Expert: Marvin Howard - 7/21/2008

Question
QUESTION: hello!

have u heard of bands like demon hunter, stryper, antestor, and the like?

this is a link bout lyrics from the band demon hunter:
http://www.darklyrics.com/lyrics/demonhunter/summerofdarkness.html

what do u think?!

is it really ok to use the heavy metal style in spreading or sharing God's word?!

ANSWER: Hi!

Please consider the following function of music:

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." {Colossians 3:16)

Some people try to limit this purpose to a worship setting. I used to be one of these. However, consider the very next word in the context. Use of the word, "whatever," eliminates this distinction. What we do outside of corporate worship may not be worship, but we cannot be hypocritical with our everyday lives. Religion is not a one to three hour per week proposition; by definition, it is a system of belief that governs our actions and way of life.

Music teaches. It can be either a force for good or evil. As such, with any music, the lyrics should be examined. Even Country music can glorify adultery, as well as alcohol and drug use/abuse. Are the words or thoughts something you would be willing to say to God in prayer?

The same is true with the name of the band. Consider the two band names (with hidden meanings) that are best known to me; KISS (Knights In Satan's Service) and AC/DC (Anti-Christ/Devil Child).

This does not mean the groups you named have some nefarious purpose or meaning. It doesn't mean they don't. I personally don't know: I am unfamiliar with them. You must investigate and make any decision for yourself.

Thank you for the opportunity to be of service to you in answering this. Should you need any clarification, or have questions on other topics, please do not hesitate to ask

In His Service,
Marvin Howard

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: tnx for ur answers,

how bout if i listen to songs with good lyrics but when the band sings it they growl?!

bands like antestor and as i lay dying are some bands who doesn't have clean vocals but their lyrics are not satanic...

Answer
Hi!

I do not believe the tone of the sound has any bearing on the matter. The type of music is unimportant as long as:

1. The lyrics are not against anything Biblical.
2. The name of the group is not promoting anything anti-Biblical.
3. The philosophy of the group is not to lure people in with good things and spring something different on the audience at a later point.

I hope I got this a little clearer in your mind. Again, I cannot make your decision. This is something you must study for yourself.

In His Service,
Marvin Howard