U2 explores spirituality on band’s own terms

Yearning for answers, relationship with God underpins its theology

Years before becoming an Anglican priest, Andrew Asbil felt drawn to Irish rockers U2 and their message of hope and salvation.

“I’ve been a huge fan since the first album, Boy, came out,” says Asbil, 48, now minister at Toronto’s Church of the Redeemer.

Boy, released in 1980, set U2 apart, he says. It wasn’t the fluff the 1980s became known for, instead challenging fans to find meaning in life. In his first year of university, Asbil was hooked, and remained a fan as his studies led him to theology.

“When I started my seminary work, I began looking at the lyrics in a different way and began to see a lot of the biblical narratives.”

The band’s lyrics seeped into his conversations and sermons. Last spring, he even featured “The Moment of Surrender” from U2’s latest album in Good Friday services.

“It’s a song that says there come moments in your life when you have to surrender to love,” he says.

Full Toronto Star Article

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One Response to U2 explores spirituality on band’s own terms

  1. Gracie says:

    Keith, thanks for all your posts about U2 and Bono. I had 'heard' their music all these years but never really 'listen' to it. Now I do.

    Nice!

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