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  1. Hey guys. I hope all of you won't think of this as a stupid question. But I'm genuinely curious to hear what you guys have to say about this. So please don't think I'm crazy.

    Recently, my friend took me to see a Christian rock band called Skillet. Here is one of their music videos-



    Afterward, I started thinking about the connection between U2's music and spirituality.

    U2's entire catalogue boasts heaps and heaps of deeply profound and spiritual songs. Just think ISHFWILF, Streets, IWF, Gloria, Bad, In God's Country, One, Yahweh, Magnificent, MOS, etc. In fact, almost all U2 songs contain some religious references sprinkled here and there. Plus, Bono is always open about his Christian faith. And most U2 fans would agree that going to a U2 show is like a "spiritual experience".

    So why haven't U2 ever been labeled a "Christian rock" band?

    I mean- When Creed hit it big ten years ago, everyone criticized them and regarded them as a Christian rock band.

    On the other hand, U2 remain massively popular around the world, and have never been criticized for their spiritual openness or their emotional songs.

    What keeps U2 from being considered a Christian band by the general population?

    Thanks for the input, guys. I appreciate it.
  2. 2 reasons, in my opinion. First, U2 were careful to make sure they never identified themselves as a "Christian band." Sure, three of the members are self-professed Christians, but they drew the line at calling themselves a band that only made "Christian" music. Second, it probably has something to do with their label. A band like Skillet was originally signed by a label that is explicitly "Christian," while Island Records was not, and therefore didn't market the band as such.
  3. I think it has a lot to do with the initial labeling of a band.

    I remember, at a church I used to belong to, one of the youth pastors talking to me about how U2 emerged as sort of new punk, but by "October", they'd already completely channeled religion into the music. There have been so many books written about U2 and religion, and even admittances by the band (Edge in R&H, about Still Haven't Found)...I wouldn't say that they're really one or the other though.

    Christian bands generally write a majority of their material about religion or a higher power. While religion is a large part of U2's music, it's by no means a majority. They have plenty of different things they've written about, including specific songs about science and of course, politics.

    If you remember, around the time of the recording of October/War, its mentioned in U2 by U2 that the band struggled with whether or not they wanted to become a Christian band, or at least devote their lives much more to Christianity. Ultimately it was decided against, or at least not as thoroughly pursued. And even now, aren't all of the band members Christians except for Adam, or something? I think to be profoundly a Christian rock band, the band members would generally share the belief.

    I think you've absolutely got a point with them being a Christian rock band in some fashions, but the reason they aren't really labeled as such is because they never devoted their music to it, especially early on. If they emerged with an album full of songs like the ones you mentioned, it would have been easier to say. But their writing is influenced by so many other things than just spiritual things, it wouldn't necessarily be right to label them as just that.
  4. They've never gotten that label because they do it with style.

    "Religion often gets in the way of God." Bono
  5. There is a difference between 'Christian Bands' and 'Bands who have members who are Christian'.

    For 'Christian Bands', the objective is to show their faith, believe and message in their music. Every song, every performance. It is their goal to perform worship to their God in their music.

    For 'Bands who have Christians Members' its about them performing what's important to them. So with 3 Christian members there is no surprise that this comes through in different lyrics.

    As a church goer myself, I much prefer the subtle songs that you can interpret differently than the really religious ones like 'My God is My Power' and all that blah blah blah
  6. They're not really Christian.
  7. Others have hit the nail on the head, but I think something that has to be mentioned is that Christian bands tend to sing about a higher power, in a way that holds an almost prayer like aspect. They accept the fact that there is a God and a lot of the songs are almost about (for lack of a better word) worship, and other things of that nature. A lot of U2's songs that include their religion don't really express it that way, it's almost a questioning aspect, and it's sort of vague. Like many have said before, sometimes Bono's lyrics can be interpreted to be about a lover, his mother who passed, or God. I think the obvious ones are about God and most people can see that, but they don't really "say" it.
    Essentially, while they are Christian, they are'n't a self-proclaimed christian band who sing mostly about God and how awesome it is that a higher power is around.
  8. "I wanted to meet god, but you sold me religion"
  9. all of you just wait for Songs of Ascent
  10. By the way- I apologize for even mentioning Creed in a U2 forum.
  12. I'd say thank God they're not labelled a Christian rock band, they really don't want more reasons to be bagged out.

    It's a good thing they're not a Christian rock band, as Christian rock in itself is generally quite inauthentic and is mostly second rate music compared to mainstream rock.

    And anyway, U2 write far more spiritual and powerful music than anything i've heard from a Christian rock group.

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U2start is run by fans for fans. Help us reduce personal costs. Consider to make a donation to support us.
U2start is run by fans for fans. Help us reduce personal costs. Consider to make a donation to support us.