review report, 3
yes! i'm hoping that people outside the circle of pastors, church insiders, and christian bloggers read and review my book. the first of these, from justin mchenry, is great exactly because from my perspective he comes with openness and curiousity and he 'gets' what i'm trying to say. He says:
"Book Review: One Step Closer: Why U2 Matters to Those Seeking God
April 10, 2006
Justin McHenry
One Step Closer: Why U2 Matters to Those Seeking God
Christian Scharen
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I've never been a religious person - I wasn't brought up with religion and have only dabbled in church attendance at the behest of my wife. Yet I've always been interested in spirituality, the reaching toward something greater than the world gives us at face value. That interest has led me to various religious texts (including reading the Bible cover to cover, which I can't really recommend). It has also led me toward music groups that strive for something beyond power chords and post-show groupies (not that there's anything wrong with that). Groups like Pearl Jam, R.E.M., and, most of all, U2.
So I was especially interested to read a new book, One Step Closer: Why U2 Matters to Those Seeking God, by Christian Scharen. A teacher of practical theology at Yale Divinity School and an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Scharen knows his Christianity. Perhaps surprisingly, he also knows his U2. And he uses his knowledge of both to explain the "theology of the cross" and how U2 embodies this concept in their music."
read the whole review here.
thanks, justin. honest, generous, and engaging review. i'm grateful.
+peace, cs
posted by christian scharen @ 5:19 PM
3 comments
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3 Comments:
i stumbled onto your blog earlier this morning, not realizing who you were, while searching for a transcript of the "speech" bono gives as he introduces "where the streets have no name" on the vertigo tour dvd... i left a comment, but seeing as the entry i had linked to was from may of 2005, i'm guessing you probably won't find it anytime soon (or ever). :)
after skimming over your review of your vertigo tour concert experience, your name caught my eye because i recognized it -- turns out, i am currently reading your book! my dad works at a warehouse that distributes christian resources all over the west coast, and one day recently a new book grabbed my attention, because the title it bore was also the title of a u2 song. so i checked it out, saw what it was, and bought it immediately. :)
i am in the middle of 2 other books at the moment as well, so i haven't gotten very far in "one step closer", but what i've read thus far has been great. i love any u2-related material i can get my hands on! (i saw them in concert last year in vegas and in salt lake city, two of the best experiences of my life! truly amazing what an impact a u2 show can have on a person's life, the joyous thrill one gets simply from reflecting back on the experience--especially when watching the dvd!)
just wanted to let you know you've got a fan in reno! :)
Thanks, Kaysi! I'm glad you found the blog! I got your other comment, as well. Let me know what you think when you are done with the book!
Peace,
Chris
Dear Chris
Am Christabel. Not sure if you still remember me. Below you'll find my reply to your comment on 3 April about the excerpt from your book that I've posted on my blog. Read on!
Cheers
BeL™ †
BeL™ ~The Relentless Pursuit Of Perfection~ [http://christabelksy.blogspot.com/] said...
Dear Chris
Many thanks for dropping by. Yup! Peace be with you too.
I thank God for U2 on their conviction of using lyrics straight from the Bible for some of their song. It's really nice to know that & thought it'd be good for more Christian Artistes to follow suit. It really do takes a lot to be able to like U2.
I feel that like the Word of God, the Bible, constantly thought us to be a living testimony to the World & that we'd at all times be the shining light of this World for Christ. Through quoting of Scriptures & our viewpoints/stand, we're able to stand firm in our faith as well as acknowledging the true fact that we're fellow disciples of Christ & that we aren't ashame of our faith, Christianity.
I thank the Lord for you too, Chris. For writing this book so that many get the chance to read it. It has drawn insights to me & I believe that many has too. This is a job well done. Am sure God is happy about it.
Until then ... do take care ya .. God bless you, Chris.
Cheers
BeL™ †
Wednesday, April 19, 2006 12:30:35 AM
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