Polish Death Metal Singer Cleared of Legal Charges After Ripping Bible to Shreds During Stage Performance
- Posted on August 18, 2011 at 8:40pm by
Billy Hallowell
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WARSAW, Poland (The Blaze/AP) — A Polish judge has found a death metal singer innocent of offending religious feelings, ruling that his ripping up of a Bible during a show was a form of artistic expression consistent with the style of his band.
Adam Darski, who goes by the stage name Nergal and is the frontman for the death metal band Behemoth, was charged after he ripped up the Bible during a 2007 concert in Gdynia. Below, watch a video of him ripping the holy book apart:
He was found innocent by a court last year but prosecutors appealed that verdict. The court issued an innocent verdict Thursday.
Darski threw the torn pages to the audience during the concert, and asked fans to burn them, according to video footage from that concert. According to the Polish news agency PAP, he also called the Bible “a deceitful book” and the church a “criminal sect” – strong language in this predominantly Roman Catholic country. Here’s another clip of the singer destroying the Bible:
Judge Krzysztof Wieckowski, in issuing his ruling, said it considered Darski’s actions “a form of art” consistent with the style of his band. He added that the court had no intention of limiting freedom of expression or the right to criticize religion.
The court said audience members who testified said their religious feelings had not been hurt despite the fact they were Christians.
Offending another person’s religious feelings is a criminal offense in Poland, and can carry a prison sentence of up to two years.
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Comments (237)
NEAF
Posted on August 18, 2011 at 9:58pmNo problem. Now do the same with the Koran. Wait, no? Are you afraid of that? Oh I know, Islam is not a real religion.
Report Post »ozchambers
Posted on August 18, 2011 at 9:56pmI’m thinking about sneaking backstage before his show, take out the Bible and replace it with a Quran but leave the Bible COVER…..Then tape it and show the torn up pages of the quran and watch a klingon shart his shorts on stage.
Report Post »psst
Posted on August 18, 2011 at 9:54pmTough ,tough, tough dude. Bet he’s even tuff enough to rip a Koran to shreds on stage.
Report Post »ozchambers
Posted on August 18, 2011 at 9:48pmActually, they might claim to despise Hitler, but they LOVE his policies!
Report Post »Darren
Posted on August 18, 2011 at 9:48pm“The court said audience members who testified said their religious feelings had not been hurt despite the fact they were Christians.”
How in the world could that be?
I know that the first video posted was only around 30 seconds in length. But I could not bare even about half that. As soon as the cursing of the Bible and of Jesus began I had to turn the video off. I could not endure the cursing of our beloved Savior; nor his word.
As for the Christians in the audience, I don’t care what their music preference is, nor how much they lioke this death metal band. The Christians n the crowd should have all left the concert at the exact same point where I shut the said video off, returned home and throw all the band’s CDs into the garbage.
/Sickening!
I am glad that the Polish judge had no interest to limit free speech though legislatures should have the authority to do so. I thoroughly disagree with “hate speech” laws and Poland apparently has some.
Report Post »Secret Squirrel
Posted on August 18, 2011 at 10:02pm.
Thank god he didn’t rip up a Koran.
That would have been over the top.
Report Post »navycook86
Posted on August 19, 2011 at 12:16amThis is almost no different what the whole PMRC hearings that took place in the 80′s. If you don‘t know what I’m talking about, look it up on Youtube. People should have the right to express themselves. If someone doesn’t like it, turn away, turn it off, or suck it up. Those Christians who were at the show weren’t bothered by the actions. I don’t agree with some of the things that bands I listen to sing about, but I don’t let it bother me. When did we loose our thick skin as Americans?
Report Post »insaneserenity
Posted on August 19, 2011 at 12:24amSo legislatures should limit free speech? Really? Who do you think they’d come for in this country? Let me tell you, it won’t be anyone with a D anywhere near their name. After they arrested Beck, Limbaugh, Hannity, etc, they’d come for you and me.
This young man found out Europe does not have any protections of free speech, unlike the USA. He was basically copying Marilyn Manson, who had the benefit of this country’s freedoms.
Report Post »Darren
Posted on August 19, 2011 at 9:37amInsane;
“So legislatures should limit free speech? Really? Who do you think they’d come for in this country?”
