Posted on 02/28/2002 11:14:16 PM PST by JohnHuang2
Alice Cooper says he loves God but doesn't want to become a 'celebrity' believer.
The father of shock rock whose music and stage antics have outraged parents for more than 30 years told how the fear of hell turned him to God.
Alice Cooper, who sang about necrophilia and chopped up baby dolls during his concerts, said that although he continues to record and tour with a theatrical horror-style show, "My life is dedicated to follow Christ."
Although he became a Christian in the 1980s, apart from brief comments in some interviews the 54-year-old singer has always been guarded about his faith until now. But in a frank interview with a Christian music magazine, he spoke at length publicly for the first time about his love for God and reluctance to become a "Christian celebrity."
A chart-topper with the teen anthem "School's Out," Cooper who legally changed his name from Vince Furnier has been credited with paving the way for the likes of today's outrageous performers such as Marilyn Manson.
Cover of Cooper's latest album, DragonTownBut he maintains that his act was never political or religious and always had "a sense of humor." He told HM: The Hard Music Magazine that he was always insulted whenever he was accused of being satanic. Raised in a Christian home, he still believed in God, although he was not committed.
That changed when alcoholism threatened his marriage. He and his wife, Sheryl, attended a church with a "hellfire pastor." Cooper said he became a Christian "initially more out of the fear of God, rather than the love of God ... I did not want to go to hell." Interviewed for HM's March/April issue, Cooper views his faith as "an ongoing thing."
"Being a Christian is something you just progress in. You learn. You go to your Bible studies. You pray," he said.
He has avoided "celebrity Christianity," because "it's really easy to focus on Alice Cooper and not on Christ. I'm a rock singer. I'm nothing more than that. I'm not a philosopher. I consider myself low on the totem pole of knowledgeable Christians. So, don't look for answers from me."
Yet he has been able to speak to others in the music scene about his faith.
"I've had a couple of people that were friends of mine that I've talked to that have vocally said they have [accepted Christ]. I have talked to some big stars about this, some really horrific characters ... and you'd be surprised. The ones that you would think are the furthest gone are the ones that are more apt to listen."
Songs on Cooper's more recent recordings have hinted at his change of heart. He sees his stage persona now as "the prophet of doom," telling people: "'Be careful! Satan is not a myth. Don't sit around pretending like Satan is just a joke.' I think my job is to warn about Satan."
He no longer performs some of his older repertoire. Any song promoting promiscuous sex and drinking "gets the axe," he said. "I'm very careful about what the lyrics are. I tried to write songs that were equally as good, only with a better message."
Cooper told HM he answers his critics: "'I was one thing at one time, and I'm something new. I'm a new creature now. Don't judge Alice by what he used to be. Praise God for what I am now.'"
Christianity is better off without him, and you can't say that about too many people
5 posted on 3/1/02 12:25 AM Pacific by GeronL
That is the most ignorant thing I have ever heard from anybody who called themselves a Christian! Who are YOU to determine who is worthy of salvation?
But doncha just know that some "with it" personality-cult christians are gonna glorify him immediately and attempt to put him up front in a leadership role.
Sickens me. If it's real, they'll mislead him. If it's phoney, they'll play right into it.
You obviously don't understand the grace of God. There could be no such thing further from the truth than your comment. If Christ has has accepted AC, then that's good enough for me.
He has avoided "celebrity Christianity," because "it's really easy to focus on Alice Cooper and not on Christ. I'm a rock singer. I'm nothing more than that. I'm not a philosopher. I consider myself low on the totem pole of knowledgeable Christians. So, don't look for answers from me."M/I>
I love the humility and admire the restraint from falling into the trap of celebrity Christianity.
Where did the ignoramus call himself a Christian? ;-)
What an intriguing brother in Christ we have :-)
I disagree. When we're truly repentant the change in our lives shines to others. That, in itself, is a testimony and example of a new life in Christ. Cooper is able to reach a population of folks many dare not meet up with. God has him in a fruitful place I believe.
In our church there are some formally hardened individuals who now profess and live a glorious life in Christ. No whispers behind their backs. :o)
Yes, this is a very good thing. Anyone who feels God pulling at them should do as Alice has: Don't wait another minute! Talk to God. Tell him you believe that he died in your place on the cross to cover your sins forever so that you too can have everlasting life and a relationship with him today. If you believe and say those words, you will be instantly saved right on the spot, or am Emarld Lagassie would say "BAM!" You are saved now, baby!
From that point, get a New Testament, and start to read it from the first page. Youll want to be with other Christians from time to time, so find a church that teaches only what you read in the bible, and adds nothing to it.
Alice Cooper/Vince, I suspect that you read this site. Im ultra happy that youre saved. You're fantastic!
Its been commonly known for awhile that Alice lived a life quite apart from his stage image.
I was still a youngster when I found out he was one of Bob Hope's favorite golfing buddies, and a pretty good golfer at that.
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