Throwing out songs without context isn’t helpful. Once a band sells, it can do whatever it wants and sing whatever it wants. Bono is worth about 2 billion dollars (look it up). Of all of the U2 songs that get airplay I don’t detect anything but subtle references. It’s good stuff, and very artistic, and I love U2. But “Jesus round her neck” can be interpreted many different ways. Let’s suppose that U2 STARTED with the songs you mention... Think it would have been easier to convince the business side of the industry, or harder?
While they may not have "started" with it, by the release of October in 1981 (their second album), they were pretty solid in Christian, or at least spiritual imagery. It's pretty hard to claim anything subtle about the lyrics of "Gloria," which was one of the most popular songs on that album...
I try to sing this song
I...I try to stand up
But I can't find my feet
I try, I try to speak up
But only in you I'm complete
Gloria...in te domine
Gloria...exultate
Gloria...Gloria
Oh Lord, loosen my lips
I try to sing this song
I...I try to get in
But I can't find the door
The door is open
You're standing there
You let me in
Gloria...in te domine
Gloria...exultate
Oh Lord, if I had anything
Anything at all
I'd give it to you
I'd give it to you
Gloria...Gloria...