U2 on Conan

Okay, I intended to watch it and then head off to read and go to sleep, but I'm too juiced now. First, a disclaimer: I believe U2 to be the most important musical act on the planet. Argue all you want, but here's a band that's making music that packs as much of a punch in the marketplace now as ever, consistently shows growth artistically and matters outside of music. Tonight's show was a fan's dream.

They not only sounded good, but they enjoyed the total experience and were given an opportunity to continue to promote social justice issues on a stage most politicians and activists will never get to. They took the comedic parts of the show with a great sense of humor, not taking themselves too seriously and even had fun with it. Musically, they pack a punch that shows the singer, guitar, bass, drums combination can produce a thick sound that rivals much larger groups.

The part that really stirred me up was Conan's interview with Bono on the Nobel Prize nomination, the One Campaign and other social justice issues. Whether Bono wins the Nobel Prize or not, his impact on our culture's perspective of global responsibility is unmatched in this generation. He helps us to realize better how interconnected we are, how we can't just ignore a problem because it seems far away if we have the means to help bring relief to human suffering.

I'm pleased that he's caught the attention of the church in America as well. I believe the church has begun to awaken to the fact that we've abdicated social justice to a great extent and allowed others to fill a role that is mandated to the church through scripture. My hope is that people like Bono will continue to challenge us to be active in providing relief where we can, knowing that it is in the providing of basic needs that many will allow an audience for the Gospel of Christ.