I just discovered what God's phone number is, thanks to U2 on U2, a terrific book for fans of the Irish rock band (myself included) and one that I think would be of interest even to those who don't know or care much about Bono, Edge, Larry & Adam.
The book tells the story of the band in chronological order by using quotes from the four musicians and Paul McGuinness, their manager. Each album, each tour, is chronicled and commented upon in sufficient but not excruciating detail.
There are many references to God and religion, and lead singer Bono said that in choosing the cover for the 2000 album "All That You Can't Leave Behind" (a title that I love for its subtly provocative spiritual jab), he decided to "put God's phone number" in the picture.
The book shows the album cover as a black and white photo of- the four musicians in an airport, and off to the left side is an innocuous airport sign reading: "J33-3". Bono said it's "God's phone number" because it stands for Jeremiah 33:3, which reads: "Call on me and I will answer."
The only problem is that when I looked at my copy of the album, the sign doesn't say J33-3. It says 921-36. Maybe there are different versions of the cover?

On the U2 web site, the band has just released a new single called "Window in the Skies," from its latest CD "18 Singles."
It's a gem of a song, a sweet ballad that can be interpreted as a spiritual sermon if you want it to be, but the references are ambiguous enough that one can say there's nothing religious at all.
Here's the opening verse followed by the chorus, and you'll see what I mean:

"The shackles are undone
The bullets quit the gun
The heat that’s in the sun
Will keep us when there’s none
The rule has been disproved
The stone it has been moved
The grave is now a groove
All debts are removed

Oh can’t you see what love has done?
Oh can’t you see what love has done?
Oh can’t you see what love has done?
What it’s done to me?"

I recently booked a trip to Europe this spring, including a visit to Dublin. I'm hoping to bump into Bono and the band at one of their haunts. I've interviewed thousands of musicians but U2 has always been out of reach for me and my medium-sized American daily newspaper. I did get to ask Bono a single question, during an interview conducted by phone with a bunch of other reporters.
I'll recap that Q&A in an upcoming post.
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My 19-year-old daughter Cara flew out of Detroit yesterday at 4:05 p.m. and is still 6 hours flying time from Sydney. That is the LONGEST trip -- 14 hours from L.A. Fortunately, they gave her an exit row seat so she has some extra leg room. I miss her so much already! She's studying at Hillsong International Leadership College and will finish her second year in July, and that will be the end of her Australian adventure. It's been a wonderful experience and one she can cherish all her life.
Toledo, Ohio, Jan. 11, 2007.