a book about u2 and god

some of you may know i'm writing a book offering an interpretation of the religious voice of u2. yes, the rock and roll hall of fame band that is currently on tour in support of their recent record 'how to dismantle an atomic bomb.' i originally called the book 'icons of the cross' because i think so much of what is important to me about u2's theological voice is their embodiment of the theology of the cross: worldly, doubt-filled, and honest faith seeking love and peace and justice. they don't whack people over the head with an altar call for jesus, but they point, like icons do, the the element of soul in life, and to the cost of discipleship that the cross represents (e.g. bonhoeffer). i've blogged about this before elsewhere (here and here).

i just got an email from my editor at brazos press who wants me to consider this title instead: one step closer: why u2 matters to those seeking god. this obviously comes from the song on HTDAAB, which I like. below is bono's short version of the origin of the song (from Blender magazine). but i don't know how much i want to give up the image of the cross in the title. so--what to you all think? i've got to decide soon--by monday.

9 “One Step Closer to Knowing”
Sparse splinters of sound and a lonesome search for faith
Bono: “I was talking to Noel Gallagher [from Oasis] about my dad, who lost his faith toward the end of his life. And Noel asked, ‘Does he believe in God?’ And I said, ‘I don’t think he knows.’ So Noel went, ‘Well, he’s one step closer to knowing now.’ And I thought, ‘I’m going to write that song…’ ”

anon, and +peace

Comments

[Beth]

I have 2 comments. One is that both U2 and God books so far have had the title format "[U2 lyric quote]: [Longer Book Topic Description]" and it seems a bit tired to me to do that same thing again. I also just personally find appropriating the *title* of someone else's work as one's own work's title (e.g. "Walk On," "One Step Closer") a bit dodgy.

That said, I do think many more readers would connect the *feel* of the suggested title with the *feel* of U2 than would be able to appreciate a technical phrase like "Icons of the Cross." So I think my vote might be for a compromise solution: not a lyric quote, but some more U2ey image that would work for non-specialist readers.

[Wayne]

Maybe in your book you can explain why Bono used the F word at the awards cerimony. It has been said that he tries to give a non-religious appearance. If so He not only showed he was non-religious but show the world that he was not much of a Christian. Just my thoughts and comments that I have lost respect for him and will listen to those who edify.
And if you say he is trying to reach another audience, then I'll ask, were is the fruit of his. So what he has shown that Christians can curse on live tv and not be struck down by God. What kind of a witness is that?