Bono: An Irish David
LE3 .A278 2013
2013
Brackney, William
Acadia University
Master of Arts
Masters
Theology
Acadia Divinity College
Bono's credentials as a Christian have been called into question from his earliest days in the rock group, U2. Through this thesis, I will dispute those criticisms and argue that Bono is a modern day psalmist in the mold of King David. I first look at Bono’s Celtic Sitz im Leben to examine the foundations of his Christian beliefs and then consider several religious themes evident in his songs, words and works. After reviewing the characteristics of poetry and the psalms, and how Bono’s lyrics together with U2’s music reflect these characteristics, I develop a contemporary typology, based on Walter Brueggeman, to use as a framework for exegeting four songs written and performed by Bono and U2 over a twenty-eight year period. Through this analysis of his music and theological orientation, and a review of his personal contribution and influence, I conclude that Bono meets the criteria of a modern-day psalmist.
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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:272