Lately, the music heard most frequently through my speakers is from an Irish rock band called U2. You may have heard of them. Since they are a favorite of mine, there is nothing strange about this, except that I’ve been reflecting theologically about U2 of late. We are preparing for a sermon series to begin August 24 that will be titled “The Gospel According to U2.” Our band is now learning several U2 songs that tie in with the scripture, theme and sermon for each week. I can’t wait to hear their take on Pride, Where the Streets Have No Name, I Still Haven’t Found…, Stuck in a Moment…, and All Because of You.
Some of you are very excited about this – while some may find it a bit odd. But, this isn’t at all a new idea. How many of you remember “The Gospel According to Peanuts” by Charles Schultz? On Amazon.com you will find “The Gospel According to…” a great number of different folks: Hank Williams, Dr. Seuss, Bruce Springsteen, Jazz, Tolkien, Patti Labelle, Oprah, America, The Simpsons, The Sopranos, Zen, The 
Beatles, Elvis, dogs, Spider-Man, Harry Potter, Starbucks… and the list goes on ad infinitum.
Gospel means “good news.” When an author titles their work “TGAt whatever,” they are usually trying to get at some sort of deeper meaning in their chosen topic, whether or not it is specifically Christian. And sometimes it seems like they are trying to ascribe a deeper meaning than really exists. I mean, really… TGAt Dogs?
When we Christians say Gospel, or good news, we mean something specific. “Good News” is the story of God’s love and forgiveness made available for all people through Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. Good News means that for everyone who will believe and follow, God will give them new and abundant life in Christ.
Jesus prays for his followers...
“But now I am coming to you, and I speak these things in the world so that they may have my joy made complete in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.” ~ John 17:13-18
We are trying to accomplish two things with this sermon series. First we are attempting to live out Jesus’ prayer that we be in the world, but not of it, by looking at the music of U2. They are one 
of the most popular rock bands ever. They sing, speak and work (in the real world) on issues of peace, justice, heaven, and love – deeply biblical topics – and they do so quoting scripture all through their songs.
Yet, U2 is decidedly not a Christian band. Though they are Christians (3 of the 4 members, anyway) they will not call themselves a Christian band. They still drink and smoke, and sometimes curse. We’ll look at them honestly, and ask how they can, or should, help us to be “in the world.”
Second, we are hoping that this series attracts some non-religious and nominally-religious people to be our guests at Edgemont – folks who don’t attend church anywhere right now. This may be the perfect opportunity for them to hear the Good News in a way that they have never been able to hear it before. Soon, you will see postcards, billboards and advertising for our church and this sermon series. Help us by praying for our non-religious friends in the community. Pray for an opportunity to invite someone. I am praying that even if you are somewhat skeptical about this series, you can come with a heart open to the ways that God reveals God’s self to us everywhere – bushes that burn, rocks that spring forth water, and even rocks that roll.
If you would like a taste of the music we will play, check out Yahweh [.mp3], and All Because of You. [.mp3]. Enjoy!
Hey, Beth here from the blog for the "Get Up Off Your Knees" book of sermons in dialogue with U2 songs. Is any of the material going to be online? We might want to link it if so.... thanks
Posted by: Beth | August 06, 2008 at 18:30