In Robert Brennan’s Aug. 14 column on AngelusNews.com, “Praise Ozzy Osbourne, but not the Satanic showmanship,” I can understand as an outsider and nonfan, the heavy tones of the music itself, the artwork, some song titles, the band name, and most especially the portrayal of Ozzy by the media as a satanist desiring the ruin of souls had captured your attention and possibly awe.

From the outside looking in it can appear to be mischievous evil being done in the name of Satan. However, I’d like to take an opportunity to invite you to explore the truth and explore facts, both of which the Church deeply asks us to do.

Were you aware that all members of the band grew up Catholic and that Ozzy’s father gave them all cross necklaces before they departed for America so that God would keep them safe?

Were you aware that Ozzy was in recovery from alcoholism and wrote a multitude of songs about his addiction, the ills, and destruction it can cause and in warning against it? Please see “Demon Alcohol,” “Road To Nowhere,” and “Suicide Solution.” I believe you’ll find not a man participating in the occult, but a deeply introspective man struggling with faith, life, recovery and a desire to seek good.

So all this is to say please take time to at least dig into the words of the songs, dig into the real story of the music and the humans behind it, take time to seek truth, not just write articles to dissuade about a subject you admit you aren’t an expert in.

I’ll listen to Black Sabbath, say my prayers, participate in my faith and recovery, and know in good conscience I have not only not done anything wrong, but I’ll have found more peace and joy in my life, two things God desperately desires we seek. 

— Ryan Anderson