The Point of Friction

Is metal worshipful? In a moral sense, metal is not evil in and of itself. Just like money is not evil in and of itself. Both can (and are) misused, but in the same token both can be used very effectively for the kingdom of God. In more aesthetic sense, two people can be singing the same song in church. One can be raising his hands and belting out the song while the other is simply singing with his hands at his sides. One (it doesn't matter which) can be truly worshipping while the other is just making sounds or movements because that's what everyone else is doing. I've been in both places. Christian metal can be much the same way: that is, some can use it as a means of worship while others just hear noise.

But, there are bands that have solid theology and a good witness, and they're doing a heck of a lot more witnessing than many of us. I was introduced to one of these Christian metal bands (For Today) by a good friend of mine. They are not ashamed of making blatantly Christ-centered music (even using words like God, Christ, the Lord, etc.). Again, like Christian rap, they sing about real issues that Christians face, like surrendering to Christ, the judgment of God, victory over sin, and hope in heaven. I have been inspired by their witness and encouraged by many of their songs. They're reaching out with the love of Christ to people who (let's be honest here) we would avoid like the plague. They are being lights in a very, VERY dark place. Many (or all) mainstream metal bands (much like mainstream rappers) have horrible content and an utterly despairing message in their music, and the people who are immersed in this culture may never have real contact with a Christian aside from the music they listen to. Keep it up boys.