Church of the Misfits and VNV Nation

A Christian minister, Eric Elnes, visits a techno-industrial music concert in NYC by VNV Nation and discovers an unexpected lesson in theology.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• eric
• elnes
• crosswalk
• america
• vnv
• nation

[Britelitblue]

i stumbled into Limelight once too, didnt leave for 9 days lol

[MrNaaki1201]

Think im going to cum in my pants when i c VNV 

[mrbone03]

Josh from Mars Hill Church in Seattle.

Pastor Elnes, I deeply appreciate your missiological heart and openness see the needs in people who seem foreign to you. My church is filled with heavily tatted, pierced, chain-smoking lovers of Jesus. We love the tragic side of the cross (because of the love it demonstrates) and we pursue people who live the sadness laid bare by bands like VNV Nation (I'm a fan) so they can be connected to the source of hope. I pray the same grace MHC has 4 ur church

[xagcx]

What I see in VNV is devotion to humanism surrounded by Christian language/rhetoric. Their songs constantly place faith in Humanity, a faith I personally believe is unfounded given the track record of humanity. Some will try to blame religion on humanity's corruption but it seems to me humanity's corruption is innate, and extends into corrupting religions and any other thing the human touches. VNV is the voice of a lost soul recognizing their faults but too afraid to let go and reach for God

[fernfearie]

...regardless of what faith you choose.

they may seem "christian" in perspective but that is merely because Christianity has been looked at in such a way..

paganism is just as positive! if not moreso due to the corrupted churches and ministers but that comes with anything. theres good bad and theres even neutral.

there are very positive things about christianity but in anything people don't always practice what they preach... and neither do pagans... hence why so many of you think they're evil.

[fernfearie]

this was one of my favorite bands growing up... i've always been "goth" if u wish to call it that... but i have never been christian. in fact i was raised "wiccan" and then branched off when I was 13 or 14 into different pagan practices one of which i studied was Druidry up until the past couple years.

i've foud i need no "religion" to help me along, no following, no church, no book to read.

(though i love to read books)

but only what i know and feel is right. lyrics of VNV Nation are uplifting.

[AmazorMann]

I can recall Ronan saying that while he is a spiritual person, he does not specifically follow any religion. Ronan is from Ireland, and while Ireland is a very religious country there had been a great deal of fighting over whose beliefs are correct. Because of this he decided not to associate with an organized group.

[depeche609]

I've read many articles and Ronan is very vague when asked about the content of his lyrics. He seems to be a closet Christian. I don't blame him tho, because coming out of that closet would alienate alot of of their agressive fans and don't we all know...money rules the world.

Regardless what they are, take what you want from his lyrics. He's noted time and time again that you should take the song and enjoy it no matter how you see it.

[dzoellick]

I'm a Christian and a VNV fan. I believe there is a lot of deep truth to be found in VNV's lyrics, but I also think that the messages are highly open to interpretation. Everyone (Christian or non), should be listened to with an open but cautious mind. Don't think that just because a band is "Christian" everything they say is true, or that just because a band is secular nothing they say can be spiritual. I strongly agree with what this is saying about "finding Jesus wherever He may be found".

[nevers6]

This minister didn't say VNV Nation r christians, but realizes they're band who's lyrics and themes touch on deep existential and emotional questions and struggles at the heart of everyone, regardless of belief or (sub)culture, that also are central to Xtianity. 2 the kids here saying "VNV are evil".. No. Unlike a lot of EBM/Industrial/Futurepop acts, they've ignored the trend to focus on "dark" and instead sing about the fall of humanity, stuggle, searching, redemption. It's very honest really.