25: Judeo-Christian Values In Today's Society
By Robert C. Moore

Heavy Metal: Gods Of The Living Dead
February 28, 1992

About a month ago, I went to a Metallica concert at Reunion Arena. The music was loud and the fans were in their glory. I could see a lot of head­bangers there, and could smell coke in the air. But underneath all this "glamour", there was a distinct feeling of death in the air.

Metallica's songs range from:

I know most heavy metal bands talk about the world around them as sick, lazy, greedy and totally out of control. "Lepher Messiah" is about televanglist, who believe they are like Gods, ex. Robert Tilton & Jimmy Swaggart. It doesn't explain whether or not their against religion or about televanglist.

I don't understand why the bands are fascinated about death. "Fade To Black" sounds like a suicide note that somebody had left behind. They view death as a welcome friend, a alternative from a life of misery, pain and hopelessness.

Many people like Bob Larson have spoken out against heavy metal bands like Metallica and Slayer. He believes that kids are shown the respect for life at home. They are isolated and withdrawn. They feel as though the music and the lyrics are talking to them only. Bob tells kids that the words are degrading, insulting the name of God, and don not put their faith into the Almighty. It is Satan's vehicle to drive teens into a world against God and into Satanism.

I believe that kids are drawn to the music by how they feel about themselves, and the world around them. There seems to be some connection between emotions and music. If the kid feels that he is helpless about changing his or her circumstances, he will feel that the music "speaks" to his heart. The kid identifies with the music and begins to shape his moods to accommodate the music being played.

Society exploits this music as fun and enjoyable. The line between good and evil is not there, or just a matter of one's interpretation. Most of the time music like this is seen on MTV. The Head Bangers Ball, as it is called, is made of groups like Metallica, Motley Crue, Ozzy Osbourne, etc. The songs are supposed to be fun to view, and most teens get a quick high from the music.

My only problem is: no matter how much you listen to heavy metal, you can never be satisfied. Sort of like a drug user. Always needing another high after having a low from the drug. Many kids go on and on with end in sight, always looking for that elusive high. The problem is many kids never actually get off the "drug."

Many kids are searching for something to fill their inner emptiness inside. Heavy metal may feel good, but eventually destroys the soul. We as society must show our youth that there is more to life than sex, drugs and rock & roll. Jesus came to show us the way to true happiness, and a drug so powerful, it has no side effects. It is called the gift of love.

Heavy metal teaches you to live for #1, to destroy all enemies, and to die when you feel hopeless to change yourself. God teaches us to live for Him, to love your enemies, and to change and try to live a sinless life. I hope and pray that you will accept Christ into you life. Until next time....