Expert: Susan Milillo - 10/23/2009

Question
Hi, I'm 13 and very confused.

Firstly, I listen to rock, JRock, metal, angsty- metal and a little bit of pop. I don't know if bands like Linkin Park, Breaking Benjamin and Within Temptation are satanic bands. the only reason I ever like a song is because I like the lyrics and the meaning. I'm scared that I'll go to hell in case they are satanic bands, since Beyonce is apparently a devil worshipper, ad I've been listening to her music since I was a little child.I've already done so many things that could be considered blasphemous and I am pretty scared.

Secondly,I'm totally confused about what religion I ACTUALLY belong to. I've been brought up as a Christian, baptised, first communion and confirmed, but I'm finding myself doubting a lot.(and I mean a lot!) I find that i agree with some Buddist teachings, Shinto teachings and I'm starting to lose almost all hope. I am extremely confused and I feel very lost.

Answer
Dear Ashley,

  Please forgive me for taking this long to write back to you.  Besides things being real busy, I just wanted to take my time to really think and pray over your question.  The Lord is the one who gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. (from Proverbs)

  I don't know too much about what bands are considered Satanic, or if Beyonce truly worships the devil.  I wish I could connect and help a little more on that score.  BUT I do know that you will not go to hell _for listening_ to Satanic_ music_.   The single reason that people go to hell is because they reject Jesus as the SOURCE of _forgiveness_ for sin, and they try to make their own way. Read John 3:17-18 ---, 'God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.  He that believes is not condemned, but he who does not believe stands condemned already BECAUSE he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.'

  There is a lot of confusion over the issue of the sin of blasphemy.  The reason it is 'unforgiveable' is that it's utter rejection of the Holy Spirit, which practically shows in NOT ever coming to Christ to be made a new person in Him.  If someone wants to come to Christ, it's because the Holy Spirit is still working in their heart; they have obviously not blasphemed Him in this most serious way.

   I think it is totally understandable that you are dealing with confusion, Ashley.  I was raised in a Christian home all my life, and I went through some periods of major questioning, too...wondering about the nature and meaning of truth for example.   I think, that most religions in the world do hold out SOME truth.  The religious systems in themselves are not truth, and the reasons they attribute to the truths are not necessarily true, as they do not point to Jesus Christ, who claimed to be THE truth (Jn. 14:6).   Actually, God's enemy, Satan, tells the best lies when he takes a truth, and _twists_ it.   That is why you are confused, I feel, Ashley.  

   Have you ever asked Jesus Christ into your heart/life, to forgive you of all your sin and make you whole and clean before Him in love?  If you have not, then no matter what Christian things you may have done in the past, to speak the truth in love to you I have to say that you are still spiritually lifeless. But Jesus has come that you may have life, and have it _to the full_.  Forget focusing on religious systems; focus on the _person_ of Jesus Christ.  He wants to give you life, and live His life through you!  Start a relationship with Him today by asking Him to save you and come in and change you.

    He loves you so much, and holds out so much in His hand and in His heart, for you.
Can I recommend that you start/get back to reading the Bible for yourself? Like the gospel of John, and books like that. Maybe I John, and Romans.  Set little goals for yourself. And ask God, the Holy Spirit, to reveal His heart and His truth to you.

No sin is too great for the great sacrifice of Christ to cover and take away.

Please, be my sister in the family of God.

Love in Him,
Susan M.

"I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through Me."
~John 14:6