Christianity: Lessons in tolerance and forgiveness

Christianity: Lessons in tolerance and forgiveness

Christianity is South Africa’s most popular religion, followed by other Judeo-Christian faiths. Tolerance and forgiveness are the religion’s most important lessons – often taught from the pulpit during sermons and talks.

But what if tolerance and forgiveness comes from the place you’d least expect?

Reddit users have asked if ‘Die Antwoord’ is a negative influence on Christianity.

The thread debates whether Christians can listen to the band (or not). Many religions fans defended the band and their aesthetic.

Sometimes art shocks.

Here’s how Die Antwoord leads to lessons in tolerance and forgiveness.

Die Antwoord: Christianity

Reddit users used this thread to ask whether Die Antwoord is a bad influence.

The band is controversial. Some of their music videos include violent, graphic imagery.

The thread contains both sides of the argument. Some commenters are on the band’s side, while others prefer to avoid their Zef-aesthetic.

Comments argue that art is deliberately meant to be shocking.

The band aren’t necessarily as dark as their music.

Yes, some of the band’s fans are Christians. Many of their fans aren’t.

Who is anyone to judge?

Die Antwoord and Christianity

Die Antwoord have been highly criticised by some religious groups, even though Yolandi Visser’s family have come out to support the band’s aesthetic before.

Art is supposed to shock, say many of the band’s online fans who still support the musicians.

Some of the occult imagery in their music has drawn attention from religious groups. Their videos are shocking, but isn’t the Bible shocking sometimes too?

Does Die Antwoord offend Christianity?

Do they actually teach an important lesson about tolerance and forgiveness?

If religious people tolerate Die Antwoord, they might be doing the right thing. Each to their own. There are people enjoying their music, and many who don’t.

Is leaving them to do their thing the better option?

Christians can display tolerance instead of hatred or bias. If you don’t listen to them, that’s fine: the band has said it themselves in multiple interviews.

Sometimes art is shocking, like Anton Kannemeyer or Leonardo da Vinci.

Religion and Harry Potter

Religions and churches have debated other forms of pop culture before, too.

Die Antwoord aren’t the first group in the firing line. Musicians like Marilyn Manson and Ozzy Osbourne have also faced critique from religious groups and civil rights organisations.

Some comments point out that it’s become similar to the debate about violent video games.

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READ MORE ARTICLES BY FRANCOIS JANSEN (ALEX J. COYNE)