How Long to Sing this Song?
U2 is a rock band from the north side of Dublin, that was formed in 1976. The group consists of Bono (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), the Edge (lead guitar, keyboards, and backing vocals), Adam Clayton (bass guitar), and Larry Mullen Jr.(drums and percussion).
Each of these members were teenagers at Mount Temple Comprehensive School and a part of a deeply religious group called Shalom.
I have been tracking with this band for many, many years, and have seen them live in concert a dozen or so times, most recently a couple times at the SPHERE residency in Las Vegas.
Why the lesson in rock music history? Having formed in 1976, U2 is rapidly approaching 50 years of active (and I’ll add relevant) music making, and culture shaping. That’s a good long time for any four creative people to stay together and keep making art for the masses. They started as a post-punk outfit, dabbled in ambient/abstract sounds, and then had brief stints in Americana blues, alternative, electronica, and industrial music. However, at the core of U2 is a pop/rock sensibility. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame boys from Dublin, although always open to changing styles, have continued to express deep themes of spirituality, justice, equality, love and compassion, set to an ever-changing palette of musical styles.
Again, you have to be wondering where I’m going with all this? Here it is: the near 50 years of the band U2 gives me a handle of sorts on this pesky topic of postmodernism. Explaining Postmodernism by Stephen R.C. Hicks was admittedly a dense read with much to absorb. And I, again admittedly, did not absorb it well. Much of it ricocheted off my over-saturated brain with a resounding thud. Just being honest, and keeping it real folks. So, I was desperate for something to help me pull all together.
With the help of U2, I was able to grab onto this: all of modern history has been shape-shifting, and expressing knowledge through various ways and means, styles and tempos, all the while threads have weaved their way through rational, and sometimes irrational, thought. Like punk-rock, there has been a general stance characterized by skepticism towards the worldviews of the Enlightenment, and the grand narratives of modernity. I get that. That makes sense. Each generation’s song is a point of rebellion towards the previous generation. U2 started out singing punk rock protest songs in Dublin high schools, and as of late, are wooing massive crowds of Vegas high rollers. As sad as I will be when this actually happens, I know that at some point they will take their final bow, with the hopes that a new revolution of thought and expression will step into their vacancy and bring their own rebel song to a waiting world.
Modernity. Post-modernity. I wonder what will be next? Let me put it this way: who will be the next U2?
I came to read this book with the distinct and burning question: I wondered if there would be a “post-postmodernism?” I initially thought of this because of the radical and distinct cultural shifts that took place during the pandemic. It made me wonder: did we just move into ANOTHER phase of philosophical existence? So then, on page 201 of Explaining Postmoderism I was pleasantly surprised to find the very term I was curious about: “Post-Postmodernism.” Unfortunately, page 201 is the last page of this doozy of a book, and Hicks only provided two paragraphs under the heading of “Post-Postmodernism,” and neither paragraph gave any predictors of what was to come. I guess we will have to just wait and see. Hmmm…wait and see. We’ll have to wait and see what emerges. Wait and see what the next 50 years brings. Perhaps new bands will step onto the stage with their rebel songs – songs of protest, rage and skepticism for what has been and what could be.
Modern. Postmodern. Post-postmodern. Each intellectual stance and mode of discourse skeptical of the last. We live in the tension of these historical/cultural/philosophical movements (ie: songs) crafted with both consonance (harmony) AND dissonance (lack of harmony), as well as steady rhythm AND the shaky opposition to any form of uniformity.
You see and hear this sort of tension in the 1983 song “40” by U2, which is an adaptation of Psalm 40:1-3.
I waited patiently for the Lord
He inclined and heard my cry
He brought me up out of the pit
Out of the mire and clay
I will sing, sing a new song
I will sing, sing a new song
How long to sing this song?
How long to sing this song?
How long, how long, how long?
How long, to sing this song?
He set my feet upon a rock
And made my footsteps firm
Many will see
Many will see and fear
I will sing, sing a new song
I will sing, sing a new song
About the Author
John Fehlen
John Fehlen is currently the Lead Pastor of West Salem Foursquare Church. Prior to that he served at churches in Washington and California. A graduate of Life Pacific University in San Dimas, CA in Pastoral Ministry, and Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, CA with a Masters in Leadership and Spirituality. He and his wife Denise have four grown children and four grandchildren. John is the author of “Intentional Impressions," a book for fathers and their sons, "Don't Give Up: Encouragement for Weary Souls in Challenging Times," a book for pastoral leaders, and "The Way I See You," a children's book. You can connect with John on Instagram (@johnfehlen) as well as on his blog (johnfehlen.com).12 responses to “How Long to Sing this Song?”
