Is U2 a Christian Band?

A religious band sings inspirational songs about faith and spirituality. It can be Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, or any other religion. The music is written to worship a deity, promote the religion and inspire listeners.

Is U2 a religious Band?

Three out of four of U2’s band members are Christians, but their music is not a ministry. They are a mainstream, commercial rock group that appeals to a broad range of people, not one religion.

What kind of music is U2?

U2’s music is a blend of pop, rock, and punk, depending on the album. Initially rooted in post-punk, U2’s musical style has evolved throughout their career.

They have maintained an anthemic quality built on Bono’s expressive vocals and the Edge’s effects-based guitar sounds. Their lyrics include spiritual imagery and focus on sociopolitical themes.

Is U2 a Christian Band?

It depends on how you define “Christian band.” Probably the most common definition is the musicians use their artistry to promote the gospel. Another is the band’s music is played on Christian radio instead of mainstream radio.

Another, looser definition is if the band members are Christians, then so is the band.

The first two theories make it easy to identify Christian bands, but the last one does not.

In fact, it opens the door to this question: can a secular rock group be considered a Christian band if they aren’t playing Christian music?

U2 is a popular Irish rock band that has been around for decades. It’s nearly impossible to think of them without visualizing charismatic front man, Bono. His songwriting, lead vocals and distinctive blue glasses have made him a star.

Bono has said he is Christian, and so have two of the other three members.

What do they believe?

In addition to leading the group on stage, Bono (Paul Hewson) has also been up front about his faith. He was raised by a Catholic father and Protestant mother.

Although he’s talked about his belief in Christ many times, it isn’t clear if Bono is a born-again believer. He also hasn’t said if he belongs to any church or denomination.

The Edge (David Evans) and Adam Clayton, were raised Protestant, while Larry Muller was raised Irish-Catholic. But only The Edge and Muller identify as Christians. Clayton has said he is not.

Some of Bono’s comments seem consistent with Biblical Christianity. For example, when asked to describe Jesus, he said this:

“I believe that Jesus was … the Son of God … The point of the death of Christ is that Christ took on the sins of the world, so that what we put out did not come back to us, and that our sinful nature does not reap the obvious death …It’s not our own good works that get us through the gates of heaven.”

Sounds good, right? He confirmed we are saved by faith alone, not by good works. (For we conclude that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. Romans 3:28).

On the other hand, Bono has also made comments and taken positions that are opposed to scripture, such as promoting gay marriage:

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“[Marriage] is owned by the people. They can decide. It is not a religious institution. As far as I know, Jesus wasn’t a married man.”

It’s startling how off base he is here. He’s trying to legitimize gay marriage and deny it’s from God.

The Bible makes it clear that marriage is divinely inspired. (What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate. Matthew 10:9).

Note it says what God, not man, has joined together, yet Bono calls marriage “a human commitment… that transcends religion.” This is inaccurate and blasphemous.

Additionally, days before Ireland voted on legalizing gay marriage, this was on U2’s website:

“Trying to co-opt the word marriage is like trying to make love or devotion gender- or religion-specific. And that has to stop. Marriage is human-specific: a human commitment, one that transcends religion … It should be encouraged wherever, whenever and between whomever. #voteYES”.

Social Justice vs. the Gospel

Consider not just what the band says, but what they do.  They say they are Christians, but is there fruit?

During their 2005 tour, the band focused on joining all religions into a global spiritualty. Giant screens featured the word “COEXIST”, the capital “C” pointing to the Islamic crescent, the “X” the Jewish star and the “T” the Christian cross.

Bono led massive crowds in a vibrant chant: “Jesus, Jew, Mohammed—It’s true! 

This is universalism and directly opposed to Christianity, which says there is only one God, Jesus Christ (Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6).

In addition to supporting gay marriage and multiple gods, Bono has advocated for abortion rights in Ireland.

Does he not understand the scriptures? Is he a cafeteria Christian, choosing what is most palatable?

Or maybe Bono’s passion for social justice has trumped his faith in the Lord. Perhaps it has become an idol.

Whatever the case, they may call themselves Christians, but U2 is not a Christian band.

U2’s Christian Songs

Many of U2’s songs have references to scripture. For example, in “Bullet the Blue Sky,” there’s a lyric about Jacob wrestling with the Angel of the Lord (Genesis 32). In “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” there’s a reference to “the tongues of angels” (1 Corinthians 13).

One of their most popular songs, “With or Without You,” features this phrase: “See the thorn twist in your side” (2 Corinthians 12:7).

However, simply having a few Biblical references doesn’t make a song Christian. The lyrics should be pure worship unto God. The focus is bringing praise and glory to God.

U2’s songs don’t do this. The messages are mostly secular, sometimes peppered with a few Bible quotes.

Additionally, quoting scripture doesn’t make someone a Christian. Pop culture is filled with sayings that originated from the Bible, such as:

Writing is on the wall, Doubting Thomas, Salt of the Earth, Cross to Bear, The blind leading the blind. Do a quick internet search and you’ll find a ton of them.

Is U2 a satanic band? 

First, we consider the definition of satanic. The most obvious is “Relating to or suggestive of Satan.” Another is “Profoundly cruel or evil; fiendish.”

Artists like Black Sabbath, Megadeth, David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, and many others have been associated with the occult. Their music often referenced it.

U2 has not. They are not Satan worshippers, nor do their songs promote the occult or evil.

Our Conclusion

Ultimately, the band is not a “Christian” band because their music is not meant for a Christian audience, nor is it predominantly Christian-themed songs. There are Christians within the band, so in that sense you could say they are Christian. But by the more wide-viewed approach to determining a band to be Christian or not, they would not be.