Absolutely they do. You cannot use your speech to libel, defame, or injure other people without evidence for your harmful words. Our country’s legislature legislate speech all the time; but the courts continually strip their power to do so. The Legislator is your voice; not the judges on the bench.
As for whom legislation of free spech will target is a legitimate point of concern. Yes, Conservatives have traditionally been targeted in this country. Especially in recent history. Do reember that I said ‘I thoroughly disagree with hate speech laws”. Having the power to legislate and what should be legislated are two different things.
Report Post »Ded-Bred
Posted on August 19, 2011 at 10:29amDarren, it’s sad but truthfully-my heart would break many times daily seeing/hearing the “Christian views” on what they feel is permissible-basically, most Christians are so afraid of “offending others” or of being painted as being extreme that they are not allowing our GOD’s righteousness to shape their own behavior(I stand in defense of God, and often feel this silent ‘wincing’ of those who stand with me….against homosexuality, black racists such as farrakhan….our nation pulling away from Israel,.well, God’s been revealing they re NOT Christians. Why would a Christian desire to see a show like that? Of course they weren’t offended….their hearts are far from Him. But Darren, be of good cheer, you have many brothers and sisters who know and love and worship LORD JESUS – peace and grace to you always
Report Post »Darren
Posted on August 19, 2011 at 11:34amDed-Bred;
Thanks for your kind words. And you’re correct in that many Christians will not stad up for what they know is decent and good. At the very least, the Christians in this rock group‘s audience’s priorities are not on Jesu Christ. Perhaps there are some who did not leave for fear of how their peers would view and react to them but truly wanted to depart from the group’s vile words and actions against Jesus and the Bible. Perhaps they’ll learn from this experience and tae courage. That they’ll come out stronger and better lead themselves and others to stand in more holy places.
Report Post »DimmuBorgir
Posted on August 19, 2011 at 12:54pmDarren
you are soooo wrong
our freedom of speech is meant exactly for us to say offensive things without fear.
The only person he defamed was Jesus, and I don’t think Jesus is mad at him.
Report Post »AvengerK
Posted on August 19, 2011 at 2:28pmActually Dimmu Borgir (good band by the way)….“Nergal” suffers from Leukemia..still think “Jesus” won’t have a say in this?
Report Post »Faith1029
Posted on August 19, 2011 at 2:35pmYou said Christians in the audience should have left? A true Christian would not have been at a Satanic concert to begin with nor would they like the music. Anyone can profess to be a Christian. “By their fruits you will know them.”
Report Post »Darren
Posted on August 19, 2011 at 9:55pmFaith;
I won‘t judge the audience’s Christianity. My reply was directly towards those who professed their Christianity in or to the court that they were not offended.
Report Post »Darren
Posted on August 19, 2011 at 9:57pmDimmy;
I didn’t say anything about prohibiting offense, did I? In fact I did say that I thoroughly disagree with hate speech laws.
Report Post »FAITH HOPE LOVE
Posted on August 20, 2011 at 2:15pmI agree. I was thinking to myself the same thing-um, Just exactly WHAT KIND of Christians are they really? I mean- I could not watch any of the video’s as well… I don’t even want to think about watching a man so vain do such a vile demonstration of his “rights”… and the fact that apparently none of the witnessess in the audience seemed to mind is so telling of the times.. the world is on FIRE these days!
Report Post »Cesium
Posted on August 18, 2011 at 9:46pmTechengineer is an FIIIIING NAZI!!!!!
Report Post »Donttredonme
Posted on August 18, 2011 at 9:43pmHe‘d waaaay cooler than Christians who burn CD’s and other books.
Report Post »4truth2all
Posted on August 19, 2011 at 10:38amHell = cool………I DON”T THINK SO >>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Report Post »kickagrandma
Posted on August 18, 2011 at 9:42pmCHRISTIANITY is NOT a religion.
It is a way of life.
We follow JESUS CHRIST, THE ONLY SON OF GOD.
The man who did this is an idiot. He may or may not have be demon possessed BEFORE he did that, but he surely is now. OR, else, he, like the Apostle Paul, will be so convicted of his false gods, that he, too, will turn and become a CHRIST follower.
Try it with the qu’ran, bro. Now, there’s a religion for you.