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John, thanks for pointing out that “each intellectual stance and mode of discourse skeptical of the last” and that “we live in the tension of these historical/cultural/philosophical movements.” I was wondering about that as well as I perused chapters one and two (that’s as far as I have gotten!) It’s like each intellectual stance or generation or movement likes to point a finger back at the last one and say “You were wrong and we are going to do it better.” And then, the critiques fly around which one really IS better. So then, is our role, to look at the current culture/reality, and figure out how to interpret it through a biblical lens – while also understanding how the previous and current intellectual stances influence our biblical lens?
Your reply bought to mind the multiple times I have sat with church planters, particularly those that are planting a “home church,” alternative fellowship, we’re NOT like all the other churches that are big and impersonal, blah, blah, blah.
I giggle inside.
Because I know that it will start out all guns blazing, good hearts and motives, but that it will over time start to look exactly like the very thing they “despise.” They will at some point have to set up a sound system, provide child care (because people have babies!), and ask people to give offerings (because money doesn’t grow on trees).
All that to say: each generation has to wrestle with what is – yes and amen to that. But each generation ought be humble too – rather than pointing the finger, thinking “we can do it better!”
I had a lot of the same response as you did (surprise). I, too think there is something “next” that is forming that is not a ‘post’ to anything (for instance post-punk implies a reaction to punk) but a new thing altogether, like the enlightenment was.
A new song. Great way to put it!!!
So here’s the question: Do you see anything on the horizon that isn’t “this” or “that”? Something different than modernism or post modernism that we pastors and thinkers can try to get ahead of the curve and see around the corner?
You asked: Do you see anything on the horizon that isn’t “this” or “that”? Something different than modernism or post modernism that we pastors and thinkers can try to get ahead of the curve and see around the corner?
I’m not a prophet. I just play one on TV.
So, I’m just spitballing, but I wonder if, like fashion trends, we might see a various of what once was. In other words, if history tends to be cyclical, and each generation is a reaction of sorts to the previous generation, perhaps we might see elements of “The Enlightenment” that surface in “post-postmodernism.”
Another question for us to ponder, because we have both been influenced by this material: William Strauss and Neil Howe have “The Fourth Turning” and “The Fourth Turning is Here.” I wonder if there are hints, breadcrumbs in their writings?
Hmmmm…I THINK I am a premodernist without the Spanish Inquisition tendencies. Anyway I am neither a modernist or post modernist.
In the book, truth becomes irrelevant. The authors write, “Post modernism, “seeks not to find the foundation and the conditions of truth but to exercise power for the purpose of social change.”
Why am I reminded of Judges 21:25, which reads: “In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes?
I agree with you, I did not have the bandwidth for this. I listened to chapter 1 on you tube. Caught wind in a book review that Chapter 6 was where all the kids in the sand box were playing.
Then I got tired. I wanted to know how Christians dealt with postmodernism and ended up with Got Questions which I discovered is a Christian group who is also working the AI issue (they came to Focus on the Family to speak).
I too wonder what post post modernist will look like!
Hopefully, they will have a chance to emerge. Because Conflict is once again becoming the new normal.
Selah…
Russell, that is a good connection you made to Judges 21….“In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes?”
It feels like we’re living in those days, am I right?!?
Perhaps we need the free-thinkers that can dream, ponder, pontificate and surmise all kinds of wild things without restraint, but we ALSO need the kings/leaders that can bring order, sanity and a reasonable way forward.
I’d be curious: were the shifts from modernism to postmodernism marked with an overall culture of shunning leadership and authority? Because if that were true, we are at yet another moment in history like that, and it is perhaps another indicator that we are in a specific time for another shift. Just thinking out loud.
No need to respond…but I asked CHATGPT
AI answered.
The shifts from modernism to postmodernism, which broadly occurred in the latter half of the 20th century, were indeed characterized by a critical reevaluation of leadership, authority, and traditional societal structures. Postmodernism, as a cultural, philosophical, and artistic movement, questioned the grand narratives and ideologies that were prominent during the modernist period. This skepticism was directed towards concepts of absolute truth, objectivity, and the universal applicability of reason, all of which underpinned much of modernist thought.
