I read a study that said cows gave more like 15% more milk when the listened to classical music as opposed to hard rock. It is the sound of rebellion and when I hear it, it sounds the same as what I think the devil might sound like if he talked. It is a product of our present society and it mirrors it well. We need to love beautiful things; maybe you guys think it is beautiful. I don't know how you could give it that lable though.

my 2 cents.

God bless,

toti

Beauty is mostly subjective. Trying to determine what is and is not beautiful is an argument not worth having. Philosophers have debated it for years and have made no progress. I think metal is much mroe beautiful than classical music because I subscribe to an entirely different aesthetic philosophy than most do. I find beauty in the complex. Metal, in my opinion, is the pinnacle of human guitar playing talent. Chat later.

"play skilfully with a loud noise" - Ps.33:3

"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise." - Ps.98:4

I agree with WBD.
Beauty in complexity, although alot of simple things are beautiful too. it all depends on the person,
that being said. if you dont like metal, dont listen to it.

I dont think its a problem, as in, sinful.
the rage thing, depends on the person and their background.

However, i do feel a little bit of rage on behalf of demon hunter who i feel are just a rip off of another band that i wont mention

other than that.. nothign really.. i listen to metal when im happy, sad, depressed, joyful, hyper, whatever..

People say that metal is the devils music and whatnot, that the early metal peoples were satanic and used it for satanic purposes.. yah..
however,, musical notes are created by GOD.. everything is created BY GOD,, ever capacity for notes or energy is created by God,, Satan cant create anything, he can only warp. (God the creator, satan the destroyer,, get it?)

I guess different styles of 'singing' have come along that come out of satanic roots (black metal death metal etc etc etc) but how many things in society that are 'okay' were once tabu?

one thing i hate is christian grindcore haha i think its pointles.. i think people should be able to at least hear the words and if they cant understand, have access to the lyrics,,

triumphoftheimmaculate, its good you share your point of view, keep doing that, i dont think anybody will be offended, not at this kind of topic (but i am always mistaken about that sort of thing)

i guess we could use this analogy, some people can go in the sun for a long time, and they just get tanned! (like me:D) and other people can go in the sun for 15 minutes and they will burn and peel haha..
i guess you just have to know what gets you,
if your convicted about it, dont hesitate,,

i dont see metal as a problem personally. am i a rebel? no i conform mostly. i have my problems like people who listen to country or rap do

if you took a psalm and put it to a metal song would that make it bad because its sung to that tone of guitar or speed?
suredly i say unto thee, it would not..
er i think haha..

anyway im done and i'm at work so im leaving!! goodbye

the bible sais that music has to be peacefull,

metal is not peacfull

Well, I guess LOUD and JOYFUL could be peaceful, but it doesn't seem that way to me.

Psalm 98:4
Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.

WHOO-OO

Metal in all forms is just simple music.
Sin is just a guilt trip they lay on you, so they can take advantage of and abuse you later and to get your money and time because they are too lazy to understand complexity, Follow the golden rule, its the best aspect of game theory and local politics. The rest is a shell game.

Hi Wej!

Welcome to the Fellowship Forums. I am going to leave your statement about metal music but cut and paste the rest of what you wrote and place it in another thread for discussion.

I don't want to divert this particualar discussion on music but I do wish to examine the rest of your statement.

move yo finger off the delete buttens mate lol

Dude!!! Have you not heard the song "The Houseplant Song" by Audio A?

click here. don\'t want to take up space with the lyrics

Honestly. Music isn't evil, even though some people should never make it (as seen at the beginning of the American Idol season).

Ok, I'm pretty much new to this site, found it today, read this post or whatever, and decided I had to register and share my opinion.

I work at a local Christian based venue where local bands come and play every weekend. It's a place where teens (and even some adults come LOL) to just get off of the streets, hear some good music, make friends, and just pretty much hang out on the weekend instead of being out there doing things they shouldn't. We pray over every show that the bands have a great time, and that the people that come have a great time.

And yes, we do have some shows where metal bands play. I, personally, don't care too much for metal, but I don't see metal being a sin as long as it's of God. If you're doing it for God, and you are glorifying Him, what's the problem? A lot of people like to call it "noise", but you know what? When you're in church and you're singing along, you're making noise. When you SPEAK ABOUT GOD you are making noise, when you pray at night before you lay your head down to go to sleep, you're making noise.

