The Wanderer - U2: Grief, Grace and the Grotesque

Sep 15, 2021

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Explore how U2's music unveils the paradoxes of the gospel, as Tim Stafford and Dr. Tim Gombis delve into themes of grief, grace, and the grotesque in Part 2 of The Wanderer Series. Unpacking the "grammar of the gospel," they discuss how songs like "California (There is No End to Love)" and "Grace" capture the complex relationship between suffering and redemption, challenging us to see beauty in brokenness and embrace the full spectrum of the human experience.

Key Takeaways:

Understanding the Grammar of the Gospel – How U2's lyrics reveal the counterintuitive logic of grace working in unexpected ways.
Embracing Grief and Love – Discussing the intertwining of grief and love in songs like "California (There is No End to Love)" and how this reflects the relentless cycle of grace following grief.
Beauty in the Grotesque – Exploring the concept of the grotesque and how finding beauty in what is often considered ugly can deepen our understanding of humanity and God's investment in it.
Lament and Hope Without Sentimentality – Analyzing "Wake Up Dead Man" and "Beautiful Day" to see how U2 balances honest lament with authentic hope.
Seeing Through New Perspectives – The challenge of unlearning inherited views to see the world as God sees it, as reflected in "When I Look at the World."

Resources Mentioned:

Spotify Playlist of U2 Songs Discussed – [Link]
Bono & Eugene Peterson: THE PSALMS – [Link]

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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