Modern Satanism - Part 2: Why Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll Matter

The Power of Music and the Hidden Influence

Music is not neutral. It was designed by God as a tool of worship, but like everything else, Satan has worked tirelessly to pervert it. The phrase “Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll” has become synonymous with rebellion, excess, and indulgence, but where did this mindset originate? How did an entire industry become a playground for darkness?

Many people shrug off concerns about music as legalism, but history reveals an intentional movement to use music as a means of deception, rebellion, and spiritual corruption—not just for those playing it, but for those listening to it. That includes many within the church and including song that are played in some churches.

Let me introduce you to a man whose story is perhaps the most chilling in this regard—Robert Leroy Johnson.

I. Robert Leroy Johnson and the Crossroads Deal

One of the most infamous stories in American music history is Robert Leroy Johnson, a blues musician from the 1930s. By all accounts, he was a mediocre guitarist at best. But legend has it that he disappeared for a short period, only to return with supernatural ability that stunned audiences. How did he transform overnight?

According to firsthand testimonies, Johnson admitted that he went to a crossroads at midnight, where he sold his soul to the devil in exchange for talent. His music became legendary, inspiring artists for generations. His life was short-lived, when he died mysteriously at 27.

Matthew 16:26 ESV

26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?

Johnson’s story set a precedent. But he wasn’t the last musician to make this deal. In fact, this concept of selling one’s soul for fame and power has been echoed by countless musicians over the decades.

II. The Influence of Aleister Crowley and Occult Philosophy in Rock & Roll

Who was Aleister Crowley? Crowley, known as “The Wickedest Man in the World,” was an English occultist and the founder of Thelema, a Satanic belief system. His philosophy centered around one command: “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.”

This idea—that you should live for self-indulgence with no regard for morality and that became the foundation for much of rock & roll culture. Crowley’s influence on the music industry is well-documented, appearing in the lyrics, album art, and personal beliefs of many artists. Including:

The Beatles – Placed Crowley’s image on their Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album cover.

Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page – Bought Crowley’s home and inscribed Crowley’s phrase into Led Zeppelin’s records.

David Bowie – Openly referenced Crowley’s influence in his music.

Ozzy Osbourne – Wrote the song Mr. Crowley directly about him.

David Bowie, Marilyn Manson, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Doors, and The Beach Boys, to name a few attribute their popularity to Crawley

Video Illustration: The Beatles

2 Corinthians 11:14–15 ESV

14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.

II. The Influence of Aleister Crowley and Occult Philosophy in Rock & Roll

Crowley’s teachings directly promoted rebellion against God, and musicians have incorporated his ideas to push the message further. He studied Yoga, Buddhism, Hinduism and black magic.  He referred to himself as the “Beast — 666”.    Some quotes of this evil man:

“This book [The Law of Thelema (Beast)] lays down a simple code of conduct: Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.  Love is the law, love under will.  There is no law beyond Do what thou wilt.”

“I am the snake that giveth knowledge and delight and bright glory, and stirs the hearts of men with darkness.  To worship me take wine and strange drugs whereof I will tell my prophets and be drunk thereof.  They shall not harm you at all.”

“That religion they call Christianity, the devil they honor they call God...it is their God and their religion that I hate and will destroy.”

“Every man and every woman is a star.”

“If one follows my black magic, I can enable him to be a genius in music.”

Nearly all in the Rock & Roll industry did follow and continue to follow Crowley’s code of conduct. They practiced Eastern religions; sorcery (drug use; including LSD), promiscuity, drunkenness, blasphemy, hatred of Christianity, etc.

And just what were the messages being preached in their songs?   As they themselves said:  Change the world.  Help to bring in the Age of Aquarius and end the Age of Christianity.  And they did it with the blessings of millions of Christian parents and church leaders. Even churches today emulate their music and styles for ‘entertainment value’ to be added to church worship services.

III. “They Sold Their Souls”: Confessions of the Industry

Many musicians have explicitly admitted to making deals with demonic forces. The industry is not just about music—it is about indoctrination.

Notable Confessions:

Bob Dylan admitted in an interview that he made a deal with “the chief commander of this world and the one we can’t see.”

Beyoncé has spoken about channeling an alter ego (“Sasha Fierce”) on stage.

Katy Perry confessed, “I sold my soul to the devil.”

Jay-Z and many other artists openly display occult and Masonic symbols in their work.

Carolos Santana (video)

Documentary Footage from They Sold Their Souls to Rock & Roll

1 Corinthians 10:20 ESV

20 No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons.

IV. The Agenda Behind Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll

Satan’s strategy is not just rebellion, but enslavement through addiction, identity distortion, and mind control.

