Why Bono Doesn’t Think Christian Music is Honest

Bono sees dishonesty in today’s Christian music.

Christian worship music of today has come under lots of criticism. There are a number of valid reasons for this: it’s the same cluster of inspirational words, repetition of the same four chords and the use of obtuse theological jargon which baffles outsiders.

Why Bono Doesn’t Think Christian Music is Honest[/tweetthis]

Fakes everywhere

Bono, the lead singer of U2, knows this. He has voiced his suspicions about a number of Christian musicians who, he says, lack realism in the music they play. He reminded that God prefers his people to be authentic and honest when it comes to their work. He pushed for a return to the honest and raw emotion associated with the Psalms.

In a documentary called The Psalms produced by Fuller Studio, the singer said that the psalmist is starkly honest about confusion, deep sorrow or the explosive joy he feels. Bono wondered why church music cannot show the self-same qualities. The Psalms was released by Bono and Eugene Peterson, a noted Bible translator. The film concentrates on this Old Testament book to explain their friendship.

In the film, Bono said that he would like it if the conversation between him and Peterson would inspire a number of individuals to write beautiful gospel songs. The U2 lead singer also asked potential singers and song writers to compose real issues and experiences like bad marriages and ineffective governments. He said that God only wanted the truth from them. Only truth has the ability to free a person and destroy the straitjacket of the ordinary.

Bono and Fuller Studio

Bono again said that he views Christian musicians with suspicion due to the absence of realism in their music, and he would prefer to see realistic depictions in music, art and life. The Fuller Studio released a video that begins with the opening scene of the musician in 2002, frequently quoting passages taken from “The Message” in the course of his concerts. The singer was shown to thank Petersen, from himself and the other members of the U2 band, for all translation work done.

Peterson, for his part, said that he first knew of Bono when someone pointed out a published interview in Rolling Stone magazine where the latter has mentioned Peterson's writing. The pastor admitted that he had no knowledge at that time of Bono as he was uninterested in rock n' roll music, including Bono's works. However, when he listened to Bono, Peterson liked him, when he realized that like him, the singer had faith.

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