Posted on 01/28/2007 8:57:58 PM PST by Mount Athos
John Lennon once enraged Christians by claiming that the Beatles were bigger than Jesus. The Church of England is now recognising the pulling power of rock stars by recruiting Bono, the singer and lyricist of U2, in its bid to boost congregations.
A Church of England bishop is to preside at this country's first "U2-charist", an adapted Holy Communion service that uses the Irish supergroup's best-selling songs in place of hymns.
US worshippers, Hymns replaced by Bono lyrics US worshippers at a U2 Eucharist sing along to lyrics of Bono
In what is more rock concert than Book of Common Prayer, a live band will belt out U2 classics such as Mysterious Ways and Beautiful Day as worshippers sing along with the lyrics, which will appear on screens. The atmosphere will be further enhanced by a sophisticated lighting system that will pulse with the beat, and striking visual images of poverty and drought.
Despite his rock star antics, including swearing on live television, Bono is regarded as a Christian icon by many who point to the spiritual content of his music.
His high-profile anti-poverty campaigns with fellow Irish musician Bob Geldof have elevated him to saintly status in some circles.
But while Bono is open about his Christian influences, he has also clashed with Church leaders over issues such as Aids.
Traditionalists who fear the Church is diluting its message to attract the young will be dismayed at its willingness to embrace Bono.
Such doubts are not shared by the Bishop of Grantham, the Rt Rev Timothy Ellis, who is organising the U2-charist in St Swithin's church in Lincoln in May.
"Bono and Bob Geldof are very human, but they have demonstrated that they believe there is sanctity to life that has to be protected," he said. "If that makes them saints, then I would go along with that."
Bishop Ellis said that the eve-of-Pentecost service in the city centre church would be a traditional one, but stripped down to basics.
"We are hoping the service will be a fresh way to look at worship, less formal, and less rigid," he said.
"People will be able to express themselves in any way they wish.
"This is not designed to replace traditional services but to enhance the worship provision of the Church.
"We need to try new expressions. If we don't try to update and refresh our thinking we will die."
Seating will be moved so that the 500-strong congregation can dance or wave their arms.
The bishop, who will be chief celebrant, said he had yet to decide whether to swap vestments for jeans.
The Lincoln U2-charist is adapted from an American phenomenon that has swept across the US and even reached Hong Kong.
It will be recorded by the BBC for a programme to be broadcast later in the year, and the bishop hopes it will be replicated across Britain.
The service will focus on the Millennium Development Goals to reduce world poverty, a cause close to Bono's heart.
The Bishop said that he did not expect the Irish singer to attend the U2-charist in person, though he was hoping he might send a message. The £10,000 cost of equipment will be partly funded by the diocese of Lincoln, and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, will also be kept informed.
The idea was devised by the Rev Paige Blair, an American Episcopal priest in York Harbor, Maine, who held the first service in 2005. Since then, she has advised about 150 churches on U2 Eucharists in 15 states and seven countries.
"Bach and Handel were the popular music of their day, and they had trouble getting played in church," she has said.
"The Methodist hymn writers once wrote contemporary music. Are we worshipping Bono? Absolutely not. No more so than we worship Martin Luther when we sing A Mighty Fortress Is Our God."
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Extracted lyrics of songs used in American U2-charists, compiled by the Rev Paige Blair in York Harbor, Maine
When Love Comes To Town I was there when they crucified my Lord, I held the scabbard when the soldier drew his sword, I threw the dice when they pierced his side, But I've seen love conquer the great divide
Mysterious Ways It's alright, it's alright, it's alright, She moves in mysterious ways, It's alright, it's alright, it's alright, We move through miracle days, Spirit moves in mysterious ways
Elevation Explain all these controls, Can't sing but I've got soul, The goal is elevation, A mole, Digging in a hole, Digging up my soul now, Going down, excavation
Christ, though tempted, "can see all good people turn their heads each day, and, so satisfied, He continues on His way."
There was a time when pop artists weren't afraid to express a faith in God. Remember "Turn! Turn! Turn!" by the Byrds, "Jesus is Just Alright With Me" by the Doobie Brothers, "Do Right" by Paul Davis, "One Tin Soldier" by Coven, "put Your Hand In The Hand" By Ocean...the list goes on.
These days, not only have the majority of artist kicked God out of their repitoire, but many flaunt their disdain for Christianity like Madonna.
So there's this supergroup named U2 which was founded upon and often sings about the importance of faith in a higher power and even mentions God by name in several of their songs. A rarity these days - but no less a welcome one.
Wouldn't you rather the youth of today connect with the message of U2 songs than Motley Crue or Ozzy or Ludacris? Or have you just given up on them unless they sing Catholic Creeds or Baptist standards in black robes?
If Elvis's gospel days float your boat, more power to ya!
But don't begrudge this next generation the sound they need to connect with God. The message is what's important. Cut them some slack.
Now if it were the DOORS' Gloria - that would be a different tune! ;)
You sound like the Church Lady! "the music is of SATAN!'
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Excuse me? I said, "It's annoying and most definitely not uplifting." I certainly did not imply that there is anything sinful about it. Get a grip! Just because I am not inspired by this tripe is no reason for you to claim that I said something I did not.
I personally enjoy many genres of music from Mozart to zydeco, but I don't want your "amplified praise and worship", as you call it, in my liturgy.
You're posting to the wrong person. I don't have a beef with this music.
Perhaps the words he has spoken has something to do with my feelings about Johnny Depp, who continue to bites the hand who feeds him. Below are a few of his quotes. Quite the patriot, isn't he?
"France, and the whole of Europe have a great culture and an amazing history. Most important thing though is that people there know how to live! In America they've forgotten all about it. I'm afraid that the American culture is a disaster."
In response to George W. Bush's administration for its criticism of French opposition to the U.S.-led war in Iraq, "I was ecstatic they re-named 'French Fries' as 'Freedom Fries'. Grown men and women in positions of power in the U.S. government showing themselves as idiots."
"America is dumb, it's like a dumb puppy that has big teeth that can bite and hurt you, aggressive."
"My daughter is four, my boy is one. I'd like them to see America as a toy, a broken toy. Investigate it a little, check it out, get this feeling and then get out."
I've got no problem with it. Myself, I'd rather hear Johnny Cash songs in Church, or better yet, Social Distortion songs.... ;^)
Just because somebody worships different than you, it doesn't make them less of a Christian....I think alot of stuff along these lines was covered in the Book of Acts....
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Bono is the head of the New World Order "ONE Campaign", which is designed to get laypeople involved in the UN "Millennium Development Goals", which the heretic Katharine Jefferts-Schori is using to replace the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Making a Bono "U2-charist"[yikes!] is therefore highly inappropriate, since it condones KJS' heresy!!!!
A fine tune from 1973: "Dead skunk in the middle of the road, stinkin' to high heaven."
About sums it up, I'd say.
Thankfully, the new one I attend isn't. That's probably why the other one is the church I *used* to attend.
The Blind Boys from Alabama sing it to the tune of "House of the Rising Sun". It's on what I think is their first CD.
I am in an Anglo-Catholic Episcopal parish. I'm in the choir; I sing tenor. We sing praise songs, gospel songs, Bach chorales, Palestrina, Tallis, and anything else with the Message. If U2's songs have lyrics consistent with the Gospel, then I think it's fine. But they shouldn't be used just because they are popular.
Your last two sentences sum up what I believe entirely.
Out of context? Maybe you should re-read my post #88. And this thread is not about American pop culture.
I was responding to your quote not to the content of the article in the thread. Depp's 'puppy' comment came up here a while back and was clarified and discredited by Depp himself.
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