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It’s so funny to me now that this song, which contains meaningful themes and approaches religion somewhat thoughtfully, was universally banned in Protestant circles when it came out. Considering the vapid and insidious garbage on the airwaves today, it seems so tame by comparison!

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I told students that lots of Metallica was simply anger. But SOME of the signals pointed to topics worth being angry about. But answers? No. Today, of course, anxiety, depression, gender confusion and other health-care issues have skyrocketed. The topic is more relevant than ever....

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If you were going to redo this lecture in 2024, do you have an idea of which song you'd choose?

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Lacking meaningful videos, I don't know. Music is SOOOOO niche oriented now. Specific songs have meaning to specific audiences and, perhaps, different parts of the church. Are any songs so universal now they hold up when talking to a wider range of people? Obviously, the return of "Fast Car" was a cultural moment. I am watching what happens to both of those artists. "Rich Men North of Richmond" was a valid column hook: https://www.tmatt.net/columns/2023/8/23/a-nothing-in-particular-believer-captures-millions-of-clicks-in-youtube-america

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