Noise is a sound of any kind. You can say that noise is an unpleasent sound. But it's actually just sound.

For the band memebers of christian metal bands, that is THEIR way of worshipping our Lord. Music is so diverse, therefore there's going to be a lot of bickering back and forth about what is sinful music, and what is not. But as long as you're glorifying God with your "noise" I think He'll be proud no matter what.

I think the only solution there could really be to an argument of this kind is, if you don't like metal, don't listen to it, plain and simple.

God bless.

Welcome to the boards Emma. Thanks for your post!

Blessings,

Mark

Ok all!!

As an original Christian heavy metal musician in the late 80's into early 90's, I must chime in on this discussion.

I have done alot with the metal music and have seen lives changed by this music. I auditioned for Holy Soldier at one point and I know alot of the guys out there in this scene. None of them would dare to say that Christian metal is a sin to listen to. For that pastor to say that it is a sin is just off his rocker or maybe he is getting old or whatever.

I have worked in youth ministries for a very long time and I can tell you all that the metal music has changed lives for the better. Alot of the kids made a connection with the lyrics and that was a great thing to see.

There is nothing evil or sinful about Christian metal music!! I am in fact getting ready to possibly start another metal minsistry band.

Wow, I am just so blown away by this thread and now makes me more determined to play it loud and strong for our LORD, Jesus Christ!!!

I don't care much for metal (Christian or otherwise) myself but I certainly wouldn't go so far as to say it's sinful.

Music has great power and I do sometimes question whether metal music, which, at it's core, is still aggressive in nature, even with Christian lyrics, is a healthy outlet for the Christian.

"We are allowed to do anything," so they say. That is true, but not everything is good. "We are allowed to do anything"---but not everything is helpful. None of you should be looking out for your own interests, but for the interests of others. (1Co 10:23-24)

Should we, as Christians, consider the possiblity that the aggressive nature of metal music might feed into a young person's aggressive nature in a negative way?

I like christian metal but I dont listen to is anymore because I started to think, "How is this music worshiping God?" It really doesnt. But thats just my opinion. But, if you think about it, all you really hear is screaming or headbanging loud noises. Demon Hunter, for example, their band name, I think, is just weird because when I hear that name I get chills up my spine becasue it sounds like they are hunting demons and wanting to be friends with them. Do ya'll hear what I am sayning? Well, Thats all for now!

Stryper, Bloodgood, Guardian, Neon Cross, to name a few bands are not screaming metal bands.

I fail to see how Christian metal can be bad when these bands exist to praise God. I know alot of the guys out there and I can say that their hearts are in the right place. They would fail to see these ridiculous points made in regards to the metal music.

Regardless of your opinions, (and that's exactly what they are) fail to compel me to sway away from a form of music that saved my tail many years ago.

I will keep on rockin for the LORD and MASTER of my life!!

Firstly not all metal bands are screamo...
some sing..

Secondly i wouldnt say all metal is agressive. I think of some of it as extreme enthusiasm...which is great.

and some metal lyrics are very worshipful...sometime even more so that some christain rock songs..others arent very. It has nothing to do with the msuic itself...

etheral scourge - through the waters

to dwell in the light
of the ancient of days
in bliss to see the glory
of his awesome face

drink the benediction
divine endless grace
emmanuel enthroned
by his side take your place

glide the mirror sea
of placid aeons old
flawless morning swan
your graceful wings unfold
lift your voice in song
to the lover of your soul
the source of all harmony
his beauty unspoiled

bear your cross make your way
lie submerged healing pool
all is past washed away
strong in heart now arise

Giver of Life

rise up
my soul
take flight
accelerate

by grace brought home
i will abide with you
at your throne
i will commune with you
lord now show your face
i give praise to you
the feast it waits
i will fellowship with you

the christ will reign
glory seated on high
purest blood
power none can deny
dominion is yours
and all bow to you
your life you gave
for such evil i do

so yearns my soul
to dance on lakes of glass
and by your name
you give what we may ask
banish what is false
no misery no lies
engrave my heart
the truth for which it cries

but i forgot ...metal is evil...opps :p

+--Living Sacrifice--+

To provide Christ the entrance
Forsaking the empty way of life
Sure of the Spirit's fulfillment
And absence of strife
God's child of the incorruptible seed, in which the world abides
Firmly rooted, established in faith, overflowing praise arises
Existing in Christ's presence
Reaching the depths of compassion
Center of self, overtaken discipline, motivated ambitions
Confidence in His power, wisdom
And goodness within reach
More than a conqueror, established to the end
Above, not beneath
Reconciled by God
Ministry of reconciliation
Redeemed from the oppressor, escape the corruption
Confidence in His power, wisdom
And goodness within reach
More than a conqueror, established to the end
Above, not beneath
Participationg in the diving nature
Continuing to grow
In wisdon and stature
Confidence in His power, wisdom and goodness
Within reach, more than a conqueror
Established to the end
Above, not beneath

