Reviews

"Scharen . . . points to the many biblical, theological and spiritual themes found in U2's lyrics to explain why this band 'matters to those seeking God.' And he does so elegantly, offering the heartfelt and intelligent musings of a fan while also acknowledging the band's wild and wordly bent. . . . This book will no doubt appeal to the Christian who is a U2 fan, but its higher purpose is to bring the church and U2 fans from a variety of backgrounds closer together."--Publishers Weekly

"Yale Divinity School prof Scharen opens this work of pop philosophy with the declaration that 'the voice of U2 is not unique'--that it actually fits, as critics and youth-group leaders have been saying for years, 'within a longer tradition of Christian voices that point us to the cross.' He teases some revealing subtexts from their songs, but like Bono himself, Scharen is most convincing when he tempers theory with personal experience. . . . [An] earnest, plainspoken book."--Mikael Wood, SPIN magazine

"An engaging treatment of the spiritual truths to be found in the music and life of the popular rock group U2. The practice of digging spirituality out of popular culture has a rather long history, stretching back at least to The Gospel According to Peanuts, and U2's heterodox Christianity should come as no surprise to the band's more careful listeners. But Scharen spells out the implicit rather gracefully, finding in U2 'powerful and moving and truthful music, sung in a way that both admits the limits of life and yet in word and deed gives a vision of something more.' For most collections."--Graham Christian, Library Journal

"I would highly recommend this book and not just to those who are fans of U2 but to those who have an interest in the juxtaposition of faith with the world. In other words, there is some excellent teaching in this book related to how we go about applying our beliefs to our everyday lives in the world. While the life of a rock band like U2 is anything but normal compared to most of our lives, seeing how a band like this introduces themes of the Bible into their music and concerts has a way of both encouraging and sparking an interest in how we too can incorporate our Christian faith--our minor key--into the world we find ourselves in."--Tim Thomson, blogger at http://timpthompson.blogspot.com

"A thoughtful, scripturally informed analysis of the work of Bono, The Edge, et al vis-a-vis the Christianity they espouse to the world at large. Scharen contrasts different categories of biblical literature with the ways in which examples of U2's songcraft fits into the ways God speaks through each type of writing. . . . [Scharen] makes a valuable addition to the paucity of study that places theology in context of popular culture."--Jamie Lee Rake, HM Magazine

"Scharen's is a welcome addition to the seeming avalanche of books about where faith and culture intersect. And to the subject of U2's faith, he brings strong support for his assertions. As a Christian, I see this as a book that could point many readers to a side of U2's music that they may not have known was there or that maybe they were interested in but never went any deeper. . . . As much a book about the theology of the cross as it is about U2, One Step Closer really lays out the Gospel and illuminates how U2 have done the same thing while engaging the culture around them and not relegating themselves to the Christian music industry as so many others have done before them."--InFuze magazine

"An insightful journey through the theological development of the band. New insight in the lyrics shows us the musicians, theologians, and prophets composing U2."--RelevantMagazine.com

"One Step Closer is practically a Bible concordance based on the group's catalog--from its reimagining of Ecclesiastes through its '90s disco records to the theme of grace that dominates its most recent albums."--Washington City Paper

"This book is recommended for those seeking an example of a more subtle--and arguably more genuine--living of the Christian faith than is often displayed in the media today. Scharen provides many examples of U2 lyrics that are clearly based upon Scripture, but whose foundation in Scripture might be overlooked by a listener not familiar with the biblical passages or wording. Scharen adeptly covers themes as varied as faith, love, and hope in U2 and in living the theology of the cross."--BlogCritics.org

"Christian's book is extremely convincing that many of the song lyrics [of U2] proceed directly from biblical verse. [Bono] said that the Bible is sustenance for him--literary sustenance and spiritual sustenance--but rarely has it been as clear to me as when I was reading through Christian's book."--Soundcheck, WYNC, Joe Levy, Deputy Managing Editor, Rolling Stone

"A thought-provoking book, which shows that religion and spirituality don't always come in the expected forms. Scharen uses the opportunity not only to delve into the religious views of the band, but to also present basic Christian ideology in a non-traditional, non-threatening way. In that respect, it is not only an introduction to those curious about the beliefs of Bono & Co., but also an introduction to the foundations of Christianity without all the trappings of structured religion."--MishMash reviews, http://mashmusic.tripod.com

"[This book has] an accessibility that readers of any age will appreciate. . . . I enjoyed One Step Closer on a number of levels. I enjoyed it as a U2 fan, and it also gave me insight into Biblical passages or stories I hadn't quite grasped in the past. Most important, though, the book gave me hope. . . . Would I recommend this book to you? That depends. It's certainly not your typical U2 book. And it's not your typical Christian book. But if you have an interest in either, or both, it may lead to new perspectives and appreciations that are well worth your time and effort."--Justin McHenry, Blogcritics.org

