Metal And Faith

Dear Brothers And Sisters, One thing you should know about me is that I love heavy music, a lot. From dirty hardcore, to poppy post-hardcore bands, I'm in love with the sound and the talent behind the music. For years several people have come to me saying "That music is from the devil!" or "How could that music be Christian?" I, myself, am getting quite sick of these comments to be honest, but, I need to know for sure that what I'm listening too actually is okay to listen too. After diving into my bible (and Google), I could not find anything referring to yelling being a sin, or, from the devil. Rather I find verses such as "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes" -Romans 1:16 and "Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name" - Hebrews 13:15 After many verses similar to these I've noticed that The General does not have any guidelines as to how to worship, but if what you're saying is edifying and proud and agrees with the word of God then it is praise to God. Some say that the yelling in this sort of music is angry, well, yes, some of it is "angry", i'm not going to deny that, but is there such a thing as righteous anger? Absolutely. Ephesians 4:26-27 says " Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity." Jesus Christ himself got angry against the priests who sold merchandise in his church. Many of the Christian Metal/hardcore bands out there are angry against the sins of man, and against the devil, which I don't think is wrong, according to what I've read in the scripture. For Today, Texas in July, and August Burns Red are some heavy bands that proclaim the name of God in a very biblical, worshiping ordain. Some of August Burns Red lyrics sound very similar to the lyrics of a worship song; "I trust in you for life to live, and air to breath./ Purity fills my lungs./ I no longer live in solitude./ No longer bound./ My heart beats with great devotion./ This is the start to a new beginning./ On my knees praying for mercy./ Hands raised high, humble and broken. Wanting your grace./ Wanting your security./ Memories of laying facedown, motionless, with such a hollow feeling inside./ Soon I would end this life I was living./ I am just a man with a heart and sinful hands./ I am a fallen victim./ Lord, show me the way. I ask of you Father, let my words be your words./ Let my thoughts be your thoughts./ To you, I give my praise./ Show me the way. Take me in your arms. Never let me go./ Lord, show me the way, as I give myself to you./ Never let me go./ Hold me with your everlasting love." You know why? Because it very much is a worship song, only portrayed in a different form of worship, a different image, not from the devil, just different. Although some metal bands are harmful to the soul, not all metal is bad. God Bless