[God Stuff] Bono speaks at the National Prayer Breakfast in D.C.
The lead singer of one of my favorite bands, "U2" spoke at the 54th Annual National Prayer Breakfast on the 2nd of February. Bono's words were humorous, insightful, and nothing less then powerfully convicting. He challenges the US nation, along with the world to not just live up to human law, but to step up to, "a higher law."
One of Bono's sobering comments points to where God is and challenges us to position ourselves there as well. He says,
"I mean, God may well be with us in our mansions on the hill- I hope so. He may well be with us as in all manner of controversial stuff-maybe, maybe not- But the one thing we can all agree, all faiths and ideologies, is that God is with the vulnerable and poor."
"God is in the slums, in the cardboard boxes where the poor play house- God is in the silence of a mother who has infected her child with a virus that will end both their lives- God is in the cries heard under the rubble of war- God is in the debris of wasted opportunity and lives, and God is with us if we are with them."
Here is a man who is chasing after God, and knows where to find Him- "God is with the vulnerable and poor." And he challenges us to go there and do something about it. Bono has no seminary degree, does not choose to be titled a Christian, yet believes in the One Almighty God, and his life shows it more then most. Dare this entice me to get out those old albums and put away the Christian "self-help" books? After reading so many, there are times I'm tempted to say,
"I still haven't found what I'm looking for."
You can listen to Bono's address at the Prayer Breakfast and then leave a comment below to carry on the discussion.
(thnx. art for pointing me to this!)
j.
posted by Jason @ 9:31 pm
6 comments
6 people have something to say:
"It's not charity! It's a justice issue."
Or, to paraphrase- It is not optional... it IS a "higher law."
How many things do we consider charity, that God considers justice, or law?
I believe Bono looks at the world not only through 'rose' colored lenses, but with Spiritual eyes!
God help me to see the world with such perspective!
I hate to say this, but regarding Bono's words: Even a broken grandfather clock is right twice a day, but that doesn't mean that is is a good thing to tell time by. I am impressed at the work he does with the poor and all that he has done for the cause of the homeless and the suffering around the world. But also in another breath he will utter confusing statements that in the emotionally charged place of his concerts present a convincing argument. He will wear a crescent and a star and a cross on bandana on his forehead and state that "Mohamed, Jews and Jesus" are pretty much the same thing. From what you read in those respective religions, they are clearly not. Bono preaches a lot about what he clearly does not understand and I am wondering if it isnt doing more harm than good. Please dont get me wrong. I am a big fan and am personaly humbled by what Bono has done with his money and fame. Yes, go and do the work he is willing to do, and be inspried by his generosity, but do it in the Name of Jesus; the Name by which all must come to God and through whom is the only way of salvation.
I was challenged by Bono, especially alongside something I heard Dave Wilcox say the next day! I like Bono's concept of there not being "borders" between countries. I mean seriously, why is it that we seem to feel we should only help those on "our" side? Dave Wilcox's song talks about crossing the border, and what the Christian community has to say about that- "you'll leave your own to go to the 'other' side." America is a powerful nation- it's not the only nation...and isn't it's own world. This is the first time my eyes have been opened to this whole new idea that (duh)- we are all God's children...so we do have a big responsibility to ALL nations.
thankx 'anonymous' for your comment!
i will have to agree with you as it pertains to your last point and it may be a bit dodgy to advise anyone to follow Bono's "theology?" verbatim, however i disagree that he is doing more harm then good. my wife and i were gifted the blessed opportunity to see U2 play here in glasgow, and i saw his bandanna, but may have heard different words then those. i heard that muslims, jews, and christians are all the sons of abraham. essentially that they are all children of the promise. interesting. for it was the short-sightedness of the jews to see that salvation has come not to the jew alone but also the gentiles, that gave to the "church" the mission to go into all the world... however, we must not also be short sighted and mistake that christians are the only ones who have a claim on God. again, i point to my second sentence. i agree that no one comes to the Father except through the Son, but i may be a little more broad in what that journey looks like. And Bono, well for a non-christian he does have the understanding that serving the "least of these" is in fact an understanding that it is done in the name of Jesus Christ! good thoughts, and very provocative concepts dwell here. hopefully more will join in.
j.
Regardless of what contradictions may or may not lie within Bono and his theology (and who of us can say we live without contradiction?) his words here are not about himself, his success or his failure to the public. His message is of God. It pays tribute to scriptural truth (good news for the poor - pardon and help for your brother if he becomes indigent). It's a worthwhile message and the intent is undoubtably more of good and not harm. I know its easy to be critical and I'm guilty of it everyday, but we shouldn't attempt to scrutinize God out of Bono (or eachother) but perhaps recognize what reverence the rockstar Paddy diligently pays to Him and praise God for His work through him.
Jason, thank you for sharing this address! My personal favorite was from the 'wise man', "Stop asking God to bless what you are doing. Get involved in what God is doing because it is already blessed."
The simple messages are always so sacred. Love you and Meg!
~genevieve
In an attempt to not reiterate points that have already been made, I will just comment that everyone’s “truth” even straight out of the Bible is subject to their interpretation of what they have read. Rob Bell in “Velvet Elvis” makes this point very clear. I refuse to judge anyone’s views because I already fear the loving judgment God will have for me when I see him. Regardless of Bono’s past actions, I love to see someone speaking encouraging words about Jesus Christ and what it looks like to have a relationship with Him.
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