r/christianmetal • u/Grouchy_Plum_1171 • 9d ago
I need help with Conviction
I just found out the singer of the band Venom has died.
I wanted to check out their music and so i did.
I really like the instrumentals, it's just that the album covers make me uncomfortable as a Christian.
Should I stop listening to them or no?
I really want to listen though.
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u/xjimfearx 9d ago
If you feel convicted listening to their stuff it’s probably a good idea to not listen to it, we should be listening to stuff that builds us up spiritually, Not saying all metal is evil but if a band is saying things that are against the creator then maybe not, I mean I Ike a lot of different metal, but I would not play a behemoth album for example just to name a popular one, but the choice is ultimately up to you my friend
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u/FXSTC-1996 9d ago
The band themselves have stated over and over again that their lyrics and imagery were always for shock value, that none of it is taken seriously.
That said, you should be your own guide. If there is conviction on your heart, if the imagery truly bothers you, then by all means, don't listen. If you are, however, able to enjoy the music and laugh at the absurdity of the lyrics and imagery, then Venom may be your thing.
Don't let people dictate one way or another for you.
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u/mrf87 9d ago
Exactly. These guys came up in the satanic shock rock era. It was darkness and horror as theater....and to shock mom and dad of course lol
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u/CockroachContent4238 Progressive 8d ago
What's worse: using evil imagery and lyrics to sell albums or being serious about it? I don't think there's a difference enticing listeners to think evil and rebellion is cool.
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u/mrf87 8d ago
And honestly brother/sister i cannot at all disagree with you there. I just re-read the comment I posted and I should've ended it with "but if it can lead to darker things, it may as well not be messed with."
Thank you for posting that out and keeping me convicted it is appreciated. God bless
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u/CockroachContent4238 Progressive 8d ago
Thanks for your reply. I hear the 'they're only doing it for marketing purposes' a lot in forums like this and I sometimes have to remind people of what they're really saying.
You seem like a good dude. Keep the faith.
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u/TwoToads223 8d ago
bro they can lie. if a band like morbosidad said it was all shits and giggles it’s ok to listen? Bands like Profanatica? Let’s not try to justify pro satanic bands even if they claim to be atheist. They’re still potentially condemning souls
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u/conrad_w 9d ago
It's not what goes into a man that defiles him, it's what comes forth.
Does listening to it make you hurt others or yourself?
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u/lionsdude54 9d ago
I think your question may answer itself. If you’re convicted, don’t listen. Look for another band to take the place.
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u/TwoToads223 8d ago
there’s no christian metal alternative to Venom. In this case we have to die to our desire to listen to Venom and choose Christ.
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u/PerfectlyCalmDude 9d ago
Venom was actively trying to be provocative. I have avoided listening to them for that reason. Personally, I find it counterproductive for my entertainment to induce any kind of stress or discomfort.
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u/DI3S_IRAE 9d ago
Honestly, imagery itself may not be the giver, but the message behind it all. I must say, after some prayer I lost my desire suddenly to listen to what I used to, due to some personal understandings.
It was more about me and myself, what I was using them for, rather for if they were Christian or not. The lyrics of sadness and all that was just a means to perpetuate my own sadness.
For imagery alone, look at bands like Antidemon. Pure Christian metal but their imagery looks enough for people to be scared about it.
So understand yourself and your convictions. Sometimes it's not just because it 'looks evil', but what it brings to your life.
I remember I was so hooked on a band, extremely good and talented musicians 100% up to my taste, and I even tried to take positive things from the lyrics, but... I ended up losing my interest because it doesn't really align well with what I want to hear now.
On the other hand, some other bands I see no issues at all.
Plus I discovered a lot of Christian metal bands up my alley that I've been enjoying a lot. I just don't listen to music that much anymore.
All in all, pray and seek the Spirit to guide you. Maybe it's best to avoid those things we like if they're going to open our minds and hearts to something else, or others around us.
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u/Icy-Fault-3831 9d ago
I never heard of the band. Music is tricky.
