I love this piece and so much of it resonates with my experience: discovery in high school, passionate following in my twenties (Rob and I waited all day in line to stand inside the stage loop during the 360 tour — it was absolutely worth it!)
It was hard for me to swallow the band’s party-line liberal stance on abortion a few years ago. It contradicts their efforts in so many other areas to preserve and affirm life, as you’ve pointed out here. But their music will always move me, even when their politics does not. Thanks for the reminder.
This is such a good point, Emily! As I was writing this, I had a nagging feeling that I was forgetting something important, thus the caveat. I also remember feeling deeply disappointed by their stance on abortion, and I apologize for not addressing that in an essay about the Catholic imagination.
This memory raises some questions I've wrestled with on and off for years: what is the relationship between art and artist? Can I appreciate and celebrate a work of art without condoning all of the actions of its maker? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this sometime!
And your 360 tour experience sounds unforgettable! I wonder if we were at the same show! ☺️
Yes! I was thinking that too — I doubt they played more than one show in Baltimore on that tour. I’ll have to dig through my photos and look for the date. It was such a magical experience that now feels like it was part of another lifetime. I’m sure for you too. :)
Such an interesting question about the artist-work relationship. Protestants like to say that we “hate the sin but love the sinner,” which is not precisely Biblical but fairly theologically sound. For me, it’s not necessary to support every statement of an artist in order to appreciate his or her work. That would be like saying you couldn’t be friends with someone if you didn’t like the same movies or vote for the same people. There are people who practice this, but I just think life is much more interesting when we’re allowed to disagree in a civil / loving way.
Part of what I always loved about U2’s shows was the way they educated their fans — with sincerity and passion but not preachiness. For instance, I remember once that they dedicated “Walk On” to Aung San Suu Kyi, who was currently under house arrest for political reasons. I had never heard of her before but later looked her up and loved that they were drawing awareness to her cause. By the next time I saw them live, she was free. But this is not at all the way they handled the abortion referendum — it felt like a dutiful PR move, which is why it left a bad taste in my mouth.
I also remember at a different show that Bono ended by saying something like “thank you — this is a beautiful life and we’re grateful to you for making it possible.” The humility in recognizing how blessed they are, and how rare their situation, was endearing. Maybe all rock singers feel this way, but I’ve never heard another one articulate it live before.
To make a long comment even longer, I’m forwarding your post to a journalist friend who is something of a U2 expert. I’m sure he will have thoughts to add. Thank you again for making me think during the summer!
Thank you for this! I love your insights. I was excited to see your essay, I've been thinking about the Catholic Imagination too, but from a medieval perspective. I really appreciate how you weave the imagination being the catalyst for our action. XO
Ooh I would love to hear about your thoughts on the medieval Catholic imagination! Those female medieval mystics are one of my all-time favorite topics! Thanks as always for reading, Katie. <3
Thank you for writing this. One of my jams is their newer song "Ordinary Love" because it has struck me since I first heard it as wise, mystical, and prophetic.
Beautiful!! Love the interweaving of work of art, wrestling with/longing for something more, faith and justice... will listen to U2 with a keener ear next time I do :). It was fun to watch some batters crack some hits with you this week :) :). What a beautiful title to your work here "Wonder & Awe"--Thanks for sharing your reflections on the Catholic imagination with the world, Catherine!
I love this piece and so much of it resonates with my experience: discovery in high school, passionate following in my twenties (Rob and I waited all day in line to stand inside the stage loop during the 360 tour — it was absolutely worth it!)
It was hard for me to swallow the band’s party-line liberal stance on abortion a few years ago. It contradicts their efforts in so many other areas to preserve and affirm life, as you’ve pointed out here. But their music will always move me, even when their politics does not. Thanks for the reminder.
This is such a good point, Emily! As I was writing this, I had a nagging feeling that I was forgetting something important, thus the caveat. I also remember feeling deeply disappointed by their stance on abortion, and I apologize for not addressing that in an essay about the Catholic imagination.
This memory raises some questions I've wrestled with on and off for years: what is the relationship between art and artist? Can I appreciate and celebrate a work of art without condoning all of the actions of its maker? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this sometime!
And your 360 tour experience sounds unforgettable! I wonder if we were at the same show! ☺️
Yes! I was thinking that too — I doubt they played more than one show in Baltimore on that tour. I’ll have to dig through my photos and look for the date. It was such a magical experience that now feels like it was part of another lifetime. I’m sure for you too. :)
Such an interesting question about the artist-work relationship. Protestants like to say that we “hate the sin but love the sinner,” which is not precisely Biblical but fairly theologically sound. For me, it’s not necessary to support every statement of an artist in order to appreciate his or her work. That would be like saying you couldn’t be friends with someone if you didn’t like the same movies or vote for the same people. There are people who practice this, but I just think life is much more interesting when we’re allowed to disagree in a civil / loving way.
Part of what I always loved about U2’s shows was the way they educated their fans — with sincerity and passion but not preachiness. For instance, I remember once that they dedicated “Walk On” to Aung San Suu Kyi, who was currently under house arrest for political reasons. I had never heard of her before but later looked her up and loved that they were drawing awareness to her cause. By the next time I saw them live, she was free. But this is not at all the way they handled the abortion referendum — it felt like a dutiful PR move, which is why it left a bad taste in my mouth.
I also remember at a different show that Bono ended by saying something like “thank you — this is a beautiful life and we’re grateful to you for making it possible.” The humility in recognizing how blessed they are, and how rare their situation, was endearing. Maybe all rock singers feel this way, but I’ve never heard another one articulate it live before.
To make a long comment even longer, I’m forwarding your post to a journalist friend who is something of a U2 expert. I’m sure he will have thoughts to add. Thank you again for making me think during the summer!
Love this, such beautiful writing! Hope to bump into you again sometime soon!
Oh thank you so much, Beth! And I hope we cross paths again soon, too! <3
Love love the early Catherine Eras photo!
Please don't expect one on every post! 😂
Thank you for this! I love your insights. I was excited to see your essay, I've been thinking about the Catholic Imagination too, but from a medieval perspective. I really appreciate how you weave the imagination being the catalyst for our action. XO
Ooh I would love to hear about your thoughts on the medieval Catholic imagination! Those female medieval mystics are one of my all-time favorite topics! Thanks as always for reading, Katie. <3
Thank you for writing this. One of my jams is their newer song "Ordinary Love" because it has struck me since I first heard it as wise, mystical, and prophetic.
Yes! That one really struck me too as I returned to their music to prepare for the essay. Thanks for sharing!
Beautiful!! Love the interweaving of work of art, wrestling with/longing for something more, faith and justice... will listen to U2 with a keener ear next time I do :). It was fun to watch some batters crack some hits with you this week :) :). What a beautiful title to your work here "Wonder & Awe"--Thanks for sharing your reflections on the Catholic imagination with the world, Catherine!
Thank you for this thoughtful and encouraging comment, Erin! Our conversation was the highlight of the baseball game for me! 💕