Man, I can't believe both Neil Young and now Bono have made it onto 9Marks' blogsite. Nice! Can we get a reference to Jay-Z or YoYo Ma now? That would make this full circle.

Sad thing, but some believe that Bono is a believer, as churches use some of his songs in the U2-charists.

Interesting observations re: the postmodern mindset and the rock concert phenomena. Hadn't considered that seeming paradox. Just goes to show that we are created as worshippers, and will find one thing or another to serve as the object of that worship.

"U2-charist" - love it!

Bono is a Christian. His comments to World Magazine and in the book U2 by U2 confirm it is a deep understanding of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. In many ways he understands grace better than most pastors.

Edge and Larry are also Christians (and in the early 80's actually seriously thought about breaking up the band because of the perception that rock music was sinful). Adam is not a Christian, and apparently that does cause some friction in the band at times.

The lyrics, while hardly songs I would use in church for "worship" (though Yahweh would fit), are insightful looks at human nature and the world.

U2's humanitarian efforts grow out of this Christianity (and are often the cause of the friction between Adam and the others).

Nick, I'm sorry to presume that Bono and the rest of the boys aren't Christians. Please forgive my misjudgment. I didn't realize all their efforts were for Christ and not for themselves.

John Piper and Bono in the same post. I love it! My wife and I also saw U2-3D recently. You describe it perfectly "simultaneously juvenile and transcendent". I've always thought that the sheer emotion of being in the maelstrom of a U2 stadium show may give one a hint of what the worship of the Lamb will be like (see Revelation 5). Yes, that will be something!

As to whether Bono's profession of Christian belief is sincere...unless he's presenting himself for membership in a 9Marks church, I don't know that it's up to us to decide. If the definition of a Christian is someone whose efforts are all for Christ and not ourselves, then none of us qualify.

It's impossible to maintain a respectable Christian public image when one becomes intrinsically engaged with the superficial world of pop music and culture.

Nevertheless, I don't think Bono is under any illusions as to the things which are important in life, and neither is he under the illusion that he is capable of personally witnessing to the masses of people to whom he holds the status of celebrity or musical icon. In his favour, he seems to work hard at taking every advantage of this superficial celebrity to do works of greater and more enduring value, without being too concerned about how his global image is affected: positively or negatively.

U2's music is decent enough, but it's nothing to what we'll hear in heaven, I'd wager :)

Agreed, excellent observations as always from Jonathan.

First, on Bono's faith, on their last tour (Vertigo, which you can see on DVD), images splashed across the stage seem to deny the exclusivity of Christ and promote an "all roads lead to God" kind of message. While I agree we do not finally know the state of Bono's soul, in his passion for tolerance and world peace I'm not sure I've seen him hold up Christ our only hope and the images in that concert seem to flat out deny that.

Second, having seen U2 live (and seeng the IMAX film this Saturday night), I'd say the crowd is not so much worshiping Bono - though he's perhaps the most engaging stage performer in history - as they are transcendently enjoying the music because the music itself (and its performance) are, by themselves, beautiful and engaging, the way the Grand Canyon is. Bono: the lead singer of the Grand Canyon.

The paradox of life in this fallen world continues as we simultaneously rejoice in the majesty of awesome music and weep for the lost souls for whom that's all they worship.

As a Christian, I would think Bono would feel this tension and not restrict their profession of faith to the readers of World Magazine but would move the gaze of the Lost Masses even ever so slightly away from him and onto the one true God.

Bono is using his massive platform in ways that give glory to God in the generic sense (fighting AIDS, helping the poor etc) and for that he is to be commended. But we should pray he finds helpful and orthodox ways to point his zealous fans not just to good deeds which won't save their souls, but to Christ.

If the object of worship is Bono, a transcendent emotion, or anything beside Christ, how is it not idolatrous to attend such a concert?

Well, it's like delighting in a football game or a play or or listening to yoyo ma. The question is, are you enjoying it, or worshipping it?

And by the way, I'm genuinely unsure how Piper would answer the above question.

Well I am going to see about checking out that concert! Sounds great. I do have a few questions to gain your insight on Postmodernism. While Postmodernism is closely associated with cynical views, does Postmoderism not imply understanding the reality as you determine it? Who are we to define another's reality?

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If you blog about U2, I will follow. If you blog about U2 and God, then I really follow.

Thanks for the post. Although, I do believe that there are many people there who understand the spiritual nature of U2's lyrics and are truly worshiping God. I know I have, all four times I have been!

Rock on!