RSS Feed (xml)If you've been reading my blog for very long, you know the Lord is a developing a heart for the nations in me. I have become more and more aware of how little the Church is doing to relieve the sufferings of people, both spiritual and physical. While only God can heal people spiritually, He has given us as Christians the tools to share the Gospel message with the world. He has also blessed American Christians (in particular) with an abundance of wealth and resources that we have failed to use for his Kingdom. We are SO wealthy and well-connected, and yet, we - as the Church - have done very little and stretched ourselves very little to relieve the suffering of people in Jesus' name.
This thought-process has given me a greater appreciation for Bono, the lead singer of the band U2. Bono is a huge advocate of helping the "least of these" as Jesus commanded us in Matthew 25. Where does this drive to serve others come from? It comes from a very Christian understanding of who Jesus Christ is and what our responsibility is as Christ-followers. In this interview by Christianity Today, Bono gives a clear explanation of the Gospel in a way that is authentic, understandable and challenging.
He was also interviewed by Bill Hybels of Willow Creek Community Church and gave some great answers, relating to faith and action.
"Bill Hybels has convinced me of the importance of the church as the moral force and practical infrastructure for solving the world's problems. Open the doors of your church and make them an AIDS clinic. Your charity is important, but your passion for justice is needed. I’m asking for your voice and for you to give permission to fix these problems that are fixable. It’s not a burden, it’s an opportunity…it’s an adventure!” - Bono interview with Bill Hybels of Willow Creek
That being said, today's (the FIRST Musical Monday post) is about U2's song "Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For." Some people seem to think Bono is saying he hasn't found in Christ what he's looking for. I disagree. I believe he has found fulfillment in Christ, but is continuing to search for the coming kingdom on Earth, and since that has not yet been realized, he still longs for something that he hasn't yet seen. In light of his passion for justice and clear understanding of Christ, I believe his continuing struggle to find something has more to do with Christians and our actions than with the person of Christ. Anyways, here goes. Let me know your own thoughts!
"I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For"
I have climbed highest mountains
I have run through the fields
Only to be with you
Only to be with you
I have run
I have crawled
I have scaled these city walls
These city walls
Only to be with you
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
I have kissed honey lips
Felt the healing fingertips
It burned like a fire
This burning desire
I have spoke with the tongues of angels
I have held the hand of a devil
It was warm in the night
I was cold as a stone
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
I believe in the Kingdom Come
When all the colors will bleed into one
Bleed into one
Well, yes I'm still running
You broke the bonds
And you loosed the chains
Carried the cross
Of all my shame
all my shame
You know I believe it
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
9 years ago
4 comments:
Yes! I believe Bono is referring to what Lewis called that "inconsolable longing" which shows us that we were created for something far greater than anything this realm of broken shadows has to offer.
I have fairly recently learned about a man named Brad Corrigan (aka Braddigan). The former drummer for the band Dispatch, Braddigan has become burdened for the people of a town built on a trash dump in Nicaragua. He has started an organization called Love Light & Melody: http://lovelightandmelody.org/
Braddigan has rekindled a fire in my heart for the nations which has been cooling for some time. I suppose it takes art and music to get my attention.
I strongly recommend his music as well.
Anyway, thanks for posting this.
If We Are the Body - Casting Crowns
Brent - I have actually heard of Brad's site and work with the people of the trash dump. I checked out his site last fall b/c of a recommendation by another blog I was reading.
His work is moving, and the situation reminds me of an area in Mexico I spent a little bit of time in. Just like the Nicaraguans, these people lived, played, went to school, worked, survived in/on a trash dump. Both are heartbreaking. Thanks for reminding me about him. I didn't realize he was a musician...Should I know Dispatch?
Andrew - Also a good song. I had heard it before, but thanks for bringing it up in light of our responsibility as the church.
Also, do I know you, personally? Did you happen to just stumble onto my blog?
Blessings - Lauren
Dispatch was sort of an underground band a few years ago made popular through Napster. They encouraged free downloading of their music, and attained a fairly large following. Their style was very unique as they experimented with different types of music and sounds, but generally can be considered a combination of ska, rock, reggae and funk.
Dispatch split up, or, I think Braddigan left to do his own thing (though I don't believe there were any negative reasons for the split up). Their final concert, now called The Last Dispatch, was performed in 2004 in Boston. It was a free concert which had over 100,000 attendees.
What was left of Dispatch became what is now known as State Radio (once again, I am generalizing as the details are fuzzy). Musically, they are amazing with their huge variety of styles, lyrically as well, though I will warn you their lyrics are intensely political, and as one review said, they are basically a leftist social commentary (especially the album Us Against the Crown).
But once again, I do strongly recommend Braddigans music, it can be found on itunes. He has only had 2 or 3 albums I think, two of which are Watchfires and The Captive. I think I like his music because it shows that he is a genuine artist. He is not trying to be a "Christian" musician, rather, he is writing lyrics and music, allowing his worldview to come out in them. The song Ileana is one of my favorites after having learned the story behind it.
One lyric that stands out in my mind is "When I burned my words to the heavens, I wonder could you see the smoke? Because those weren't flames of anger, but of hope."
And so on.
I could keep going and going I suppose, but I wont. Thanks for responding though! :D
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dispatch_(band)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brad_Corrigan
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