SA to rock against religion
2007-05-23 09:42
Johannesburg - Singer Steve Hofmeyr says he can "almost associate" with rock musicians who want to hold a "777" concert in Pretoria to warn people against the dangers of religion.
The groups Architects of Aggression (AOA), the Slashdogs, Ruhtz, Far Beyond Driven, Prevail and All Forlorn, will perform at the concert at The Arc in Hazelwood, Pretoria.
Wrust, a band of four from Botswana, is the seventh rock group who will perform of July 7, the seventh day of the seventh month, at the concert dedicated to freedom of religion.
"We have the freedom to choose between religions. Now we want freedom from religion," said Anton Alberts, AOA's drummer.
The concert promised to cause a stir among South African believers. According to Alberts the aim of the concert was not to attack a particular religion, but rather warn against dangers of religion.
Bloodiest wars in history
"Religion has been part of humanity since the beginning. It has also been responsible for some of the bloodiest battles in history.
"Whether it has been in the name of Ramses, Yaweh, Aries, Allah or Christ, the human rights abuses and all the other acts remain unforgivable and unforgettable."
Alberts believes that religion was necessary when people were still looking for answers about natural phenomena, seasons and creation, but modern man has long since evolved beyond that point.
"In the modern era sex education for teenagers and open relations between parents and children are much more effective than the church's archaic and conservative policy of remaining quiet and looking away."
According to Hofmeyr he could almost associate with these "guys".
"Throughout my life, manmade religion has always come between me and my God.
"A similar debate on my blog on Tuesday about the fact that two of the most holy nations in the world (the US and Iraq) were still involved in a senseless war, confirmed their argument," said Hofmeyr.
Arguments 'unfounded and foolish'
He also referred to 2 Corinthians 11:14, which is about the danger of Satan (the proverbial crook) appearing as an angel of light instead of someone that you would despise.
Dr Isak Burger, president of the Apostolic Faith Mission, said these groups' arguments were unfounded and foolish.
"I believe the movement is demonic and inspired by Satan, but that Christians don't have to feel threatened, because God is stronger than Satan.
"Nearly 20 000 people in Africa daily become Christians, which proves that predictions that the end of the church is near, are absurd.
"The concert is instead a reaction to the world's biggest prayer day which will be held across the world on May 27," he said.