Get Up Off Your Knees: Preaching the U2 Catalog

by Raewynne J. Whiteley (Editor), Beth Maynard (Editor), Eugene H. Peterson (Foreword)

Get Up Off Your Knees is a thoughtful and provocative collection of sermons by a group of preachers from across the international church spectrum who have been moved to theological reflection on the art and work of U2. This book will appeal to fans of U2, students of homiletics, and everyone interested in the intersection of art, popular culture, and religion.

Genres: Music, Theology, Christianity, Spirituality, Church, Religion

212 pages, Paperback

First published May 25, 2003

Reviews

[Corey Friedrich · Rating 3 out of 5]

Get Up Off Your Knees is a collection of sermons from ministers of different Christian denominations that are based on the lyrics of U2 songs. Each chapter begins with a scripture reference and the titles of one or two songs that the sermon is based on. The readings are best suited as daily devotionals. As with any collection of essays by different authors, quality varies from one chapter to the next. Still, there were some really great pieces here and the overall effect was a deeper understanding of how important spirituality and especially God’s love for humankind is to the band and, finally, the impact that these songs have had on the lives of at least some of their fans.

[Neil · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't read this cover-to-cover, but it's not really that sort of book anyway. It's a collection of 26 short (a few pages each) sermons, each one based loosely on one or more U2 songs. I guess it would work best as devotional reading. Its primary contribution is not to U2 studies, but some of the sermons did enhance my appreciation for U2 lyrics. Beth Maynard's sermon on "God, Part 2" (133-137) for example, reminded me of how good that song is, while also helping me to see it from a fresh perspective. I also enjoyed Shawnthea Monroe-Mueller's humorous reflections (127-130) on being asked to use "One" in a wedding.

[Skip · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very informative spiritual guide to the link between Christian faith and the songs of U2. Edited by two Episcopalians, the book contains sermons from across the spectrum of Christian faith that demonstrate links between the songs/lyrics of U2 and the band members' {particularly lead vocalist/frontman Bono Vox) pronouncements about their faith experiences. A wonderful book for those fans of U2 and those who are able to find credible links between pop culture and the Christian experience.

[RF · Rating 5 out of 5]

We like U2... a lot...

[Sarah Dylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK ... so I'm biased. :D

[Ernest Kincaid · Rating 5 out of 5]

At this point, I could not appropriately write a review of this book. I literally just put it down at 10:06 p.m., on December 28. Much like other revelatory expositions of deep theological truths, I have to pause, ruminate, and bathe in the infinite, life-giving Grace here too, evident. I absolutely loved it. After I've let my heart soak in this for a while, enough to gather my thoughts and be able to write some of them down anyway, I hope to come back and properly review this strangely, joyfully, gracefully moving book.

[Julie M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of these essays were very insightful, some farfetched, and some just not . . well written. Still, I'll read most anything about my favorite rock stars! Poor Bono, he's in tough shape this month after his bicycle accident in Central Park. Healing prayers to him.

[Shawn]

Just because I have read does not mean that anyone should expect this stuff. Besides, if I am to quote anyone out here, I would quote either country artists or the Rat Pack.