[-Deuteronomy 28:13, Corinthians 1:3, 2:5]

________________________

+----EXTOL---+

Indifference surrounds me
yet my heart is secure
The shadows grow stronger
yet my spirit is protected
Observing the extreme absurdities
Still my heart can't be moved

I can rest in the loser's haunt
For the Victorious has filled the void inside
I can wander by the source of hell
For the Lord of all lives in me
In these circumstances I dwell

Thank God, In Him I am not a part of this
My inspiration, Giver of Life

I want to shine, radiate Your presence
I want to show them the warmth of truth
That You showed me
So they can understand
Who You are and why I worship You

Even if my life should end
In the valley of the shadows
My spirit will exist in a new dimension
Forever with Him, my Father

Hi all! I registered today and found this thread right away. I must say right away that I love that forums like this do exist, and that people take time to type their opinions down... Kepp up the good work you all!

ok, but to the answers: I think, as many have said before, that christian metal is just another way of praising our Lord. That it would be sinful due to it's agressive nature I can't believe. The reason it is seen as noise is that it is still a sort of subcultural genre of music so it has not been fully accepted. I think all of us would agree that christian pop is ok(?). But it would have started the same discussion as we are having now if it was introduced in the seventeenth century.

I think that praising must be personal and that we have to develop all the time in our ways of praising so that we won't get stuck in routine.

Keep the fire burning for God!
Bless!

listening to certian types of music doesnt dishonor all parents. I didnt honor my parents when I was in high school several different ways, but music definatly wasnt one of them. Even though I wasnt christian at the time, I listened to christian metal. And my parents were ok with that, as long as I kept it reasonable in the house or confined to my car. I think most of the reason they were ok with it is they figured it was better that I listen to the christian stuff than the secular stuff.

also, i'm sure you've heard the saying "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" it's also in the ear of the beholder.
I've heard music that I thought was complete garbage (rap and hip-hop for example) and I have a friend that uses both of those types of music to witness and lead teenagers to Christ.
pretty much, music is amoral, it had a lack of good or bad morals. but when placed in the hands of a human, it takes on that human's characteristics. and then it can be used for the glory of God's kingdom or it can be used for the purpose of the world.

Anyone care to research what Satan did while he was in heaven? I think you will find it very, very interesting what his job was before he fell.

Blessings,

Mark

worship leader?

yeah so.....he is a genius with music i'd imagine,,, perhaps even the first 'person' to deal with music in the history of eternity? maybe.....uhhh.....
i want to hear what youve got to say about it, cuz i dont see why that would be a problem,,does that mean he created all the music that we have?

*waits*

Wow. I didn't expect an answer so soon. Yep, he was the worship leader. He is a genious with music and it has had great influence in our society.

For every Godly thing, there is a satanic substitute.

When the church began restricting the kind of music that could be used to worship God, the enemy moved in and provided a substitute for the enemy to use to lure kids and adults.

Wouldn't it be great if Christianity so embraced music, that it was at the forefront of musical development? Then when some new rebellious rock group came long, kids might say "that sounds too Christian for me". LOL!

OK, I have blathered along long enough. Here's the point. Music is very powerful. In Psalms, we are even told to worship God with music. No words, just music in some Psalms. Music has an impact. It can greatly influence us. What we must be aware of is the spirit behind the music. If the music is meant to glorify God, then we can enjoy it in peace. I think Christian rock may fit that mold. If it is meant to be rebellious, then we need to watch out. Music is much more influential than many are willing to admit. And Satan has taken full advantage of the power of music and his giftings, to influence youngsters to the max. All the while using another lie in the church that all nontraditional music is of the devil! This double attack has left many musicians with callings of God upon their life with, in their opinion, no where left to turn but the enemy. God gifted them with the music to sing praises to his name. But they were deceived into playing for the devil.

