I don’t see Megadeth being a quote/unquote “Christian Band” but rather a band that has Christians in it. We’ve used concepts and scripture in our songs for years. One example is in “Ashes in Your Mouth” where we say, “Turning plowshares into swords.”

David Ellefson, bassist for the influential thrash band Megadeth, recently began taking seminary classes. Over the past few years, both he and Megadeth founder, Dave Mustaine, have been vocal about their Christian faith. While a thrash bassist taking seminary classes may seem odd, Ellefson likens the angst of his generation to that of Martin Luther and his efforts in the Protestant Reformation. He recently gave the Examiner some time to discuss seminary, taking classes on the road, and how he integrates his faith with is band mates.

Raleigh Evangelical Examiner: You said you don’t see yourself as standing up and handing out the sacraments, so what are some of your goals surrounding a seminary education?

Ellefson: I’m enjoying the educational aspect of this. Learning what I can about the history of the church and Martin Luther’s discoveries of both the Old Testament law and New Testament gospel of Christ. I think my generation just gave up on church…much the same way Martin Luther questioned the church of his day. I think we are all drawn to the word of God but not sure about the church of our youth as it was antiquated and seemed culturally irrelevant to us. So, my hope is that with a modern day discovery we can apply God’s word more universally to all of us, even us in rock n’ roll!

I don’t see Megadeth being a quote/unquote “Christian Band” but rather a band that has Christians in it. We’ve used concepts and scripture in our songs for years. One example is in “Ashes in Your Mouth” where we say, “Turning plowshares into swords.”

Gordon Duncan writes for the Raleigh Examiner and is also the pastor of Soverign King PCA Church in Garner, NC, a southside suburb of Raleigh.

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