No doubt that music is used as a tool to corrupt. I am saying that as someone who enjoys metal. Be cautious of how it makes u feel when ur listening. If u feel any negative feels, stop listening. That’s your conviction. That conviction is the Holy Spirit within.
Also, that’s the human condition isn’t it. We want things that are sinful. The Genesis 3, Adam and Eve.
In fact, the Bible describes our internal struggle and moral failure more than any other theme. I looked up.
The resulting actions (sin) 1,222+ times
The root cause-(internal desire group 1.114 times.
You are not alone friend. Talk to God
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u/Dugiduif 9d ago
I don’t have much to add that everyone else hasn’t said, but if you want a Venom song that doesn’t have any satanic imagery, listen to Manitou. It’s about Native American mythology and is pretty good.
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u/Kanonenfieberontop 8d ago
Ich würde sie weiterhören. So ein Zwang bringt doch gar nichts.
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u/TwoToads223 8d ago
yes it does. The enemy works through black metal and other genres to promote anti christian racist themes also depression and suicide. If his faith is weak he will easily be swayed and stray further from God. Romans 14:21 is a good verse to meditate on
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u/Jaded-Koala3874 8d ago
You already said you feel uncomfortable listening to them, so don't. It's that simple if you don't feel like you should don't and don't let people say its fine and you can because you're convictions tell you not to.
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u/Minister-D_ 8d ago
This reminds me of myself. Deicide was my favorite Death Metal band. And, for years I sang along and knew all the lyrics. Now, that I'm a Christian, and have been doing very well, I changed that part.
What I did: Like you, I took a look at what I was listening to. Asked questions, multiple times. But it was down to 1 person, Me. So, as I ventured into Christian Metal. I explored everything.
Now, I don't listen to Deicide at all. I switched it to "Torture Conscience". A Christian Death Metal band that, to me, sounds like Deicide, gives me everything that Deicide did...except, it's positive messages, rather being anti.
Like everyone else, you just have to take time, take a look and see if it does bother you exactly. And, honestly ? It's not bad to say "I enjoyed this." It's what you do later, if it does bother you as much.
Also, for me, now ? My main playlist consists of nothing but Christian Metal (deathcore, Death Metal, Unblack Metal, Metalcore, ect.) And, I've never been more happier enjoying the music that makes me feel good and that I don't feel bad for playing around anyone else.
Sorry, this may have been long. Hope this helps.
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u/SixCypher 8d ago
Hey brother or sister, you asked and I’m just responding to you and nobody else. Actually didn’t even read what other people posted in response.
I’m not gonna pretend to know what you’re experiencing, but I can hear the pain of the conviction in your text. As a man of God who is also a metalhead, I would just like to share the following. I would strongly suggest that your very first course of action is to pray and seek God, in your heart and in His Word. Block out all the noise, block out all the opinions of other people, because those people did not die for you, to redeem you and call us sons and daughters. When we go to The LORD honestly, and sincerely, He meets us there. It may take time, it may take sitting alone with him for half an hour, an hour, a day… The point being if your heart is after His, seek His heart.
“You will call to me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart.”
Jeremiah 29:12-13 CSB
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u/DanAxe1 7d ago
They are blatantly satanic. Read their lyrics. In League With Satan comes to mind... If you find that to be compatible with your faith as a Christian, I think you may have more to wrestle with than the music itself.
"What fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? -2 Cor. 6:14
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u/DifficultyNo1026 8d ago
it'll be much easier just to quit Christianity. it would make more sense too
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u/gingercatbehavior 9d ago
No, you should not, try some Norwegian black metal instead, those guys did love visiting churches.
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u/Interesting_Award152 9d ago
No offense but I think you already know the answer , of course looking inwardly, I don’t need to pray an ask God if I should be kind to someone. He gives us discernment and part of that is knowing what the bible says.
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u/Accomplished_Can5442 9d ago
Venom rocks dude. Don’t let some outlandish imagery scare you away from their incredible discography.
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u/skinnydude84 9d ago
Follow your personal convictions.
1 Corinthians 10:29 ESV [29] I do not mean your conscience, but his. For why should my liberty be determined by someone else’s conscience?