With all this talk about the problems in my Evangelical tradition and the way it is perceived from the outside, I thought that I would have you look at it through the eyes of Irish rocker and lead singer of U2 Bono (Paul Hewson). Bono is a Christian, but he would be best classified as an emerging Christian. As I often say, Bono was emerging when emerging wasn’t cool. All of his songs tell a message, a Christian message, of some sort.

Below is an interpretation of “Crumbs from Your Table.” Bono has said that this song was written to the Evangelical church many years ago (late nineties). In recent interviews, however, he says that he has changed his opinion, to some degree, about the Evangelical church because they have proved themselves more concerned about social issues. President Bush was part of the reason that Bono changed, but it also came through many meetings Bono had with Evangelical leaders in the last few years. (I was actually in charge of facilitating one meeting between Bono and Chuck Swindoll, but it never happened—Chuck said he did not know who he was!)

Either way, I think that this is a message that all Evangelicals need to hear. As well, I think it will give you more understanding of why there is an “emerging” church. Continue Reading »

Our ministry is a partner based ministry. This means that the majority of our support comes from people like you. Please consider supporting Reclaiming the Mind Ministries as we make theology accessible. Donate today.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

It is rare that a mainstream band . . . wait, let me start over for this is already lending toward an understatement. U2 is a mainstream band. They have been called, “The most important band in the world,” “The greatest rock and roll band ever,” and “A band that has lasted longer, led longer, and set the bar higher more consistently than any other band - ever!” Yes, most of those quotations come from me, but I know what I am talking about. Continue Reading »

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

This is too great. Watch them both. There are two more at www.godtube.com. It is funny how short humourous creative commercials can say so much. I just wish that they would air these on FOX during 24 and American Idol.

Want to know what the emerging church thinks of “Christians,” this is it. Continue Reading »

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

For all my fellow U2 fans, here is a great retro article that was rereleased. For those of you who are always doubting Bono and the boys, read and weep.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Thus begins a humble exegesis of U2’s song lyrics by the most capable of all U2 fans. I will start with the latest works and progress backwards into the eighties. Bono, the lead singer and song writer of U2, will be the subject of exegesis. I will attempt to utilize an authorial intent hermeneutic in my interpretation. While this is not official, I just don’t think it can get any better than this. Humbly, Michael Patton.  Continue Reading »

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!