The venerable Irish pop/rock band U2 is coming to Toronto next weekend and the Anglican Church of the Redeemer is holding an evening event looking at the spiritual impact of their music. The lead singer, Bono, is well known for his social activism and he has willingly connected that passion with faith. While he doesn't want to be coopted by any religious group it is Christianity that has shaped him. Three of the four members of the band were part of a Christian group called Shalom thirty years ago but were told to choose between the music and their involvement with Shalom. There is no doubt (pun intended) that the band's music reflects deep spiritual yearning.
Here are some insights taken from U2 songs.
The 10 essential lessons from U2, from Greg Garrett's book, We Get to Carry Each Other: The Gospel According to U2, are principles for leading a spiritual life:
1. "But I still haven't found what I'm looking for." Faith is a journey. You can go on looking.
2. "Hello, hello/ I'm at a place called vertigo." It can be hard to find meaning in life's day-to-day chaos, so we look to something outside.
3. "We get to carry each other." Not only are we called to help one another, we are permitted to. It makes us better people.
4. "The goal is elevation." We are seeking transcendence for ourselves, our spirits, our world.
5. "I can't believe the news today / I can't close my eyes and make it go away." Ignoring the brokenness we see is not an option. We're called to help transform the world.
6. "It's a beautiful day / Don't let it slip away." We live in a marvellous creation. Care for it.
7. "What more in the name of love?" Risk everything for love, there is no higher value.
8. "We need love and peace." We need to seek other solutions than an eye for an eye, and we need to learn to return love for hate, or nothing will ever change.
9. "Sometimes you can't make it on your own." It's no shame to rely on others. We're made for companionship, especially in tough times.
10. "Walk on." Be strong. Don't stop working to healing the world.
Here are some insights taken from U2 songs.
The 10 essential lessons from U2, from Greg Garrett's book, We Get to Carry Each Other: The Gospel According to U2, are principles for leading a spiritual life:
1. "But I still haven't found what I'm looking for." Faith is a journey. You can go on looking.
2. "Hello, hello/ I'm at a place called vertigo." It can be hard to find meaning in life's day-to-day chaos, so we look to something outside.
3. "We get to carry each other." Not only are we called to help one another, we are permitted to. It makes us better people.
4. "The goal is elevation." We are seeking transcendence for ourselves, our spirits, our world.
5. "I can't believe the news today / I can't close my eyes and make it go away." Ignoring the brokenness we see is not an option. We're called to help transform the world.
6. "It's a beautiful day / Don't let it slip away." We live in a marvellous creation. Care for it.
7. "What more in the name of love?" Risk everything for love, there is no higher value.
8. "We need love and peace." We need to seek other solutions than an eye for an eye, and we need to learn to return love for hate, or nothing will ever change.
9. "Sometimes you can't make it on your own." It's no shame to rely on others. We're made for companionship, especially in tough times.
10. "Walk on." Be strong. Don't stop working to healing the world.
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