The public should not capitalise on current social issues to create inter-religious tension, NECF Malaysia advised in a statement to the local press in response to a local newspaper report alleging that members of a Black Metal cult group were forced to read the gospel of Luke.
The report quoted an unnamed source as saying that after reading the gospel, the teenage members stopped praying and practicing religious teachings; instead, they indulged in "free sex", claiming it was neither wrong nor sinful.
NECF’s statement called for respect and a deeper understanding of each other’s faith to avoid any misunderstanding and suspicion.
For example, it said, the four gospels together with the teachings of Christ do not endorse free sex. Instead, the whole Bible has consistently taught against immorality and fornication and stressed the importance of prayer.
Black metal and Christianity are in direct opposition, the statement concluded after explaining briefly the development of black metal music, its ideology and connection with Satanism.
"…what concerns us most is some people are making use of such opportune time of the ‘black metal turmoil’ to create misunderstanding about the gospel of Luke," it said.
The statement also urged the authorities, parents, teachers and all concerned parties to join efforts in battling the negative subcultures assaulting our youth, who are very vulnerable to such influence.
"The period of youth is a time for growth and development by discovering and acquiring values and receiving nurture within the culture. Unfortunately, this generation of youth live in an era where abortion and divorce are rampant, and where the invasion of popular culture is raging.
"Instead of making remarks to provoke others and to create discord within the community, let us put aside our selfish agenda, be realistic and truly re-examine our social and cultural values, and care for our children." |
