Rev. Steve Stockman is presbyterian; in other words, a christian calvinist. Like me
A christian calvinist sees the secular culture he is inserted into with another perspective, another aproach: he is not obcessed with the evil. He discerns that references truly evils from the recommended ones. Rather than poiting out satanic or diabolic symbols or meanings an art work might have, a calvinist christian progressively reads the Culture, testing all things, holding on to the good (1 Thessalonians 5.21). He puts his life in front of the Scriptures, unique rule of faith, trying to please God in all things "through all spiritual wisdom and understanding" (Colossians 1.9). Living in the world, like "salt" and "light", without alienation.
It's much more easier not to be a calvinist, you know
I've read the last edition of the book. When I first found it at Amazon.com, I thought: "Oa! I'm not alone! Another presbyterian who likes U2! I simply must buy this book!".
I liked to read the book, and Stockman is a really nice guy. I've written to him from Brazil (where I live) and he's always nice with me (when he have time to answer me). His book has such good spiritual insights that made me think a lot. Really, think a lot, about of the behavior of the Church, and mainly myself. Also, he has his opinions about Art in the Protestant Church that I think it's really intereting. Even when I disagree with him, I understand his meanings.
About U2, he has several quotes from the band with resources, and history information to support his ideas. Sometimes he interprets their actions. In my opinion only God knows the real thinking of the band (and everybody in this world), but I think Steve follows the simple lesson of Mathew 7.17: "Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit". And through this he gets to the point.
Rev. Stockman says in the book that the band also commit mistakes, and in some times they almost burned themselves with their attitudes. But this failings of the band is too little explored in the book; I think nothing. I hope in this new edition he fixed it.
If not, I'll write to him and say that
Forgive me for my bad English. It's my first post in an Interference forum.
God bless everybody.