U2 have always been fairly open to talking about Christ and God but have always reared an angry head at labels of "christian" or "religious".
Who could really blame them? - labels always bring a level of expectation, put people and groups in boxes catagorised against a stereotype or predjudiced viewpoint. U2 was/is and has been shunned by the evangelical community for years, simply because Bono swears, the Edge got divorced and they all enjoy a pint of beer (or three). Sounds much like the old Anglican or Methodist church braai to me (no denominational offense intended)! Anyway, the book is rather apologetic in nature, with a strong argument of U2's faith and action to prove it.
I really enjoyed this book. It gives insight into the biblical imagery of alot of the songs and albumn covers, whilst not being to patronising. However the fact that a book like this should have to be written is an inditement on harsh fundementalists who shun anything that steps against the flow of organised religion. There was a guy who did that a longtime ago, and they crucified him for what he stood for. To bad he just couldn't be killed.
U2 has done alot of good - with Bono as the speaqrhead of many global movements. Check out the extent of his influence here and here (biblical motivation) and even more over here. Also have a look at this report on the outcome of some of the actions to which he was a catalyst.
In all from the book I was motivated to become more socially aware. The world is groaning with suffering and pain, even the earth itself is crying out for salvation (climate change etc), people need a friend, a saviour, a drink of water, a grain of wheat, but in the end all anyone ever needs is love.
