Are there any Christian bands/songs you avoid because of lyrics?

I’m sure most of us avoid plenty of secular metal because of lyrics, but are there any Christian bands or songs you avoid for this reason (because of bad theology or any other objectionable reason)? The only ones I can think of that I avoid are some of Theandric’s songs that promote the Catholic view of Mary, Saviour Machine’s Legion (which has some weird sexual imagery), and one Virgin Black song with some horrible imagery that seems blasphemous to me, no matter how it was intended to come across (if you’re familiar with that band and their music I’m sure you know what I’m talking about)

Anything with swearing is a skip for me.  Stryper's GDE song is also a skip track.  Music affects me so powerfully that I don't want anything that makes me want to swear stuck in my head (including the non-swearing GDE).

I can usually listen past theology I disagree with easily enough, although I don't generally listen to Bride's Incorruptible album because of the theology.

eatbugs wrote:Anything with swearing is a skip for me.  Stryper's GDE song is also a skip track.  Music affects me so powerfully that I don't want anything that makes me want to swear stuck in my head (including the non-swearing GDE).

I can usually listen past theology I disagree with easily enough, although I don't generally listen to Bride's Incorruptible album because of the theology.

I don't personally have a problem with God Damn Evil because the word is being used correctly, but I can understand what you're saying
What theology in Incorruptible concerns you?

seth wrote:I’m sure most of us avoid plenty of secular metal because of lyrics, but are there any Christian bands or songs you avoid for this reason (because of bad theology or any other objectionable reason)? The only ones I can think of that I avoid are some of Theandric’s songs that promote the Catholic view of Mary, Saviour Machine’s Legion (which has some weird sexual imagery), and one Virgin Black song with some horrible imagery that seems blasphemous to me, no matter how it was intended to come across (if you’re familiar with that band and their music I’m sure you know what I’m talking about)

Which song is it?

I don't have a problem with GDE, and actually think it is a really great song, and the whole album is really underrated.  My only trouble with it, is you know that it was written to just be controversial and to try and emulate To Hell With The Devil.  Because you can use those GDE words in two different ways, I'm happy to sing them (in my head) in the way that is positive.

However, one song I can't listen to is MFM from Even The Devil Believes.  Those lyrics bother me quite a bit.  Again though, I realise it was done to provoke, and to get people to notice it.  I just stop the album before that song.

I don't listen to Tourniquet "White-Knuckling the Rosary" because the chorus gets stuck in my head. I know it is spoken in character but it is a terrible thing to sing along with and then keep repeating in my mind.

seth wrote:I’m sure most of us avoid plenty of secular metal because of lyrics, but are there any Christian bands or songs you avoid for this reason (because of bad theology or any other objectionable reason)? The only ones I can think of that I avoid are some of Theandric’s songs that promote the Catholic view of Mary, Saviour Machine’s Legion (which has some weird sexual imagery), and one Virgin Black song with some horrible imagery that seems blasphemous to me, no matter how it was intended to come across (if you’re familiar with that band and their music I’m sure you know what I’m talking about)

The Virgin Black song I think you’re talking about (“Museum of Iscariot”) troubled me enough that I wrote off the band.

Red Sea’s “Soulshaker” is too icky for me.

I’d love to know the meaning of SM’s “Legion”, but I still listen to it. I think “Middle Finger Messiah” is stupid, and I don’t listen to it, but not because the lyrics are in any way offensive, more because it’s just stupid.

I honestly can’t think of any Christian metal music that I refuse to listen to because of the lyrics.

The Saviour Machine song isn’t any more graphic than some of the OT prophets’ imagery.

Pethead wrote:

seth wrote:I’m sure most of us avoid plenty of secular metal because of lyrics, but are there any Christian bands or songs you avoid for this reason (because of bad theology or any other objectionable reason)? The only ones I can think of that I avoid are some of Theandric’s songs that promote the Catholic view of Mary, Saviour Machine’s Legion (which has some weird sexual imagery), and one Virgin Black song with some horrible imagery that seems blasphemous to me, no matter how it was intended to come across (if you’re familiar with that band and their music I’m sure you know what I’m talking about)

The Virgin Black song I think you’re talking about (“Museum of Iscariot”) troubled me enough that I wrote off the band.

Red Sea’s “Soulshaker” is too icky for me.

Yes that is the one

And yeah I get the impression Stryper’s “fake swears” that appear on several songs are just put there to grab your attention/be edgy tbh

Looked up the lyrics to Red Sea’s Soulshaker, is that even a Christian song at all? Because I certainly didn’t get that impression

It is theoretically, but it sounds like a typical hair metal “please the ladies” tune. It’s gross.

