U2 and Bono have been all over the place pretty much since All That You Can't Leave Behind came out in October 2000. They aren't losing any steam, and this post is going to be chock full of great links about what they've been up to. To start, we have a trio of articles from Christianity Today.

Bono's American Prayer -- "The world's biggest rock star tours the heartland, talking more openly about his faith as he recruits Christians in the fight against AIDS in Africa." This is an excellent article featuring quotes from Bono himself along with Bill Hybels (pastor of Willow Creek, one of the largest churches in the country) and Michael W. Smith, who both spoke up confirming their belief that Bono is a genuine Christian seeking to make the world a better place. It's a great read, and has a positive, supportive slant.

Pop Music With Brains -- "From the beginning, U2 has engaged spiritual questions." This article is considerably shorter than "American Prayer" and addresses the spiritual issues in U2's lyrics. There's nothing here that I hadn't heard before, but then again, I'm not exactly what you'd call a casual fan, so you might get more out of it. It's a good read either way.

Bono's Thin Ecclesiology -- "Any person can stand outside the church and critique its obedience to the gospel." This is an editorial criticizing Bono for criticizing the church even though he isn't a member of an organized church. I suppose they forgot about that whole "universal church" concept where all who are in Christ make up "the church." It's got a distinctly negative slant towards Bono and comes off a bit defensive.

Respect, Righteousness and a Mirrorball Lemon is a response to Christianity Today's editorial written by an Episcopal pastor and co-author of an upcoming book featuring sermons based on U2's lyrics. I personally find more to agree with in this editorial than in "Bono's Thin Ecclesiology."

Next we have a lengthy interview with Grammy Magazine in which Bono discusses his work campaigning for Africa and the new album that U2 is currently working on. A favorite quote from the interview: "I just came from the studio today, and it's ridiculous what's going on. Edge is just on fire; he's making the most extraordinary things come out of his guitar. It's astonishing. We came up with a tune today called 'Lead Me In The Way I Should Go,' which could be a big song. Another one, provisionally titled 'Full Metal Jacket,' is pure chrome. I'm very excited about what we're doing..."

And finally, Bono is an official nominee for the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize for his work with DATA in the battles against AIDS and poverty in Africa.