Music

"All of the man-made religion crap in this world has to die": ex-Korn guitarist talks about finding

Andy Rau

Brian "Head" Welch, the former Korn guitarist who famously found God a few years ago, has a new book out about his spiritual journey from sex, drugs, and rock & roll to Christianity. I flipped through it at the bookstore the other day, and it looks interesting. He's got a pretty amazing testimony:

The book is a total mea culpa; Welch is dutifully humble and shoulders the blame for shoddy behavior that includes fist fights with his ex-wife and getting high while at home with his young daughter, Jennea. He was using long before he joined Korn in 1993, trying to quell internal conflicts -- depression and insecurities -- that multiplied as the band's career escalated: his failing marriage, indecision over whether to quit the band because the lifestyle enabled his habits, misery at being a bad father. The decision to seek God followed an email from a concerned friend. The Bible verse contained in the email made Welch recall a memory from childhood about how moved he'd been when he tried to talk to Jesus. His transformation wasn't instant -- Welch brooded over it and kept snorting meth even as he called to the Lord for help -- but it has been permanent so far.

Amazing to think that a simple Bible verse in an email kickstarted his journey to Christ! The article doesn't identify the exact verse, but another recent news piece on Welch suggests that it might have been Ezekiel 18:4.

I always get a little nervous about celebrities who go public with their newfound faith soon after conversion; it seems like it's just asking for trouble. But it's great to hear that Welch is going strong. I'm sure he can use the continued prayers of his brothers and sisters in Christ.

Any readers checked out Welch's book and care to comment?

Topics: Music, Culture At Large, Arts & Leisure, Entertainment, News & Politics, Media