"This book is a must-have for rabid U2 fans, admirers, and curious audiophiles alike! Check out One Step Closer . . . to get your U2 theology fix today."--Kristi Henson, CCM

"In this book, Scharen helps us see and understand the force of Scripture in the music of U2. . . . Scharen explores the ways in which U2 draws on a rich palette of Scripture to paint the vivid colors of the truth about life and then attempts to live out that truth through the poetry of their music and the social action of their lives. Scharen explores everything from the relationships among the band members to business decisions and political causes as he answers critics of the band on both the left and the right."--Anita Flowers, Charleston Post and Courier

"Scharen organizes his book around scriptural and theological themes: prophecy, parables, apocalypse, faith, hope and love. In each case he offers an accessible description of the theological locus. These descriptions are not watered down--he quotes from such luminaries as Rowan Williams, Ellen Davis, and his own colleague at the Yale Center for Faith and Culture, Miroslav Volf. Yet they are also free of technical jargon, so they can be understood by interested nonreligious readers. After each description, Scharen shows how a U2 song--sometimes a smash hit, sometimes an obscure song or B-side single--illustrates the theme. These sections take color as Scharen peppers them with quotes and vignettes from interviews and stories about the band itself. U2 in conversation with a professional theologian is rich fare indeed. I found myself eager to share One Step Closer with a Sunday school class."--Jason Byassee, Christian Century

"Scharen provides a user-friendly assessment of the band U2 and their influence on those seeking God and on contemporary culture. . . . Scharen potently argues that U2's form of 'preaching' is far different than many current strands of popular evangelical preaching. . . . Scharen . . . seems to hit his mark: reaching individuals who question the status quo while seeking fullness in God."--Derek S. Hicks, Religious Studies Review

"This book may very well move one of the millions of U2 fans One Step Closer to understanding what it means to follow Jesus in the way of the cross. . . . There are many strengths in Scharen's work. First, Scharen does a wonderful job in his presentation of scripture and theology. His study cuts below the surface yet is readable to the masses. Second, because of his base of scholarship, Scharen is able to speak with credibility to both secular and Christian audiences. He is able to keep the attention of the secular reader with his knowledge of U2 and bring them into conversation with scripture and theology. To the Christian audience, his knowledge of scripture and theology help keep attention on his effort to bring the voice of U2 into the broader Christian witness. Scharen does a masterful job engaging both audiences. Third, . . . I appreciate his description of U2 as an 'icon' pointing this generation one step closer to the soul. . . . 'Icon' provides a wonderful vehicle for understanding the overall purpose of the book. Fourth, Scharen neither hides nor denies the inherent messiness involved with weaving the voices of scripture and theology with U2's music, showmanship, and lifestyle. . . . I really enjoyed One Step Closer and recommend its use as a supplemental text for both graduate and undergraduate courses sensitive to contemporary culture. . . . The topic of U2 will assuredly spark conversation and lead to productive and meaningful classroom interaction."--David W. Fraze, Journal of Youth Ministry

"[One Step Closer] is part autobiography, part youthwork resource, part art criticism, part apologetics, part evangelistic tract. But it is also an exercise in the theology of culture, worked out in the form of a theology of the cross. . . . [Scharen] tries to get inside some of the key ideas and convictions contained in U2 lyrics and explores how their songs and performances 'work.' He then moves back and forth between U2's work as artistic resource and a theology of the cross as a plausible approach to life. In this way, he can offer for believer and unbeliever alike a case study in how Christianity works. And he can at the same time provide illumination for anyone who enjoys U2. . . . [He] offers a creative and constructive engagement with U2 and in the process demonstrates not only how living Christian tradition relates to what these contemporary artists present, but also how and why it is essential for theology to be expounded with reference to the popular (and even mass-consumed) arts. . . . Scharen thus offers in this book a fresh type of theology. . . . What Scharen offers are insightful and helpful readings [of U2's songs]. The fact that he does more than this, and puts the songs he discusses in a bigger, bolder framework, is highly significant. . . . This, then, is a new kind of book which is sorely needed on the theological publishing scene."--Clive Marsh, Conversations in Religion and Theology

"Many trees have been felled and much ink has been spilled addressing the question of U2's spirituality. . . . Some of the articles and books are worthy reads, but most are quite thin in substance and typical fan-based hagiography. [One Step Closer] is a fine exception to the rule. . . . [This volume] makes the strong case that U2's music and social activism not only are rooted in the Christian tradition, but serve as model for discipleship. The author writes in a clear way for a lay audience hungry for a deeper spirituality and life together that can stand up in a world of desire, division, and immense need for justice. . . . Scharen's work on the theology of the cross is most compelling. . . . One Step Closer would be a terrific introduction to theology for a youth, campus, or young-adult group looking to go deeper in their thought and walk with God."--Adam Phillips, Covenant Quarterly