Yeah that’s probably the worst example of a “God or girlfriend” song I’ve ever seen. And I find it hard to believe some of the lyrics weren’t deliberately meant to sound like sexual innuendos

Same. Especially since musically the song sounds like a Whitesnake song.

Pethead wrote:The Saviour Machine song isn’t any more graphic than some of the OT prophets’ imagery.

Fair enough, but I wouldn’t really want to listen to a song based on that one chapter in Ezekiel either

I’m definitely with you on that Virgin Black song. It’s rare that I’ll write off a band on one song, but that one was so terrible.

Yeah it’s by far the worst lyrics I’ve seen from a “Christian” band. I think I’ve seen them, or some fans maybe, try to explain the lyrics to not mean anything bad, but imo there’s no excuse for using THAT imagery. VB is kind of weird theology-wise too from what I’ve heard. It’s too bad, because they do make some beautiful music. I really like their song Our Wings are Burning

Frozen Fire wrote:I don't listen to Tourniquet "White-Knuckling the Rosary" because the chorus gets stuck in my head. I know it is spoken in character but it is a terrible thing to sing along with and then keep repeating in my mind.

It's a great song but I can see where you're coming from

The only "Christian" lyrics I avoid are stuff that basically claims to be Christian, but actually isn't. Lukewarm beliefs, serving two masters, extremely off-base theology like gnosticism or universalism, things like that.

Otherwise lyrics aren't that important to me. It's more the artist - their religion/spirituality, intent behind the music, things like that. For example, I can't listen to most bands that began Christian and then left later on. You can often hear the demonic negativity bleeding into their music. (If you've ever heard of Swine Suicide, their music - yes, even the early Christian stuff - is by far the most evil I have ever heard.) On the other hand, I can listen to extremely vulgar, violent, dark stuff as long as the extramusical intent of "serving Christ" / "living in accordance with God's teachings" is clearly there.

nocturnaliridescence wrote:The only "Christian" lyrics I avoid are stuff that basically claims to be Christian, but actually isn't. Lukewarm beliefs, serving two masters, extremely off-base theology like gnosticism or universalism, things like that.

Otherwise lyrics aren't that important to me. It's more the artist - their religion/spirituality, intent behind the music, things like that. For example, I can't listen to most bands that began Christian and then left later on. You can often hear the demonic negativity bleeding into their music. (If you've ever heard of Swine Suicide, their music - yes, even the early Christian stuff - is by far the most evil I have ever heard.) On the other hand, I can listen to extremely vulgar, violent, dark stuff as long as the extramusical intent of "serving Christ" / "living in accordance with God's teachings" is clearly there.

I can sort of understand that perspective, but if a song puts thoughts/images in my head that are not glorifying to God I will skip it, regardless of the artist’s intent. Prime example of this is the Virgin Black song I mentioned.

seth wrote:I’m sure most of us avoid plenty of secular metal because of lyrics, but are there any Christian bands or songs you avoid for this reason (because of bad theology or any other objectionable reason)? The only ones I can think of that I avoid are some of Theandric’s songs that promote the Catholic view of Mary, Saviour Machine’s Legion (which has some weird sexual imagery), and one Virgin Black song with some horrible imagery that seems blasphemous to me, no matter how it was intended to come across (if you’re familiar with that band and their music I’m sure you know what I’m talking about)

Just listened to that Virgin Black song. I like me some doom and goth and sorrow in the wind kind of music but never mind the lyrics on this one how can anyone stand listening to that beta whiny voice!!! Makes me wanna gouge my eyes out so I can stare at the holes in my face.

"Middle Finger messiah" Lolz what else it's Stryper of course!!!

I dont really listen to any violent, sexual, or negative(or depressing). lyrics. I like to listen to more positive based songs(gift beyond human reach, grace for succession, or blood red cover by extol for example)  

It can be hard as i really like antestor, but alot(not all) of their lyrics can be pretty depressing negative so i have to he choosy. Alot of other bands are the same, just have to be seleictive and listen to what i can. 

I also dont like comedy lyrics. I dont like to joke around with my faith.

I’m ok with songs that deal with dark subjects but offer a message of hope from God as well, the “light at the end of the tunnel” as it were

“Pray for the Dead” by Trouble is based on the Catholic belief or doctrine that you can still save a soul that has already passed. 

Regardless of the lyrics, I still enjoy the song musically.