Jon Schaffer Converted to Christianity After Jan. 6 Imprisonment

Iced Earth’s Jon Schaffer has revealed that amidst the tumultuous interval of being jailed for his function within the Jan. 6 riot on the Capitol Constructing, he is transformed the Christianity. In a brand new wide-ranging interview granted to the Later Than You Suppose podcast, the musician opened up about his religious journey as his incarceration and eventual launch occurred within the aftermath of the Jan. 6 Capitol invasion.

How Jon Schaffer Got here to Christianity

The Iced Earth chief revealed that his religious journey had really performed out for some time, however actually got here into focus after the occasions of Jan. 6.

“I did begin studying the Bible, however I wasn’t actually there… Like I’ve stated, it was the start. Truly, it wasn’t the start, however this has been a sluggish course of ‘trigger I am a really bullheaded particular person… That is when my religion journey began. Being in solitary, a lot of considering, realizing the ability and the evil that you just’re up in opposition to and coping with these individuals,” remarked the musician.

“You’d’ve thought it was arduous sufficient being in there that was the ‘come to Jesus’ second,” he continued. “It was the step earlier than the ‘come to Jesus’ second. It was one of many steps earlier than. And it was actually once I realized how outta whack I used to be once I had the falling out with my daughter, and that was horrible and ugly.”

Schaffer says that he had discovered a church within the space he was residing at in Florida and he started to really feel faith by means of the expertise. Attending one other church within the space additionally left him with constructive emotions. However it was the journey to a 3rd church that basically offered him on the expertise.

“I simply fell in love with the place. It was Lakeview Church in Tarpon Springs. And so I’d go there, keep at [my friend’s house] Saturday evening, stand up and go to church. We might do it perhaps a few times a month. More often than not it was streaming, ‘trigger that was a protracted, lengthy journey. And typically I’d go over there only for the service — go away actually early within the morning, get there and drive again — but it surely’s a number of time within the automotive. And I had requested — his title’s Pastor Tim Miller — I requested him to baptize me. And we did that at his home, in his pool. And it nonetheless wasn’t all the best way there. I used to be on my approach there.”

Jon Schaffer Will get Baptized

When requested why he was curious about getting baptized and whether or not it had something to do with placing his previous behind him, Schaffer famous, “Simply that. I do know that it would not assure salvation or one thing like that. That is not the purpose. It was a extra of that I had no selection once I was a child, and this was a selection that I needed to make. That is all, actually. There’s nothing extra to it.”

Although he finally moved again to his Indiana residence and began attending a church nearer to the place he resides, he says he nonetheless watches the Lakeview Church providers on Sundays when he returns residence from work.

What Jon Schaffer Stated In regards to the Jan. 6 Riot

Schaffer addressed his involvement within the Jan. 6 riot that passed off on the Capitol Constructing in Washington, D.C., clarifying that he felt it was one thing that he didn’t count on it to be.

The musician said that he felt it was extra of a protest than an rebellion. “You are speaking about essentially the most armed citizenry on the face of the planet. In some way all these insurrectionists forgot their ARs [firearms] at residence and their handguns and all the things. It is nearly like that was by no means the intention.”

READ MORE: Jon Schaffer Makes First Public Assertion Since Arrest for Jan. 6 Riot

He advised that these attending Trump’s speech on Jan. 6, 2021 have been there to protest the election, however that after the speech an “vitality circulate” of individuals began transferring towards the Capitol. He additionally advised that rioters have been welcomed into the Capitol constructing by law enforcement officials.

“I do not know what number of of these individuals could be agent provocateurs… However I used to be entering into and went up the steps… I did not see any entrances being breached. I really did not see any of that. So I do not know the place that passed off,” he recalled.

“I simply noticed the identical movies that different individuals have. However I used to be going up the steps and I felt what appeared like concussion grenades going off. It was loud. It sounded prefer it was throughout the constructing. After which tear gasoline canisters have been blowing up excessive of us and these women have been coming down the steps. They have been in all probability 50 toes aside, crying. They’re destroying stuff up there. That is not what that is about. So I am, like, getting extra charged up, like, ‘What is going on on?’ I did not know what was happening. I didn’t count on that patriots have been setting off flash bangs or concussion grenades or no matter I used to be listening to. It would not make sense as a result of that is not what the motion’s about. It is not a violent motion.”

Jon Schaffer Feels His Arrest Was a Case of Entrapment

Inside his account, Schaffer recollects an occasion seeing police speaking about whether or not to permit an space that had been closed off to be opened. As some individuals left by means of the door, others tried to realize entry to it and it was in the course of the entry that he felt one thing was off.

“Now I understand my conduct wasn’t the best conduct and wasn’t the neatest factor that I ever did, but it surely was entrapment — a hundred percent,” Schaffer said. “I imply, there isn’t any doubt. The reality is gonna come out about this. The unhealthy factor is I do know higher. However I let my feelings get a complete deal with on me, and I feel there was a drive at work there, which I am unable to actually put into phrases.”

Jon Schaffer’s Reflection on January 6

Inside the chat, Schaffer recalled a November 2020 interview he gave at a Donald Trump rally during which he said that this wasn’t about President Trump, however somewhat the assumption that the election had been stolen.

“For me, I’d’ve been simply as pissed off in the event that they stole the election from the Democrats, as a result of that signifies that’s the tip of our republic, which really has been hijacked for a really very long time… I am simply anti-tyranny. I would like individuals to be free. I would like individuals to have the ability to be free to talk their minds, to worship, to reside, to prosper,” stated Schaffer.

“There is a horrible evil, and it would not have something to do with the political occasion. There’s evil in each events on this nation and in all places,” says Schaffer. “And so perhaps some large fact bombs are gonna come out that may shock the populace to a degree that we are able to really heal and are available again collectively.”

Jon Schaffer’s Musical Future

Upon his arrest, the remaining members of Iced Earth all exited the band leaving Schaffer because the lone member of the group.

When requested about his musical future, he said, “There’s just a few releases that I’ve obtained up my sleeve that we’re gonna be engaged on. By way of new materials. I am gonna give that somewhat little bit of time. I have to know that there is clear inventive path and never one thing that is manufactured by me.”

“No matter I’d do going ahead, I solely wanna do one thing that is gonna be nice. I do not need something to be compelled. And I would like it to glorify God,” he added. “There’s really been some biblical stuff all through my catalog anyway, however from the eyes of a Christian now, like, man, there’s a lot inspiration there that hopefully would have impact on individuals. So I hope that comes again to me. I hope that it is, like, ‘Okay, it is time. Activate.’ However I do not know.”

Jon Schaffer’s Sentence

Upon his launch, the Iced Earth founding guitarist was sentenced to 3 years probation and 120 hours of neighborhood service.

He was additionally ordered to pay $1,000 restitution and a $200 monetary evaluation. Although he was launched for his cooperation within the investigation, the musician was additionally later among the many practically 1,500 individuals accused of crimes associated to the riot that have been pardoned by Donald Trump when he returned to the presidency.

Jon Schaffer Speaks With the Later Than You Suppose Podcast