Topic: Slayer's Christian Lead Singer

[Plastique]

I guess these days most people into Slayer are aware that Tom Araya is a Christian. If you're not, this will be a weird news flash.

If nothing else, it seems to be a great example of cognitive dissonance, being that Slayer's lyrics (not penned by Tom) are often very anti-religion, and often specifically anti-Christianity—quite hatefully so.

So in your opinion is Tom Araya a huge hypocrite, sellout, rightfully taking it all very casually, or something else?

I guess I'd say he's just an example of a successful instance of cognitive dissonance.

TOM ARAYA IS CATHOLIC

[moj]

I think this would have bothered me more when I was younger. Now I'm to old to give a fuck about aging rock stars.  Here is one slayers most anti christian songs with lyrics.

Slayer - Jesus Saves (Lyrics) HD

[Scoot Meevo]

I guess these days most people into Slayer are aware that Tom Araya is a Christian. If you're not, this will be a weird news flash.

If nothing else, it seems to be a great example of cognitive dissonance, being that Slayer's lyrics (not penned by Tom) are often very anti-religion, and often specifically anti-Christianity—quite hatefully so.

So in your opinion is Tom Araya a huge hypocrite, sellout, rightfully taking it all very casually, or something else?

I guess I'd say he's just an example of a successful instance of cognitive dissonance.

Depends if you want to take it as a reflection of his personality or an act.

I listen to enough death/thrash/grind etc to know that most of the lyrics are terrible anyway and are best ignored 

[Plastique]

Depends if you want to take it as a reflection of his personality or an act.

I'd say the more important thing is that he's part of a band of genuinely anti-Christian people.

I listen to enough death/thrash/grind etc to know that most of the lyrics are terrible anyway and are best ignored 

So, so true. I struggle with that aspect of it, and if it gets too stupid, I pretty much just can't listen.

[Calinthalus]

See, that's what's great about bands like Meshuggah.  I have no idea what the fuck that guy is saying most of the time.

[Halleyscomet/Wakefield]

I guess these days most people into Slayer are aware that Tom Araya is a Christian. If you're not, this will be a weird news flash.

If nothing else, it seems to be a great example of cognitive dissonance, being that Slayer's lyrics (not penned by Tom) are often very anti-religion, and often specifically anti-Christianity—quite hatefully so.

So in your opinion is Tom Araya a huge hypocrite, sellout, rightfully taking it all very casually, or something else?

I guess I'd say he's just an example of a successful instance of cognitive dissonance.

TOM ARAYA IS CATHOLIC

Some Christians feel a genuine calling to challenge the faith of others. Shocking people out of religious complacency and making them THINK about their faith is, in many ways, more valuable than spreading the diluted, water thin, theological gruel spoon fed to the masses by the average missionary.

[Scoot Meevo]

I guess these days most people into Slayer are aware that Tom Araya is a Christian. If you're not, this will be a weird news flash.

If nothing else, it seems to be a great example of cognitive dissonance, being that Slayer's lyrics (not penned by Tom) are often very anti-religion, and often specifically anti-Christianity—quite hatefully so.

So in your opinion is Tom Araya a huge hypocrite, sellout, rightfully taking it all very casually, or something else?

I guess I'd say he's just an example of a successful instance of cognitive dissonance.

TOM ARAYA IS CATHOLIC

Some Christians feel a genuine calling to challenge the faith of others. Shocking people out of religious complacency and making them THINK about their faith is, in many ways, more valuable than spreading the diluted, water thin, theological gruel spoon fed to the masses by the average missionary.

Or, Araya and Slayer would lose out on a shedload of income if they removed that element from their music. 

[GodSlayer]

I listen to enough death/thrash/grind etc to know that most of the lyrics are terrible anyway and are best ignored 

So, so true. I struggle with that aspect of it, and if it gets too stupid, I pretty much just can't listen.

this is what foreign languages are for


anyways, I don't see how Slayer is special. aren't most Death Metal vocalists against the sadistic serial killing practices they growl about? surely it's not only Christians who would preach something different to the fantasy themes DM vocals require.

[Plastique]

Or, Araya and Slayer would lose out on a shedload of income if they removed that element from their music. 

Maybe, but interviews I've watched suggest the anti-religion sentiment is heartfelt, and Araya doesn't write it. From wiki:

Hanneman's lyrics deal with Nazis, religion, warfare and similar topics. King's lyrics are generally just very anti-religious. Araya's lyrics usually deal with less controversial topics than Hanneman's and King's, such as serial killers and warfare.

[Plastique]

See, that's what's great about bands like Meshuggah.  I have no idea what the fuck that guy is saying most of the time.

Meshuggah's lyrics are pretty respectable artistically from what I've read of them.