People call it freedom. I call it bondage. The question really isn't what kind of music is a group playing. The real question is who is playing the group and producing the music.

Blessings,

Mark

I kept waiting for someone to respond to this but no one did. I am not a listener of Christian metal and therefor, cannot speak to it's influence on me. I have learned through the years that music can influence my emotions. Sometimes, I listen to aggressive Christian music because I want to feel like it is demon butt kicking time. Folk songs like "Mighty Warrior" come to mind when I am in this mood.

OK, metal listeners, what kind of emotions does Christian metal evoke in you? I would like to hear the good and the bad. I think my previous post shows you don't have to convince me if God uses metal, I believe he does. The enemy also uses it. My question now is, does Christian metal create desires of rebellion like the hard metal from the MTV? Or does it create any other "negative" emotions in you? If so, please explain them and the positive emotions.

Thanks,

Mark

christian metal makes me agressive because its just awful...ahahaha..

metal on a whole, perhaps i am just desensitized to it but.. it doesent make me feel agressive unless im already feeling agressive or angry about something, and there are certain lyrical contents that one should avoid. There are alot in the mainstream that are very agressive but i think it affects people different..as anything does...

there is alot of beautiful music in it also.
i wouldnt generally say that the mainstream is 'beautiful' like.. a sunset is beautiful, the moon is beautiful.. aurora borealis is beautiful,, slipknot isnt beautiful, korn isnt beautiful (mainstream stuff) manson isnt beautiful (i guess that depends on how you look at it..uh oh dont hang me..everbody bashes him and i dont like what he does either, but i can relate to what he is doing because i was like that too..not as much but mindset and some actions) and there are definately some very ugly bands that i dont like...
but there are some extremely melodic, symphonic 'metal' bands out there.

as for what positive effects it has on people...mmm...im not quite sure what positive effects any kind of music has on anybody... not just saying that, i cant think of any positive effects of any music.

i have a question though, is it just me or has anybody else seen that all the 'great' and creative music of this century, namely 50s, 60s, 70s up till now..the shift from modernism to post modernism,,,, uhm, why cant christians make good 'revolutionary' music? all the 'revolutionary' musicians were all on LSD and other drugs from the 50s right through the 80s...(especially in the 'rock scene' i guess..ive only ever payed attention to the history of 'rock' when it came out of blues in the 40s till now)
we have the creator of music on our side, is it that he doesent want us to make good music???
or is it that in order to make good music you have to have your 'mind expanded' with drugs to be creative.... what is it???
is it that satan himself orchestrated all the modern music that we have from the 40s till now???? and that christians are now trying to 'redeem' that music, poorly....

what does anybody think...

Hi OLD, did you read my first of the two post above? I tried to answer some of those questions.

The enemy has lied to the church saying that "traditional music is good" and "nontraditional music is Satanic". That more or less leaves him as the only "creative" force in that style of music.

Manson is demonized. I don't think there is really any debate about secularized heavy metal. It is demonic. However, for the saved that style of music can be great.

There are certainly positive aspects of music. God even tells us to use music to enhance our emotions. He tells us that we should sing hymns when we are happy and such. Also, we are to replace a spirit of heaviness with a spirit of praise. Music often accompanied praise in the OT. I read that to say when I am discouraged to find an uplifting song to help encourage my heart.

Praise can also be used as a powerful weapon of warfare. When Saul was demonized, the only time he got help was when David played the harp. The demons couldn't stand it and they would leave Saul for a period of time.

There is no doubt that music is highly spiritual in nature. As I said before, the question isn't really what style of music is the band playing. The real question is what kind of spirit is playing the band.

Blessings,

Mark

well ive got no argument with that!!
i dont have any argument with anything youve said really..

Hi, Mark. Glad you joined in! Couldn't agree more. It seems to me everything is said.

Bless

Time for my chimes to ring. I think it often is aggressive and while I used to have trouble listening to it and keeping in a proper Christian mindset. At the same time I was listening to a lot of secular metal and when I finally deleted all the secular music off the computer I began to think about getting rid of all the metal too. But I thought I would listen to it a little while before making up my mind. In those few minutes of listening to it after purging the secular influence, the Christian metal I heard completely changed for me. I heard Christ's triumph, God's jealousy for His creation, and God's wrath at what it has become.

