Iron sharpens Metal: Megadeth bassist returns to faith, enrolls in seminary
A couple of American heavy metal stars have returned to their Christian faith, and one is even enrolled in a conservative Lutheran seminary. The Clayton-Richmond Heights Patch reports,
Concordia Seminary in Clayton welcomed students back to campus for the fall quarter last week, including many who worked for years in a profession before deciding to pursue a life of full-time church work. And while Dave Ellefson is one them, his first career is a bit unconventional—he plays bass in the heavy-metal band Megadeth.
Now, he’s studying to be a Lutheran pastor. . . .
Ellefson says he has “been clean for several years” and this step is “kind of a natural progression” for his faith. It’s certainly a progression back to his roots, a return from a long departure:
Ellefson grew up in a Christian household. Both of his parents were active in the church. His mother’s Wurlitzer organ was the first musical instrument he spent time with. As a teenager, he traded in the church organ to spend hours with a bass guitar in his hand.
Now, Ellefson will spend his time in the pulpit.
Megadeth often is regarded as a pioneer in American heavy metal. The band formed in 1983 and, apart from a few inactive years, continues to play concerts. The band’s front man, Dave Mustaine, also has returned to the Christian faith.
Since Dave and Dave both appear to be still playing for Megadeth, it would be interesting to hear how they relate their faith to their music.