Religion in Music-Does It Influence Who You Support and Who You Don't?

[Scandal 2000]

I wanted to throw out a more serious question to everyone in the group. The idea for this topic came to me after posting my thoughts on the band Grim Reaper in another thread. Grim Reaper were the epitome of good cheese back in the day. Many of their lyrics involved singing about "evil" things. However, it was quite obvious that most of their stuff was in good fun and it was all part of their "act."While they weren't one of my favorite bands, I liked a few songs of theirs and viewed that band as harmless. It did get me to thinking about the role of religion in music. I know all of us come from various walks of life and there probably are a variety of religious beliefs, political beliefs, etc. on this board, so let's focus on religion in music. Are there bands out there which were too over the top for you to purchase an album by? I am talking about bands that had what you deemed offensive lyrics, etc.

For me, I have always tried to be open-minded toward these things, but with me (and it may be hypocrisy on my part), I have limits. I can see the humor in a band like Grim Reaper, but some of the death metal bands like Venom, go way too far. When you look at the "Big Four" Thrash bands, I like Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax (especially Megadeth), but I am not a fan of Slayer because the lyrics go a little too far at times for my tastes.

Where do you stand on this issue or is it a complete non-factor for you?

[Mark Mallard]

Ironically enough, I don't listen to The Beatles, simply because I don't like their songs! That's quite contraversial, I know, but I've never been a Beatles fan, so the point you raised only makes me like them less, haha!

[Scandal 2000]

I am a Christian as well. I am open-minded (I don't see bands like Ozzy as particularly threatening. There are definitely far worse), but there is a line with me that a few bands cross. Some of the true death metal bands go a little far for my taste. Thanks to Mark for reviving this topic. I had forgotten I had posted it over a year ago.

[Niels (Mod)]

Thanks to Mark? And to the KKK as well?

[Scandal 2000]

I was thanking Mark for his contribution. He gave the reasons why he supports certain bands and the reasons he doesn't. It doesn't necessarily mean that I agree with all his views or anyone else's. I simply thanked him for reviving this thread and voicing his opinion. I despise the KKK. As long as people are respectful and don't attack other people, I respect all opinions and I am indeed glad as a Christian to know there are other Christians out there. Thanks for the question Niels.

[Niels (Mod)]

I regret that question, Scandal 2000. In Denmark we usually don't condemn (or whatever to call it) minorities of any kind, and gay people can be married in churches (I think?!). I don't really approve of that myself (that with the churches) but as far as I'm concerned, people are people, and music is music, and music is what it is all about on this site. Mark is fully entitled to not listening to certain musicians, because they are gay, but I think, that you will miss out on a lot of good music, that way. It's a religious belief, and that's where I can't really understand it, mostly because I'm not a religious man myself. Regarding the KKK, I'm very sorry for that remark, because you guys obviously take that seriously, but it was meant as a bad joke, but also a provocation because I was surprised/chocked because anyone will miss out, listening to "Bohemian Rhapsody" because Mercury was...kind of weird, that way, and that KKK was/is known for not liking that kind of people as well.  I'll listen to all bands, if they are any good...except muslims ....that's a joke!!! (or is it?)

[Jon]

FREDDIE MERCURY IS NOT WEIRD!!!!

[Scandal 2000]

No problem at all.