U2 is definitely a Christian band. Or they are definitely not. I’m positive it’s one of those two.
It’s hard to be sure, but what I am sure of is that we Christians like debating that. I learned that the hard way when I called the band “NeedtoBreathe,” the “Christian U2.”
Comments lit up as people on both sides made their arguments. I love NeedtoBreathe and was surprised about this reaction. But maybe you’ve never experienced this particular phenomenon. If not, allow me to summarize what happens when two Christians argue whether Bono and U2 are in fact Christian. And I’ll use the 5 stages of grief, a favorite of mine, to put it all together.
Stage 1: Denial
U2 is a Christian band:
Are you kidding me? They love the Lord! Of course they’re Christian! Have you heard the song “Magnificent?” That thing is practically a hymn. Here are some of the lyrics: “I was born, I was born to sing for you. I didn’t have a choice but to lift you up and sing whatever song you wanted me to. I give you back my voice. From the womb my first cry, it was a joyful noise…” That’s like an Irish version of John Newton.
U2 is not a Christian band:
Remember that time Bono swore during that awards ceremony? Was that part of the gospel? I mean it wasn’t even a safe Christian swear, it was one of the real ones. Was that a Bible verse? Does the Message swear? It’s been so long since I read it.
Stage 2: Anger
U2 is a Christian band:
I didn’t want to do this, but I’m afraid you forced my hand. You literally forced my hand. Watch the video of Bono and Bill Hybels, the pastor of one of the biggest churches on the planet. Then try to tell me he isn’t a Christian. Just try! (Video at bottom of post)
U2 is not a Christian band:
Has Bono or Edge or the other guys who have the names we forget, have any of them ever come out and said, “I’m a born again Christian?” Have they? Have they? Until that happens, in that exact way and in those exact words, I don’t even want to have this conversation.
Stage 3: Bargaining
U2 is a Christian band:
Here’s the thing. I don’t know the drummer’s name, so I am more than willing to believe he’s not a Christian. But you’ve got to give me Bono. Come on, you give me Bono and I’ll stop saying “U2 is a Christian band” and will instead just say, “Bono is a Christian.”
U2 is not a Christian band:
OK, I’ve listened to a bunch of their music, I am willing to admit that in some ways they write “Christian music.” Their melodies are very “Christian like.” I’m not sure what that means but I value our friendship so I don’t want to fight over this.
Stage 4: Depression
U2 is a Christian band:
Oh man, what if they’re not? Do I have to throw out all my albums? I’m probably going to buy them again, but should I throw them out in some sort of post retreat guilt-induced panic? I’ll do it, I swear I’ll do it.
U2 is not a Christian band:
Oh man, what if they are a Christian band? I’ve been listening to “I still haven’t found what I’ve been looking for” and those lyrics make a pretty compelling argument. I mean look at this, “You broke the bonds and you loosed the chains, carried the cross of my shame, of my shame, you know I believed it.” Bono literally says, you “carried the cross of my shame,” and he “believed it.” Jeez, am I a jerk for doubting his faith? If one of my friends told me, Christ “carried the cross of my shame” and that he “believed it,” would I doubt him? No, I wouldn’t, so why am I so crazy about Bono’s faith?
Stage 5: Acceptance
U2 is a Christian band:
OK, I still like their music. I’m not getting rid of my music. I don’t care if they’re Christian. I’m going to let that go and focus on other things. Like I don’t know, loving my neighbor.
U2 is not a Christian band:
If Christians cover a U2 song and Christian radio will then play them, that’s good enough for me. I give in. I’m willing to believe that U2 is a Christian band.
Wow, we really took a journey today, didn’t we? From denial to acceptance, a thrill ride of theological significance. And now we’re done. We’re all 100% on the same page.
U2 is definitely a Christian band. Or definitely not. It’s one of those two.
I think.
