Examining U2’s Theology: Gardner-Webb Professor Explores the Band’s Search for Faith, Hope and Meaning

Dr. Steve Harmon’s New book, ‘U2’s Theological Imagination’ and a Limited Podcast Series, ‘Hearing Hope’ Trace Spiritual Questions Woven Throughout the Music of U2

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—What if theology isn’t confined to a classroom, a seminary or a Sunday sermon? What if it can be found in a rock song, a concert arena or the searching lyrics of a band that has spent nearly 50 years asking questions about faith, justice, grace and hope?

Those questions inspired Gardner-Webb University professor Dr. Steven Harmon to write “U2’s Theological Imagination: A Guide for Pilgrims on the Way,” a new book that explores the spiritual imagination woven throughout the music of U2. A new limited companion podcast series, “Hearing Hope,” invites listeners deeper into the themes, songs and conversations behind the book.

Although many people think theology belongs primarily to clergy or academics, Harmon argues otherwise. In the podcast’s premiere episode on the Gardner-Webb Podcast Network, he notes that “Anyone who thinks about God in any shape, form, or fashion” is engaging in theology.

Harmon, who has taught in Gardner-Webb University’s School of Divinity since 2010, traces his fascination with U2 back to his teenage years, when he first encountered the band’s music through a Christian music magazine and later listened to the album “War.”

“This was back when I was in high school,” Harmon recalls in the podcast’s opening episode. “I listened to it through my Sony Walkman, and it was unlike anything I had heard before.”

Rather than presenting theology as an academic exercise, Harmon argues that U2’s music helps listeners imagine a world transformed by hope and God’s redemptive purposes.

“The word imagination was a very deliberate choice for the book,” Harmon says. “Through the lenses of Christian faith, we have a way of imagining a world that has not yet come to be.”

The first episode explores Harmon’s personal connections to the band and examines songs such as “Sunday Bloody Sunday” and “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.” Future episodes will delve deeper into themes including longing, community, justice, grace and Christian hope. A companion Spotify playlist also allows listeners to follow along with the songs discussed throughout the series.

Harmon shares that one of the central themes in U2’s music is what theologians call “eschatology,” a vision of God’s ongoing work to redeem, restore and renew the world. Rather than focusing only on the end times, Harmon says the concept points to God’s purposes for creation and humanity, and the hope that the world can move closer to what God intends it to be.

“What I’m looking for is the full realization of this big thing God is doing in the world, and in my life, and in others’ lives,” Harmon says. “We haven’t found that yet. We’re still seeking that, and that’s something that runs all the way through U2’s music.”

A respected theologian, author and ecumenical scholar, Harmon has written numerous books and articles on Christian theology, church unity and Baptist-Catholic relations. An active participant in international conversations among Christian traditions, he has represented Baptist organizations in ecumenical dialogues with the Anglican Communion, the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox churches. Yet his newest work brings together two lifelong passions: theology and music.

“Hearing Hope” is available through the Gardner-Webb Podcast Network, with new episodes scheduled to release every two weeks this fall. Harmon has also curated a “Hearing Hope” companion playlist  on Spotify, allowing listeners to explore the songs discussed throughout the series.

Harmon’s book, “U2’s Theological Imagination: A Guide for Pilgrims on the Way,” is available through Cascade Books, Amazon and other booksellers.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Become More at gardner-webb.edu.