### Key Aspects of the Shift:
1. **Questioning of Meta-narratives**: Postmodernism is known for its skepticism of meta-narratives, the overarching stories or ideologies that seek to explain large-scale historical movements or universal truths. This skepticism extends to the authority figures and institutions that propagate these narratives.
2. **Decentralization of Authority**: There was a move away from the idea of centralized, hierarchical authority structures towards more decentralized and diverse forms of leadership and governance. This reflected a broader postmodern ethos of celebrating plurality and difference over uniformity and consensus.
3. **Relativity of Truth**: Postmodernism introduced the notion that truth is relative and contingent upon individual perspectives and cultural contexts. This relativism challenged the authority of those who claimed to have objective or absolute knowledge, including leaders in various fields.
4. **Empowerment of Marginalized Voices**: Postmodernism emphasized giving voice to those who had been marginalized or silenced by dominant cultural narratives, questioning the authority of established leadership that had historically excluded or overlooked these groups.
5. **Interrogation of Power Structures**: Postmodern thought involves a critical examination of how power operates within society, including the ways in which leadership and authority can perpetuate inequality and injustice. This led to a more critical view of existing leadership structures and a call for more equitable forms of power distribution.
6. **Fluidity of Identity**: With postmodernism came an understanding of identity as fluid and constructed, challenging the fixed identities and roles often reinforced by traditional leadership and authority structures.
### Impact on Leadership and Authority:
In practice, these postmodern critiques led to significant changes in various sectors, including politics, business, academia, and the arts. For instance, in the corporate world, there was a shift towards flatter organizational structures and more collaborative forms of leadership. In politics and academia, there was a push for more inclusive and participatory models that valued diverse perspectives and expertise.
However, it’s important to note that while postmodernism introduced a critical stance towards traditional forms of leadership and authority, it did not result in a universal “shunning” of these concepts. Instead, it encouraged a more nuanced and critical engagement with them, recognizing the complexities and multiplicities of power, leadership, and authority in a postmodern world.
Wow, all within 10 seconds. I noticed the “identity” bit (I agree) but lack the bandwidth to verify the other bits.
Shalom….
John, as you said, we’ll just have to wait and see what comes next and when it comes. So do you have any inklings of what the new song could be like? In your context do you see any cultural shifts happening that feel like something new, maybe beyond the status quo of postmodern society?
Such a good question Kim. Allow me to copy/paste from my reply to Tim’s similar question:
“So, I’m just spitballing, but I wonder if, like fashion trends, we might see a various of what once was. In other words, if history tends to be cyclical, and each generation is a reaction of sorts to the previous generation, perhaps we might see elements of “The Enlightenment” that [were rejected in postmoderism] surface in “post-postmodernism.”
I say this thinking about changes that I’ve seen in church worship music and even in theological focuses. They tend to be reactive to what was. For example: in the 80’s we had the big band sounds of Integrity Music/Worship, then along came the mellow acoustic sounds of Vineyard Music. Then came the high produced platform driven Hillsong/Elevation/etc. I can only imagine (subtle reference to a Mercy Me song) that the next “wave” of worship (especially after seeing the crumbling of Hillsong) will be something mellow, acoustic and simple.
For every action, there is a reaction!
In my post, I wrote about how, with each of these manmade ideologies, there are good components, right along with the concerning parts. So, now in reading your thinking about post-postmodernism, I am feeling hopeful in what bright spots that new ideology may introduce. Too “Pollyannaish?”
I do not think that is too Pollyannaish. Not at all.
I think of the 1997 quote from Steve Jobs, and the iconic “Think Different” Apple commercial.
“Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes… the ones who see things differently — they’re not fond of rules… You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things… they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.”
Like in my reply to Russell (above) I am grateful for those that cast of restraint and think differently about things, but I wish we would stop casting off [good] leadership that helps hold things together with sanity, direction and wisdom.
I’m certain I’ve not listened to U2 as much as you have, but I’d rank The Joshua Tree as one of the best albums of any rock band, ever. Maybe not THE best, but one of the best, for sure. And I loved your question about who will replace U2 and their response to the socio-cultural realities of their day and context. I wonder if that is even possible, given how technology has transformed the music industry, seemingly forever. It seems like surprises are over, and new amazing sounds and new (even rebellious) ideas, shared through music, are no longer amazing 24 hours later. I hope its possible. That being said, I’ll bet that you have an idea of a band that’s knocking on the door – ha!
Also, who do you think are the leading voices today of post-postmodernism?