The first time after that I listened to Immortal Souls "Painweighted" , I heard the lead guitar praising God, "lifting its voice" so to speak. I hear testimony of God's jealousy in Demon Hunter's "Fire to My Soul" . I hear power in Living Sacrifice's "In Christ" .

Metal has a lot of emotion in it and by it's style it naturally limits itself to a certain range of emotion so I don't think it's healthy to listen to it exclusively, but to praise God and every portion of His character. That requires experiencing many different musical styles. [/chiming] Chat later.

Amen WBD! God even tells us to use differing styles in Colossians. We are to sing hymns, psalms and spiritual songs. Even the Psalms have differing styles within them.

Being alittle bit of a musician myself in my spare time i see all music,no matter what genre,as a artform. The music comes from the heart of the artist. So if someone has a desire to glorify God with a harder style of music..then so be it. Music to me ..should be judged more on the lyrics than the sound. I played heavier music myself at a time. My goal was to make the lyrics legible to the audience so they could understand the message. What glory does it bring to God by singing music to Him that knowone can understand? It would be better to keep such music to yourself as to not cause confusion in God's church. So in genral, my rule of thumb is this:if i can understand the message, then i will listen.

Greetings everyone!

I stumbled upon your forum, and was intrigued at this particular discussion. I just want to give a little of my opinion on this matter. I remember when I was growing up in the 80's my dad would complain and gripe about Kiss, and how all they did was scream and make noise. His influence on me kept me from listening to any hard rock and metal for quite some time. I was convinced that he was right, and it was "Screaming and noise" He had me listening to his 70's pop stuff like Lobo, Tony Orlando, Neil Diamond etc. lol Well at some point I was curious and listened to Kiss and some 80s hard rock/metal. I was blown away and instantly addicted. I found that most of it had no screaming, beautiful guitar solos and even pretty piano. I heard "Beth" by Kiss and was shocked, it was as mellow if not more mellow than some of my Dad's 70's pop. It was not all ugly and angst ridden, screaming, and a bunch of noise. Then I discovered Christian Metal around 1988, and Wow, I was so amazed. The band was called Stryper, and the rest is history. From there I discovered heavier stuff like Deliverance, Vengeance Rising, Mortification, Horde etc. To sum up this blabbering post
I will just say this, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, what was very ugly to my dad, was awe inspiring and extremely beautiful to me. The funny thing is, Stryper is one of my dad's favorite bands now. Once I got him to break his mindset, he found the beauty in it. Another thing is this, Alot of Heavy Metal is based off classical guitar ie. Yngwie Malmsteen, and is mostly instrumental. If Bach was alive today this is what he would be doing, No Doubt. Its not all Screaming and noise! And in the words of Paul, and the boys "God Gave Rock N Roll To You"
God Bless All

Ok sorry everyone, I was still thinking on this, and I remembered something I believe god showed me one time. If I was outside and dropped a huge piece of steel on something, lets say a car haha What if I found that sound to be extremely nice. So I went around making that noise happen alot. To some it would be total destruction, but to me beautiful, I know this is very silly. A noise is a noise, its not evil it just happens and some find it beautiful, others might not. If I could not play guitar and my singing sounded like finger nails on a chalkboard, but I was singing my heart out to god in worship. To most it would sound like chaos and horrible, but God would hear my heart. Thats my point on Christian Metal lets pretend they dont know how to play and they just wildly strum and bang on their drums. Just because they have no clue how to play and are making noise at least they are trying. God judges by the heart, man judges by appearance. I however see most Christian Metal as highly Talented, but to everyone else... Just pretend they are noisy Kids who cant play but are trying.

Something just occured to me with this...
A lot of the posts against christian metal talk about it being noisey, not beautiful, etc.
Psalm 100:1-2 (KJV)
1Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

2Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
We're called to be noisey when praising God.

Other versions use the word shout instead of noise. I generally think of metal as shouting, screaming, etc. But it's still the same concept, done to praise God, it's not wrong.

My fiance' and I are having debates about the subject and good and bad music. He likes to listen to Madonna, Pink Floyd, and other bands that are not acceptably sold at christian book stores. I am not so much on the fact that they are "secular" but what the songs represent and stand for. A lot of people don't even listen to the lyrics, they like the beat and tune to dance to and such at parties. But I have also noticed how the media is picking up on the good beats of music and actually playing more Christian songs for advertisements.

