Bono and Eugene Peterson …
There are some fascinating collaborations in the Bible engagement world, and the one between Bono and Eugene Peterson is undoubtedly worthy of mention.
It started many years ago when Bono, the lead singer of U2, started quoting from The Message at some of his performances. Notably, during the Elevation tour. Before singing “Where the Streets Have No Name,” Bono recited these lines from Psalm 116, What can I give back to God for the blessings he’s poured out on me? I’ll lift high the cup of salvation – A toast to God! I’ll pray in the name of God; I’ll complete what I promised God I’d do, And I’ll do it together with his people.
Peterson, Professor Emeritus at Regent College in Vancouver and a Presbyterian church minister for 35 years, retired in 2006. In 2010, during U2’s 360 tour, Bono and Peterson finally met one another. The friendship that transpired has become the focus of a new documentary. It’s a conversation at the Peterson’s home in Montana – about how the Psalms capture their imaginations and fuel their camaraderie.
It will no doubt be a compelling film. Bono is a long-time fan of Peterson. In December of 2001, he told Rolling Stone Magazine that his favourite reading materials included “… a translation of Scriptures – the New Testament and the Books of Wisdom – that this guy Eugene Peterson has undertaken. It has been a great strength to me.” Then, in 2002, he sent a message to Peterson, saying, “Hi, Mr. Peterson, Eugene. My name is Bono. I’m a singer with the group U2. I wanted to sort of video message you my thanks, and our thanks in the band, for this remarkable work you’ve done translating the Scriptures. Really, really a remarkable work … As a songwriter, it was very clear to me that you were a poet as well as a scholar. You brought the musicality to God’s Word that I’m sure was there, was always there in intention.”
Peterson, in turn, when asked about his reaction to Bono quoting from The Message in front of 20,000 fans, said, “My reaction? Pleased, very pleased. Bono is singing to the very people I did this work for. I feel that we are allies in this. He is helping get me and The Message into the company of the very people Jesus spent much of his time with” (Source: Angela Pancella, U2 Connections)
Here’s the YouTube teaser of the documentary (below). It brings Bono and Peterson together. For Bono, it underscores his passion for the Psalms in his music. And, for Peterson, it notes how he taught about praying with the Psalms.
Watch the movie by clicking on the link below.
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Summary
Bono, the lead singer of U2, has long been inspired by Eugene Peterson’s translation of the Bible, The Message. Bono began quoting from The Message during U2 performances, especially reciting Psalm 116, which resonated deeply with him. In 2010, Bono and Peterson finally met. This led to a friendship that is now the focus of a documentary about their shared love for the Psalms. The documentary highlights their connection, with Bono praising Peterson’s poetic translation of the Scriptures and how it resonates with the people they both seek to reach.
Click here to see the film.
© Scripture Union Canada
