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Well, I am continuing this thought from this book I am reading about U2. I know, I know some of you don't like U2 and may be getting tired of this. But I think today's thoughts are very interesting.

There is an entire chapter describing the change in music that U2 went through. The lyrics changed a bit, the music was a bit different. It was the Rattle and Hum CD that was the start of the change. Of course everyone that has followed the band know that the Pop Tour was different and the CDs they came out with during a stretch in the 90's was really different from anything they had ever done. What is interesting to me is the fact that they continued to remain true to their beliefs, faith and devotion to God. While so many in the Christian world 'crucified' them for their videos, apparent lifestyle, etc; they continued making music, touring and humanitarian efforts.

The Author of this book points out a couple of things. His comments hit me hard. he pointed out the stark difference in how the arts (painting, music, church decor, etc) have changed and how they are viewed now as opposed to how they were viewed at one time. It seems we live in a time in church history that does not value the arts. I am not saying this is a universal thing but if you think about it, how many people do you know that are able to use their gifts as an artist, musician, sculptor, designer, writer, actor, (insert your own title here) in a church setting or context. Now I know that there are changes in the tides in some of the mega churches. But look at the architecture of the churches of just a couple hundred years ago, 500 hundred, 1000. Look at the way churches were used from the time of Christ to now. How about how artisans, poets, painters, actors, musicians, etc are viewed then to now. Our society has come to hold scholarship, intellectualism, analytical skill, rhetorical skill, and mathematics in such high esteem that we have forgotten that not everyone is gifted in those areas. I am sure there are exceptions out there. But overall we (the church universal) have forgotten that talent comes in all shapes, forms, and abilities. I can tell you where people that are ‘creative’ in the arts have turned—the music industry, movie making, etc. I personally know over 30 teens that I work with that are and will be very successful movie makers, musicians, artists, etc. Where can they use their talent in our churches? Have we forgotten the artistry and creativity of the Temple, the Tabernacle of our Lord? Have we forgotten the intricate detail given to building and forming the Ark of the Covenant? Have we forgotten that we reach people with the gospel message in ways other than verbal? Think about it. How can we share a message of hope, grace and reconciliation visually? How can we bring about God’s Kingdom message to those that are ‘creative’ without allowing people that are ‘creative’ to use their gifts and talents? What say you????

Well, I am blogging for the 3rd time in 4 days. It must be a record. I am really taken in by this book I am reading about U2. The author, Steve Stockman, is a really great writer and also a good question asker. He poses this question on p. 47:
"Many Christians find comfort on Sunday mornings in the Bible verse that says where 2 or 3 are gathered in His name, He is there with them (Mt 18:20). For some reason, they prefer that verse over the one that says the prisoner and the tramp in the street is Jesus too (Mt 25). when it comes to which place Jesus would prefer to be met, you have to wonder. Would he rather see His kingdom come by His followers praying for His kingdom to come, or by them putting their faith into action?"

He then goes on to state the fact that social justice was such a huge issue in the Prophetic books of the Old Testament and to Christ himself. I agree yet we seem to (as a church) lost this concept. Maybe we have forgotten that being part of the Body of Christ is not about serving our needs but serving the needs of others. It is possible that we have lost sight of the fact that we are to molded by God so that we can, in turn, allow God to work through us so that others may be molded as well. I am not saying that prayer and care for God's church is not important. I am saying that we have lost our way. We have become lax in our action for God because we are too busy asking for God. He is there. He is waiting. He is ready to work through us. What do you all think???

My last blog was a look at one of my favorite bands (U2). They are a great example Christians living out their faith in our world. It really has me thinking. As followers of Christ, we often paint people that don't believe as we believe as either non-believers, hypocrites, or lost. Why is that? If one was to look at U2 at the surface, they would see Rockers who are rich, famous and spoiled. But listening to their lyrics, reading about what they stand for and how they live their lives (how they have lived them since they were teens) you find that they are truly convicted that God's Kingdom has come in the form of Christ and must be lived out by his people. Yet we make snap judgements of people based on looks, income, etc and don't think one thing about it. I got this email from an old High School friend the other day. It was a moving message from him about his need to be forgiven for the way he acted when he was in High School. I had long since forgotten about it and was even taken a back by his apology. He had found peace and the grace of Christ a few years ago and is now serving our Savior with his life. But his past has obviously stayed with him and has colored his view (and the view others have had of him as he so put it through a story he told me about an old friend that he ran into that was 'shocked' to learn he was a minister because of his past life). What am I saying??? Looks are deceiving. The past is just what it says, the past. My friend is a lover of Christ and longs to bring others to him. U2 are lovers of Christ and desperate for justice, peace and help for those that are overlooked. Both of them are great examples of God-followers. Both of them are living a life that God has purposed them to live. Yet both of them will be ridiculed, slandered, and persecuted for their beliefs. Unfortunately, some of the persecution will come from those that claim to love God. What if we joined with lovers of God and became as unashamed as they? What would happen if we joined with a cause, no THE cause and began living out what we claim to believe in? I would not be ashamed to look like my friend or like U2. Not because they are awesome muscians but because they are great examples of Christ in a world desperate for His grace. What say you???

I have always liked the music of U2. I began to really take a deeper interest in them while in college. Though they have been around a while, they have a knack for sounding new and fresh and relevant. I am currently reading a book called Walk On. It is a fascinating look at the spiritual journey of the band (from the eyes of a fan and friend). U2 has always been able to bring up questions and issues (political, spiritual, emotional, cultural) in their lyrics and with their actions. Yes their language is not always 'pure' but their stands for the poor and homeless and impoverished represent the best of what Christ calls his people to be. I love U2's music but I think I am beginning to like them as people much much more. My question is:
Where do they fit in the Christian world? How do bands like them (that do not claim to be Christian bands but are Christians) fit into society? How are they living in the world and representing Christ in the world but not of the world? Or are they? Let's ponder a bit....