What I will tell anybody about music is this............ If you cannot honestly stand before the MOST HIGH God and sing the song to HIM, then it has no right gracing your ears. That is the fool proof test on songs, because even some secular songs can be sung to God most High.

Greetings!!! I am a personal friend of the guys in christian metal band Stryper. Mike Rob, Oz, and Tracy. I hang out with them, watch their shows, eat with them, etc.... I can honestly say it is NOT a sin to listen to heavy metal. I know first hand that stryper loves the Lord and I have seen the results of their ministry. I have seen people fall to their knees and give their lives to God after a show. I was saved through their ministry. In the stryper shows that i have had the privalege of being at, I have not witnessed one fight. Where may i ask is the rage your pastor speaks of? I don't want to knock your pastor, but i do believe that he is misguided.

The sin does not come in the music itself, but in the lifestyles the band members may be living and preaching. Most Christian metal bands(stryper, saint, Rez, Messiah Prophet, holy soldier, etc...)walk a Godly lifestyle and are sincere. If you like heavy metal, check out someof these bands. It isn't wrong. E-mail me if you want. freedomsgood@hotmail.com

Heavy metal can be used to God's glory or Satan.

Blessings,

Mark

There are so many metal bands that sing about and to God in a good way. Demon Hunter is not a good example of one, though they do say they are Christians. Try Hortor, Eulogium, Illuminandi, Crimson Moon Light , even my solo "band" AsLongAsILive...the list goes on. As for the screaming, I do it myself and i find it very peaceful (but i hate headbanging )

Welcome to the Fellowship Forums GV!

I don't think that metal, christian or otherwise, is inheritly evil or good. I do believe that most of it is very poorly done.

But, we've gotten away from your question "is listening to christian metal a sin?"

The classic catholic response is, of course and without fail, "If it feels good, it must be wrong.", and there is another old catholic prayer, "God save us from the Fury of the Norsemen". So, swedish christian death metal might be wrong. Possibly. Probably not.

You see, music is, was, and always will be a tool to inspire people. This is because it evokes a biological response in your brain. Some songs will get your blood pumping, some might calm you down, some might make you cry, some might stimulate the same part of the brain that gets stimulated when you're praying.
You see, that is why it is actually painful for me to listen to most Rap music. It stimulates some part of my brain that is drastically underdeveloped. I think this is because most of the rap that is on terrestrial radio is made simply to glorify money, sex, drugs, the objectification of women, violence, insulting other people, and other various nasty behaviours.

To give some sort of final answer to your question, no, listening to christian metal or polka or techno or psychedelic rock or rap or blues or folk or gothic or doom music is no more of a sin than listening to gospel music. Its all meant to help inspire a person to develop a relationship with The Lord. And its rather contradictory to say that something that is meant to bring people closer to The Lord is a sin. Teach people the gospels by whatever means nescesary. It beats converting by the sword (not really, if they brought back convserion by the sword I would probably be the most rabid soldier of God that ever existed)

OH WAIT!

Thats right. People don't like Christian metal because it focuses on consenting adults and teenagers instead of their real target demographic, which is children. Veggie Tales, that might just be a sin.

In response to God's Vocalist and Bananas37.
I agree with Bananas37 about Demon Hunter. I do not like their music, at least most of it.
One band I'd recommend for both of you to check out is Place of Skulls. I like all three of their albums. As far as particular tracks go, I'd recommend the EP that has the unpolished tracks that their label rejected from their first album. You'll understand why.
Also, Trouble's Psalm 9 album. Good stuff.

I understand why all kinds of different people are drawn and find revolting all kinds of different music, but as a metalhead myself I'll never understand what the draw is by other metalheads to death and black metal. I guess in my view pop is to rock and skate punk is to punk what death and black metal are to metal. Chat later.

I just want to pick on your post. jkjk. But I actually wanted to point something out. You stated that "all you really hear is screaming or headbanging loud noises". Honestly, not making things up, I can understand lyrics to UnderOATH, Norma Jean, Demon Hunter, and most of the bands in that genre. When I first got into screamo/emocore/metal/whatever, it was difficult to understand the lyrics, but it becomes acquired. You learn to hear what they're saying. It's like going to Newfoundland. They speak English, but whoa, you can barely understand it, but eventually you get used to it.

