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O'Connor joined a chorus of U.S. clergy and others concerned about the weirdness of some rock music and its potential for harm. Though some music has exploited satanic and occult themes, the religious crusaders are more concerned about other problems. The Rev. Donald Wildmon's American Family Association, based in Tupelo, Miss., is concentrating on vulgar, sadistic and violent sex songs. Tipper Gore's Parents' Music Resource Committee of Arlington, Va., especially decries records that foment contempt toward Jews, minorities and women.
Is there, however, a direct causal relationship between heavy-metal music and Satanism, as Cardinal O'Connor contended? Father Rento, the New Jersey expert, does not make such a claim. But he does provide carefully couched support for O'Connor's concern. Music, says the priest, "is one of the factors helping to create a climate in which the hitherto unthinkable becomes thinkable."