It is rare that a mainstream band . . . wait, let me start over for this is already lending toward an understatement. U2 is a mainstream band. They have been called, “The most important band in the world,” “The greatest rock and roll band ever,” and “A band that has lasted longer, led longer, and set the bar higher more consistently than any other band – ever!” Yes, most of those quotations come from me, but I know what I am talking about.
Their message has been called, “divinely inspired,” “divinely obscure,” “intentional,” “passionate,” and “davidic” (again, by me). Their music is rock and roll, pop, Gospel, and techno. Because they have remained mainstream, they have been able to impact people with whom traditional Christian rock bands have no audience. Here is an example of what is making it into the homes of those who don’t know Christ, but have Bono on their hero list. Thanks Bono for going where many Christian’s fear to go with the message of Yahweh.
15 replies to "Yahweh by U2"
Wow! If MTV and all the other video channels are alowing that video to be broadcast then wow.
It looks like Bono has handed the ball off and it is time for it to be ran with.
Has anybody checked on Ed and Taffy? I’m worried about their silence. I hope nothing happened to them!!
Being so obviously Christian it’s a wonder this even gets airplay. But, being who they are, U2, they get away with it. After all, they’re not “shoving it down their throats.” (or are they?) Praise God for those like Bono who can spoon feed it to them and they don’t even smell it!
Oh, by the way, thank you Michael for making this accessable. It is greatly appreciated. I never would have heard this song without it being here. (I need to broaden my horizons)
LOL Chad, sorry I only read U2 blabbering when I am extremely bored. don’t know what was supposed to show up where the red x is, but it’s probably just as well.
I happened to come on your blog because of a question my sister asked me about the 12 apostles. Then I scrolled downt he list of categories and saw U2. I am a big fan of U2 at age 62 because of my son who introduced this group into our home when he was a teenager, back in the late 80’s, so I as interested in what you had to say. I say, “thanks” for sharing this video and for the powerful message it has. Bono makes me think of the verse that says when someone asks about your hope that you share it in a gentle way. He has the gift of doing that, not ony with words but with his life. He is generous with what God has given him and ultimately people will get the real message. We plant the seed God brings the harvest.
Dude, you are seriously winning some points with me here. The more I read you the more I like.
U2 is great. I dig what Bono and the guys are doing musically and spiritually with their work. For the longest time I swore that “The fact that ‘Jesus Freak’ is not considered one of the greatest albums of all time is proof that Satan runs the music industry.” Perhaps I should reconsider. U2 are HUGE, the hugest as a matter of fact. They may even go down in history (after the Beatles) as such, and the fact that they are still getting played despite their outspoken beliefs is amazing.
Mike
From one U2 fan to another:
“Elevation” is one of their more famous songs, BUT
If you have not heard “Elevation” live at Slane Castle, then you have missed THE BEST version (and possibly their best song) EVER!!!!!
ENJOY
I am late jumping on the bandwagon here, but God has used U2’s music in my life in tremendous ways. They are the best band… EVER! Bono’s lyrics are never wasted…
I have followed them since just before the WAR album came out after reading an interview with them in CCM Magazine and how they had Bible studies after each concert (well three out of four of them).
While Bono has said somethings publicly with his language and often takes more liberal political positions than I can agree with many of their songs are rich with scriptural and/or theological references. Some fairly obvious and some not so obvious… I never picked up that Where The Streets Have No Name referred to heaven until reading about it but I can be slow to pick up some less than obvious things sometimes.
I was blessed to see them once in person in 1983 during the War Tour at the Loyd Noble Arena. The floor “seats” were general admission and I eventually worked my way down very close to the stage off the right before the end of the concert. They closed with their live rendition of 40 that was captured on the Live at Red Rocks concert video.
It was truly a spiritual moment during which I raised my hands in worship (not to U2 of course) but because of the words which were taken from Psalms 40.
I waited patiently for the Lord
He inclined and heard my cry
He lift me up out of the pit
Out of the miry clay
I will sing, sing a new song
I will sing, sing a new song
How long to sing this song?
How long to sing this song?