"You were nothing but an obstacle in my pathway.
tripping me with my own trust without your hood of falsification.
your beuty is found to be nothing.
nothing but true revulsion.
and that's the only true thing about you.
this melody of my heart points to the composer of my regret.
look north, the sun is still gleaming.
and the moon and the stars still retain these eyes.
you're falling now as i move forward.
fueled by the hope you couldn't take from me.
and scarred by knowedge of painful winters.
Christ still stands perfect in my mind.
Christ still stands perfect in my heart.
Jesus is the beutiful structure of love.
repent me.
to hope and love.
beware nihilists.
you shall fall by the sword.
[oh God]
bringeth the day of judgement" - The Devil Wears Prada 'Rosemary Had An Accident' http://www.myspace.com/TDWP

btw, I didn't type up the lyrics here. Just copy n pasted. The bad grammar in them is not mine. Just wanted to clarify.

The lyrics are actually pretty Christian there if you ask me. Metal serves a purpose, as does all music, to praise. This is no different.

Now, somebody also said that metal can make people aggressive, bring out negative feelings. I think perhaps it does. But it depends on the person. I'm the kinda guy who'll listen to Living Sacrifice going to bed, and fall asleep fine. It just depends on the person I guess.

Last part of the post, promise :p
This is my opinion as to why I think metal/other heavy genre's are not evil. This is personal, so don't be hatin. When I toss a disc in and listen to it, I/perhaps other people? can feel something about it. I don't know how to explain it. I'll do my best. So, I throw in some unknown disc, and when I listen to it, there's this feeling. Sometimes it's fine. I'm at peace. There's no probs listening to it. That's when it's Christian, whether or not I've heard the disc before, or even know it is. I am just at peace. If someone were to toss Atreyu in and not tell me, I would tell you it's secular off the bat, simply cause for some reason, secular metal makes me anxious, sometimes depressed. It's just something that happens to me. So ya. That's why I think Christian metal is fine, cause it doesn't do the same thing as secular does, when it comes to that. :p

People's brains are extremely diverse, so different sounds, sights, and tastes appeal to them without being inherently wrong or right. Life would be pretty boring otherwise.

The bottom line that I am seeing here is that it isn't the 'what' you listen to buy 'why' you listen to it that matters.

Since someone mentioned animals running away from loud music, I thought I would mention that some animals ~love~ loud random screeching noises, like a lot of pet birds. You can't discipline parrots or conures by raising your voice because they may just think you are having fun.

Hm, interesting, I use to have the same arguments. And 98% of the CDs I have are Christian, ranging from Rap to worship. But I no longer listen to Christian music, well, sometimes, but my style is more hip hop and reggeaton. However, I know the songs are bad, and I know God hates what some of them sing about, even driving and listening to the hip hop station, I am appalled at what they talk about. So, I do not think it is a sin to listen to Christian metal. I agree with most of the posts on here about that. It is my understanding that satan use to be incharge of music for God. I am most positive that satan still has the ability to harness music to lure us. Music is alluring, and we like what we like. Most of the music I enjoy listening to is often about shakin your booty, or being sexy up on a pole. Now I don't really understand why most hip hop sings about strippers, but I guess it goes well in those clubs. And I enjoy dancing to it, but it also brings NO glory to God. So ya, Christian rock, when I pay attention to the content, really does spur emotions that bring me closer to the Big G. And does it not say in Philippians about whatever things are pure, whatever things are noble, whatever things are right, whatever things are true, whatever things are praiseworthy, to think about such things? And when you set your mind on a Christian song, it does make you think godly thoughts. When I listen to hip hop, it makes me want to be even more of a flirt, and I get lost in the seduction and lust of the movement and words. Christian music, metal, rap, or rock, filters this out. Does the bible not also say, "set your minds on things above"? Again, coming from both sides of this issue, christian music does set my mind on things above, and my style of music doesn't.
There is a thin line however, very thin, because I know some secular (nonreligious) music that can pass as something spiritual, and depending on how close you are with God, you could be thinking about the Lord while listening to it. But it would all depend on the content of the song. Sometimes, especially with rock and metal, people don't even pay attention to the words. I remember when I was in high school and hardly anybody realized P.O.D. was a Christian band, they didn't listen to the lyrics.
It really depends on your own personal relationship with God, and what you hold to be your own convictions. Apparently, your pastor feels convicted about listening to rock music. Hm, kinda reminds me of the movie Footloose, and ironically the Dad who was against rock music was a pastor. Ha! Anyway, that is how I feel. And that is what I know.