Report Post »Donttredonme
Posted on August 18, 2011 at 9:45pmSorry but Christianity IS a religion hahah
Report Post »Donttredonme
Posted on August 18, 2011 at 9:47pmSorry but Christianity IS a religion
Report Post »booger71
Posted on August 18, 2011 at 9:58pmSorry but Christianity IS a religion hahah”
Sorry was that supposed to be a joke?
Report Post »SacredHonor1776
Posted on August 18, 2011 at 10:07pmIt’s a religion and a philosophy.
Report Post »OB-1
Posted on August 18, 2011 at 10:52pmChristianity is a religion to those who don’t really follow it. Much like atheism is a religion.
(Christianity is a relationship, I know what you mean, the liberals don’t understand)
Report Post »4truth2all
Posted on August 19, 2011 at 10:32amIt is a religion… within that religion there is a relationship that other religions do not have.
Report Post »kickagrandma: I understand your well intended meaning, and based on that I agree.
Wojciech W.
Posted on August 22, 2011 at 5:17pmWow you guys must drink the same cool aid, Christianity IS a religion, and for you to have the gall to judge others. Isn’t there a passage in the bible warning you against judging others?? Brain washing complete it is, you have secured your position with the dark side hahaha.
Report Post »conservative_teacher
Posted on August 18, 2011 at 9:37pmOh no! He did not! He did not just take a bunch of paper with ink on it and…I can hardly say it…rip it in two?!? OMG! The horror! How will the Christian faith ever survive such an atrocity? LOL! Some of you people are really pathetic.
Now, let me get this straight…this death metal band singer, who ripped a bible in two is going to hell? More than that, he’s going to the same hell as, oh I don’t know, Adolf Hitler who murdered 10 million people on concentration camps? Is that about right? LOL!
Report Post »ozchambers
Posted on August 18, 2011 at 9:46pmSo some Klingon with a guitar rips up a Bible. This Christian yawns. Nice stunt. I bet he does that at every show as a lead in to one of his lame songs. Now if that were MY Bible, I would be ticked!
Report Post »Monst3r
Posted on August 19, 2011 at 1:25amIn God’s eyes no sin is greater than another. You are absolutely right, he is going to the EXACT same Hell as anyone else who dies a sinner. The only sin that is unforgivable though is blasphemy of the Holy Ghost. So if you’ve uttered those words yourself, (and by look of your post I guess it’s possible?) then you‘ll be happy to know you can be dinning with other famous murderers and Satan himself when you die as well if you don’t repent.
I wish you the best.
smithclar3nc3
Posted on August 19, 2011 at 9:29amCONSERVATIVE TEACHER ,
Report Post »You’re neither conservative or a teacher which just makes you a liar.
The act of ripping a bible in itself means nothing if you don‘t know it’s a bible. It’s the intent of ripping the bible that makes it sinful. You could hire a blind man to shred 1,000,000 bibles and the blind man committed no sin. You however wanting to destroy the message are the sinner. This klingon wannabe metal whatever intent was to destroy the word deface the meaning attack Christanity.
Moreover most deathmetal bands are not atheist they’re Satanic They believe in God and reject him for Satan. Better to reign in he77 than serve in heaven.
pavepaws
Posted on August 18, 2011 at 9:30pmBrave act when the Bible is concerned. Try that with a Koran and see what happens.
Report Post »go2gym
Posted on August 18, 2011 at 9:34pmBingo. Christians just look at him and shake their head knowing it’s his loss, not anyone else’s. At some level, he realizes that. Tear up a Koran on stage, and lets see how that works out.
Report Post »TX_45_ACP
Posted on August 18, 2011 at 9:29pmUntil he rips up a Koran, he’s a coward. Let’s see if he mans up.
Report Post »PASSIONFORCHRIST
Posted on August 18, 2011 at 10:38pmHe WON’T MAN UP, IT TAKES A MAN TO ADMIT THAT GOD DOES EXIST!!!!! AND YEA! I WANT TO SEE HIM TEAR UP A KORAN AND SAY THE THINGS HE WAS SAYING ABOUT JESUS, ABOUT allah(lower case for little man).
Report Post »prkw
Posted on August 18, 2011 at 9:25pmActually, the judge set a precedent. Now any islamic group can’t whine about some rock band or person mauling the Koran.
But would another “death metal” band have the intestinal fortitude to do that?
Report Post »An AmericanMom
Posted on August 18, 2011 at 9:24pmThe only reason he did this was because he knew everyone would be talking about him…..LOSER!
