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Question: I am a Christian and I love Christian music, but I’ve always been bothered by the song “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.” Is U2 really a Christian band? Or are they some fraud? I mean, since I’ve found Jesus, you won’t find me confessing that I’m still searching. I’ve found the answer!
−Jack Ruby
Dallas, TX
Dear Jack:
I’ll try to be nice here, but your question frustrates me. In this song Bono confesses in the crucifixion of Jesus and salvation from His act on the cross. What could be a stronger statement of faith than a declaration that Jesus breaks bonds, looses chains and carried a cross that bore our shame…? And the end of this refrain the singer says, “I believe it!” I mean, Come on! Puh-lease!
I’m reading the book Walk On: The Spiritual Journey of U2 right now and I love what author Steve Stockman says in regards to this puzzling “controversy” about the band and this song from Joshua Tree:
“It was a remarkable response that not only highlighted a shoddy piece of listening to the song’s lyrics, but also showed a great error in what was masquerading in some quarters as Christianity. There seems to be a belief that once someone makes the initial connection with Jesus Christ, he has arrived. Immediately, a watertight box of solutions is handed to him. No more questions need to be asked − Jesus is the answer! Everything is now explained; there is nothing left to search for. This view is built on a need for precision and perfection, which have always been enemies of art, which is all about coloring outside the lines. It is also an enemy of the reality that following Jesus is a journey, not an arrival.”
I understand your question, though. I have friends that were disillusioned by U2 in that era. Hearing Bono say the “f-word” in the movie Rattle & Hum was about the straw the broke the camel’s back for them. Heck, I was even in a punk rock band that wrote and recorded a song (and silly video) that openly questioned the band and its actions and lyrics (“You Too”).
The problem with judging someone’s spirituality is that it often doesn’t use the same standards in application to the judge’s own life. We’ll get all upset about a musician saying a cussword or writing a song we don’t understand, but not be so concerned about the sin in our own life, maybe our own inability to control our tongue or laugh at an off-color joke. Jesus redeems man − fully, yet they are commissioned to live in this fallen world. The prayer we are commanded or modeled to pray says, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” The New Testament makes clear that we are to be judged by our actions, our “fruit.” Let’s judge U2 by those biblical standards. Serving the poor? Check. Speaking the truth (a paraphrase and collection of principles based upon the Great Commission)? Check. If we had to give rewards to good behavior (which is an oft-forgotten part of judgment), we might have to give Bono and his mates some really nice prizes, trophies and praise for the work they’ve done. It kinda puts a lot of us in the US church to shame, if we’re honest about it.
But what about cussing? But what about dancing with girls on stage? What about… I understand that you growing up in Dallas, Jack, might have a huge impact on what your “list” of behavioral standards are and are not. Cussing is out right wrong for you and it’s easy to translate that to all believers everywhere. “Let no unwholesome word proceed out of your mouth.” “…I hate…perverse talk…” The Bible sets some standards for behavior, but it leaves a lot up for interpretation. There is room for context. Some people say Jesus used one of the “roughest” words in the local language at the time when He said “raca,” so that opens up room for debate. The standards are not law, though. Condemnation is not the appropriate response for this type of thing … is it?
While U2 doesn’t call themselves a “Christian band” aren’t they the type of artist/band that a Christian like yourself would be interested in? Isn’t the fruit they bear and the actions they take and the message they send something that a believer can be excited about? When you observe their art, isn’t there more to be excited about and pleased with and worthy of praise (not worship, just compliments) rather than condemnation, criticism and rejection?
When a Christian worries more about himself than the behavior of those around him that is “different” and when a believer cares more about his actions than his words, THEN that person is truly WALKING in the steps of Jesus. Talk is cheap. Words are important. Doctrine is important. Being adopted as sons of the living God (our heavenly Father) is a whole new identity. Our sins are wiped away. We are His property. We are His worry. After this process, then we can GROW and move along in this JOURNEY. I love the phrase “the journey IS the destination,” because the process (walking with God and knowing Him and being known by Him) is incredibly important − and certainly not something to be ignored as we focus in on the destination alone.
Oh look! Our time is up. Now, talk amongst yourselves.
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