How long…how long…how long…
How long…to sing this song
He set my feet upon a rock
And made my footsteps firm
Many will see
Many will see and fear
I will sing, sing a new song
I will sing, sing a new song
I will sing, sing a new song
I will sing, sing a new song
How long to sing this song?
How long to sing this song?
How long…how long…how long…
I’m sure you appreciate truth even when it’s painful. From their (U2’s) mouths: “It’s all a con – a way of putting people off from the fact that it is a heavy mother. It’s probably our most serious record yet, it’s the least serious title. It just fooled everyone. They thought we’d lightened up – which is totally untrue. We’re miserable bastards.” U2, Achtung Baby, The Videos, The Cameos, and a Whole lot of Interference, 1991.
“I lie all the time. I only always tell the truth in my songs.” Gadfly, Aug. 1997. pg. 14-15. “We’re very clear, and it’s very clear in our music that we don’t have any answers… ‘I still haven’t found what I’m looking for.’ How much more clear can you make it?” Mother Jones, May 1989. pg.54.
When asked in an interview, Do you still believe that Jesus is the Way, Bono said, “I don’t accept that. I don’t accept that fundamentalist concept. I believe … ‘the way is as narrow as the eye of the needle,’ and all that. But I think that’s just to keep the fundamentalists out.” Mother Jones, May, 1989, pg.
In U2’s song “Love Rescue Me” they rewrite the 23rd Psalm: “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow, yet I will fear no evil. I have cursed thy rod and staff, they no longer comfort me.”
Their song “When I look at the World” When I look at the world I’m in the waiting room. Can’t see for the smoke. I think of you and your holy book, while the rest of us choke” And in their song “Peace on earth” “Jesus sing a song you wrote The words are sticking in my throat. Peace on earth, Hear it every Christmas time But hope and history won’t rhyme So what’s it worth this peace on earth”
Their song “If God will send His angels”: “God has got his phone off the hook, babe would he even pick up if he could? …so where is the faith and the love?”
Perhaps you are as saddened to find this out as i was saddened to find out about Jennifer Knapp. Sorry bro. Feel free to respond, Chris
I fear that you misunderstand Bono. When I read all those quote I was thinking how awesome and true they are. Bono is a lot like Martin Luther who said “Be a sinner. Sin boldly.”
Would you read David who said “My God my God why have you forsaken me?” or Soloman who said “all is vanity” and assume the same about them. Bono is much like David. He writes a song of complaint and then a song of praise the next week. Everything Bono said is true so long as you understand where he is coming from.
I have read an heard enough of Bono to know that while I may disagree with some of his stuff, he is a better and more honest theologian than I am. But make no mistake, he loves Christ and believes that there is no way to enter the “Playboy Mansion” (his way of speaking of heaven) outside of belief in Christ.
Fair enough Michael. I’m all for looking at things in context and being transparent. I too doubt many times. However, i don’t know how else to interpret the following: When asked in an interview, Do you still believe that Jesus is the Way, Bono said, “I don’t accept that. I don’t accept that fundamentalist concept…” I’ll be pleasantly surprized to see Bono is a Christian. Nevertheless, even if he is, he is not one to streangthen my faith. I always asume one isn’t a believer if the evidence of the person’s view reveals Solomon like qualities and reflects worldy adherence (though Solomon may be “saved” he certainly isn’t promoted as one to follow. In other words, Oprah phylosophy/theology (a syncronystic view) will never offer eternal life and Bobo seems to represent it strongly. When one adheres to Jesus’ view he will not be so accepted but rather rejected by the majority. It’s one thing to be sinful, but quite another to articulate more than one remedy for sin viz. Jesus’ atonement. That doesn’t sell to the world. If this is U2’s message, it is anything but clear to me and i’m hoping to see it. How then does the world?
sorry for misspellings. i see many and “Bobo” was not intentional!
If you have not seen it yet, a video documentary about U2 and their beliefs:
http://theater.goodfight.org/?vdId=U2
Also here is a lengthy in-depth text report of U2’s beliefs:
http://www.submergingchurch.com/2013/07/05/u2%E2%80%B2s-bono-unorthodox-superman/