U2 and Religion

I'm watching U2 on Good Morning America today. Whatever you may think of them as a band you certainly have to give them high marks for durability. I remember having to go to an imports store to buy their 1st album, Boy, back in 1980. I believe they are the only band to come out in that era that have continued to enjoy massive cross-generational appeal. I also believe much of that appeal is due to the themes they address in their music. They sing about social justice, religion, and politics. They're not afraid to admit that politics and organized religion are sometimes counter-productive. I do like this band.

U2 hails from from Dublin, Ireland, so I can understand why they are anti-war activists. I can't imagine growing up in the midst of ongoing religious warfare, but I'm pretty sure it would repulse me. One of the arguments I often hear against Christianity is that of the Christians killing each other in Ireland. If you hold the belief that people are, by nature, good - but circumstances can force us to do horrific things, then you probably see religion as the cause of many problems. But if you look at people from the Bible's perspective, you see that people are selfish, greedy, bigoted and perverse, you see the reason behind war and the need for true faith.

Only true faith can change our hearts and our motivation - in other words, our nature. Only one faith tells me that God has to change me - I can't change myself. I can claim any religion I want, but unless I want God to change my nature, I will merely become a hypocrite, using my religion as another outlet for my sinful nature. Maybe even my weapon to beat others down. That, I believe, is the crux of it all.

Thanks U2, sometimes we do need to reevaluate what we expect religion to accomplish. Do we hope it will help us draw near to God and be more concerned for others, or do we just want it to demonstrate our own righteousness?