Marilyn Manson

Many young people who listen to music like Marilyn Manson and other similar artists do so at least partially to get a reaction from their parents or other adults in their lives. Of course, the teenager involved might not consciously realize this, let alone admit to it.

One approach might be is to establish a friendship with that person -- get to know what is going on in his or her life. Is she having problems in school? Does he have a difficult family relationship causing him stress?

Once the person trusts you, ask in a nonconfrontational manner about what aspects of the music appeals to her. What do they think the lyrics mean? Do they identify with any of the situations being described?

Keep an open ear, not necessarily to the music in question, but to the reasons the youth is choosing to listen to it. Always keep discussions loving and pray for wisdom in this area -- especially for the wisdom to discern between the teenager who is just playing around to get a reaction and the one who is headed for serious trouble and might be depressed or even suicidal.

 

Though I would love to agree with that, you can't just single out Manson. You would have to say the same about many country and other rock artists as well.

Manson is one of the most despicable artists that has ever been, but others can be just as sinful as he is; i.e., Faith Hill, Shania Twain, Tim McGraw, Jimmy Buffet, Rolling Stones, Elton John, etc, etc.

[ January 11, 2003, 09:36 AM: Message edited by: John Miller ]

 

Wait a second, I'm a Christian and a parrothead and I don't see anything sinful about it or anything that conflicts with my Christian beliefs.

[ January 11, 2003, 11:01 AM: Message edited by: Mike McK ]

 

So his song, "Why Don't We Just Get Drunk And -----" doesn't bother you and your Christian beliefs.

[ January 11, 2003, 12:34 PM: Message edited by: John Miller ]

 

Not at all, considering the context.

He's not advocating getting drunk or illicit sex in that song.

Any good parrothead knows that he wrote it as satire in the early 70's in response to Conway Twitty's over the top, sexually explicit lyrics.

Both he and Keith Sykes, who co-wrote it (but never took credit) have exaplained that it's satire, plain and simple.

Even so, I find it a little hysterical to condemn an artist based on one song out of 1,000.

 

And when did you see him deface the Bible in one of his concerts? Any further details?

 

And, as to country music, are you putting it in the same basket as Marilyn Manson? Mike McK has put it much better than me elsewhere, but one of the most profound things about country music is its celebration of the good things in this life: family, children, America's goodness, love, and kicking Al-Quaeda's butts. Yes, there are songs about drinking, etc., but they are rarely in celebration of it, but bemoaning its consequences, as well as the consequences of adultery and other vices.

Another parrothead and country music fan,

FTR

[ January 12, 2003, 09:06 PM: Message edited by: fromtheright ]

 

And the details?

 

I've seen him live 24 or 25 times since the late eighties.

I've seen him at Starwood. I've seen him at the Oak Mountain Ampitheater. I've seen him at the Camden Waterfront. I've seen him in Key West. I've seen him at the Inner Harbour.

I've never seen him deface a Bible.

I'm a part of three different Parrothead groups, so between them and his website, I have a pretty good idea what he's up to and I'never even heard anyone else say that he's defaced a Bible.

 

I remember the news saying that he was upset over something little that didn't go right in his concert, and I've also remember the news saying that he was defacing the Bible...

He's a Satanic follower to the core...why would anyone want to support that?

~Teresa~

 

What???

He's expressed interest in several different religions and has said that he's more open to Christianity tahn he has been in a long time, but he's certainly no Satanist.

 

While, at this time, I am unable to find where Manson has defaced a Bible, there are many defacing linked to him done by the youth!

google search which links you to 26 acrticles!

Many of them are students who were going to a Marilyn Manson concert and then defaced the Bible...

Manson safe, not by a long shot!

~Teresa~

 

No.

 

Well as a follower of Christ, and a member of the "Manson Family" I must respond. A little background:

I have now seen Mr. Manson in concert twice. I have read his autobiography, and I own all of his cd's.

That said, I now must answer the original question. First off Brian Warner (Manson's given name) was trained for 10 years in Fundamental Protestantism. His music is a direct result of the treatment which he recieved at the hands of his teachers who spoke a gospel of love and axceptance of all, then deinied their own word by living a life full of decit and religios bigotry. As a child he remembers being ridiculed and abused by the "beautiful people". As a result he decided to embrass the evil things that the "pios" leaders always said about him. Thus the "Anti-Christ Superstar" was born. Isn't it ironic that many of the people who preach against him, helped to create him?

On a more personal note, I listen to Manson for 2 reasons. 1. He puts on the beat live show I've ever seen. 2. He and I share a common enemy, Ignorant imaged based false Christianity. This kind of religion that glorifies those who fit a certain image as righteous, and those who believe that God made individuals, as evil. Manson preaches diocide agaist this religios system that has left the teachings of Christ to "love thy nebior as thyself," in the distant past. In is music Manson raises many arguments agaist the Fundamental establishment which to date have never been answered by their "righteous" leaders. BTW the answer is simple. Christians, like P.O.D. did, must SHOW the love of God by a cositant life, not by the typical snobbish chip on the sholder additude of many a Fundamentalist.

So Folks who read this please understand that Manson's music his generated by his pain and rejection by a "Chistian" world. Hence if the young person is a member of the "family" he probably has some connection to Manson's pain and agony. Keep in mind that to like one or two songs, "sweet dreams" and "the dope show" are commonly popular with youth, is no big deal. However to be a member of Manson's "family" means that that person has some major issues with the church.

 

Awwww. Poor little anti-christ. He had a rough childhood.

Who didn't have a rough childhood and have to go through some bad times?!?

"Mr. Manson" is responsible for his own actions, and I think he needs to realize that people are people, and are not going to be completely consistent. Of course I suspect that he realizes this, but he definitely has found a way to gain fame and fortune whilst leading the kiddies astray, eh? I think it is time for the "Manson family" to realize the guy is just an act! He feeds off your pocketbooks! How much did those tickets cost to get into his show? How much do his CDs cost? Does he really care about you? No. He cares about the money, notariety, and attention because he's just a performer...an evil, wicked, deceptive performer. His stage act is that of being anti-God. Hey, you have to admit, it sells records.

Jason

 

He feeds off your pocketbooks! How much did those tickets cost to get into his show? How much do his CDs cost? Does he really care about you? No. He cares about the money, notariety, and attention because he's just a performer

And this is different from many Christian recording artists?

 

You said it - it's an act. And a good one.

I have two of his albums, and genuinely enjoy some of his music. I have no qualms about that.

 

I agree with you, CCMers are out for the money, notariety, and attention. By the way, I don't listen to CCM.

Jason

[ January 14, 2003, 12:14 PM: Message edited by: Refreshed ]