1. Sex – The Normalization of Perversion

From the so-called “free love” movement of the 1960s to today’s hypersexualized culture, Satan has worked to disconnect sex from covenant. What God designed as holy—between one man and one woman in the context of marriage—has been turned into a tool for exploitation, addiction, and identity distortion. We now live in a world where pornography is normalized, sexual boundaries are erased, and even children are being targeted with confusion and grooming under the banner of “inclusion.” The enemy sells immorality as freedom, yet it brings bondage. Romans 1:24–27 describes what happens when God “gives people over” to the desires of their hearts—a culture that rejects His truth and exalts their passions. Satan’s strategy is not just to defile the body—it’s to redefine what it means to be human, leading people further from God’s image and deeper into shame, rebellion, and isolation.

Romans 1:24–25 ESV

24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.

Hebrews 13:4 ESV

4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.

2. Drugs – The Gateway to the Spiritual Realm

Throughout history, drugs have been used not just for escape, but for spiritual experience. Many artists and public figures openly credit psychedelics or hallucinogens for unlocking creativity and “connecting” them to other dimensions. But the Bible is clear—there’s a word for that: sorcery. The Greek word pharmakeia (used in Galatians 5:20 and Revelation 9:21) is where we get the word pharmacy, but in Scripture, it refers to mind-altering substances used to access forbidden spiritual realms. This is not innocent recreation—it’s a doorway into demonic influence. Satan uses drugs to dull discernment, lower defenses, and open people up to deception. What people often call “enlightenment” is actually enchantment—a spiritual fog that leads them away from truth and deeper into darkness.

Galatians 5:19–21 ESV

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Revelation 9:21 ESV

21 nor did they repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.

3. Rock & Roll – A Spiritual Weapon of Influence

Music is one of the most powerful forces in creation—it bypasses logic and goes straight to the heart. God designed it for worship, beauty, and connection. But Satan, the original worship leader in heaven (see Ezekiel 28:13), has twisted music into a tool of rebellion. Rock & Roll, and its descendants in modern pop and hip hop, have often carried messages of self-glorification, sexual promiscuity, violence, drug use, and even overt satanic imagery. These aren’t just lyrics—they are sermons set to melody. Music conditions the mind, influences the soul, and imprints belief. As Ravi Zacharias once said, “The arts are not just a reflection of culture; they create culture.” When young people sing songs about worshipping themselves, cursing God, or embracing darkness, they are unknowingly discipled by the enemy through melody. And what’s worse—they enjoy it.?

Ezekiel 28:13-14 – Indicates that Lucifer had a unique connection to music before his fall.

Ezekiel 28:13 ESV

13 You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering, sardius, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, emerald, and carbuncle; and crafted in gold were your settings and your engravings. On the day that you were created they were prepared.

Colossians 3:16 ESV

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

V. The Call to Discernment and Victory in Christ

We are not called to be passive in this battle—we are called to wage war with truth and worship. Music in the Church is not just filler between sermons. It’s a spiritual formation tool. It shapes theology, trains the heart, and leads the people of God into battle. That means every lyric we sing, every chord we strum, and every voice we raise must be intentionally directed toward Messiah—Yeshua. Worship is not entertainment. It’s engagement. And if we are careless, we’ll bring in the spirit of the world under the guise of relevance. Just as Satan uses music to disciple the culture into rebellion, God uses music to disciple His people into holiness, surrender, and victory. That’s why we must discern our songs, align them with Scripture, and lead with reverence—not trends. Because the Church sings its way into revival—or into ruin.The Bible commands us to test everything and hold fast to what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22).

1 Thessalonians 5:21–22 ESV

21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.

Romans 12:2 ESV

2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Conclusion: Breaking Free & Lifting High the Name of Jesus

This is not about legalism, but spiritual warfare. Music, when saturated in truth and offered in faith, becomes a spiritual weapon that shifts the atmosphere, strengthens the believer, and silences the enemy

Music aligns our hearts with Heaven.

When we sing the truths of God’s Word, we aren’t just reciting poetry—we’re proclaiming reality. Worship resets our focus from fear to faith, from anxiety to assurance.

Psalm 149:6 ESV

6 Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands,

Music silences the enemy.

Praise is not passive—it pushes back darkness. Satan can’t dwell where Jesus is exalted.

Psalm 8:2 ESV

2 Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger.

Music releases God’s power.

In 2 Chronicles 20, Jehoshaphat sent worshipers ahead of the army—and God ambushed the enemy. Their song was their strategy.

2 Chronicles 20:21 ESV

21 they went before the army, and say, “Give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever.”

Music breaks chains.

Paul and Silas weren’t just surviving in prison—they were worshiping. And their praise shook the foundation of their bondage. “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns… and suddenly there was a great earthquake…” – Acts 16:25–26

Music rewires the soul for victory.

Satan uses music to infiltrate the culture and distort truth. But God uses music to renew the mind, ignite the spirit, and reinforce truth. When we sing of God’s holiness, His victory, and His return—we are participating in the triumph of the Lamb. We are not here to ban music or burn records, but to warn and awaken. The music industry has become a pulpit for deception, but Jesus Christ is the only true Rock upon which we stand.

If you have been affected by the messages of the world, surrender those influences to Christ today.

If you have loved ones caught in deception, pray for their eyes to be opened.

If you need freedom from addiction or strongholds, Jesus is the deliverer!