What If U2 Had Been Born in Orange County?
Had a great night Saturday at the Act One Program reception for writer Steve Turner. Steve wrote the classic book "Imagine: A Vision for Christians in the Arts." I love the book and used it as a reference in my Ph.D. dissertation. If you're serious about engaging the culture, you need to read it and share it's message. In our conversation, Steve brought up a brilliant point - If the rock band U2 had been born in Orange County, California, would they have become just another church worship band? In Ireland, there wasn't a sophisticated Christian music industry so the only alternative for U2 was mainstream rock. And look at what they became. Steve's comment wasn't to slight worship bands, or explicitly Christian music, but to show how easy it is to become marginalized and derailed when we elevate "Christian" music into it's own bubble. Steve reminded us that in the New Testament, there weren't Christian "things" - only Christian "people." In our culture today I agree with Steve's concern about how much cultural impact we lose when we walk away from the mainstream and start focusing on "Christian" music, books, films, TV, etc.
What do you think? Obviously there's a place for media focused on a niche, but for my money, I'm glad U2 grew up in Ireland.
Phil,
Good point. If U2 had grown up in Orange County, it might have discovered many casual churches in Orange County worship a strange-fire god of weakness.
And to satisfy this god of weakiness, U2would have to have had a wispy voice, singing songs of escapist doctrines, and most importantly -- kowtow to wispy-willed non-denominational pastor types who want to broadcast their worship of escapology and weakness to the world... without any divisive opposition, lest souls be ruffled or be taught hard truths.
God bless the fighting Irish, and the powerful music of U2.
And God help Orange County, where the weakness taught have no tolerance for the non-wispy of voice... or non-wispy of mind... or non-wispy of consitution... or people indwelt, in fact, by a rather strong God, the God of all creation, that same God who refuses to be cast as weak.
When U2 were starting out there was another band on Island records books -The 77s. Received wisdom has it that had U2 not suddenly acquired such a following in the early 80s then The 77s would have made it big in secular music. The 77s are American (not sure if they're Californian or not) and while they have a following in Christian music have suffered from being "too radio for the church and too Christian for the radio". Maybe they're not too different from U2 after all.
Exactly. I hate using the word secular. An artist should be artist, regardless. We need more believers in the mainstream for one simple reason. To be a light in darkness. Years ago when a certain denomination boycotted Disney theme parks over their stance on homosexuals, my first thought was "if you take light out of darkness, there is simply no light."
However, most "christian" artist just can't cut it. Sing hallelujah, and you win a Dove. No talent, no creativity.
As the former bass player and one of the songwriter's for the Christian band Petra.....I boldly say Preach It Brother!
Ronny Cates
Amen! Saw U2 in November 2001. (Right after Setp. 11th). 20,000 people singing at the top of their lungs "Knockin' on heaven's door". The best church service I've ever been to!
Also would like to give a shout out to "Delirious?", who also acheived "mainstream chart" success early in their career, and have stayed true to themselves artistically and spiritually.
Let us all bow down before the member of the trinity, U2. Hopeless irrelevant pastors like to include them & Coldplay among their favorite artists to appear relevant. In the meantime, Christian worship music really does advance and does not suck anymore. Check it out.
naardski, your comments say more about yourself than the other folks here. They also prove you didn't bother to do ANY research into what Phil Cooke or Steve Turner write, say, teach, or preach.
You might very well have relevant (no pun intended) comments to this discussion - were you to couch them in discussion comments and not half-..... comments that serve no probitive purpose.
Try acting like an adult and contributing, rather than just blowing smoke.
In the name of love Paul, you should take it easy on naardski. For one, he might just be stuck in a moment. You shouldn't chide his mysterious ways. I recommend that you just get on your boots and enjoy a beautiful day in God's country, or, in a little while, go dancing barefoot with the sweetest thing you know with Spanish eyes.
Who's this U2 group anyways?
Blake gets my vote for comment of the day.
Great thoughts Phil....
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You might very well have relevant (no pun intended) comments to this discussion - were you to couch them in discussion comments and not half-..... comments that serve no probitive purpose.
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I attended the initial meeting of NYTS Micah Institute, it was a blessed event! I advise all to get involved. For those of us who have historically been overlooked or complain our voices are never heard when ideas are being formulated or decisions are being made I pray you will take this opportunity to participate.
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