We always knew the band members were religious, but this displays a heretofore unseen level of commitment. Founding Megadeth bassist David Ellefson is studying to be a Lutheran minister at Concordia Seminary in suburban St. Louis. The school offers online training, and according to Billboard, Ellefson is among the rank and file training for the ministry.
After two years at Concordia, Ellefson will be eligible for ordination.
More than 100 students are enrolled in the distance learning program, Billboard quotes director David Wollenburg as saying. The program is open only to those who have been sponsored by someone already working in the ministry.
Classes include "Lutheran Distinctions," "Preaching I & II," "Introduction to Worship" and "Scripture and Faith." Students range in age from 35 to the late 60s.
Apparently, Ellefson has been religious all his life. In a long article, Billboard notes that the Arizona-based bassist, now 47, grew up in on a farm Minnesota and was confirmed at age 16 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church.
"Some people want to morph things together into one, but I have a hand in both worlds," Ellefson is quoted as saying. "I love praise and worship music, and I love heavy metal."
Well, kudos to him for following his heart. Megadeth guitarist Dave Mustaine is also highly religious, having been raised a Jehovah’s Witness before becoming a born-again Christian. Which reminds me of something once-great comedian Dennis Miller once noted: nobody every finds Jesus on prom night; it’s only when they’ve messed up their lives that the big man seems to comes calling. I wonder why that is?
Anyway, the latest Megadeth disc is last year’s Thirt3en.
Jesus answered that question himself: “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:7
I love metal music (among other music also) and I'm so sick of people referring to it as "devil worship music". This just proves it. I am a practicing Catholic and am so happy to read this article. Rock on Megadeath! Love you guys!
Jesus answered that question himself: “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:7
Posted by: Joyce | 01/23/2012 at 01:16 AM
Nice answer Joyce. Happy are those who realize they are sick.
Posted by: Rob | 01/23/2012 at 09:57 AM
I love metal music (among other music also) and I'm so sick of people referring to it as "devil worship music". This just proves it. I am a practicing Catholic and am so happy to read this article. Rock on Megadeath! Love you guys!
Posted by: Tara | 01/23/2012 at 11:04 AM