Let’s see him do that to a Koran…….he wouldn’t make it thru the night alive……..and you know I’m right.
Report Post »momprayn
Posted on August 18, 2011 at 9:22pmWhat’s frightening besides this demon possessed singer/band are the ones from the audience who testified that they were Christians and weren’t offended. Huh?! For one, if you’re a “real” Christian, you would most likely not be attending this, if you knew what they are “about” — and/or if you weren’t offended at all, something is definitely frighteningly wrong with your “Christianity”. Also included is the “judge”.
Report Post »countryclipper
Posted on August 18, 2011 at 9:30pmVery well put, we are not supposed to judge, but i feel so much pain for that man when he stands in front of God as his life is reviewed
Report Post »Weiners Wiener
Posted on August 18, 2011 at 10:58pmThey weren’t Christians. They were FANS. That’s why they were there. They were lying to the court to try to help out their rock n roll idol. Bottom line – coming from a lifelong metalhead who also abhors these particular kind of schtick – they only do it to get attention. Prosecuting him probably doubled their album sales. The bible is paper and ink. It’s the words inside the bible that matter, and no ‘artist’ or other vandal can ever harm that message. Best bet in a free society is probably just to ignore them. Or mock them.
Report Post »Carborendum
Posted on August 18, 2011 at 9:21pmI’m not certain why this is making news. But Kindling has a point. If it were the Koran, he would have been found guilty.
Report Post »GIDEON612
Posted on August 18, 2011 at 9:23pmThat is very true.
Report Post »But what he did is what the popes have done everyday for centuries.
MODEL82A1
Posted on August 18, 2011 at 9:19pmI’d like to introduce you Blazers to Glen Benton. He’s a nice, wholesome, central Florida musician. You’d LOVE him.
Report Post »YepImaConservative
Posted on August 18, 2011 at 9:18pmHow many Polish death metal singers does it take to screw in a light bulb?
Report Post »The-Monk
Posted on August 18, 2011 at 10:30pmIt dosen’t matter since they do not have any electricity.
Report Post »TRUSTNO MAN
Posted on August 18, 2011 at 9:16pmGuess who is goin to the SMOKING section……Watch that first step……it’s a long way down.
Report Post »An AmericanMom
Posted on August 18, 2011 at 11:02pmExpress elevator going down?
Report Post »sooner12
Posted on August 18, 2011 at 9:15pmWhat is the world coming to. This guy? rips a bible at a concert and the Christians there don’t walk out and demand their money back? I guess I have a much bigger problem when you can no longer stand up for your religion when insulted from the likes of this guy.
Report Post »kindling
Posted on August 18, 2011 at 9:09pmNext week he will be ripping up a Koran and the next week we will be reading about finding the bottom part of his body hanging somewhere.
Report Post »Donttredonme
Posted on August 18, 2011 at 9:07pmI love freedom, rip as many of them as you want!
Report Post »Darren
Posted on August 18, 2011 at 9:56pmIf you trruly love freedom then you should advocate self restraint.
Report Post »spaktor
Posted on August 19, 2011 at 10:23amDeny self, for self’s sake – Benjamin Franklin.
Report Post »Wojciech W.
Posted on August 22, 2011 at 4:58pmthats not freedom, thats selfrestraint
Report Post »kindling
Posted on August 18, 2011 at 9:06pmWe should be allowed to express our beliefs because other wise how are we to be judged when we stand before God. It does not offend me that he tears up his Bible. I still have mine. We just prey for him to someday understand…….probably when he is old and not stoned.
Report Post »Wojciech W.
Posted on August 22, 2011 at 5:11pmAmen!
Report Post »Captain Crunch
Posted on August 18, 2011 at 9:05pmNergal….the name of the demon in his heart.
Report Post »momprayn
Posted on August 18, 2011 at 9:17pmVery discerning………..
Report Post »4truth2all
Posted on August 19, 2011 at 10:37amChristians have power over demons, and we are called to remove them.
Report Post »KickinBack
Posted on August 18, 2011 at 9:04pmDidn’t Yoko Ono do that once and toss the pages about and when asked why, she said she “was only spreading the word of God”?
Report Post »Hungry_i
Posted on August 18, 2011 at 9:03pmSuch a courageous fellow!
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