Scharen, Christian - One Step Closer

[Andrew J. Pottenger]

Subtitled "Why U2 Matters To Those Seeking God," this is a theology professor's (and self-confessed U2 fan) examination on the "theology of the cross" (see Jurgen Moltmann's "The Crucified God") evident in much of U2's music, performance, and philanthropy.

As a U2 fan and theology nerd myself, I've read a couple of similar books and found this one to be the most informative and enjoyable. I liked the viewpoint of the theology of the cross, as opposed to theology of glory ... the one accepts the paradoxical truth of suffering and hope while the other is a blind, militant optimism.

The book is mostly theology, using U2's work as examples. It's not about U2. I'd recommend it to any U2 fan or theology buff, but probably more so to anyone interested in faith being more than relevant, but essential to postmodern living.

[Hans Deventer]

Another review of the book: http://www.atu2.com/news/article.src?ID=4323

[Andrew J. Pottenger]

Good review. I completely agree that Scharen's book is the better one.

[Hans Deventer]

Andrew, I read the book and was not disappointed. Indeed to many, a U2 concert is like a church service, only better. :basic05

I think I really am going to show "Until The End Of The World" in the week before Easter after all. If someone wants to know what that would look and sound like, s the link for the clip is here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5i9OuBJNdbI) to be found.

Anyway, the book was good. Somehow, lately, I find myself reading about the Kingdom of God a lot. And it seems the concept got pretty much lost among Christians. McLaren was right about that, it seems indeed to be a "secret" message. And this book fits in completely. Powerful.

[Andrew J. Pottenger]

Yeah, that book appeared to explain so much that I'd suspected about U2 but couldn't nail down as well as Scharen handled it.

I used "Beautiful Day" (from that same Elevation 2001 DVD as the "End of the World" clip you found) during a small group session earlier in the year to great effect. I've wanted, but have never been brave enough, to use the song "Wake Up Dead Man" as an illustration.

[Hans Deventer]

I've wanted, but have never been brave enough, to use the song "Wake Up Dead Man" as an illustration.

I think I know why.......

[Andrew J. Pottenger]

:eek: Yep, that'd be why. Too bad, too, because the song (including that certain section) delivers the very same emotional punch that some of the psalms must have done for their original audience. Playing that song along with "Yahweh" would make for a very interesting discussion.

[Hans Deventer]

:eek: Yep, that'd be why.

Still, according to dictionary.com, the description fits, considering #1 and #2:

1. Completely messed up or mishandled; botched.
2. Badly damaged or injured.
3. Exceedingly drunk or intoxicated.

Funny though, how we stumble over a word and don't even blink an eye while

"its true we are immune
When fact is fiction and tv reality
And today the millions cry
We eat and drink while tomorrow they die"

[Andrew J. Pottenger]

Couldn't agree with you more there. I'd say our priorities can be "completely messed up or mishandled; botched," if you know what I mean. The use of a single word (or phrase in this case) succeeds in waking us up when numerous appeals by the Holy Spirit, our pastors and the various other means the Spirit uses fail to rouse us. We'd rather crucify the user of this phrase/word than bother with the smallest effort to make a real difference.