i found out that if i fill my ears wit Christian songs i feel happier and more positve. secualr radio really makes me feel sad for all the lost and dyin in the world, and they dont even know it cos the devil has they eyes blinded.
sad dude.

i listen to alot of metal and i think that its fine as long as its not black metal

just curious as to what subgenres of metal are more your cup o tea?

i dont see the overfascination with death and black metal either.. but to each their own

and lol thinking of some of ramsteins songs and what they can be about :p

dont get me wrong i like ramstein..and theyre usually only making a statement but ya.

dunno my point

I personally listen to much metal. In the case of Demon Hunter (see "Grand Finale") I don't understand what is wrong with their lyrics. Even bands such as As I Lay Dying have some great Christian lyrics (see "94 hours"). And for the more brutal imagery in some songs, some I find over the top, such as Ultimatums new album cover, but others (such as immersed's song, something like "obediance through desecration" have amazing meaning but are violent like images revelation

I tend more towards thrash, metalcore, mathcore and post-hardcore. I like stuff in nearly every subgenre of metal, but the ones named are the biggies. Chat later.

metal probably has the most 'sub-genres' of any music 'genre'

I find it VERY hard to differentiate between sub-genres.

Death metal versus Grindcore? Obituary vs Can.Corp. ? death or grind? who knows. I think its stupid when people start saying 'Oh they arent metalcore, they are progressive symphonic black metal with folk influence......' so silly.

I love me some melodic death metal,,disarmonia mundi, soilwork, inflames, daylight dies...

metalcore is not so great for me, unless its the melodic metalcore :p killswitch engage, all that remains, SOME as i lay dying, etc etc..

im not sure the fascination with deathmetal and blackmetal either, i cant understand the fascination with metalcore or punk or R&B or any music that a person finds delightful. I guess you just like what you like.

Norwegian black metal to me sounds like a cat being throttled to death on top of a mountain in a snow storm..under the northern lights :p I guess some people just like that.

'Black' Metal can and is being used to honor and worship Jesus Christ. The songs i record are of the Christian 'black' metal genre and i worship Jesus with them. the style of music when it came to be what it sounds like now was taken by satanists AND CHRISTIANS. I believe God uses music to "make war" agaist satan, and that kind of music plays a major role in that. *Turning the distortion all the way up on a guitar and using a very powerful, emotional type of screaming is not evil in itself{'black' metal}.* The only way 'Black' Metal can be bad is if you are using it for things which are against God.
Jesus loves you all!
Please feel free to comment! Thankyou
-othniel

okay first i must say that is an ignorant thing to say...
metal, or all music is sinful if it's singing about the wrong thing that is. it's about what they're singing about, if they're saying hail satan then it's sinful... but if it's prasing gods name then it doesn't matter what genre of music it is,. they all have one thing in common giving glory to god...
got my point?
just one other thing that pastor's not a very good one if he judges you, only god has the divine right of judging us.
anyone agree with what im saying?

well maybe metal just has a beat, a ryhthum that puts all other forms of music to shame??
makes you wanna start a mosh, makes you want just get your blood rushing through your veins... nothing wrong with listening to music that gets you pumped..

Welcome to the Godspeaks community Scarfendelyius. May I ask the significance of your name? Chat later.

this is Blake Koch, the #21 GodSpeaks.com NASCAR Driver.

i totally agree... no matter what you are doing, screaming,singing,writing,racing,ect.. if you give God the Glory you are working for the kingdom.

BK

I think the important thing to keep in mind and monitor is what is going on in our hearts...and that is something we may not see but God sees very clearly.

I say this because there are many people who, with their words, give God the glory for an action or behavior in their lives, but what lurks in their heart is less Godly.

We see an example of this in Matthew:

Many will say to Me in that day, Lord! Lord! Did we not prophesy in Your name, and through Your name throw out demons, and through Your name do many wonderful works? And then I will say to them I never knew you! Depart from Me, those working lawlessness! (Mat 7:22-23)

A person can listen to Christian metal, say he loves God but continue to exhibit instances of rotten fruit. We must be very discerning of our motivation and not fool ourselves into thinking that we're honoring God when we are really just pleasing ourselves.

Our daily prayer should be "Examine me and test me, LORD; judge my desires and thoughts." (Psa 26:2)